Phillipsburg MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Phillipsburg, Missouri.
1. Redmon's Candy Factory
SWEET TREATS GALORE
Redmon's Candy Factory is a popular roadside candy store with a wide selection of old-fashioned sweets, fudge, and homemade snacks. Visitors can sample various treats and shop for unique souvenirs in the attached gift shop. The candy kitchen specializes in chocolate and homemade fudge, offering a delicious glimpse into traditional candy-making.
2. World's Largest Gift Store
MASSIVE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The World's Largest Gift Store is an iconic Route 66 attraction offering an extensive variety of souvenirs and gift items. This massive shopping destination exemplifies classic American roadside culture and draws tourists traveling along the historic highway. The store has become a landmark in Phillipsburg and represents the unique Americana spirit of Route 66.
3. Old Phillipsburg General Store
HISTORIC BRICK BUILDING
The Old Phillipsburg General Store is a two-story brick building located on the northwest corner of Pine Street and North Front Street, built around 1880. The historic structure once housed the lodge hall of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a secret society founded in Baltimore in 1819. Visitors can see a 'Ghost sign' of an ancient soda water advertisement on its eastern facade, adding to its historical charm.
4. Former Farmers State Bank
DEPRESSION-ERA BANK RELIC
The Former Farmers State Bank offices are located at the northeastern tip of the old General Store building in downtown Phillipsburg. This historic bank opened in 1906 and was forced to close during the economic Crash of 1929, representing a tangible connection to America's Great Depression. The structure serves as a reminder of the economic hardships that affected small towns across America during that era.
5. Route 66 Original Alignment
HISTORIC HIGHWAY SECTION
The Route 66 Original Alignment in Phillipsburg allows visitors to travel on a preserved section of America's most famous highway. This historic roadway passes through the town and represents an authentic piece of American transportation history. Travelers can experience the nostalgic feel of the Mother Road as it winds through the Ozarks landscape.
6. Bennett Spring State Park
PREMIER TROUT FISHING DESTINATION
Bennett Spring State Park is a 3,216-acre state park located near Lebanon, approximately 20 miles from Phillipsburg, featuring one of Missouri's premiere trout fishing destinations. The park's spring produces an average of 100 million gallons of water daily, creating ideal conditions for rainbow trout. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking trails, picnicking, and a nature center in addition to the renowned fishing opportunities.
7. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
CASTLE RUINS AND SPRINGS
Ha Ha Tonka State Park features the stone ruins of a turn-of-the-century castle perched on a bluff overlooking Ha Ha Tonka Spring and the Lake of the Ozarks. Located approximately 45 miles from Phillipsburg, the park offers over 15 miles of trails that traverse sinkholes, natural bridges, and caves. Visitors can explore the geological wonders of the Ozarks while enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
8. Lebanon Route 66 Museum
MOTHER ROAD MEMORABILIA
The Lebanon Route 66 Museum showcases the rich history of the iconic highway through artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits. Located in the Lebanon-Laclede County Library about 15 miles from Phillipsburg, this museum preserves the cultural significance of Route 66 in Missouri's Ozarks region. Visitors can explore vintage gas pumps, road signs, and other memorabilia that tell the story of America's most celebrated roadway.
9. Boswell Park
ROUTE 66 THEMED PARK
Boswell Park in Lebanon features Route 66-themed attractions including murals depicting the highway's history and its impact on the region. The park includes a replica of the Gasconade River Bridge and commemorative displays honoring Lebanon's connection to the Mother Road. Visitors can enjoy the walking paths, picnic areas, and the opportunity to learn about Route 66 through the various educational installations.
10. Lake of the Ozarks
RECREATIONAL WATER PARADISE
Lake of the Ozarks is a massive reservoir created by impounding the Osage River, located about 50 miles from Phillipsburg. With 1,150 miles of shoreline and 54,000 acres of surface area, the lake offers exceptional opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. Visitors can enjoy numerous resorts, restaurants, shopping outlets, and entertainment venues along the lake's extensive shoreline.
11. Bridal Cave
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Bridal Cave is a spectacular underground attraction located near Camdenton, approximately 45 miles from Phillipsburg, featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave formations. Named after an Osage Indian legend involving a wedding ceremony held in the cave, this natural wonder maintains a constant 60-degree temperature year-round. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers filled with massive columns, delicate soda straws, and the famous Bridal Chamber where over 3,000 weddings have been performed.
12. Osage Village State Historic Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Osage Village State Historic Site preserves the location of a major Osage Indian village that was once home to as many as 3,000 people during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Located about 60 miles from Phillipsburg, this archaeological site features interpretive trails and displays explaining the daily life and cultural practices of the Osage people. Visitors can explore the grounds where numerous lodge sites once stood and learn about this important chapter in Missouri's Native American history.
13. Lebanon I-44 Speedway
HIGH-SPEED RACING ACTION
Lebanon I-44 Speedway is Missouri's only asphalt oval track featuring NASCAR-sanctioned racing events throughout the season. Located about 15 miles from Phillipsburg, this 3/8-mile high-banked track hosts various racing classes including Late Models, Modifieds, Street Stocks, and more. Spectators can enjoy the thrill of high-speed competition in a family-friendly atmosphere with concessions, comfortable seating, and up-close views of the racing action.
14. Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
ENTERTAINMENT AND EXPO CENTER
The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, about 50 miles from Phillipsburg, hosts numerous events throughout the year including the Ozark Empire Fair, livestock shows, concerts, and trade exhibitions. This versatile venue features multiple buildings, an arena, and extensive grounds capable of accommodating large-scale events and thousands of visitors. The annual Ozark Empire Fair, typically held in late July and early August, offers carnival rides, agricultural exhibitions, live entertainment, food vendors, and competitive exhibits.
15. Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World
OUTDOOR RETAIL WONDERLAND
Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World in Springfield is the original flagship store of the national outdoor retail chain, located approximately 50 miles from Phillipsburg. This massive 500,000 square-foot shopping destination features extensive fishing, hunting, camping, and outdoor gear displays alongside impressive wildlife dioramas, aquariums, and water features. Visitors can explore the free Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium adjacent to the store, which showcases 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds in immersive habitats.