Five Amazing Day Trips: Missouri

The midwestern state of Missouri is known for being the gateway to the West, memorialized at the Gateway Arch National Park. The largest cities of Kansas City and St. Louis are great places to not only sample local barbeque but also enjoy amazing museums, large outdoor parks, cool sports venues, and unique neighborhoods with great restaurants and boutique stores. The extensive network of state parks and historic sites reaches every travel region and includes dozens of unique historic sites and recreation areas with miles of trails for hiking and biking, waterways for kayaking and boating, as well as campgrounds and lodges. From the cities and towns along the great rivers to the forests and lakes in the Ozarks, there is no shortage of things to do across the diverse landscape. Our day trip recommendations start in St. Louis and showcase some of the best destinations across the state.

Here are five great day trips across the Show Me State:

Hannibal (Museums & Attractions)

Just 100 miles north of St. Louis on the Mississippi, Hannibal is a historic river town best known as Mark Twain’s hometown. The location inspired The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, the stories that helped make Twain one of America’s most beloved novelists. Today, tourists can visit the author’s childhood home and several other Twain-related buildings at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. The must-see museum has something for everyone in the family, with interactive exhibits for all ages. The Museum Gallery features 15 original Norman Rockwell paintings, as well as a wealth of artifacts from Twain’s life. Continue the experience with a tour of the Mark Twain Cave Complex, a location immortalized in his novels, or a ride down the Mississippi on the Mark Twain Riverboat. With plenty more to see and do in Hannibal, the small town is definitely worth the trip.

Courtesy of VisitMO.com

Hermann (Brew, Distill & Ferment)

An hour and a half west of St. Louis, you’ll find the picturesque town of Hermann. Stroll through the downtown area to enjoy the charming cafes, boutiques, historic red brick buildings, and several tasting rooms. Founded by German immigrants in the 1800’s, Hermann sits in the heart of Missouri Wine Country, with world-class wineries producing award-winning wines. This day trip takes you on a wine tasting experience on the Hermann Wine Trail, running through some of the most scenic areas of Missouri and leading to seven family-owned wineries. One of the most popular, Stone Hill Winery, is perched on a hill with fabulous views of the town. Visitors enjoy guided tours of its arched underground cellars, three tasting rooms, and a gift shop. The onsite Vintage Restaurant serves German specialties from an eclectic menu. The Trail also hosts several annual events that pair local wine with everything from chocolate to bacon!

Photo: Paul Brady Photography

Jefferson City (Tours & Experiences)

The state capital of Missouri, Jefferson City is 130 miles west of St. Louis. Located on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, the city is full of historic buildings and landmarks. The impressive Governor’s Mansion, one of the few executive residences in the United Sates that is open to the public, is available to tour six months of the year. The tours are free of charge and led by volunteer docents. The beautifully preserved mansion, built in 1871, is a must-visit for history buffs and those interested in architecture and historic homes. For a fascinating look at early crime and punishment, visit the Missouri State Penitentiary, once the oldest operating facility of its kind west of the Mississippi. The Gothic-style building was constructed in 1836 and wasn’t decommissioned until 2004! History and paranormal tours showcase the prison’s grisly past, including cells of famous inmates such as heavyweight champion Sonny Liston and James Earl Ray. Before leaving town, make sure to explore all the great restaurants and quaint boutiques downtown and get a scoop of the state’s best ice cream at Central Dairy.

Photo: St. Charles CVB

St. Charles (Museums & Attractions)

A short 30 miles from St. Louis, St. Charles is a river city that has retained its charm and history through the years. Missouri’s first state capital was founded by a French-Canadian fur trader and grew into a thriving trading center for settlers making the journey westward. Begin your day trip of exploration at the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum, the starting point for the famous pair’s momentous journey to find an all-water route to the Pacific. The facility includes educational exhibits, replica keelboats, and a group of living history re-enactors. After your museum visit, head back to town to stroll through the more than 100 shops on the historic Main Street. The shopping experience offers everything from jewelry to home décor— don’t miss Joys Collective Market to look through the work of more than 50 local artists. When you get hungry, stop by Magpie’s Café for lunch and then Grandma’s Cookies for delicious handmade sweets and baked goods. cookies.

Ste. Genevieve (Small Town Experience)

To experience some of Missouri’s French traditions and culture, head 60 miles south of St. Louis to Ste. Genevieve, the oldest town in the state. Founded in the early 1700’s, the small town showcases some of the best-preserved examples of French Creole colonial architecture in the world, including the Felix Valle State Historic Site. Throughout the year Ste. Genevieve hosts a variety of events celebrating their unique French heritage, rural roots, and artistic community. These include the French Heritage Festival in June and the Jour de Fete Arts & Crafts Festival in August. The downtown district is home to restaurants, artisan shops, and even an old-fashioned soda fountain. The town has a long history of winemaking, beginning with its French settlers in the early 1700s. Today, many of their descendants continue the tradition and operate local wineries. Be sure to check out the nearby Crown Valley Winery and Cave Vineyard Winery.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!