U.S. Highway 65: Harrison, Arkansas to Springfield, Missouri

Join us as we drive America’s Highways for 68 miles north along U.S. Highway 65 from Harrison, Arkansas to Springfield, Missouri. This stretch of highway offers a picturesque journey through the Ozarks, passing through bustling tourist towns, wooded hills, and growing suburbs before arriving in the Queen City of the Ozarks—Springfield.

Our trip begins just north of downtown Harrison, Arkansas, as we turn onto U.S. 65 from the Arkansas Welcome Center. Harrison itself is a charming town with a classic courthouse square and access to Buffalo National River just a few miles to the west. Almost immediately after departing, we’re surrounded by the rolling hills and thick forests that characterize this part of northern Arkansas. The road curves and climbs gently through the terrain, providing a pleasant ride with sweeping views, especially near the village of Bellefonte.

Roughly 15 miles into our drive, we cross the state line into Missouri. The road stays scenic as we pass through Hollister, a gateway town just south of Branson that offers rustic architecture and a great overlook of Lake Taneycomo. Soon after, we enter Branson, one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the Midwest. While the video bypasses the heart of the Branson Strip, the town is just minutes off the highway and well worth a detour for those interested in live music shows, family attractions, or Table Rock Lake recreation. U.S. 65 in this area is a modern, divided highway with several interchanges that make exploring Branson easy and convenient.

Continuing north out of Branson, the road becomes more rural again as we pass through the small, master-planned community of Saddlebrooke, nestled among wooded hills and valleys. Though it may not look like much from the highway, Saddlebrooke is a growing residential area with nature trails and a quiet, upscale vibe. Afterward, we approach Ozark, Missouri, which serves as a southern suburb of Springfield. With plenty of gas stations and fast-food stops near the highway, Ozark made a good place for a brief refuel and food break during our journey.

Once back on the road, it’s just 11 more miles into Springfield, and development becomes increasingly dense as we approach the city limits. Springfield is a regional hub with over 150,000 residents and a vibrant downtown, home to Missouri State University and a healthy dose of Route 66 history. Our video ends at the Chestnut Expressway exit, where we turn west to wrap up the drive. From here, the road continues north toward I-44, connecting to even broader travel routes across the Midwest.

🔖 Chapters
00:00 – AR: Harrison to Missouri
14:53 – MO: Arkansas State Line to Branson
23:28 – MO: Branson to Saddlebrooke
35:40 – MO: Saddlebrooke to Ozark
49:50 – MO: Ozark to Springfield

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