East Independence, MO to Kissee Mills, MO is 215.3 miles and takes about 4h 28m via MO 13 and MO 7, with a fuel budget near $34 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within the Midwest region, taking you from one part of Missouri to another. It's a straightforward, one-day trip focused heavily on highway driving, making it a practical option for getting from point A to point B without much fuss. Expect a consistent journey with a high percentage of highway miles, so plan for steady progress.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
107.6 miles from East Independence, MO
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 16m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 4h 28m. Total distance: 215.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 28m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (91%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 91% of the journey utilizing higher-speed roads. You'll experience a significant stretch of 68 miles on MO 13 without needing to deviate, offering a consistent pace. The drive transitions between MO 13 and MO 7, providing a blend of efficient travel. The overall character is one of steady, uninterrupted progress, ideal for covering ground efficiently.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 31 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
MO 13 is the longest continuous segment at about 68 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on MO 13 and MO 7. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Main Road.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 215.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Main Road): Navigation decision point; at 12 miles (MO 291): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.3 miles (MO 291): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 19 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
5
0 mi into trip|~0m in|Main Road
Turn left onto Main Road
Navigation decision point
8
12 mi into trip|~18m in|MO 291
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 291 toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Exit 10B
Toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville
6
15.3 mi into trip|~23m in|MO 291
Take the ramp onto MO 291 toward US 50 West, MO 291 South: Kansas City
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 50 West, MO 291 South: Kansas City
5
15.9 mi into trip|~24m in|MO 291
Take the exit onto MO 291 toward MO 291 South: Jefferson Street, Harrisonville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward MO 291 South: Jefferson Street, Harrison...
6
33.1 mi into trip|~50m in
Take the exit toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between East Independence, MO and Kissee Mills, MO, road signs point toward Harrisonville, Saint Louis and Forsyth.
Harrisonville
15.9 mi in|~24m|via MO 291
Saint Louis
159.8 mi in|~3h 17m
Forsyth
199.5 mi in|~4h 4m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
MO 13
68 mi
1h 19m
MO 7
55.6 mi
1h 4m
MO 291
31 mi
45m
US 160
15.5 mi
23m
American Legion Memorial Highway
12.1 mi
13m
US Highway 65
12 mi
13m
Schoolcraft Freeway
10.7 mi
13m
Payne Stewart Highway
4.3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
MO 13
— 68 mi, about 1h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between East Independence, MO and Kissee Mills, MO.
1
Start on East 9th Street South
79 ft·8 sec·East 9th Street South
2
Turn left onto Main Road
0.3 mi·1 min·Main Road
3
Turn right onto East Truman Road
1.4 mi·3 min·East Truman Road
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward MO 291 South: Lee's Summit
5
Merge onto MO 291
10.0 mi·13 min·MO 291
6
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 291
3.3 mi·5 min·MO 291
Exit 10BToward MO 291 South: HarrisonvilleUse the slight left / straight lanes.
7
Take the ramp onto MO 291
0.6 mi·53 sec·MO 291
Toward US 50 West, MO 291 South: Kansas City
8
Take the exit onto MO 291
0.1 mi·18 sec·MO 291
Toward MO 291 South: Jefferson Street, Harrisonville
9
Keep slight left at fork onto MO 291
17 mi·24 min·MO 291
Toward MO 291 South: Harrisonville
10
Continue on Cantrell Road
0.1 mi·19 sec·Cantrell Road
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi·27 sec
Toward I 49 South, US 71 South: Joplin
12
Merge onto I 49; US 71
2.8 mi·3 min·I 49; US 71
13
Take the exit onto MO 7
0.2 mi·19 sec·MO 7
Exit 157Toward MO 7 South: Clinton
14
Turn slight left onto MO 7
55 mi·1 hr 3 min·MO 7
Exit 157Toward MO 7 South: ClintonUse the left lane.
15
Continue on MO 13
68 mi·1 hr 19 min·MO 13
Use the straight / right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.2 mi·23 sec
Toward I 44 East: Rolla, Saint Louis
17
Merge onto I 44
4.3 mi·5 min·Payne Stewart Highway
18
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 82AToward US 65 South: Branson
19
Merge onto US 65
11 mi·13 min·Schoolcraft Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on US 65
11 mi·12 min·American Legion Memorial Highway
21
Continue on US 65
12 mi·13 min·US Highway 65
22
Continue on US 65
1.2 mi·1 min·American Legion Memorial Highway
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·32 sec
Toward US 160: Reed Springs Junction, Forsyth
24
Turn left onto US 160
4.3 mi·6 min·US 160
25
Turn slight left onto US 160; MO 176
7.2 mi·10 min·US 160; MO 176
26
Enter roundabout onto US 160; MO 76
122 ft·2 sec·US 160; MO 76
27
Continue on US 160; MO 76
76 ft·1 sec·US 160; MO 76
28
Turn straight onto US 160; MO 76
2.9 mi·4 min·US 160; MO 76
29
Continue on US 160
1.1 mi·1 min·US 160
30
Turn slight right onto MO O
97 ft·2 sec·MO O
31
Arrive at destination
MO O
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 28m duration, this trip is easily manageable in a single day, allowing for flexibility in your departure time. Leaving in the morning will give you ample daylight to complete the 215.3-mile journey. With only one recommended stop, you can plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or where you anticipate needing fuel. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially during the longer 68-mile stretch on MO 13, to ensure you don't need to search for a station unexpectedly.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 107.6 miles from East Independence, MO, or about 2h 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 68 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 47 miles or 1h 6m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 107.6 miles or 2h 16m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Kissee Mills, MO than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving East Independence, MO so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from East Independence, MO
This is one driving day of about 215.3 miles and 4h 28m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from East Independence, MO.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on MO 13 for about 68 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 107.6 mi from East Independence, MO
· 2h 16m into the drive
The midpoint is around 107.6 miles from East Independence, MO, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before MO 13 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 68 miles.
Arriving in Kissee Mills, MO
The final approach into Kissee Mills, MO usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Kissee Mills, MO.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
National Battlefield
Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and where the first Union general was killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focuse...
11 mi from route
~26 min detour
Free
near mile 178.2
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$33.66 one way
$67.32 round trip
$3.97/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.36
$36.96
$73.91
premium
$4.89
$41.43
$82.87
diesel
$5.61
$47.54
$95.07
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$34
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$59–$84
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 75.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.6
0
$22.61
$10.33
Efficient EV
53.8
0
$18.84
$8.61
EV Truck/SUV
86.1
1
$30.14
$13.78
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
East Independence, MO
Evening
in East Independence on Friday
Local time
7:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Kissee Mills, MO
Evening
in Kissee Mills on Friday
Local time
7:29 PM
CDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
80°F
Warsaw, MO
108 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
21 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
4h 28m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from East Independence, MO to Kissee Mills, MO covers 215.3 miles and takes about 4h 28m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are MO 13, MO 7, MO 291. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 107.6 miles from East Independence, MO. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $33.66 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 215.3 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Main Road): Navigation decision point; at 12 miles (MO 291): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 15.3 miles (MO 291): Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between East Independence, MO and Kissee Mills, MO, road signs point toward Harrisonville, Saint Louis and Forsyth.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
