Gas prices springfield missouri

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 30, 2000

Illinois governor George Ryan's decision to suspend the 5 percent gasoline sales tax makes traveling from Illinois to Missouri an affordable option for those looking for a great vacation getaway. The removal of the sales tax begins July 1, just in time for travelers to catch some of Missouri's great summer events and attractions this long fourth of July weekend.

"Missouri offers a tremendous variety of activities and attractions that the average Midwestern family can reach in a day's drive," said Missouri Director of Tourism Christopher Jennings. "With lower gas prices, Illinois residents have a reasonable getaway option for a great family vacation."

St. Louis, where Missouri highways deliver visitors to sights and attractions located throughout the state, is just four hours from Chicago. Following is a list of 20 great Missouri vacations sure to suit every guest looking for fun, "Where the Rivers Run."

1. Take a trip to Jefferson National Expansion (Gateway Arch Grounds) and celebrate America's birthday under the Arch. With concerts, air shows, amusement rides, ethnic food and nationally known entertainers. A fabulous fireworks display under the Arch each evening makes this one of America's biggest birthday parties.

2. July 4th the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Cincinnati Reds.

3. Take a drive along Missouri Highway 79 as it traces the majestic Mississippi River and see Historic Hannibal, home of Mark Twain.

4. See America's northernmost cotton fields and enjoy a "throwed roll" at Lambert's Cafe in Sikeston-Miner.

5. And while you're there, be sure to check out one of Missouri's largest rodeos, the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, which features some of the top names on the PRCA circuit, August 9-12.

6. Get your kicks on Route 66 -- the historic road that links Chicago to Los Angeles -- winds through Missouri from St. Louis to Joplin through the heart of Ozarks country.

7. Take a spin on Missouri's first Scenic Byway, which traces historic Crawley's Ridge along Missouri Highway 25 in Dunklin County.

8. Visit Mark Twain National Forest -- all nine portions of the forest are within easy driving distance of St. Louis and feature numerous activities including hiking, biking, floating and fishing.

9. For a vacation getaway that really rocks, visit Elephant Rocks State Park in Graniteville, home to 1.2 million year-old boulders the size of school buses.

10. Not all of Missouri's rivers run above ground. Visit Onandaga Cave near Leasburg and see ancient formations carved by underground rivers.

11. Visit Missouri and see Kentucky! A series of earthquakes near New Madrid caused the Mississippi River to shift and separate a portion of Kentucky from the rest of the state. From the banks of New Madrid's historic riverfront, you can view this geographical oddity.

12. While in New Madrid, visit the historic Hunter-Dawson home, which dates to the antebellum period and contains 90 percent of its original furnishings, some dating back to the 1820s.

13. Why fly all the way to England to see Stonehenge when you can buzz down I-44 to Rolla? A replica of the world's most famous pile of rocks stands on the campus of the University of Missouri-Rolla.

14. Just down the road at Fort Leonard Wood is one of the nation's finest military museums featuring memorabilia from our nation's glorious past.

15. Relive American history at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield near Springfield. This 1861 battle marked one of the largest skirmishes west of the Mississippi and represents Missouri's key role in the war between the states.

16. World famous author Laura Ingalls Wilder lived in a little house on the Missouri prairie in Mansfield, just an hour east of Springfield.

17. No trip could be complete without a visit to the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage.

18. Outlaw Jesse James made his hideout at Meramec Caverns in Stanton, one of the oldest tourist stops along Route 66.

19. Highway 94 provides a scenic journey through the Missouri River valley and through the heart of wine country. Cross the river at Hermann and sample some of the Show-Me State's award-winning wines.

20. Put a new twist on your romance with a trip to the Bridal Cave in Camdenton, near the famous Lake of the Ozarks.

21. See one of Missouri's oldest and most famous covered bridges near Laclede, Locust Creek Covered Bridge dates back to 1868.

22. While in Laclede, visit the home of World War I hero General John J. Pershing.

Great Missouri vacations are closer than you think. For a complete listing of all of the fun Where the Rivers Run, call for your free Official 2000 Missouri Travel Guide by calling 1-800-519-4800 or visit our web site at www.missouritourism.org.