Road Trip Planning| Miles Kms | Item | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 0.0 |
Intersection with Interstate 44 |
Hwy 63 intersects with I-44 at the north edge of the city of Rolla |
| 6.5 10.5 |
Maries County line |
Leaving Phelps county and entering Maries county (pronounced 'Marys). |
| 10.6 17.1 |
Town of Vichy |
Once a hotel and spring baths were an attraction for this town. Now, it only slows you somewhat as you pass. It does have a gas station and a post office. |
| 11.1 17.9 |
Intersection with Hwy 68 |
Hwy 68 to the left will take you to I-44 at St. James. |
| 11.2 18.0 |
Rolla National Airport |
Once a military airfield, this small airport on a sprawling site is now owned by the city of Rolla. This tabletop of flat land is known locally as Lane's Prairie. |
| 12.3 19.8 |
Intersection with highway 28 east |
Turn right on Hwy 28 to reach towns of Belle & Bland. Also note that Hwy 28 will run concurrently with Hwy 63 for the next several miles. You will have an opportunity to turn to the LEFT on Hwy 28 later, as it departs Hwy 63 and heads in the direction of Dixon. |
| 12.4 20.0 |
The Wye Cafe |
Small cafe on the right. Nothing fancy, but just good country cooking. |
| 13.3 21.4 |
Scenic pull out on the left |
Scenic pull out and picnic area overlooks the broad drainage basin of the Gasconade river. |
| 16.9 27.2 |
Intersection with Hwy A |
Right on Hwy A will lead you to an Missouri Department of Conservation Area. |
| 18.4 29.6 |
Gasconade River |
Named by French explorers, the Gasconade is the longest river wholy withing Missouri. It is a north flowing river, with headwaters near Hartville. It empties into the Missouri River near Herman. It is reputed to be one of the crookedest rivers in the world. |
| 19.7 31.7 |
Co. Road 325 to right leads to a good eatery |
Interestingly, one of the best-known restaurants in the area has no sign showing that it is located 2 miles down this paved country road to the right. Moorelands restaurant was voted as having the best catfish in the state. |
| 21.4 34.4 |
Hwy 28 turns to the left |
After running together with Hwy 63, Hwy 28 not departs and turns to the left toward Dixon. |
| 21.6 34.8 |
Gas and Restaurant on the right |
|
| 24.3 39.1 |
Town of Vienna |
The small town of Vienna marks the beginning of a series of small burgs boasting German-Catholic heritage.
Here you will find gas, groceries, cafes, and antique shops. Carrolls Antiques,located just south of the Vienna city limits,carries a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, and gold and silver coins. Americana Antiques is located at the north edge of town. |
| 25.0 40.2 |
Vienna Town Center |
Just off the courthouse square you will find the historical old Jail Museum with adjoining reconstructions of the first log home in the area.
At the caution light hwy 42 crosses. 1 mile west on hwy 42 is the Southcentral Livestock Auction. |
| 34.1 54.9 |
County Road 302 |
Approximately 8 miles down this country road, known locally as 'Paydown Road' you will arrive at a Conservation Department river access point on the Gascondade river.
As you continue on Hwy 63, note that the highway runs on a ridge top for the next several miles, affording scenic vistas, especially to your right. |
| 39.9 64.2 |
Freeburg |
This town is another with a strong German-Catholic hertitage (Note the beautiful church)
It is also home to Quaker Windows. And, if you are an outdoors person, don't miss Hilkemeyers Store. |
| 50.5 81.3 |
Hwy E |
Hwy E to your right will lead you to the small burg of Rich Fountain within a few short miles. Here you will find a Catholic church and a very nice restaurant. The White Stone Inn is located in an old stone building which was once the General Store for this small community. |
| 55.2 88.8 |
Play Mor Trailer Manufacturing Company |
The home of Playmor Trailers - Manufacturers of Recreational and Camping trailers. |
| 59.3 95.4 |
Westphalia comes into view |
This scenic German Catholic town is located on the ridge top to your right. |
| 61.1 98.3 |
Westphalia main street crosses |
Turning right here will lead you up into the old center of Westphalia where you will find the dominant catholic church, a cafe and bar, and the Westphalia Inn, a wonderful family style restaurant located in the old hotel. |
| 65.5 105.4 |
Junction with hwy 50 |
A right turn on Hwy 50 will lead you to the town of Linn. A left turn will continue on hwy 63 and hwy 50 (the highways run together for several miles.) The capitol city of Jefferson City lies ahead. |
| 65.9 106.1 |
The Osage river. |
The Osage river here lies several miles below the dam forming the Lake of the Ozarks. |
| 68.5 110.2 |
Taos |
Left here will take you to the small town of Taos. Left will take you to the town of Osage City. |
| 72.0 115.9 |
Highway Patrol building on Right |
|
| 76.6 123.3 |
Center of Jefferson City |
The Capitol of Missouri, Jefferson city has several attactions. Start with a tour of the capitol building and museum (to your right) and the Lohman's Landing area. There is also an Amtrak station for the trains running between Kansas City and St. Louis. Here you will find 2 hospitals and many restaurants and shops. |
| 77.2 124.2 |
Turn right to continue on Hwy 63 |
Here Hwy 63 and 50 separate. Hwy 50 continues straight ahead, while hwy 63 veers to the right and across the Missouri river. Columbia and points north lie ahead. |