For those who’re searching for the very best day journeys from St. Louis, you’ll want to try our listing of the very best St. Louis day journeys!
St. Louis, Missouri, located alongside the banks of the Mississippi River, is a dynamic and culturally wealthy metropolis recognized for its well-known Gateway Arch, an emblem of westward enlargement.
Guests can discover the cultural establishments of St. Louis, together with the Saint Louis Artwork Museum, the Missouri Historical past Museum, and the Metropolis Museum, offering a mixture of inventive, historic, and interactive experiences.
Forest Park, Sundown Hills, Grant’s Farm, Laumeier Sculpture Park, and the St. Louis Zoo are additionally highlights of this unimaginable metropolis. However when you’ve seen the very best of the artwork galleries and parks in St. Louis, take into account a day journey outdoors the town!
These day journeys from St. Louis will take you throughout Missouri so you possibly can uncover the landscapes and traditions of the Midwest. Go on a street journey to a historic village or a neighboring metropolis. Go mountaineering, mountain climbing, or biking by means of a state park on the outskirts of St. Louis.
Whether or not you’re searching for historical past, nature, tradition, or extra, these day journeys from St. Louis provide a variety of experiences that cater to all varieties of vacationers.
Discover extra of our favourite issues to do in St. Louis!
14 Superb Day Journeys From St. Louis
From exploring the strolling trails of the historic Katy Path State Park, to sipping wines in Missouri wine nation, to touring the picturesque city of Hannibal on the Mississippi River, listed below are a few of the finest day journeys from St. Louis!
The easiest way to get round is to lease a automotive and discover by yourself! We suggest Rental Automobiles, which has the biggest vary of automobiles for the very best worth in the marketplace.
1. Katy Path State Park
- Distance from St. Louis: 124 miles
- Driving Time: half-hour
Katy Path State Park, stretching throughout the center of Missouri, is among the longest and most famed rails-to-trails tasks in the USA. The park follows the previous path of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad, generally referred to as the Katy Railroad, which operated from the late Nineteenth century till the Nineteen Eighties.
Right this moment, the Katy Path covers a distance of roughly 240 miles, making it the longest steady rail path within the nation. The path begins within the vibrant metropolis of St. Charles, situated simply outdoors of St. Louis, and winds its method by means of picturesque small cities, farmland, and scenic landscapes, in the end reaching the city of Clinton.
The Katy Path gives a singular outside expertise, offering guests with a wide range of leisure alternatives. Whether or not strolling, operating, biking, or horseback driving, outside fans can discover the varied pure fantastic thing about Missouri alongside this well-maintained path.
The route passes by means of a mosaic of ecosystems, together with dense woodlands, open prairies, and alongside the banks of the Missouri River, providing glimpses of wildlife and birdwatching alternatives. Katy Path State Park will not be solely a haven for nature lovers but additionally among the best day journeys from St. Louis!
2. Elephant Rocks State Park
- Distance from St. Louis: 87 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour and half-hour
Nestled within the rugged terrain of the St. Francois Mountains in southeastern Missouri, Elephant Rocks State Park is a geological surprise and a testomony to the forces which have formed the panorama over hundreds of thousands of years.
The park’s important attraction is a singular assortment of monumental, elephant-shaped granite boulders that stand like historic sentinels in a wooded setting. These huge pink granite rocks, some reaching heights of 20 toes, had been fashioned by means of the method of exfoliation, the place layers of rock regularly peeled away as a consequence of weathering and erosion.
Guests to Elephant Rocks State Park can discover the fascinating rock formations by way of a well-maintained path that weaves by means of the pure maze, permitting for shut encounters with these large boulders and providing beautiful panoramic views of the encompassing forest.
Along with the awe-inspiring geological options, Elephant Rocks State Park offers leisure alternatives for outside fans. The park incorporates a picnic space and a playground, making it a terrific vacation spot for households.
The brief however scenic Braille Path caters particularly to these with visible impairments, providing an inclusive expertise by offering interpretive signage in braille and alternatives to the touch and discover distinctive rock formations.
Elephant Rocks State Park stands as a fascinating day journey vacation spot the place nature, geology, and accessibility converge to create a memorable and academic outside expertise for all who go to.
3. Jefferson Metropolis
- Distance from St. Louis: 133 miles
- Driving Time: 2 hours
One other among the best day journeys from St. Louis is to Jefferson Metropolis, the state capital. Identified for its picturesque setting on the Missouri River, the town boasts a mix of historic allure and trendy facilities.
The Missouri State Capitol Constructing, an iconic construction with an imposing dome, dominates the cityscape and gives guests a glimpse into the state’s political historical past.
The Capitol Constructing homes the legislative chambers and incorporates a museum that explores Missouri’s wealthy heritage. Discover the scenic Capitol grounds, adorned with statues, memorials, and fantastically landscaped gardens which give a serene setting for each locals and vacationers to take pleasure in.
Past its governmental position, Jefferson Metropolis gives a spread of sights and actions. The historic downtown space, with its brick-lined streets, is residence to quaint outlets, eating places, and artwork galleries. Make sure you try the Missouri State Museum to be taught in regards to the space’s historical past.
The Missouri State Penitentiary, a decommissioned jail, permits guests to take guided excursions, offering insights into the ability’s intriguing historical past. Out of doors fans can discover the numerous mountain climbing trails that intertwine with the pure fantastic thing about the Missouri River valley.
Jefferson Metropolis welcomes guests to expertise the center of Missouri, and it’s a well-liked day journey vacation spot from St. Louis!
Discover extra of the Midwest with a go to to the well-known metropolis of Chicago!
4. Shaw Nature Reserve
- Distance from St. Louis: 38 miles
- Driving Time: 40 minutes
Positioned simply southwest of St. Louis, Missouri, the Shaw Nature Reserve stands as a peaceable and expansive retreat devoted to conservation, schooling, and the appreciation of native flora.
Established in 1925 by the Missouri Botanical Backyard, the reserve spans over 2,400 acres, that includes numerous ecosystems, rolling hills, woodlands, and prairies. The native plant collections inside the reserve showcase the area’s wealthy biodiversity, emphasizing the significance of preserving and restoring pure habitats.
Guests can discover a community of well-maintained trails that wind by means of varied landscapes, providing alternatives for mountain climbing, birdwatching, and connecting with nature in a serene setting.
One of many notable elements of Shaw Nature Reserve is its dedication to sustainability and environmental schooling. The Whitmire Wildflower Backyard, part of the reserve, focuses on showcasing native wildflowers in a naturalistic setting.
The Nature Reserve additionally gives academic applications, workshops, and occasions for all ages, encouraging a deeper understanding of ecology and the significance of conservation. Shaw Nature Reserve is the right day journey vacation spot for a day of household enjoyable close to St. Louis.
5. Hannibal
- Distance from St. Louis: 117 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Nestled alongside the banks of the majestic Mississippi River, Hannibal, Missouri, holds a particular place in American literature because the hometown of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, higher recognized by his pen identify, Mark Twain.
Twain’s literary works, notably “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” had been impressed by his experiences in Hannibal, and the city proudly celebrates its affiliation with the enduring creator.
Guests can discover the Mark Twain Boyhood Dwelling and Museum, a set of historic buildings that embody Twain’s childhood residence, the Becky Thatcher Home, and the Huckleberry Finn Home. The museum gives a fascinating glimpse into Twain’s youth and the settings that influenced his beloved characters.
Mark Twain Cave Advanced in Hannibal gives an interesting underground journey, permitting guests to discover the cave system that impressed Mark Twain’s tales and uncover the pure fantastic thing about subterranean formations.
Past its literary heritage, Hannibal boasts a captivating and picturesque downtown space that exudes historic allure. Guests can stroll alongside Fundamental Road, lined with Nineteenth-century buildings housing boutiques, vintage outlets, and cafes.
Town’s riverfront offers scenic views of the Mississippi River, and the Mark Twain Riverboat gives leisurely cruises alongside the water. Annual occasions just like the Nationwide Tom Sawyer Days rejoice Hannibal’s cultural richness with parades, reside music, and fireworks, attracting guests from far and broad.
Hannibal, Missouri, stands as a vacation spot that seamlessly blends literary historical past, small-town allure, and scenic magnificence, making it a high day journey from St. Louis for these in search of a nostalgic journey by means of the landscapes that impressed Mark Twain’s timeless tales.
Heading additional south? Try our information to Scorching Springs, Arkansas.
6. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
- Distance from St. Louis: 100 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Within the coronary heart of the Missouri Ozarks lies Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, a shocking day journey vacation spot famend for its distinctive rock formations and crystal-clear, cascading water. The park’s centerpiece is the shut-ins, a collection of pure rock chutes and swimming pools fashioned by the East Fork of the Black River.
Over hundreds of thousands of years, the river has sculpted the arduous volcanic rock into easy channels and swimming pools, making a fascinating and dynamic aquatic playground.
Guests can wade, swim, and discover the intricacies of the shut-ins, surrounded by the luxurious greenery of the encompassing forest. The shut-ins present a refreshing and picturesque escape, particularly interesting throughout the sizzling summer season months.
Other than its geological wonders, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park gives a spread of out of doors actions. Mountaineering trails wind by means of the rugged terrain, offering beautiful views of the shut-ins and the encompassing wilderness. The park is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers, with numerous wildlife thriving on this distinctive ecosystem.
Moreover, the park has campgrounds for these seeking to lengthen their keep, permitting guests to immerse themselves within the tranquility and pure fantastic thing about the Missouri Ozarks. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park stands as a testomony to the ability of nature and is among the most stunning day journeys from St. Louis!
7. Onondaga Cave State Park
- Distance from St. Louis: 84 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Onondaga Cave State Park gives a fascinating mix of pure magnificence, leisure alternatives, and underground wonders. On the coronary heart of the park lies the beautiful Onondaga Cave, a subterranean marvel adorned with spectacular formations, together with stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.
Guided cave excursions lead guests by means of chambers with names just like the “Lily Pad Room” and the “Cathedral Room,” showcasing the intricate and delicate formations which have developed over hundreds of thousands of years.
The park encompasses extra than simply its underground marvel, as guests also can take pleasure in scenic mountain climbing trails, picnicking areas, and entry to the Meramec River, offering alternatives for outside actions and an opportunity to understand the varied ecosystems of the encompassing Ozark panorama.
Past its pure wonders, Onondaga Cave State Park gives a spread of leisure facilities. The Meramec River, flowing by means of the park, invitations kayakers, canoeists, and anglers to take pleasure in its clear waters. The park additionally options campgrounds, offering a tranquil setting for these seeking to lengthen their keep and immerse themselves in the fantastic thing about the Missouri open air.
A street journey to this beautiful a part of central Missouri is a good way to spend a day outdoors St. Louis.
Learn subsequent: The Greatest Issues To Do In Memphis, Tennessee
8. Hermann
- Distance from St. Louis: 81 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Hermann is among the most charming historic cities in Missouri, making it a beautiful day journey vacation spot. Established by German settlers within the Nineteenth century, the city’s structure, festivals, and traditions nonetheless mirror its wealthy cultural historical past.
The historic district boasts cobblestone streets, Nineteenth-century brick buildings, and charming bed-and-breakfasts that transport guests to a bygone period.
The Deutschheim State Historic Website includes two meticulously restored Nineteenth-century houses, the Pommer-Gentner Home and the Strehly Home, which stand as testaments to the German immigration that formed Hermann’s historical past. Guests can discover these authentically furnished houses, gaining insights into the day by day lives of the early German settlers.
Adjoining to the Deutschheim website, the Historic Hermann Museum additional immerses guests within the city’s historical past, that includes displays that spotlight the contributions of the German group to Hermann’s growth.
Wineries and vineyards dot the encompassing countryside, contributing to Hermann’s fame as among the best locations in Missouri’s wine nation. The Hermann Wine Path, that includes a number of family-owned wineries, gives a pleasant journey by means of picturesque landscapes, inviting wine fans to savor the flavors of regionally produced varietals.
Along with being within the coronary heart of wine nation, Hermann additionally has quite a few cultural occasions and festivals all year long, together with the Maifest and Oktoberfest celebrations, the place guests can partake in conventional German music, meals, and vigorous festivities.
Whether or not strolling by means of its historic streets, indulging in native wines, or immersing oneself in cultural celebrations, Hermann, Missouri, gives a singular and pleasant expertise for these in search of a mix of historical past, allure, and pure magnificence within the coronary heart of the Midwest.
9. Ozark Nationwide Scenic Riverways Park
- Distance from St. Louis: 145 miles
- Driving Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Ozark Nationwide Scenic Riverways Park, situated in southeastern Missouri, is a pristine and enchanting pure space that encompasses the spring-fed Present and Jacks Fork Rivers.
Established in 1964, it was the primary nationwide park devoted to defending a river system. The park is famend for its crystal-clear rivers, towering bluffs, and numerous ecosystems, making a haven for outside fans and nature lovers.
Guests can embark on canoeing or kayaking adventures, navigating the gently flowing rivers whereas surrounded by the scenic fantastic thing about the Ozark panorama. The park is residence to quite a few caves, springs, and iconic rock formations, such because the towering Alley Spring and the awe-inspiring Rocky Falls, offering ample alternatives for exploration and pictures.
Past its pure wonders, Ozark Nationwide Scenic Riverways Park holds vital historic and cultural worth. The area incorporates proof of early human habitation, with remnants of Native American settlements and historic constructions dotting the panorama.
The park additionally preserves remnants of Nineteenth-century homesteads and mills, permitting guests to glimpse into the realm’s previous. With its mix of pure magnificence and cultural heritage, Ozark Nationwide Scenic Riverways Park stands as a testomony to the significance of preserving each the setting and the wealthy historical past of this distinctive nook of Missouri.
Go on extra street journeys across the space with these concepts for day journeys from Chicago.
10. Springfield
- Distance from St. Louis: 98 miles
- Driving Time: 1.5 hours
Springfield, the capital metropolis of Illinois, holds a outstanding place in American historical past because the hometown of Abraham Lincoln, the sixteenth President of the USA. Town is a pilgrimage website for historical past fans, with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum serving as a complete repository of artifacts and displays devoted to the life and legacy of the Nice Emancipator.
Guests can discover the meticulously preserved Lincoln Dwelling Nationwide Historic Website, the place Abraham Lincoln lived along with his household for 17 years earlier than assuming the presidency. The cityscape is adorned with historic websites, together with the Previous State Capitol, the place Lincoln delivered his well-known “Home Divided” speech, and the Lincoln Tomb, a somber memorial to the president and his household.
Past its wealthy historic significance, Springfield gives a mix of cultural sights and trendy facilities. The downtown space incorporates a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and reside music venues contributing to the town’s cultural tapestry.
Washington Park, a inexperienced oasis within the coronary heart of Springfield, offers a serene escape, whereas the Illinois State Fairgrounds host annual occasions, attracting guests from throughout the state. With its historic sights, cultural choices, and heat Midwestern allure, Springfield is among the finest day journeys from St. Louis for vacationers of all ages.
11. Mark Twain Nationwide Forest
- Distance from St. Louis: 76 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
One other nice thought for a day journey or perhaps a weekend getaway is Mark Twain Nationwide Forest which sprawls throughout the Ozark Plateau in Missouri. Named after the well-known American creator Mark Twain, who spent his childhood in Missouri, the forest encompasses over 1.5 million acres of rugged terrain, encompassing rolling hills, dense woodlands, and clear-flowing streams.
The forest is a playground for outside actions, with quite a few trails catering to hikers, backpackers, and equestrians, whereas its rivers and lakes present alternatives for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Tenting is a well-liked pastime in Mark Twain Nationwide Forest, with designated campsites permitting guests to immerse themselves within the tranquility of the pure environment.
Along with its leisure attraction, the realm performs a vital position in conservation efforts, supporting a wealthy variety of plant and animal species. The forest is a mosaic of ecosystems, together with oak and pine woodlands, glades, and bottomland hardwoods, offering habitat for deer, turkey, and a wide range of fowl species.
The forest administration practices intention to stability recreation and conservation, making certain the sustained well being of this important pure useful resource. Whether or not in search of solitude within the wilderness, embarking on an out of doors journey, or just appreciating the fantastic thing about unspoiled landscapes, Mark Twain Nationwide Forest stands as a cherished vacation spot for these seeking to join with nature within the coronary heart of the Midwest.
Learn subsequent: Greatest Issues To Do In Little Rock, Arkansas
12. Meramac Caverns
- Distance from St. Louis: 65 miles
- Driving Time: 1 hour
One of many coolest St. Louis day journeys is Meramec Caverns, a subterranean wonderland that captivates guests with its beautiful geological formations and wealthy historical past. Found within the late Nineteenth century, the caverns have developed into one of the vital well-liked present caves in the USA, attracting vacationers and spelunking fans alike.
Guided excursions take guests on a mesmerizing journey by means of a labyrinth of stalactites, stalagmites, and complicated calcite formations, illuminated to showcase the cavern’s pure magnificence.
The caverns are residence to distinctive options such because the Wine Desk, a large formation resembling an outsized desk, and the Stage Curtain, a powerful drapery-like construction created by millennia of mineral-rich water percolating by means of the rock.
Past its geological wonders, Meramec Caverns is steeped in historical past, with its huge chambers having served varied functions over time. In the course of the Civil Battle, the caverns had been utilized as a hiding place for Accomplice troopers, and later, the location turned a venue for sq. dances within the early twentieth century.
The caverns’ affiliation with the infamous outlaw Jesse James provides an additional layer of intrigue, as legend has it that he and his gang sought refuge inside the caverns’ depths. Right this moment, Meramec Caverns continues to supply an academic and awe-inspiring underground expertise, inviting guests to delve into the mysteries of the Earth’s subterranean wonders.
13. Kansas Metropolis
- Distance from St. Louis: 248 miles
- Driving Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Although it’s a little bit of a protracted drive, Kansas Metropolis remains to be doable as a day journey from St. Louis. You may flip it right into a enjoyable street journey!
Kansas Metropolis, straddling the border of Missouri and Kansas, is a vibrant metropolis that effortlessly combines Midwestern allure with a wealthy cultural scene. Famend for its distinctive barbecue delicacies, the town gives a tasty array of smoked meats served in a wide range of settings, from unassuming roadside joints to upscale eating places.
The historic 18th and Vine District stands as a cultural hub, celebrating the town’s jazz heritage with the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Town’s iconic Union Station, a fantastically restored architectural gem, hosts museums, theaters, and eating places, whereas the Nation Membership Plaza, with its Spanish-inspired structure and upscale outlets, offers a singular buying and eating expertise.
Past its culinary and cultural choices, Kansas Metropolis boasts a thriving arts scene, evident in its quite a few galleries, theaters, and music venues. The Kauffman Heart for the Performing Arts, a placing architectural masterpiece, hosts a spread of performances, from classical concert events to Broadway exhibits.
Town’s sports activities tradition is strong, with passionate fan bases supporting the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in soccer and the Kansas Metropolis Royals in baseball. Kansas Metropolis beckons guests to expertise a metropolis that seamlessly blends custom and innovation within the coronary heart of the Midwest. A street journey over right here from St. Louis is a good way to broaden your experiences in Missouri!
Try our information to the finest issues to do in Kansas Metropolis!
14. Finger Lakes State Park
- Distance from St. Louis: 132 miles
- Driving Time: 2 hours
Initially a website for strip mining, Finger Lakes State Park has undergone in depth reclamation efforts, reworking it right into a multi-use leisure space. The centerpiece of the park is a collection of 4 former mining pits now referred to as the Finger Lakes, providing alternatives for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
The park’s in depth path system attracts off-road fans, offering miles of terrain for bikes, ATVs, and different off-road automobiles. The difficult trails wind by means of forests, open fields, and alongside the lake shores, providing riders an exciting and scenic expertise.
Past its off-road sights, the park additionally caters to conventional outside actions. Picnic areas and campgrounds present areas for household gatherings and in a single day stays, permitting guests to completely immerse themselves within the pure fantastic thing about the area.
The park’s numerous ecosystems assist a wide range of wildlife, making it an excellent vacation spot for birdwatching and nature remark. With its mixture of leisure alternatives, pure magnificence, and ongoing conservation efforts, Finger Lakes State Park stands as a dynamic vacation spot for outside fans in search of journey and rest within the coronary heart of Missouri.
DISCLAIMER: A number of the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which implies should you ebook lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we’ll obtain a small fee at no additional value to you. These commissions assist us preserve creating extra free journey content material to assist individuals plan their holidays and adventures. We solely suggest the very best lodging, excursions and merchandise that ourselves or our implausible editorial group have personally skilled, and repeatedly evaluate these. Thanks on your assist, sort pal!