Missouri Supplemental Route K: Chesapeake to Aurora

Missouri Supplemental Route K might not have the fame of some of the state’s bigger highways, but it’s a great little connector through the rolling hills of Lawrence County that gives us a true taste of small-town Missouri. Starting just west of Chesapeake at the intersection with Missouri Highway 176, this 10-mile journey takes us south through classic Ozark farmland and delivers us right into the heart of Aurora—a place known for its railroad roots and friendly Main Street atmosphere.

We kick off at the northern terminus of MO-K, surrounded by wide-open fields and the kind of peaceful scenery that’s made road trips a favorite American pastime. Heading south, the highway winds through gentle hills dotted with livestock pastures, silos, and the occasional farmhouse. There’s an almost timeless feel to this stretch; you’ll notice barns with vintage signs and little pockets of wildflowers growing along the roadside. The drive is especially pretty in spring and summer, when everything is green and the sky seems impossibly wide.

A few miles down the road, we cross the intersection with Missouri Routes ZZ and County Road 2185—one of the route’s main crosspoints and a good spot to catch a glimpse of rural life in motion. For those interested in local color, it’s not uncommon to spot a tractor or two on the move, or to see the nearby farm stands offering fresh produce in season. The area here is known for its agricultural output, so keep your eyes peeled for cornfields and grazing cattle.

Entering Aurora, Route K transitions from quiet country road to a more suburban, small-town feel. Aurora is a historic railroad town and still carries that spirit today. Main Street Aurora is just a short detour east from MO-39, and if you’re up for a quick stop, you’ll find classic diners, antique shops, and even a few vintage murals that capture the town’s railway history. Aurora also has a couple of city parks perfect for a picnic or a short walk to stretch your legs before the next leg of your journey.

Our route wraps up at the intersection with Missouri Route 39 on Aurora’s northern edge. From here, you’ve got plenty of options—MO-39 can take you further south toward Table Rock Lake and the Mark Twain National Forest, or you can head north to check out more of Lawrence County’s rural highways.