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25 Best Day Trips in Missouri

Last Updated By VI on April 23, 2024 in Missouri Day Trips & Weekend Getaways

Kansas City

Springfield, ste. genevieve.

• Complete List & Map

Other lovely museums throughout the city include the Toy and Miniature Museum, the Arabia Steamboat Museum, the National World War I Museum, and the prestigious Nelson Atkins Museum of Art, known for its impressive historic collections of world art. Day Trips from Kansas City

Visitors can also catch Springfield Cardinals home games at Hammons Field throughout baseball season.

Throughout the spring and summer seasons, visitors can catch home games from the 11-time World Champion St. Louis Cardinals baseball team at Busch Stadium.Immense Forest Park is home to preserved attractions connected to the 1904 World's Fair.

Annual special events hosted in the city include the Jour de Fête French Colonial Festival. Things to do in Sainte Genevieve

Unique historic shops and attractions are located throughout the town's historic Main Street, commonly referred to as "The Boardwalk."

Bonne Terre Mine

185 Park Ave, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, Phone: 888-843-3483

Regional and state baseball tournaments are hosted each year at Harley Park's Twillman Field. Annual special events include the Boonville Heritage Days summer festival, the autumn Festival of the Leaves, and a Christmas Festival of the Lights.

In all, 33 buildings throughout the city are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, many of which are covered today in hand-painted barn quilts by artist John Smith.

212 Main Street, Carthage, MS 39051, Phone: 601-267-8322

Columbia is a charming city within central Missouri, known as one of the state's most progressive, diverse cities due to its proximity to the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College campuses. All of the college campuses are known for their stunning historic architecture, including sites such as the University of Missouri's beautiful neo-Gothic-style Memorial Union and Jesse Hall, which have become landmarks for the city. Visitors can explore the city's beautiful National Register of Historic Places-listed neighborhoods, peruse the exhibits of the Museum of Art and Archaeology, and attend theatrical performances at the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts. Art galleries populate the city's North Village Arts District, while events such as the Roots 'N Blues 'N BBQ Festival and the We Always Swing Jazz Series bring music performances to venues throughout the city.

Crestwood is a lovely suburb of St. Louis, located within the city's surrounding county within the Greater St. Louis metropolitan region. The city is best known as the location of the Thomas Sappington Historic Site, which was originally constructed in 1808 and is St. Louis County's oldest brick home today.Visitors can explore the attractions of the historic site throughout the year, including its lovely Barn restaurant and prestigious Library of Americana, which offers resources on American decorative arts and history. Historic Grant's Farm has been ranked as a top national attraction by TripAdvisor and Zagat, preserving the ancestral home of the Busch family. The city is also home to a number of lovely public parks, including Whitecliff and Crestwood Park, which offer children's playgrounds and community centers.

Eureka is best known as the home of popular theme park Six Flags St. Louis, which is located just 20 minutes west of downtown St. Louis off Interstate 44. The 323-acre park, which is commonly referred to as "Missouri's Coaster Capital," is home to over 40 rides and attractions, including the Batman: The Ride inverted roller coaster, the Mr. Freeze: Reverse Blast launch coaster, and the American Coaster Enthusiasts designated landmark wooden coaster Screamin' Eagle, known as the fastest, longest, and tallest wooden coaster in the world at the time of its 1976 opening. Visitors can also explore the city's charming historic business district, home to landmark buildings that date back to the 1880s, or meander through over 164 acres of public park lands, which offer excellent opportunities for year-round recreation. Missouri Beaches

The Great River Road

The Great River Road is a collection of local and state roads that collectively follow the length of the Mississippi River, traveling through 10 states between Minnesota and Louisiana. The quaint road is home to some of Missouri's most renowned historic attractions, including the registered National Natural Landmark Mark Twain Cave Complex, featured in five of the author's novels. A number of state historic sites are accessible from the road, including the Paleoindian-connected Mastodon State Historic Site, which tells the tale of the Clovis culture, and the National Historic Landmark Bolduc House Museum, constructed in 1792 and preserved as a living history museum. The Rosemary Berkel and Harry L. Crisp II Museum showcases the history of southeast Missouri's culture and industry, while Historic Main Street St. Charles has been named as the Williamsburg of the West by Southern Living. Other attractions include historic 20th-century chocolatier Bankhead Chocolates, Cuivre River State Park, and the award-winning Chaumette Vineyards and Winery.

Hannibal is a lovely Mississippi River city in northeast Missouri, best known as the home of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, which preserves the childhood home of the famed 19th-century American author. Visitors can explore the site as part of self-guided tours and view its seven preserved buildings, which also include sites immortalized in the author's novels. The Mark Twain Cave Complex also preserves landmark caves that are featured in Mark Twain novels. Visitors can explore the exhibits of the Hannibal History Museum, take hourlong narrated city tours aboard the Hannibal Trolley, or enjoy beautiful scenic dinner cruises on the Mississippi River aboard the historic Mark Twain Riverboat. The picturesque 1900 Rockcliffe Mansion, one of the nation's most beautiful Gilded Age mansions, showcases gorgeous Art Nouveau decor and period-appropriate furnishings. Live stage shows by actor Richard Garey bring the life and career of Mark Twain to life as part of Mark Twain Himself theatrical performances.

150 Market Street, Hermann MO 65041, Phone: 573-486-2744

Jefferson City

Jefferson City is Missouri's lovely state capital, serving as the county seat of Cole County. The city takes its name from Third United States President Thomas Jefferson, home to a plethora of government-related attractions, including the National Register of Historic Places-listed State Capitol Building, which can be toured as part of regular guided tours. The Missouri Governor's Mansion has been the residence of every state governor for decades, while the Missouri State Penitentiary preserves an historic state prison facility. The preserved buildings of the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site can also be explored as part of self-guided tours, including the 1839 Lohman Building, the 1855 Union Hotel, and the historic Christopher Maus House.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, Phone: 573-546-2450 , See the Map

Kimmswick is a charming suburb of St. Louis, known as a great budget getaway in the Missouri area. The suburb, which is located just half an hour south of the city's center, is home to dozens of unique shops, boutiques, and galleries throughout its downtown district, which is also home to lovely historic bed and breakfasts for overnight stay. The historic Anheuser estate, constructed in 1867, preserves the homestead of the Anheuser family of Anheuser-Busch brewing fame as a living history museum. The Burgess-How House and Museum preserves an historic 1850s farmhouse log building, while the El Camino Real Market traces to the city's 18th-century Spanish exploring heritage. Each October, the city hosts the Apple Butter Festival, showcasing delicious food options and apple butter cooking demonstrations.

Meramec Caverns

1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080, Phone: 573-468-2283

Parkville is a lovely city in Platte County, known for its historic downtown district, which is full of unique antique shops and art galleries. The town was originally settled in 1838, though its roots go all the way back to the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804-1806. Today, it is best known as the home of Park University, which was founded in 1875 and showcases several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, along with a 385,000-square-foot underground section constructed by a local mining company. Historic sites include the English Landing at Platte Landing Park, which features sites connected to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Visitors can also enjoy family-friendly miniature golfing experiences at Parkville Mini Golf or explore the city's extensive park system, which includes the expansive Parkville Nature Sanctuary natural area and the Sullivan Nature Sanctuary.

Phillipsburg

Phillipsburg is a lovely village known for its connection to the historic Route 66, considered to be the "Mother Road" in the United States throughout the 20th century. The quaint village is known for historic businesses like its 1880s-era Old Phillipsburg General Store, originally founded by Baltimore transplant Thomas Wildey, which once served as a lodge hall for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Redmon's Candy, which claims to be the "world's largest gift store," is known for its delicious homemade fudges and chocolates. Other delightful Route 66-associated attractions include Carter and Lawson's Underpass Cafe and Service State and the remains of the Route 66 Roadside Park attraction.

St. Charles

St. Charles is a quaint historic community in St. Charles County, located just half an hour west of St. Louis' downtown district. The colonial-era town was originally founded in 1769, making it one of the state's oldest communities today. Throughout the 19th century, the town temporarily served as Missouri's state capital. Today, it is known for its charming historic South Main Street district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which is home to more than 100 unique shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The city's Frenchtown district is also home to 58 designated historic buildings constructed in the French Colonial and German architectural styles. Annual special events hosted throughout the year include the Fete de Glace ice carving festival, the August Festival of the Little Hills, one of the nation's top 10 crafting fairs, and the Christmas Traditions Festival, one of the largest holiday festivals in the United States.

526 Main Street, Weston, MO 64098, Phone: 816-640-2909

• 1. Kansas City
• 2. Springfield
• 3. St. Louis
• 4. Ste. Genevieve
• 5. Arrow Rock
• 6. Bonne Terre Mine
• 7. Boonville
• 8. Caledonia
• 9. Carthage
• 10. Columbia
• 11. Crestwood
• 13. The Great River Road
• 14. Hannibal
• 15. Hermann
• 16. Jefferson City
• 17. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
• 18. Kimmswick
• 19. Meramec Caverns
• 20. Parkville
• 21. Phillipsburg
• 22. St. Charles

Unique natural attractions include the natural rock slides of Johnson's Shut-In State Park and the 240-mile Katy Trail, which turns a former railroad route into a multi-use trail.

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41 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In Missouri

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: December 6, 2020  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

With busy streets framed by mountains, forests, lakes and waterfalls, Missouri is a state that has it all.

You can enjoy resorts and restaurants in the big cities; you can go camping under the stars in the wilderness.

You can also enjoy the cultural depth of Missouri.

From the iconic landmarks to the little-known shops, diners and roadside attractions, there’s a reason why this uniquely Midwestern destination is nicknamed the “Show Me State.”

Maybe you’re planning an imminent vacation.

Maybe you’re making a bucket list for the distant future.

Either way, here are 41 awesome things to do in Missouri!

Table of Contents

1. Gateway Arch

f11photo / Shutterstock

The Gateway Arch is one of the most famous places in Missouri.

Located in the heart of St. Louis , its gleaming curve peaks at more than 600 feet above the city skyline, and it can be seen for miles around.

You don’t have to admire it from afar, however.

One of the coolest things about the arch is its observation deck!

You can take a ride to the very top and gaze out at the marvelous scenery below, including parks, bridges, buildings and the Mississippi River.

There’s also a visitor center if you want to learn more about the construction of the arch and the role that it played in the city’s development.

Additionally, there’s a gift shop if you want to do the tourist thing and grab a “I (Heart) St. Louis” key chain.

The Gateway Arch is one of the premiere tourist attractions of Missouri.

It’s the kind of place that you won’t want to miss.

Every time you tell someone that you visited St. Louis, they’ll ask if you visited the arch, so make it a true story and go!

Address: St. Louis, MO 63102, United States

2. Bogart’s Smokehouse

Bogart’s Smokehouse

Ask a dozen different people about the best restaurants in Missouri, and you’ll get a dozen different answers depending on what that person likes the most.

However, one common thread is simple: barbecue.

Missouri loves its barbecue!

Bogart’s Smokehouse isn’t the only place specializing in things like pulled pork sandwiches and sauce-slathered ribs served on piping hot platters, but it’s one of the most renowned.

All of its meat is smoked for more than 24 house before being rubbed down with herbs and spices and slow-cooked on cherry wood.

Its head chef actually trained in Memphis , another barbecue haven, before bringing his talents north, and you can taste his experience in every juicy bite.

You can’t leave Missouri without tasting some of its barbecue.

When you work up an appetite during your vacation, stop by Bogart’s Smokehouse for some life-changing pork.

Address: 1627 S 9th St, St. Louis, MO 63104, United States

3. City Museum

Chris857 , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

At first glance, City Museum might seem like any other plain, square-bricked building in St. Louis.

When you look a little higher, however, you’ll see the strange shapes jutting off the roof, and you’ll realize that it’s actually one of the craziest vacation spots in Missouri!

Planes and school buses jut over the edge of the building.

A Ferris wheel slowly turns over a pond filled with stepping stones and gigantic statues of bugs.

A glass dome, salvaged from the renovations of a local science center, sits in the middle of twisted metal sculptures that are both viewable and climbable.

The fun continues inside of the building as well.

Exhibits include everything from taxidermy animals to mineral collections.

Interactive rooms will let you paint, build, ride a train, skateboard in an indoor park or attend lessons at circus school.

Oddities include things like “The World’s Largest Underwear.”

Long story short, City Museum isn’t your typical museum.

It’s a crazy cross between a playground, fun house and kooky art installation, and it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Missouri.

Address: 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, United States

4. Lake of the Ozarks

TommyBrison / Shutterstock

With its slow, lazy waves surrounded by beautiful foliage, the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Missouri.

Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, rafting, hiking, biking, camping and more.

The surface of the lake covers 54,000 acres, so there’s plenty of space to spread out.

There’s also a lot of room on the sandy coasts; the shoreline stretches for 1,150 miles.

That’s more shoreline than the entire state of California , and it’s located in the landlocked state of Missouri!

Events are common on the lake.

There are fireworks in the summer and holiday lights in the winter; there are garden shows in the spring and food festivals in the fall.

You can also have fun year-round at destinations like the “Party Cove,” a gathering hole for swimmers.

If you’re looking for a good time in Missouri, visit the Lake of the Ozarks.

You can hop in for a quick swim; you can rent a lakeside cabin for the entire summer.

It’s a place with endless possibilities.

5. Silver Dollar City

Shane Adams / flickr

As one of the biggest amusement parks in Missouri, Silver Dollar City definitely lives up to its name.

It’s so big that it’s actually divided into “districts” as a play on its theme.

Rivertown has rides and restaurants along the water.

Wilson’s Farm has fun, family-friendly activities with an agricultural motif.

Midtown has more carnival games that you can shake a stick at, and Homestead Ridge offers vintage-style shops for all of your souvenir needs.

Main Street is a boulevard that connects them all.

You can choose your own adventure at this amusement park.

Whether you want to watch a demonstration at a pottery store or make your stomach drop with death-defying roller coasters, there’s a little something for everyone here.

Silver Dollar City is another one of those Missouri attractions that everyone knows.

If you don’t want to be left out of the fun, book your tickets this weekend and get ready for a wild ride!

Address: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616, United States

Visiting other areas of Missouri? Why not check out some of the fun things to do in Springfield, MO ?

6. Adrenaline Zone

Adrenaline Zone

If you’re wondering where to go in Missouri on a rainy day, look no further than the Adrenaline Zone .

It offers all kinds of heart-pumping activities to get your blood racing, and since they’re all indoors, you can enjoy them rain or shine!

Traditional games include pool, foosball, skeeball and laser tag.

More involved activities range from timed laser mazes to “demolition ball,” a unique basketball-and-hockey hybrid that’s played in bumper cars.

You can eat and drink when you’re done, or you can play arcade games to earn tickets and win prizes.

If you’re traveling to Missouri with a group, you can rent out the entire facility for parties, work retreats or “lock-in” events.

Long story short, the fun never stops at the Adrenaline Zone.

Rain or shine, its doors are always open for folks who want to unleash their inner child by running around and shooting at each other with laser guns.

Address: 1875 S Old Hwy 94, St Charles, MO 63303, United States

7. Hermann Wine Trail

Hermann Wine Trail

What’s the first place that comes to mind when you think about wine?

It probably isn’t Missouri, but the Hermann Wine Trail has every bit of splendor as Napa Valley .

Founded by German immigrants in 1836, the Hermann Wine Trail started as a single vineyard that grew over the years to encompass everything from wine halls to artisan wine shops.

Today, it stretches for more than 25 miles, and there’s a trolley that connects all of the stores and villas in the area.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the trail.

There’s wine tasting, of course, but there’s also shopping and sightseeing, and you can sleep at cozy little bed-and-breakfasts if you want to stay overnight.

Have you always wanted to wake up to a home-cooked breakfast in a soft bed with rolling green hills outside of your window?

The Hermann Wine Trail can turn your dreams into reality.

There’s a reason why it’s a top 10 spot in Missouri, so pack your goblets and get ready to drink!

Address: 150A Market St, Hermann, MO 65041, United States

8. National World War I Museum

EQRoy / Shutterstock

World War I isn’t always studied as much as World War II, but this museum is a great way to educate yourself on a major point in U.S. history.

Located in Kansas City , Missouri, it’s been designated by the government as the country’s official WWI museum .

You’ll start by following the 265-foot tower to the main building.

From there, you’ll walk across a glass bridge that covers 9,000 red poppies symbolizing the 9,000,000 lives lost during the war.

Features of the museum include photos, videos, maps, flags, letters and artifacts ranging from rusted guns to old propaganda posters.

There’s a sound booth for audio recordings; there are two theaters that run educational films and reels.

There’s also a preserved Renault FT tank and a 1918 Ford Model T ambulance.

You don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate the National World War I Museum.

It’s one of the most interesting places in Missouri, so do yourself a favor and check it out if you’ll be near Kansas City during your trip.

Address: 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

9. Waterfall Park

Lemuwah / Shutterstock

Waterfall Park is one of the most fun things to do in Missouri.

Its namesake is a beautiful, ten-foot waterfall that crashes over rocks and into the pool below, and it’s surrounded by boulders and mossy lichens that make it look like something out of a fairy tale.

You don’t have to hike into the wilderness to see it, however.

The best thing about Waterfall Park is that it’s a man-made feature located in the middle of a metropolis!

The city is called Independence, Missouri, and it’s a tourist attraction in its own right.

You’ll find plenty of entertainment options in the form of bars, shops, restaurants and movie theaters.

That said, the main draw of the city is definitely Waterfall Park.

How many times in your life can you see a waterfall in the middle of a busy street?

If you’re looking for cool and unique vacation ideas in Missouri, put this one on your shortlist.

Address: 4501 S Bass Pro Dr, Independence, MO 64055, United States

10. Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company

There’s chocolate, and then there’s chocolate chocolate chocolate.

The latter can be found at the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company located in St. Louis, Missouri.

Treats include bars, bites, truffles, drops, crunches and caramels.

There are handcrafted, artisan-made gourmet chocolates tucked carefully into gift boxes; there are sloppy, sticky and messy chocolates offered on factory tours and during tasting events.

That’s right: You don’t have to stay behind the counter.

You can wander deep inside Willy Wonka’s playground and see how your favorite fudges and peanut butter cups are made.

It won’t even cost you anything since tours are free!

You just have to make arrangements in advance.

The Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company is one of the best places to see in Missouri.

Even if you aren’t a sweets person going in, the cascading waterfalls of chocolate are sure to change your mind.

Address: 5025 Pattison Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

11. St. Joseph

APN Photography / Shutterstock

Saddle up, boys, because this one is a doozy!

St. Joseph was one of the last frontier towns of the Wild West.

Not only is it rich with history, but it’s also home to a number of world-famous tourist attractions, including the starting point of the Pony Express and the death site of outlaw Jesse James.

While some parts of the city have been modernized, others are still dedicated to days gone by.

You can see this historical preservation in everything from the architecture to the large number of museums, mansions and courthouses dotting the downtown area.

Modern features at St. Joseph include shopping malls and high-class restaurants.

You don’t have to eat 17th century jerky just because you’re in a place with 17th century buildings!

If you enjoy learning about the Wild West, you won’t want to miss St. Joseph.

It’s one of the coolest vacation spots in Missouri, especially for those with an interest in old-school American.

Grab your spurs, don your cowboy hat and get to riding!

12. Meramec State Park

Rklawton , CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons

Most Missouri attractions are located above ground.

Every so often, however, you’ll come across a subterranean area with a story to tell, and that’s exactly the case with Meramec State Park .

Located in Sullivan, Missouri, Meramec State Park is home to a diverse range of landscapes.

These include forests and glades as well as canyons and caves.

One of the most famous places to visit is Fisher Cave.

Filled with stalagmites and stalactites, it offers a dark, dimly-lit adventure into passageways filled with hard rock.

If you’re science-minded, you might recognize them as limestone and dolomite.

If you’re a layman, you can still appreciate the cool-looking rock formations!

Grab your flashlight and head down into the caves of Meramec State Park… if you dare.

Address: 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080, United States

13. Busch Stadium

Joe Hendrickson / Shutterstock

Attracting thousands of visitors each year, Busch Stadium is one of the best sites in Missouri.

It hosts everything from concerts to championship baseball games, and it’s also adjacent to a “ballpark village” that offers bars, shops, breweries and hall-of-fame exhibits, so it’s always bustling with energy!

The stadium itself has seen all kinds of events.

Baseball is the most common sport played on the green, but there’s also been football, soccer and hockey.

Concerts have welcomed everyone from Ed Sheeran to Metallica.

As for the village, it’s also a lively place.

There’s an outdoor marketplace under a retractable canopy; there are bars with mechanical bulls and restaurants with karaoke machines.

If you’re wondering what to do on a Missouri vacation, you might enjoy a trip to Busch Stadium.

There’s always something on the schedule, so whether you’re visiting during the blazing hot days of summer or the cold, windy days of winter, you can find something fun to do here.

Address: 700 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102, United States

14. National Museum of Transportation

artistmac / flickr

If you like planes, trains and automobiles, you’ll love the life-sized models at the National Museum of Transportation .

Like its name suggests, it transcends the boundaries of Missouri to serve as the biggest transportation museum in the whole of the United States.

It’s a national treasure in every respect.

Visitors can enjoy all kinds of exhibits about the various transportation methods of the past.

While the emphasis is on railroads and locomotives, just about everything is covered, including planes, ships, trucks, cars and more.

Models are displayed in both real and miniature sizes.

Engines are dissected and labeled.

A tiny railroad chugs around the tracks of the museum, and a real, rideable trolley echoes it, giving you the chance to get off your feet for a while as you explore the grounds.

If you’re the type of person who never grew out of their train phase, the National Museum of Transportation is the destination for you.

It’ll awaken all of your old passions while also introducing you to exciting new facts about the hobby!

Address: 2933 Barrett Station Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122, United States

15. Missouri Botanical Garden

Rob Neville Photos / Shutterstock

Missouri is renowned for its scenery, but you don’t have to trek into remote mountains to enjoy it.

You can find a slice of paradise in the heart of downtown St. Louis when you visit the Missouri Botanical Garden .

Covering almost 80 acres, this “garden” is actually a collection of landscapes that showcases everything from flowers and trees to sculptures and cultural artifacts.

Many of the gardens are themed, so you can travel the world with the Seiwa-en Japanese Garden and the Strassenfest German Garden, or you can learn more about specific species with rose gardens, woodland gardens and even “Biblical gardens.”

Other features of the garden include fountains, bridges, reflection pools, hedge mazes and historic houses.

There’s also a geodesic dome greenhouse that was the first of its kind!

The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the best things to do in Missouri.

It’s a resplendent place, and you won’t believe that so much greenery can be located right in the middle of a bustling city.

Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

16. Hollywood Wax Museum

Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau / flickr

Snap a selfie with a celebrity when you visit the Hollywood Wax Museum .

While the celebrity won’t be able to sign any autographs, they also won’t be able to deny your requests for silly or ridiculous poses.

That’s because they’re all made of wax!

The star-studded lineup includes everyone from Bruce Lee to Michael Jackson, so you’ll have your pick of photo ops.

Some of the statues are so lifelike that you’ll do a double take; others are so funky-looking that you’ll split your sides at the thought of the artist who created them.

There are other attractions at the museum as well.

From mirror mazes to interactive adventures, you’ll find plenty of kitschy, touristy ways to pass the time.

The Hollywood Wax Museum isn’t a particularly dignified place.

However, that’s exactly why it’s so much fun.

If you just want to cut loose for awhile, this is a great place for having a blast!

Address: 3030 W 76 Country Blvd A, Branson, MO 65616, United States

17. Hidden Valley Ski Resort

Hidden Valley Ski Resort

Missouri might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about snow, but at the Hidden Valley Ski Resort , you can perform alley-oops like you’re at the Alps!

The powder is artificial, but it’s so cold and crisp that you won’t be able to tell the difference from the real thing.

It blankets the hills of the landscape like a winter wonderland that’s ready for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Skiing is popular, of course, but there’s also sledding, snowboarding and snow tubing.

There’s even a zipline that will send you hurtling over the snow in midair!

When you’re too cold to carry on, visit the ski lodge; there’s an open fireplace for warming up, and you can order food and drink while enjoying the ambiance of a cozy wintertime setting.

Who needs the Alps when you have the Hidden Valley Ski Resort?

Address: 17409 Hidden Valley Dr, Eureka, MO 63025, United States

18. Katy Trail

Wspin / Shutterstock

Nature lovers, you won’t want to miss the Katy Trail.

It runs for 240 miles along the Missouri River, and it crosses other famous trails like the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, so it offers all kinds of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Located within Katy Trail State Park , the Katy Trail gets its name from the “KT” abbreviation that originally defined the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad.

The railroad was abandoned over the years, but the path became a popular site seeing destination.

Today, Katy Trail is used by hikers, joggers, cyclists, dog walkers and more.

It’s open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset, and its landmarks include everything from steel bridges to rugged limestone deposits framing canyon-like paths.

Pedal through the Katy Trail if you’re looking to experience beautiful places in Missouri.

Whether you’re traveling in spring, summer, autumn or winter, the scenery will always be waiting for you.

Address: 101 Lewis St Machens to Clinton, Boonville, MO 65039, United States

19. Laumeier Sculpture Park

Cheryl Zion / Shutterstock

If you’ve never seen a seven-foot eyeball sitting in the middle of a grassy green field, have you really lived at all?

This is a question posed by Laumeier Sculpture Park , one of the most eclectic places to visit in Missouri.

Its sculptures range from mythical creatures in flight to oil tanks tossed on top of each other as an expression of modernist art.

A walking trail will take you on a tour of the park’s outdoor pieces, or you can explore an indoor gallery or the preserved remains of a Tudor mansion built in 1816.

If you time your trip right, you can catch special shows, events and educational programs centered around art.

Laumeier Sculpture Park is definitely one of the weirder things to see in Missouri, but if you want to make unforgettable memories, it’s also one of the best.

Drop by with your camera to start a one-of-a-kind vacation scrapbook.

Address: 12580 Rott Rd, St. Louis, MO 63127, United States

20. Highway 76 Strip

Blayne Downs / Shutterstock

Located in Branson , Missouri, the Highway 76 Strip is one of the best places to visit to get your groove on.

It’s home to dozens of clubs, studios, theaters and dance halls, including famous tourist attractions like Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.

There’s other entertainment to be enjoyed, too.

You can dine on everything from trendy salads to thick, gourmet cuts of steak, and there are also shops, museums, hotels and more.

The main draw of the Strip is definitely its music scene, however.

Whether you’re interested in a top-tapping concert at the Grand Country Music Hall or a wild and wacky adventure at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, the Grand Country Music Hall is a must see destination when you’re in Missouri.

21. Elephant Rocks State Park

Brian Doty / Shutterstock

The gigantic boulders of Elephant Rocks State Park are some of the most impressive sights in Missouri.

In addition to their size, they’re also a rosy pink color, which is where they get their nickname.

They can look a lot like circus elephants when you squint!

Natural trails will let you explore all of the rocks at length.

In an impressive first, the trails are accessible to all travelers, including those with disabilities.

One is actually named the “Braille Trail” for its use of braille on signposts.

Other places to visit include “The Maze,” a series of scattershot rocks that will require a strong sense of direction to navigate, and “Fat Man’s Squeeze,” a gap between two boulders that’s narrow enough to be quite the crunch.

All things considered, Elephant Rocks State Park is one of the most fun things to do in Missouri.

The landscapes are unique; the attractions are accessible for everyone.

Why wouldn’t you want to visit?

Address: 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, United States

22. Activity and Recreation Center

ARC (Activity & Recreation Center)

You’re in Missouri.

You’re eating your weight in barbecue and cole slaw.

Are you wondering what to do to burn off some calories?

Consider a trip to the Activity and Recreation Center (ARC) of Columbia .

Covering more than 73,000 square feet, it’s a massive space with everything from pools to gyms to indoor tracks, so it’ll be more than suitable for anyone who wants to work up a sweat.

Do you like sports?

Join a friendly game at the basketball, volleyball or pickleball courts.

Are you serious about your weekly workout?

Hit the cardio or weight training rooms.

Do you like to swim?

Enjoy the pools, slides, vortexes, lazy rivers and lap lanes of the aquatic floor.

The Activity and Recreation Center of Columbia, Missouri is a must do for folks who want to stay active while on vacation.

There’s never an excuse for skipping leg day, right?

Address: 1701 W Ash St, Columbia, MO 65203, United States

23. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Ben Stults / Shutterstock

Located near the small town of Camdenton, Missouri, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is named for the natural springs located on the grounds of its ruined castle.

“Ha ha tonka” translates to “smiling waters.”

You might not expect Missouri to have ruined castles, but that’s exactly why the park is so popular.

It’s one of the most unique places to visit in the state!

The landscape is filled with fun and unusual features, including caves, sinkholes, bluffs and overgrown woods.

Another nice thing about the park is that it’s located near the Lakes of the Ozark, so if you’re interested in normal summertime activities like swimming and camping, those are an option as well.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a must see destination when you’re in Missouri.

Between its caves and its castles, it has so many cool things to do that you won’t want to miss it.

Address: 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020, United States

24. Missouri State Capitol Building

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With its gigantic white dome flanked by towers, columns and archways, you can be forgiven for thinking that the Missouri State Capitol Building is a piece of Roman architecture rather than a government building.

It’s a real workplace, however, and it’s one of the major places of interest in the state.

Tours are available for anyone who wants to wander the plushly-carpeted halls and admire the winding staircases and heavy bronze doors.

You can also view a sizable collection of artwork on loan from the Missouri State Museum.

Statuary is everywhere, including on top of the dome; a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, towers more than 235 feet above the skyline.

She’s often one of the first things that people see when they enter the city.

Whether you’re interested in art, culture, history or government, the Missouri State Capitol Building can be a fun day trip for some unusual site seeing.

You don’t even need a reservation, so feel free to drop by at any time!

Address: 201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101, United States

25. Lake Taneycomo

steve palmer 1962 / Shutterstock

Lake Taneycomo is one of the nicest places to vacation in Missouri.

With its deep blue waters surrounded by misty forests, it’s very picturesque, and it’ll make an ideal destination for couples, families and travelers of all types.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go swimming, boating or water skiing.

Nature lovers can wander the trails and picnic in the parks.

Lovers can hold hands under shaded tree groves; kids can run around like crazy in open fields.

You can also rent cabins along the coastline if you want to wake up to the sounds of the waves.

Another possibility is camping or renting an RV to take into the woods.

Maybe you’re a honeymooner looking for romantic spots in Missouri.

Maybe you’re an overworked career professional who just wants to “get away from it all” for awhile.

Either way, a visit to Lake Taneycomo can relax your body and soothe your spirits, so it’s a must do for anyone who desires tranquility on their trip.

26. Boulevard Brewing Company

Boulevard Brewing Company

Do you like beer?

Are you looking for free things to do in Missouri?

Enjoy the best of both worlds with a tour of the Boulevard Brewing Company .

Located in Kansas City, Missouri, the Boulevard Brewing Company is a place where alcohol is turned into an art form.

Its brewers have been toiling for decades to perfect their craft, and rather than locking away their secrets, they’ve opened their doors to anyone who’s curious about their process.

Take a tour of the factory.

Sample different brews.

Visit the “Beer Hall” and marvel at more than 100,000 square feet of taps.

Some activities do require a paid ticket, but most are free.

You just have to reserve your spot in advance.

If you’re thinking about what to see in Missouri that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, schedule a tour at the Boulevard Brewing Company.

It’ll be so much fun that you won’t believe it’s free!

Address: 2501 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

27. Hannibal

Photos BrianScantlebury / Shutterstock

Hannibal isn’t just a character played by Sir Anthony Hopkins.

It’s also a town in Missouri, and though it lacks the grand, flashy tourist attractions of the big cities, it’s a great place to spend the weekend.

Part of its appeal comes from its down-home Midwestern charm.

The city is nicknamed “America’s hometown,” and it takes the moniker seriously.

The locals are friendly; the servers in the old-fashioned diners will remember your name.

Many of the shops are mom-and-pop establishments with deep roots in the community.

As for things to see, you can visit the homes of author Mark Twain or Titanic survivor Molly Brown.

There are also parks, caves, trails, lighthouses and other scenic points of interest.

If you’re looking for nice places to stay this weekend, consider a stop in Hannibal, Missouri.

It’s highly accommodating to visitors, and it’ll give you a taste of the real Missouri while you’re there.

28. J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain

While not the biggest or wildest of Missouri attractions, the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain is worth a visit if you’re in Kansas City.

Not only is it a great place for photo ops, but it’s also centrally located to help you explore the rest of the city.

The fountain itself is a collection of marble sculptures that shoot water jets into a central pool.

There are bucking horses; there are children riding dragons; there are scowling bears with their paws extended for a swipe.

At night, the city illuminates the fountain with bedazzling lights and colors.

When you’re done snapping selfies with the dragons, hit the sidewalks of Kansas City.

There are lots of fun places to see, including malls, museums, bars, pubs and performance halls.

Did we mention that a visit to the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain is free?

You won’t have to pay a dime.

If you’re wondering what to do in Kansas City when you’re on a budget, this fountain is a great idea.

Address: 47th Mill Creek Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64111, United States

29. Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium

CameliaTWU / flickr

If you’re looking for cool places in Missouri, it’s hard to beat the glass tunnels of Sea Life Kansas City .

You won’t just peer into fish tanks; you’ll actually walk underwater through ghostly, blue-colored corridors with all kinds of brilliant sea life swimming overhead.

Live feedings are open to the public if you want to see sharks and stingrays gobble up their lunches.

If you enjoy hands-on interaction with the animals, there’s a touch pool where you can feel the slippery backs of sea jellies and the sticky surfaces of anemones.

There are also countless displays, exhibits and information stands where you can learn more about the animals that you’re seeing.

Sea Life Kansas City is one of the most delightful places to visit in Missouri.

Kids will love it, and adults will feel like kids again as they marvel at all of the wonders of the deep.

Book your tickets today, and you could be petting a sea urchin as soon as this weekend!

Address: 2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

30. Missouri State Penitentiary

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

A prison might not be at the top of your list of tourist attractions, but if you’re looking for unique things to do on your vacation, the Missouri State Penitentiary can provide a rare glimpse into a little-known world.

The prison itself is a maximum security facility that was built in 1836.

It shut down a few years ago, which is why it’s available for tours today, but it still retains a heavy atmosphere that befits its gruesome legacy.

Inmates were executed here.

The gas chambers were used multiple times.

Inmates were also killed during riots, escape attempts and interpersonal conflicts.

In short, there’s a lot of history within the walls of the Missouri State Penitentiary.

You can learn all about it by visiting the museum across the street from the prison, or you can arrange for a tour of the prison itself.

Just make sure that you’re emotionally ready for it!

Address: 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, United States

31. Alley Mill and Spring

Steven Schremp / Shutterstock

You won’t find the Alley Mill and Spring in a lot of Missouri travel guides.

It’s a little-known spot located a few miles outside of the nearest city, and it doesn’t offer the flashy trappings of famous tourist attractions.

If you’re looking for authenticity, however, the Alley Mill and Spring has it in spades.

It’s a real gristmill that operated for years to provide Missouri residents with grain, and its springs were a popular place for swimming in colonial times.

At various points in history, it also served as a home, farm, schoolhouse and gathering place for the community.

Today, you can take tours of this iconic, red-colored mill, and you can explore the grounds around it to take some really beautiful pictures.

It’s particularly striking in the fall when the leaves scatter across the water, but it’s open during all seasons.

The Alley Mill and Spring is one of the nicest places to go in Missouri.

If you want to see what life was really like for Midwesterners at the turn of the century, this is a prime destination to get a little taste of history.

Address: Eminence, MO 65466, United States

32. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Lilith Munck / Shutterstock

Missouri is no stranger to state parks, but Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is special.

The “shut-in” part of its name refers to the fact that its hard rock formations are resistant to erosion, so they form pools, tides and natural springs that are amazingly beautiful.

Some people go to the park just for sightseeing.

Others don their swimming trunks and take a dip when the water levels aren’t too high.

It’s allowed; you just have to be careful.

When you’re done in the water, shake yourself off and go for a hike along one of the many nature trails around the park, or set up a tent and spend a night under the stars.

If you know how to rock climb, you can also scale the cliffs to reach observation decks that overlook miles and miles of scenery.

If you’re wondering what to do in Missouri that’s different from the usual tourist attractions, you’ll love Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.

Its unique geology will make an unforgettable vacation destination for all.

Address: 148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656, United States

33. Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor

If you’ve always wanted to kick your heels at a high-topped counter while licking at a strawberry ice cream cone, this is your chance to make all of your 1950s visions come true!

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor is a candy shop in Arcadia, Missouri that offers dazzlingly colorful displays of sweet treats.

Some are frozen, including their famous ice creams and malts; others are warm and freshly-baked, including their breads, cookies and cinnamon rolls.

Visitors can pull up a chair in the bright, clean dining areas, or they can wander the walls stuffed with jars, bags and candy boxes to see if there’s anything that they’d like to take home.

The ambiance is just as awesome as the sweets, so it’ll be a fun experience either way.

Porter’s Candy World and Ice Cream Parlor is one of those Missouri attractions that you won’t want to miss.

It’s a small destination in a small town, but that just adds to its charm.

As a bonus, its goodies are genuinely delicious!

Address: 211 south College St, Arcadia, MO 63621, United States

34. Heartland Harvest Garden

Heartland Harvest Garden

If you’re looking for educational opportunities in Missouri, consider a trip to the Heartland Harvest Garden .

It’ll take you and the kids on a fun, informative journey through agricultural practices in Midwestern farmlands.

One of the coolest things to see at the garden is the vineyard.

Its grapes and blueberries are grown on beautiful, storybook vines surrounded by green fields in every direction.

Another great attraction is the “Seed to Plate” greenhouse that follows every step of the planting, growing, harvesting and cooking process; you’ll learn a lot even as your stomach rumbles.

Other features of the garden include barns, gardens, silos and similar agricultural staples.

There are even fun things like an Apple Cider Court!

The Heartland Harvest Garden calls itself an “edible landscape” where every flower, tree, bush and shrub has a story to tell.

If you’re intrigued by the thought, pack up the family and take a tour of the grounds and greenhouses.

It’ll be an educational experience for everyone!

Address: 1609 NW US Hwy 50, Kingsville, MO 64061, United States

35. Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park

The Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park is one of the most fun things to do in Missouri.

On top of offering all sorts of fun, family-friendly activities, it’s also host to seasonal events that are famous for their festive spirit!

The year-round attractions at the park are the outdoor activities.

There’s a zipline and a rope course; there’s an area for off-roading in an ATV; there’s an observation deck with incredible views at the top.

You can also take in historical re-enactments at the old-fashioned villages or musical performances and puppet shows at the theater.

When the holidays roll around, the activity roster is even more packed.

The “Trail of Lights” offers a scenic drive through thousands of twinkling lights, and there’s always a Santa Claus on site to hear the requests of good little boys and girls.

If you’re looking for ways to enjoy yourself in Missouri, check out the Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park.

No matter when you’re traveling to the Show Me State, it’ll have something interesting for you to do.

Address: 5583 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, United States

36. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Jordan Schaefer / Shutterstock

Missouri is one of the most beautiful states in the US, and when you’re walking under a canopy of red-and-yellow leaves in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park , you’ll feel like you’re traveling through a postcard.

There are stone bridges over babbling brooks; there are waterfalls cascading down stone cliffs; there are prairies filled with wildflowers.

It’s definitely one of the most scenic places in the state.

Activities range from leisurely strolls around the ponds to epic horseback rides through the open fields.

You can take the whole family and go camping; you can rent a cabin for a honeymoon or work retreat.

There’s also a tram tour if you don’t want to spend all day on your feet.

Consider a trip to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park if you’re looking for amazing sites to see in Missouri.

Between its landscapes and its activity rosters, it’ll provide plenty of entertainment for your vacation.

Address: 2038 West, State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO 65681, United States

37. Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure

You’ve heard of butterfly houses.

Have you ever visited a butterfly palace?

The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure is an incredible destination where you can cover yourself in butterflies from head to toe.

The aviary has colorful species from all around the world, so whether you’re interested in handling exotic insects or learning to recognize common, everyday butterflies, this place has you covered.

There’s other cool stuff to do as well.

You can pet snakes in a science center; you can undertake a “tree adventure” through a labyrinth of hanging vines; you can twist yourself in circles in a mirror maze.

Offering all kinds of fun, family-friendly entertainment, the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure will provide an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

It’s easily one of the best trips to take in Missouri, so you’ll be in the area, buy a ticket and prepare for an amazing time!

Address: 4106 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616, United States

38. Welch Spring Hospital Ruin

Sandra Sapp / Shutterstock

Nestled in the woodlands of Missouri, the Welch Spring Hospital Ruin is one of those hidden places that you won’t find in a lot of travel guides.

It’s quiet and remote, and it doesn’t even have an exact address; you just have to set out from a nearby trail and head in the right direction.

The ruins themselves are the remains of a building purchased by a doctor in 1913.

He called it a hospital, but it was really more like a health spa; he believed that the natural springs would have healing properties for his patients.

Unfortunately, those patients never materialized, and the doctor died without passing on the property to anyone.

It was left to deteriorate in the wilderness.

Today, the Welch Spring Hospital Ruin is a crumbling, vine-covered building that makes for a nice sightseeing spot.

You can hike, bike or even canoe to it.

It might not heal you, but it’ll be fun to explore.

Address: Jadwin, MO 65501, United States

39. Saint Louis Zoo

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With more than 13,000 critters, the Saint Louis Zoo is one of the best places to go for animal lovers.

It’s also a favorite of budgeters and penny pinchers since admission is free!

That’s right: You can enjoy everything that the Saint Louis Zoo has to offer without paying a dime.

It’s funded through a cultural subsidy granted by the state of Missouri, so you can laugh at the lemurs, gawk at the geckos and marvel at the monarchs without ever reaching for your wallet.

Other attractions at the Saint Louis Zoo include aquariums, butterfly gardens, reptile houses, bird aviaries and “touch pools” for marine life.

You can ride a trolley throughout the park; you can hop aboard an old-fashioned, hand-painted wooden carousel.

There’s a lot of fun to be had at the Saint Louis Zoo.

As a bonus, the experience won’t cost you anything but time.

If you’re looking for free things to do in Missouri, this should be one of your top picks!

Address: 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States

40. Noir Arts and Oddities

Noir Arts and Oddities

You’ve never seen an antique shop quite like this one.

Rather than selling grandma’s jewelry and embroidery, it sells things like skulls, coffins, porcelain dolls, weird medical devices and eerie scientific specimens in jars.

That’s the way of Noir Arts and Oddities , a location that specializes in the macabre.

Its shelves are filled with everything from snake oil tonics to iron-wrought mirrors that are said to be cursed.

Nothing is too strange for this little shop.

You don’t have to buy anything to explore it.

The owner welcomes anyone who’s interested in the strange and the unusual, and she’ll often chat with visitors and share stories about the more grisly items that she’s highlighting at the time.

A visit to Noir Arts and Oddities will be unlike anything else that you do in Missouri.

If you have the stomach for it, however, it’ll also be one of the most memorable.

Address: 1101 Mulberry St, Kansas City, MO 64101, United States

41. National Museum of Toys and Miniatures

The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures is one of the best places to visit for folks who have never grown up.

It boasts more than 72,000 objects in total, and they include dolls, instruments, puzzles, model trains, board games, stuffed animals and more.

Some of the toys can be played with, so if you want to fly a colorful hang glider or walk the dog with an old-fashioned yo-yo, those are distinct possibilities.

Other toys are so old or valuable that they’re hidden behind glass, but you can still admire them, and you can learn their history through helpful museum exhibits.

If you want to rediscover a little of the delight and wonder of childhood, plan a visit to the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures.

If you’re able to walk by a 1800s Victorian dollhouse without fiddling with it, you’ll be a stronger person than most!

Address: 5235 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Missouri

These are just a few of the best things to do in Missouri.

Whether you’re looking for major points of interest or hidden gems that are only known to locals, this list should give you some idea of the fun that can be had in the Show Me State.

Happy travels!

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Planning a trip to Missouri? Here are some suggestions.

A Weekend Getaway to Kansas City

Rhine and shine: take a trip to hermann, a weekend getaway to washington and augusta, fort leonard wood graduation, a weekend getaway to cape girardeau, a weekend getaway to lake of the ozarks, a weekend getaway to boonville and rocheport, a weekend getaway to carthage and joplin, a weekend getaway to chillicothe and beyond, a weekend getaway to ste. genevieve, a weekend getaway in columbia, a weekend getaway to excelsior springs.

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Plan a Missouri Day trip to see Missouri like you have never seen it before. With so many things to do in Missouri, it can be hard to decide what to do for the day. See our comprehensive guide to day trips in Missouri. 

Enjoy a relaxing Day Spa trip in Missouri on your next day off to relax and relieve stress from the normal workday. Find a day spa in MO and take a well deserved trip!

The best day trips are here in Missouri. This is a great activity to do on your day off. Bring your family and friends along. Listed below is a guide of our best day trips out of Missouri.

Missouri has amazing day trips that you can take the children on. Your children will enjoy their time down the road. Let our list help you find the best day trips to take your children on.

Take the kids for an educational day trip in Missouri. They can learn as they have fun on your next family trip. See our list of educational trip ideas in MO to find the coolest educational places to take the kids.

Go on a romantic getaway in Missouri with your honey for a special night. The state has a great selection of places for a romantic day trip in MO. See our entire list of the best romantic day trips in Missouri.

You can create memories with your family today! Instead of staying in for the winter time, invite over your friends and family to plan activities that you can enjoy throughout the season. Read through our list for the best winter day trips.

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10 Best Float Trips in Missouri for Beautiful Views and Clear Waters

These scenic float trips in Missouri are perfect for a serene day trip or a days-long excursion.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

When it comes to choosing an outdoor adventure in their home state, Missourians are especially lucky. The Show-Me State is brimming with natural beauty — from caverns and mountains to rivers and waterfalls — and one of the best ways to get amongst it on a hot summer's day is with a float trip, a classic Midwestern warm-weather pastime.

A float trip is exactly as it sounds: You float down a river atop a tube, raft, kayak, or canoe, enjoying the scenery and perhaps knocking back a few beverages along the way (make sure you familiarize yourself with the law before bringing booze onboard, though). There are group float trips — generally alcohol-free — facilitated by outfitters that provide guidance and materials, or you can opt to do it yourself if you're willing to do some planning (the route, plus entry and exit points). Whichever way you decide to float, you won't want to put in without a swimsuit and water shoes, plenty of sun protection (including sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats), a quality life jacket, and a cooler loaded with water and snacks.

With countless miles of waterways across Missouri, there are options for any kind of outing, from easy day trips from St. Louis, Springfield, and Kansas City to more out-of-the-way rivers and streams. Here are 10 of the best destinations for a Missouri float trip.

1. Meramec River

The Meramec River snakes around Central Missouri, running along the outskirts of the Mark Twain National Forest and through Meramec State Park , flowing towards St. Louis, around where it joins the Mississippi River. There are a number of outfitters offering float trips on this scenic, forest-flanked waterway — Ozark Outdoors Resort , Meramec Caverns , and Old Cove Canoe and Kayak , among others — and some are just an hour's drive from St. Louis. Known for its "river resorts," Meramec is also perfect for groups in the market for a weekend-long float party. Camp out in the state park or consider reserving a cozy cabin right on the river.

2. Niangua River

scgerding/Getty Images

Though it's best known as a fishing hotspot teeming with trout, bass, and catfish, the Niangua River in south and central Missouri is highly float-worthy and bursting with the natural splendor of the Ozarks. Tour companies like Riverfront Campground and Canoe , Niangua River Oasis , and Adventures Float Trips rent out equipment and facilitate trips of varying lengths on the Niangua. Along the river is nothing but untouched nature, so make sure to bring everything you need and go with a plan. The cabins and camping at Riverfront Campground, an hour outside of Springfield, make it possible to plan a whole weekend around floating.

3. Big Piney River

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The 110-mile-long Big Piney River runs through the Mark Twain National Forest, a vast (1.5 million-acre) patch of protected land stretching across the Ozark Highlands and beyond. Its central location makes it easily accessible from any part of the state, and floaters are guaranteed not to be disappointed by the wild scenery. If you plan to float the national forest section, however, you'll be going it alone as outfitters are not authorized to operate there. The U.S. Forest Service recommends entry and exit at the following access points: Bookers Bend, Crossroads Access, East Gate, and the Slabtown Recreation Area. If you're more interested in an organized trip, you can find that on other parts of the river. BSC Outdoors runs float trips on the Big Piney and conjoined Gasconade rivers from Dixon.

4. Beaver Creek

This quiet and gentle tributary of the White River is great for longer excursions due to its gentle and consistent gradient. Like Big Piney, Beaver Creek also runs through part of the Mark Twain National Forest and is popular for fishing. Self-organized float trips "should start in the Bradleyville area or below," the Missouri Canoe and Floaters Association says, "unless you want to wade or fish." Beaver Creek Campground , a seven-minute drive from Bradleyville, offers rentals and a shuttle service that will take you and your equipment anywhere along the creek.

5. James River

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The James River is a close option for those in Springfield. Although it once had a reputation for being dirty, the James River Basin Partnership has worked in recent years to clean up the waterway and make it a solid option for float trips again. Start your float at the Joe Crighton Access and follow the James River Water Trail to the Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse. Otherwise, go further south to rent equipment from James River Outfitters in Galena, which offers boats, shuttles, and camping accommodations.

6. Current River

The National Rivers Project , part of the River Management Society, calls Current River and Jacks Fork "two of the finest floating rivers you'll find anywhere." The Current flows from Montauk State Park and terminates in northeastern Arkansas. Paddlers can put in at The Landing in Van Buren, a lodge and raft outfitter that burned down in 2021 but has continued to facilitate floats along the Current River. The Landing will even kit you out for a multi-day expedition lasting up to five nights.

7. Jacks Fork River

Eifel Kreutz/Getty Images

This Missouri river is part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways system. Its clear waters are surrounded by cliffs, making for a picturesque trip, but water levels vary depending on the time of year. One outfitter, Two Rivers Canoe Rental , recommends the 14-mile float from Alley Springs to Two Rivers as a year-round option. Anything above Alley Springs, it says, is for the more experienced. You can use Two Rivers for everything you need — rentals, shuttles, camping, groceries — on a Jacks Fork River float.

8. Gasconade River

Robert Charity/Getty Images

This central Missouri river is hundreds of miles long, making it optimal both for a short day trip or a multi-day journey. You can even do a link-up of the Gasconade River and Big Piney — the two join together north of Devils Elbow — with BSC Outdoors ' three- to eight-mile excursions. For longer trips on the Gasconade only, the outfitter offers a multi-day, 14-mile float from the Riddle Bridge access point. The route goes past the Gasconade Hills Conservation Area.

9. North Fork of the White River

Another great option for a Missouri float trip, the North Fork of the White River has mostly calm waters — and its abundance of trout also makes it an ideal spot for fishing. The Missouri Canoe and Floaters Association says the stretch from Dora to Norfork Lake (across the Arkansas border) is almost always floatable. Some of the lower reaches, however, can get "sporty." Sunburst Ranch offers camping and a range of float trips along this picturesque river, the most popular being the five- to seven-hour float from Hammond Mill.

10. Huzzah and Courtois Creeks

These two creeks flow nearly side-by-side in the same region before joining the larger Meramec River. Both Huzzah and Courtois are beautiful and popular among the local paddlers, but their depths (and temperatures) can change drastically depending on the season, so be sure to check the conditions with a local outfitter before you go. Ozark Outdoors Resort in Leasburg is a trusted tour company running five- and 10-mile trips on Courtois Creek and four-, 10-, and 14-milers on Huzzah Creek. After a long day on the water, you can relax with a beverage and live music (Fridays and Saturdays) at the on-site Paddlers Bar and Grill.

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Missouri wine country, historic saint charles, springfield, illinois, underground wonders.

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Every Road Leads to a Whole New World

St. Louis has enough amazing stuff to do to keep you busy for days, but if you’re looking to take a relaxing drive and venture beyond the city, check out these day trips. They’re closer than you think!

Just a short drive from the Gateway Arch, you can explore Missouri’s historic wine country, hike through hidden caverns, immerse yourself in French colonial heritage and much more.

These unique and exciting day trips make it easy to extend your St. Louis getaway and immerse yourself in the heart of America.

Mark Twain’s Hannibal

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Small Town Getaways

We've rounded up nine of our favorite nearby small towns that offer big fun without extensive travel. Pack an overnight bag and see what area towns have to offer for a weekend getaway.

By Katie Pollock Estes

JUMP TO A TOWN

A vacation doesn't have to include a beach, a big city or an international flight. Southwest Missouri is uniquely situated within driving distance of numerous small towns that offer big fun. We chose nine of our very favorites—each one with its own personality. Throw this issue in your overnight bag and hit the road. Your next big (little) adventure awaits.

Come for the chicken, stay for the shopping.

Between the town’s tasty summer festival  and its Main Street lined with quaint shops, there are plenty of ways to have fun during a  day away in Crane.

YEAR FOUNDED 1895  |  POPULATION 1,462   |    DRIVE TIME 45 minutes southwest of Springfield  |  BEST TIME TO GO  August, for the Crane Broiler Festival  |  CLAIM TO FAME  The town is named for Crane Creek, which is known for its brightly red-banded rainbow trout that are particularly challenging to catch

Pop into The Classey Corner Cafe for a handmade malt or milkshake. The shop was Crane’s original drugstore—soda fountain and all. The owner says many people still come in reminiscing about their first date sharing a Coke.

Think choosing a dessert is a cakewalk? Think again. In flavors like banana split, blueberry, chocolate silk, strawberry and chocolate raspberry, the handmade pies at The Classey Corner make it hard to pick just one.

There’s a festival for everything, and that includes chickens. They’re the centerpiece of the annual Crane Broiler Festival . While plates of barbecued cluckers are the culinary draw, this sweet small-town festival also features spinning carnival rides, live music, the Slick Chick Pageant and lots of steamy summertime fun. There’s still time to plan to attend this year’s tasty fest; it takes place August 22 to 25.

Even if you don’t visit for the festival in August, Crane will feed you something delish. At The Classey Corner (202 Main St.) flea market and cafe, desserts are in no short supply as luscious cakes and creamy pies line the bakery counter. You can’t miss the kitschy decor that’s heavy on Coca-Cola memorabilia. A few steps away at Hickory Grove Cafe (206 Main St.) , it’s all about hearty fare like burgers, nachos and chicken wings—and more pies.

Quirky sights like train cars and the main draw, barbecue chicken, will have you clucking for joy at the Crane Broiler Festival.

With its charming cafes and small-town shopping opportunities, Crane is one sweet little spot.

After lunch, you can find numerous opportunities to shop for antiques and other boutique finds. The Velvet Moose is a favorite. Other shops worth exploring include Peddler’s Junction Flea Market & Decor , Main Street American Shop , Primitive Merchants , Bodacious Boutique for women’s clothing and Frank Flea Market . Each with its own personality.

BEST PLACE TO INSTAGRAM IN CRANE

Snap a pic in front of the welcome sign as you enter town . The sign claims Crane is the “Neatest little town  in Missouri.”

Photo by Brandon Alms

BENTONVILLE

The most charming little square around.

The town square in Bentonville is as cool as it is quaint, and it has enough dining and shopping within walking distance to fill a weekend.

YEAR FOUNDED 1837  |  POPULATION 35,301  |  DRIVE TIME 2 hours southwest of Springfield  |  BEST TIME TO GO  Now through July 28 for Julie Blackmon’s  “Midwest Materials” pop-up show on the Bentonville square   |  CLAIM TO FAME  Walmart’s corporate office is in Bentonville, and you can dine at the Spark Cafe while you explore the town’s Walmart Museum

Bentonville, the biggest little town on our list, is impressively picturesque. Its wide and well landscaped town square is always bustling, and it’s surrounded by more delicious dining and fun shopping than you could possibly try during one trip. Start the day with a drink at Onyx Coffee Lab —your social media accounts will thank you because everything there is photo-worthy enough to up your Instagram cred. 

Then shop at the oh-so-sweet Rollie Pollie  to pet Luna, the resident Great Dane, and pick out a present for your kids—whom you probably left at home. (Did we mention Bentonville is a great date getaway?) If kids products aren’t your thing, then just put on your walking shoes and explore because the square has plenty of clothing and gift boutiques as well.

While you’re at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, spot pieces like Big Red Lens.

Experience java nirvana at Onyx Coffee Lab.

When you get hungry again, dine at one of the many nearby walkable eateries. Like Oven & Tap , which offers simple-but-creative meals cooked in a 1,000-degree wood-fired oven. Or The Preacher’s Son , a rustic fine dining restaurant located inside a beautiful former Gothic Revivalist church.

You can venture off the square, too, though! Hop in your car, and drive straight to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art , where you can explore incredible exhibits both inside the building and out. The museum is surrounded by walking trails dotted with eye-catching sculptures. (Bonus: Eleven, the museum’s restaurant, is fantastic.) Architecture buffs will love this place. The museum itself is stunning, but the Bachman-Wilson house—a Usonian home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright—sits on the property. Reserve a spot on one of the guided tours of the home; it’s fascinating.

When you’re ready to wind down, it’s back to the square you go. Two great lodging options within walking distance of the town center are 21c Museum Hotel and The Henry . 21C is a worthy destination even if you aren’t sleeping there. The hotel’s public spaces are filled with ever-changing galleries of modern art. If all that wandering has worked up your appetite, the on-site restaurant, The Hive, offers a delicious menu. Of the two lodging options, the Henry is homier; the darling A-frame cottage with soaring ceilings and modern farmhouse decor is available through Airbnb. Get some rest, then explore some more the next day. This is a two-day getaway for sure.

BEST PLACE TO INSTAGRAM IN BENTONVILLE

In front of Big Blue , the giant octopus mural at 2910 S. Walton Ave .

Photo by Courtney Boyett, @boyetcou

LITTLE BIG TOWNS

Sometimes a town only feels small. These are three of our favorites.

ST. CHARLES discoverstcharles.com

1. Pop into shops along the darling cobbled  Main Street in downtown St. Charles.

2. Learn about two trailblazers at the Lewis &  Clark Boat House and Museum.

3. Tour the home of legendary frontiersman and explorer Daniel Boone.

COLUMBIA visitcolumbiamo.com

1. Explore Mizzou’s campus—and be sure to snap  a pic in front of The Columns. 

2. Grab a hot-and-tasty slice from  Shakespeare’s Pizza .

3. Trek the boardwalk and peek into Connor’s  Cave at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

JEFFERSON CITY visitjeffersoncity.com

1. Indulge in a sundae with at least three scoops at Central Dairy ice cream parlor.

2. Satisfy your civic curiosity with a visit to the Missouri State Capitol.

3. Tour the supposedly haunted and definitely historical Missouri State Penitentiary , which was open from 1836 to 2004.  

REEDS SPRING

The little town that rocks.

Live music and delicious food draw visitors to this tiny stop on the way to the lake.

YEAR FOUNDED 1947  |   POPULATION 913  |   DRIVE TIME 50 minutes south of Springfield  |   BEST TIME TO GO  June, for the Rock House Music Festival  |   CLAIM TO FAME  Reeds Spring resident Joe Gunn was kidnapped by Bonnie and Clyde

The tiny town of Reeds Spring is the perfect Friday stopover on your way to Table Rock Lake. Start your exploration with a meal and end it with a concert before continuing your lakeward journey. There are a couple of tasty dinner spots in town. Reeds Spring Pizza Co.  satisfies pie fans, and offers creative combos, like the Galline pizza’s basil pesto, grilled chicken and cashews. Longtime favorite Papouli’s (725 E. Highway 248) is known for Greek favorites like saganaki—flaming cheese!—and some seriously enormous filet mignon kabobs.

When you’re sufficiently stuffed, visit The Rock House Center for the Arts , which hosts local bands for a great—and perhaps surprising—live music experience. There’s even a bigger annual event: This year, the Rock House Music Festival was on June 2 and featured Big Smith and six other bands.

After the show, how about some ice cream? As you drive down Main Street, look for the black-and-white checkered building with picnic tables out front. That’s Pop’s Dari Dell (22527 Main St.) , which bills itself as “Home of the Twist.” That’s a cake cone topped with a towering dollop of soft serve ice cream rippled with a fruit-flavored syrup of your choosing.

BEST PLACE TO INSTAGRAM IN REEDS SPRING

At Pop's Dari Dell , with an ice cream cone as tall as your head.

Photo by Lanae Ursino, @lanaeursino

A sweet stop on the trail.

This little river town is the ideal stop for outdoors enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

YEAR FOUNDED 1817  |  POPULATION 8,319  |  DRIVE TIME 3 hours north of Springfield  |  BEST TIME TO GO October, to catch fall color before trail season ends  |  CLAIM TO FAME  Boonville gets its name from Daniel Morgan and Nathan Boone, although the “e” was dropped. Do those names sound familiar? They are the sons of Daniel Boone.

Tucked into a nook where the Katy Trail crosses the Missouri River, Boonville is a charming mid-Missouri stop. The town was the site of four Civil War battles, but its location along the MKT Railroad has been its lasting legacy, as the formation of the Katy Trail has helped preserve some of its sweetest elements. Take for instance the Katy Depot and Caboose. Built in 1912, it’s a beautiful Spanish Mission–style train depot that is now home to Champion Bicycles , where you can rent a bike to pedal about while you explore the trail. 

Including the depot, Boonville has more than 400 spots on the National Register of Historic Places. A self-guided walking tour takes you to places like the Roslyn Heights Mansion (Missouri’s Daughters of the American Revolution headquarters) and the Old Cooper County Jail. 

The Budweiser Clydesdales also call Boonville home at Warm Springs Ranch . The property has 300 picturesque acres and about 70 horses that you can visit on a guided tour.

Another beautifully preserved landmark is Hotel Frederick , which was built in 1905 and is a great place to stay and dine. Grab a meal at its Revival Restaurant & Lounge . 

BEST PLACE TO INSTAGRAM IN BOONVILLE

Right beside your newest equine friend at Warm Springs Ranch ( @warmspringsranch ). Ideally, you’ll get that perfect quirky Clydesdale photobomb.

Photo courtesy Warm Springs Ranch

A foodie's foray.

This I-44 stopover is all about tasty treats and outdoor fun.

YEAR FOUNDED 1860  |  POPULATION 4,216  |  DRIVE TIME 2 hours northeast of Springfield  |  BEST TIME TO GO Summer, when you can dip a toe into the cold spring water

Missouri Pizza Company

Just a Taste

Here's how to make the most out of your St. James experience in a single day:

9 a.m.  |   Firehouse Coffee House Start your busy St. James day at Firehouse Coffee House , where you can warm your mitts around a cup of joe. Too toasty? Try an iced latte or sweet smoothie instead.

10 a.m.   |   Maramec Spring Park The blue spring at Maramec Spring Park  churns out 100 million gallons of water every day. It’s surrounded by a picturesque and shady park with places to picnic, cast a line or just relax.

12 p.m.   |  Missouri Pizza Company If woodfired pizza is your thing, stop at Missouri Pizza Company  and unleash your inner carnivore with the five-meat MO’ Meats pie. Holy heart attacks, Batman!

2:30 p.m.   |   Just a Taste Budding wine enthusiasts can grab a post-lunch drink at Just a Taste . Its mission is to aid guests in sipping around to find their new favorite wine. Alternately, go for dinner and try the made-from-scratch pastas. 

4 p.m.  |   Forest City Mountain Bike Trail Work off your lunch at the 10-mile single-track Forest City Mountain Bike Trail . Its 1,065 feet of elevation are a challenge for beginners and dedicated cyclists alike.

Sybill's St. James

Public House Brewing Company

7 p.m.  |   Dinner at Sybill’s Sybill’s St. James  is housed in a picturesque, century-old farmhouse with a manicured lawn and Southern charm. The menu is huge, with luscious options like surf and turf pasta featuring seafood ravioli.

9 p.m.   |   Brews at Public House Round out your day in St. James by sampling locally made beer at Public House Brewing Company . If you’re still hungry, fill up on snacks like chewy soft pretzel bites or a platter of house-made pickles.

BEST PLACE TO INSTAGRAM IN ST. JAMES

In front of the scenic, rushing falls at Maramec Spring Park .

Photo by Tempest Tea

Step into the past.

The old-timey appeal of Billings means you can fill your day exploring salvage shops and flea markets all along the main drag.

YEAR FOUNDED 1872  |  POPULATION 1,035  |  DRIVE TIME 30 minutes southwest of Springfield  |  BEST TIME TO GO Late summer  |  CLAIM TO FAME  Billings gets its name from Frederick H. Billings, a railroad baron who donated money to a local church and was given a small town legacy in return

Billings sits in the northwest corner of Christian County’s panhandle, and everything about it just screams historical charm. There’s The Bank Tavern (128 E. Washington Ave.) , housed in—as you might be able to guess—a former bank. But it has been serving cold beer instead of cold, hard cash since 1933. 

And then there’s the shopping. Billings is a dream come true for people who love flea markets and shops filled with salvaged treasures, and there are numerous shops along the town’s main drag. Make sure you visit Pheona’s (103 W. Highway 60) . In addition to antiques, the shop offers new home decor and gift items. Whistle Stop Resale Shop (260 Northeast Highway 60) puts a twist on the antique mall formula by making the booths look like cute little town-square storefronts.

When hunger strikes, head to Los Girasoles (451 Southwest Highway 60) for some gigantic burritos and a few indulgent dips into the queso blanco. Los Girasoles means “the sunflowers,” so your Mexican meal might just get you in the mood for your next stop: a magic hour visit to Garbee Sunflower Field. It’s located on Highway 14 between Billings and Clever, and it’s a superb summertime photo op. Stop for a snap, but make sure you leave the flowers where they are; they’re not for picking.

End your day by heading about 15 minutes southwest to Aurora, where you can take in a movie at the Sunset Drive-In (1601 E. Church St., Aurora) before heading back to 2018.

BEST PLACE TO INSTAGRAM IN BILLINGS

Garbee Sunflower Field . It’s basically the holy grail of Instagram backgrounds (and insta-jealousy among your friends).

Photo by Debbie Ophoven

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Missouri (MO) » 15 Best Day Trips from St Louis

15 Best Day Trips from St Louis

A port city built along the bustling banks of the Mississippi river, St Louis was founded in 1764. It was named for Louis IX of France, as the first European settlers there were French fur traders.

There’s a substantial depth of history in St Louis, both from the early European settlers and the natives who came before, making it a fascinating spot for a trip.

Once you’ve seen the famous Gateway Arch, browsed the city’s many museums, and explored its brilliant botanical garden, it’s time to widen your gaze to the area beyond.

Here are the best day trips to be taken from St Louis :

1. Springfield, Illinois

The state capital of Illinois is easily reachable within the day from St Louis, and is a great option for a change of scene if you still want the city life.

A mere 90-minute drive and you’ll find yourself in a thriving city, whose attractions are centred on the most famous ex-resident: Abraham Lincoln.

The best of these is the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library, which has lots of interesting exhibitions and provides a chance to interact with the history of the period.

Aside from Lincoln, there’s more history to be had: Springfield also hosts the pretty Old State Capitol building.

2. Hannibal

Hannibal is on many St Louis lists because of its main claim to fame: it was the boyhood home of author Mark Twain.

This riverside town provided the inspiration for such classics as Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer – and therefore makes a great educational day trip.

In Hannibal you’ll have the chance to visit the novelist’s childhood home, as well as browsing the extensive museum dedicated to the author and his works.

And why not take a trip down the Mississippi river and relive the adventures of Huck himself?

3. Meramec Caverns

One of the most intriguing natural wonders around St Louis, the Meramec caverns are more than deserving of a mention on the list of best day trips.

Missouri is, after all, known as the cave state – and these caverns are far and away some of the best on offer.

Not only are they a stunning example of nature’s work, they are also the oldest attraction along Route 66, and have some interesting historical claims to fame.

Jesse James was rumoured to have used the caves as a hideout, and before that they are thought to have been used as shelter by Native Americans.

A highlight of the state’s wine country, Hermann is mainly known for its interesting German heritage – evidenced in the very German-sounding wineries like Hermannhof.

It was established in 1837 by – you guessed it – Germans, who had previously come from Philadelphia.

Located along the Missouri River, it’s a lovely place to spend some time enjoying your surroundings with a delicious glass of local wine, or perhaps taking a tour of one of the wineries.

There’s also often live music hosted on the outdoor terraces of the wineries, and if that’s not enough entertainment, you can always browse around the local shops.

5. The Katy trail

This beautiful cycling and walking track stretches for over 200 miles throughout the state, more or less following the path of the Missouri River.

Cycling the trail is a great option if you feel like getting out into nature and leaving the car behind for a while.

It’s a relatively easy ride due to its fairly flat terrain, and if you get tired there are plenty of options for a quick bite to eat along the way, as well as places to shop for souvenirs of your adventure.

The trail can be started from several different points, but Defiance and Augusta are the most likely options from St Louis.

6. Johnson’s Shut-Ins

An intriguing natural attraction in the surrounds of St Louis is Johnson’s Shut-Ins.

A park created by volcanic activity long ago, the river’s flow has created pools, rapids and waterfalls that make for fun exploration.

There are hiking trails alongside, or in the summer you might simply sit around by one of the crystalline swimming spots and take a dip.

There are plenty of picnic spots to make this a great family day out, and there’s an excellent visitors’ centre to make your trip that bit easier.

7. Road Trip Along the Great River Road

Often mentioned on lists of best road trips in the area, the Great River Road is surely one of the most aesthetically pleasing ways to spend your day away from St Louis.

Hugging the western border with Illinois, the road runs alongside the Mississippi River and provides some beautiful views out across the water.

There are also some excellent spots to stop at along the way, such as the town of Alton for some great, cheap eats, or the Pere Marquette State park for a chance to stretch your legs and perhaps spot some birds.

8. Shaw Nature Reserve

Located just 30 minutes outside of the city, nature abounds in Shaw Nature Reserve.

Over fourteen miles of trails you can experience a variety of different landscapes, from meadows to forests, as well as plenty of different fauna.

If walking isn’t your thing you can always take a ride on the Wilderness Wagon instead – or simply pack a picnic and find a nice spot in which to sit.

There are three different picnic areas in the park, plus a lovely outdoor classroom for the kids, with plenty of toys and equipment to keep them entertained.

9. Columbia

The home of the main campus of the University of Missouri, Columbia makes for a really fun day trip option.

Its downtown area has all the usual suspects of a student city: great restaurants, buzzing bars, and excellent shopping opportunities.

There are also quite a few good museums available in the town, two good examples of which include the George Caleb Bingham art gallery which hosts contemporary exhibitions, and the Museum of Art and Archaeology which covers a broader range of time periods.

10. Six Flags Theme Park, Eureka

It might not be the most cultural destination outside of St Louis, but sometimes all you need on your trip is a guilt-free day riding the roller coasters.

Six Flags is a chain with branches all over the US, so you’re guaranteed to have a very happy family at the end of a day here.

There are plenty of food options at the park, plus entertainment beyond the rides in the form of staff decked out as characters from Looney Tunes.

If you’re feeling the heat, you can also head into the on-site waterpark – the price of which is included in your ticket – for a fun splash around.

11. Diving in Bonne Terre Mine

The largest freshwater dive site in the USA is located just south of St Louis along Highway 67. French for ‘good earth’, the site used to be a functioning mine before being flooded.

It’s a fascinating underwater adventure, and divers can see the mine just as it was left: ore carts, picks, and locomotives all lying just as they were in 1961 when it was abandoned.

If you don’t dive, it’s still possible to experience the site above water, by taking a narrated tour around the underground rooms of the mines.

A boat ride is another option.

12. Ste. Genevieve

A gorgeous French-colonial town, Ste. Genevieve was actually the first permanent location for European settlers in Missouri.

Its French influence is much in evidence in the architecture around town, which makes wandering round the town more than pleasant.

Named after the patron saint of Paris, Ste. Genevieve has lots of entertaining diversions: you can take a tour of some of the historic houses, or visit a very French winery.

All in all, a trip to Ste. Genevieve feels like you’ve travelled back in time, rather than just an hour south of St Louis.

13. St. Charles

The historic charm of St. Charles, located around half an hour from St Louis, is hard to resist.

Make sure to visit its most important monument, the First State Capitol from 1821, of which you can take a tour.

The Capitol has been restored and decked out in the furnishings of the period, so it makes for a great interactive history lesson.

Then, of course, St. Charles is fully equipped with an excellent selection of restaurants, especially around Main Street, for after you’ve finished taking in the cultural sights.

14. Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Though a fair way from St Louis, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways are nonetheless worth a visit if you’ve exhausted the closer options.

This was the first national park area to protect a river system, and it’s easy to see why it was designated a protected area in 1964. There are two particularly famous rivers – the Jacks Fork River and Current River – which were the initial reason for the creation of the national park, but there are also heaps of other swimming spots, hikes, and historic sites in the area.

15. Washington

What better place to head on a day trip from St Louis than the town known for being the gateway to wine country? Washington sits on the Missouri River’s south bank, and aside from having more wineries nearby than you could possibly handle, it’s got great eating options, shopping, and even a historical society museum.

If you’re visiting in August, the options get even better: the annual Washington Town and Country Fair is a spectacular event for the whole family.

15 Best Day Trips from St Louis:

• Springfield, Illinois
• Meramec Caverns
• The Katy trail
• Johnson’s Shut-Ins
• Road Trip Along the Great River Road
• Shaw Nature Reserve
• Six Flags Theme Park, Eureka
• Diving in Bonne Terre Mine
• Ste. Genevieve
• St. Charles
• Ozark National Scenic Riverways

The 18 Best Day Trips From St. Louis for Every Style of Adventure

Visitors have been flocking to the Gateway to the West for years, but sometimes, you just need a quick getaway. Try one of these day trips from St. Louis!

St. Louis, Missouri is the gateway to the west and an excellent city for exploring. It is also perfectly situated for adventures in Missouri and Illinois. Day trips from St. Louis offer something for everyone, from getting lost in nature to exploring vibrant college towns, to getting your adrenaline pumping with high-flying experiences. 

Visitors have been flocking to St. Louis for years to see the famous Gateway Arch, meet the wildlife at St. Louis Zoo, and explore the quirky City Museum. You should definitely do all of the above! Spend a few days exploring St. Louis before considering a road trip. Once you have tackled the city, then hit the road for one of these amazing adventures!

Go on a scavenger hunt in St. Louis!

Before leaving town or while you make your way to your day trip destination, try one of our scavenger hunts ! We’ve created hundreds of adventures around the world , including several tours in St. Louis and the surrounding area. Our intuitive app will guide you through the wealth of attractions each city has to offer. Explore iconic buildings, museums, public art, and more while you compete with your travel companions to try to make it to the finish line first!

Day Trips From St. Louis

For a good day trip, we recommend keeping your Travel Time below 3 hours. You want to have plenty of time to enjoy your destination.

For this guide, we have estimated driving times using Google Maps with the Gateway Arch as our starting point. Travel Times may vary for you, depending on the day and hour you choose to travel. There may also be public transit options that would work better for you!

Day Trips From St. Louis for History Buffs

1. meramec caverns.

​Distance:  65.2 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 7 mins

“The Cave State” has no shortage of expansive caverns for nature lovers and adventurers to explore. The Meramec Caverns are not just natural wonders, but they are a thorough history lesson as well. The caves are located around 65 miles from St. Louis in the town of Stanton (near Sullivan). 

The caves are the famous hideout of outlaw Jesse James, and they were also reportedly used to hide refugees on the Underground Railroad. Several movies on the subjects have been filmed in the area too! The caves are the oldest attraction on Route 66 and were used as a shelter for several Native American tribes. 

Take a guided tour of the caverns, and then, visit the Jesse James Wax Museum for more info on the legendary life of one of America’s favorite outlaws. The area also offers riverboat cruises, gem mining, and great shopping and dining options in nearby Sullivan. 

2. Hannibal

​​Distance:  116.8 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 55 mins

Hannibal is famous as the boyhood home of legendary author Mark Twain. The region was the inspiration for both of his famous series, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. If you are familiar with the works, the stories come alive once you arrive in Hannibal, and it is easy to see how the stories may have unfolded.

Start with Mark Twain Museum and explore the life of the famous author. Nearby Mark Twain Cave Complex is fun to explore and is often featured in his writings. For an element of nostalgia, travel as Twain would have on a vintage riverboat cruise down the Mighty Mississippi River. 

Hannibal also has an antique trolley for sightseeing in the city. Make sure to hop off at the Rockcliffe Mansion , one of the best examples of Gilded Age architecture in Missouri. Then, step into the Hannibal History Museum for a thorough education on the area. 

Hannibal is also home to the Molly Brown Birthplace & Museum . “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” of Titanic famous was a Hannibal resident too. She was trying to get home on that tragic day in 1912. Molly is an interesting character, so make sure to stop by and learn about her incredible life! 

3. St. Charles

​​Distance:  27.3 miles

Travel Time: 30 mins

St. Charles is the oldest incorporated town in Missouri, founded in 1769. It was once the state capital, and you can still take a guided tour of the First Missouri State Capitol Historic Site. South Main Street is on the National Register of Historic Places and is full of frontier facades hiding over 100 boutiques, shops, small wineries, and cafes.

St. Charles has another claim to fame in American history as the departure point for the great Lewis & Clark expedition. Learn all about it at the Lewis & Clark Boat House & Museum. The museum is very interesting with life-size replicas of the expedition boats and a host of artifacts from their trips.  

Day Trips From St. Louis for Nature Lovers

4. elephant rocks state park.

​​Distance:  86.3 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Elephant Rocks State Park is a perfect day trip from St. Louis for nature lovers and rock climbers. Located just outside the Mark Twain National Forest , the park offers unique, elephantine rock formations. Take the Braille Trail , an easy and accessible trail for all! The trail meanders through the largest congregation of the amazing geological formations. Look closely at the rocks for the signature of old rock quarrymen. 

If you want to continue your exploration, take the veer-off trail that leads to the ruins of an old engine house . The area was once a busy rock quarry, and therefore it has a very old railroad history as well. If you still have energy, there are 1.5 million acres of Mark Twain National Forest just down the road.

5. Garden Of The Gods, Illinois

​Distance:  149.3 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs 33 mins

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is located in the Shawnee National Forest and offers all you would expect from a national forest. Garden of the Gods features 100-foot bluffs and gorgeous sandstone rock formations. It is one of the most photographed spots in the state!

We suggest taking the Observation Trail, which will give you a good view of the formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness . The trail is only 1/4 of a mile and will take about an hour, at a leisurely pace. It does contain steep parts and many steps. There are also much longer backpacker trails in the park, so if you are interested in a full-day or multi-day camping trip, make sure to stop by the visitor’s center and get a detailed map of the area trails.

6. Shaw Nature Reserve

​​Distance:  38.7 miles

Travel Time: 40 mins

Shaw Nature Reserve is a beautiful and relaxing day trip from Saint Louis. Visitors wander through 14 miles of trails that traverse meadows, wetlands, and forests, along the Meramec River. The park was founded in 1925 by the Missouri Botanical Gardens Association, and also offers a Wilderness Wagon to tour the park in a much less demanding fashion. 

There are three picnic areas in the park, an outdoor classroom, complete with musical instruments for children, and playground areas built from natural materials from the area. The area is usually not crowded and offers a peaceful day out of the city, immersed in nature!

Day Trips From St. Louis for Adrenaline Junkies

7. bonne terre mine.

​​Distance:  58.4 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr

This one is for the scuba divers. Bonne Terre is home to the largest freshwater diving opportunity in the world! Originally built in 1860, the mine was operational until it flooded and was abandoned in the 1960s. You can take guided walking tours and boat tours of two of the five levels of underground mine shafts. 

The bottom three levels are under a 17-mile long lake. Scuba divers have visibility up to 100 feet and can explore the underground caverns and mine shafts including abandoned carts, picks, and even locomotives. It’s an underwater wonderland and provides a unique diving experience that you really can’t experience anywhere else!

8. Hot Air Balloon Over Columbia

​​Distance:  124.6 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs 10 mins

BalloonStormers is a hot air balloon company operated by a family of experts. They have flown privately and in balloon races in Inner Mongolia, France, Costa Rica, Canada, and Mexico. Their base camp is near Columbia and offers rides over the serene farmland of rural Missouri. 

They offer rides, by reservation, seven days a week, and the rides typically last about 45 mins, followed by a champagne celebration. It’s thrilling. It’s beautiful. It’s safe and professionally done. With BalloonStormers, you can feel good about taking to the skies, knowing they only use the best and most updated equipment, and they have years of flying experience to make sure you and your family make it safely back down to the ground! 

9. Skydive Flying V Ranch

​​Distance:  90.1 miles

It wouldn’t be an adrenaline list without a little skydiving ! There are a few places to jump near St. Louis, but we like Flying V. The owner comes from a family of aviation specialists and is a professional pilot and skydiver himself. Not only do they have their own private airstrip which ensures flexibility, but they also have the newest and largest aircraft in the area. The instructors are seasoned and the equipment is of the best quality and safety standards. They also have a campus of attractions to round out a full day. 

After your flight, enjoy the swimming pool, in warm months, or take your best shot at the shooting range. Fish in their stocked pond or have a picnic at the provided BBQ grill. Rest tired muscles in the hot tub, and reminisce about your amazing day around the campfire. They also do large group tours, so bring all your friends!

Day Trips From St. Louis for Romance Seekers

10. hermann, missouri.

​​Distance:  80.4 miles

The adorable German Heritage Town of Hermann is located in Missouri’s wine country and is the perfect romantic date trip. The small town features more than 100 structures on the National Register of Historic Place. If you and your partner love history, then visit the Historic Hermann Museum, Deutschheim State Historic Site , and Hermann Farm, but if you just want to relax, skip those and head for Hermannhof Winery . 

After a tasting, enjoy some pampering at Hermann Hill Spa . Then, spend your evening exploring the antique shops, art galleries, and microbreweries that now inhabit the charming German structures. Many of the local wineries have live music at night as well!

We highly recommend you turn this into a weekend getaway and book a night at Alpenhorn Gasthaus , Hermann’s stunning bed and breakfast/winery combo. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Alpenhorn has a candlelit wine cellar, amazing dining options, and even cooking classes. It is an absolutely gorgeous and relaxing international experience, in the heart of Missouri!

11. Ste. Genevieve

​​Distance:  62.9 miles

Ste. Genevieve is a giant leap back in time to the oldest European settlement in Missouri. Founded in 1735, the French Colonial city has more than 150 preserved structures that represent a true living history museum. It is surrounded by stunning nature in Missouri Wine Country. 

Wander downtown and take their informational tours of some of the beautiful historic houses. Then, head for the incredible wineries and tasting rooms that Ste. Genevieve has to offer. Lewsi Winery is a family-owned operation making small-batch wines, and Patty and Ken are excellent hosts! There are many small wineries in the area, so make sure to give them a proper examination and find your favorite!

You don’t have to do much to get in the romantic mood in Ste. Genevieve, the atmosphere oozes French class, and just strolling around the beautiful little town is enough!

12. Great River Road

​​Distance: Variable, depending on departure spot and endpoints

Travel Time: Variable, depending on departure spot and endpoints

The Great River Road is a National Scenic Byway that travels from Minnesota to Louisiana, along the Mississippi River. Obviously, you wouldn’t want to drive to Minnesota to start it, so just hop on anywhere. You can actually get on right across the river from St. Louis’s famous arch. 

As you travel along the route, stop at as many of the roadside attractions as you like. Popular sites include Pere Marquette State Park, Gateway Arch National Park, Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, and Trail of Tears State Park. The town of Alton is a good place to stop for dinner and little nightlife!

If riding in the car all day isn’t your thing, then consider a different kind of road trip. Head to Defiance or Augusta and trade your car in for a bike. Bring your own or rent one in either town, then hit the biking paths of Katy Trail. This stretch will take you through some beautiful wine country!

Day Trips From St. Louis for Family Fun

​​Distance:  27.9 miles

Travel Time: 33 mins

Eureka is an easy day trip from St. Louis for families. It is a short drive, so you won’t have to answer “are we there yet,” more than a few times. Eureka is the home of Six Flags, St. Louis. While it might not be totally original, it is fun! Let the kids get a thrill on their fair share of rides, and visit connecting Hurricane Harbor Water Park. 

While you are in town, consider a visit to Route 66 State Park as well, where you can learn all about America’s original great road trip. Then, test your bravery at the Endangered Wolf Center.

14. Johnson’s Shut-Ins

​​Distance:  97.9 miles

Travel Time: 1 hr 45 mins

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is a natural wonder created a long time ago by cooling volcanic rock. The effects of the lava have formed natural rock slides, rapids, chutes, and waterfalls, all along the East Fork Black River. The natural water park is a blast for the whole family and offers a full day of attractions. Missouri summers are hot, and there is no more fun way to cool off than these adventurous pools!

Outside the river, families can hike, horseback ride, or even rock climb. There is an informative Visitor Center and great general store, as well as several beautiful picnic spots. For an easy and fun family adventure day from St. Louis, it doesn’t get any better than Johnson’s.

15. Lake of the Ozarks

​​Distance:  191.2 miles

Travel Time: 2 hrs 50 mins

Lake of the Ozarks is one of the best day trips from St. Louis for the whole family. Like most large lakes, it is a playground for watersports enthusiasts. Swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing rentals are all available in the most stunning physical environment. Plus, there are several wonderful hiking trails around the lake too!

Big Surf Waterpark is nearby if you prefer your water adventures in a manmade environment, and nearby Ha Ha Tonka State Park offers 30 miles of hiking trails, caves, sinkholes, ruins of a castle, and a huge natural bridge! Hike to the castle ruins and get a panoramic view of the surrounding area and the Lake of the Ozarks.

Day Trips From St. Louis for City Explorers

16. jefferson city, missouri.

​​Distance: 132.6 miles

The capital city of Missouri is about 120 miles from St. Louis and makes a great day trip for those interested in Missouri history. Visit the Missouri Governor’s Mansion . The 1870 beauty is one of the only executive mansions in the USA that is open to the public for tours. Tours are free and led by informative docents, but you do need a reservation 24 hours in advance. Tour the Missouri State Penitentiary , the oldest penal facility west of the Mississippi River. From 1836 to 2004, the Gothic-style structure housed inmates, but it is no longer in use, except for tours. 

Once you get your history fix, head for Capital Arts Gallery and explore nine exhibits of art by local artists. Central Dairy is a popular vintage ice cream parlor if you love a cold scoop! I mean, who doesn’t? 

Like most capital cities, Jefferson City has a plethora of museums and historical sites. You could definitely spend a few days exploring these cultural institutions!

17. Springfield, Illinois

​​Distance:  96.8 miles

Cross the great river into Illinois by car, or take the train from Downtown St. Louis, and explore our second capital city on this list. Springfield is the lively capital of Illinois and is filled with historical attractions. Pay your respect to Abraham Lincoln at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum . The fabulous museum explores the life and legacy of “Honest Abe,” including his childhood n Kentucky, his presidency, and his role in the Civil War. 

Tour the stunning, domed Illinois State Capitol Building and then head for Oak Ridge Cemetery , to see the Lincoln family burial grounds. Make sure to rub the president’s nose on his bronze effigy for good luck, as pretty much every tourist since 1932 has done. 

Guided walking tours are popular in the city, including the 1908 Race Riot Tour , and of course, a place with so much history has innumerable, fabulous museums to explore!

18. Columbia, Missouri

Travel Time: 2 hrs

Columbia is a fun college town, home to three universities, including the University of Missouri. Mizzou is a beautiful campus with stunning architecture and is definitely worth a tour. Sports fans can also snag some tickets to a Tiger’s basketball or baseball game!

Columbia offers a vibrant downtown scene with lively restaurants, shops, and bars. For art lovers, Columbia has a great selection of museums, including the George Caleb Bingham Gallery and the Museum of Art and Archaeology . Also, check out the North Village Arts District to peruse the numerous small galleries there. 

If you love the great outdoors, then Columbia is the perfect city for you. The city offers ample green spaces, gardens, and trails. Plus, the Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is right next door where you can hike miles of manicured trails and disappear into the cave system for an afternoon. 

Ninth Street is fun for cocktails and strolling. The street is lined with cute cafes and excellent shopping. Make sure to stop into Shakespeare’s Pizza , for Columbia’s favorite pie. 

Columbia isn’t small, but it has a laidback and easy vibe, characteristic of many college towns. It is the perfect day trip out of the city to enjoy museums, nature, and vibrant nightlife!

A Place We Don’t Recommend

Many travel guides include Kansas City in their recommendations for St. Louis day trips, but we would not advise taking on Kansas City in a day. Not only is it a 3.5-hour drive, but it is also one of the most fun cities in the Midwest, and there is always some sort of public festival going on. There is simply way too much to do in one day! It’s a great city for a long weekend tour though!

Closing Thoughts

St. Louis sometimes gets a bad wrap, but the truth is, it’s a fun city. Plus, there are so many great destinations within a short drive of the city. No matter what kind of adventure you crave, you can find it in this region! 

We hope you found something in this guide that interests you. We would love to hear what you have chosen. Drop a note in the comments and let us know where you are exploring this weekend!

For more fun ways to explore the “Gateway City”, check out our guide to the “ best things to do in St. Louis . We have done all the research on the best spots, so you don’t have to!

This area is littered with fantastic sites, for more Midwest adventures, like the attractions on our list of the “ 20 Best Day Trips from Kansas City for Every Kind of Adventure !” While we don’t recommend Kansas City as a day trip from St. Louis, this guide includes destinations between the two cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis is perfectly positioned for some epic day trips . Take a fun-filled scavenger hunt of Forest Park , then hop on the Great River Road and check out all the river towns up and down the Mississippi!

The St. Louis area offers a few day trips for romance seekers ! Do some wine tasting Hermann, make memories in St. Genevieve, or take a scenic drive down the Great River Road.

For a great day trip with kids, head to the Lake of the Ozarks for a day on the water. Alternatively, you could enjoy a day on the waterfalls, chutes, and slides at Johnson’s Shut-Ins.

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10 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take In Missouri

Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!

More by this Author

The best part about living in Missouri is experiencing all four amazing seasons. Summer is one of the best seasons to take trips and spend some extra time doing the things you love. Here are 10 different activities and attractions across Missouri that are worth the trip. Plan your next vacation day and visit one of these out-of-this-world summer adventures — they’re some of the best day trips in Missouri, in fact!

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Have you been to any of the attractions on this list? Tell us about your experiences, and your favorite summer day trips in Missouri, in the comments below.

If your need more ideas for summer fun check out these 12 things you must do under the summer sun in Missouri.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Best day trips in missouri.

What are the best day trips near me in Missouri?

The Show-Me State is chock-full of amazing destinations, so no matter where you're located, if you're pondering the "best day trips near me" in Missouri, there are sure to be some options in your neck of the woods. Since we're discussing summer day trips, Summit Waves in Lee’s Summit is a totally fun adventure that is the perfect answer to those scorching summer days in Missouri – whether you’re looking for fast-paced thrills or you just want to lounge poolside! A popular family-friendly destination in Missouri since 2008, the neighborhood waterpark boasts a whole lot of fun, including an 8,000-square-foot wave pool, crystal-clear 904-foot lazy river, tube slides, and a good, old-fashioned swimming pool!

Looking for more amazing day trips in Missouri? This list has 12 of our favorite adventures,  one for each month of the year!

What are some must-visit places in Missouri?

There's no place in Missouri quite like St. Louis, which makes for the ultimate day trip in the Show-Me State! With its epic children's museum, world-famous cuisine, and iconic attractions, St. Louis is a Midwest town that belongs on your bucket list. And the Gateway Arch truly is St. Louis; the glorious gateway to the West. The title attraction in the city's Gateway Arch National Park, this iconic structure symbolizes the importance of St. Louis as the "Gateway to the West." Shimmering against the city skyline, the arch attracts visitors from all over Missouri and beyond, making it one of the most-photographed landmarks in the country. The Arch has been a permanent part of the St. Louis skyline since it opened in 1965, welcoming more than 135 million visitors from around the world. At 630 feet tall, the Arch has the distinction as the U.S.'s tallest manmade landmark, coming in ahead of The Washington Monument and The Statue of Liberty, and riding up to the top is a rite of passage sure to fill you with a newfound appreciation for the Midwest.

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Explore Missouri

23 Amazing Day Trips From Springfield, Missouri

Are you looking for the best day trips from springfield, missouri.

Whether you’re a parent wanting to get away with the family, an outdoors kind of person wanting new adventures and sights to explore, or a traveler looking to experience something unique, this list includes some amazing destinations ideal for a day trip.

From historical sites full of interesting architecture and stories to thrilling attractions that will have your heart racing – these day trips from Springfield, Missouri are worth the drive!

23 Day Trips From Springfield, Missouri

These day trips from Springfield, Missouri are all within a three-hour drive, providing a great chance to explore and discover nearby destinations in just one day.

30 minutes / 20 miles

Start your day trip to Ozark by exploring the Smallin Civil War Cave , where you’ll embark on a journey through stunning underground formations and learn about the cave’s rich history.

Take a break from nature and indulge in some culture by catching a show at the Stained Glass Theatre , which presents a variety of productions that are sure to please any theater-goer.

Next, head to Finley Farms to experience a true taste of Missouri. This family-owned farm boasts fresh produce and locally sourced goods that will satisfy any foodie’s cravings.

If antique shopping is your passion, be sure to visit the local shops in town and uncover hidden treasures.

Hiking enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on the Bluff Springs Trail , where they can witness spectacular views of the countryside.

And finally, cap off your day with a visit to Heather Hill Farms , where you can pick up local products like delicious cheeses, apple cider, meat sticks, and much more.

50 minutes / 45 miles

If you’re looking for an adventure-packed day trip from Springfield, look no further than Branson .

With so many thrilling attractions like Silver Dollar City and the adrenaline-pumping ziplines and mountain coasters , you’ll never be bored.

And don’t forget the world-class shows! We’re talking about the Branson Belle , Dolly Parton’s Stampede , and the mesmerizing Sight and Sound Theater with their unforgettable biblical performances.

Branson also offers animal attractions such as the zoo, aquarium, and butterfly palace . And there’s no need to worry about keeping the little ones entertained, either. Branson has plenty of outdoor trails, indoor attractions for family fun, museums, and waterparks .

Christmas is an especially great time to visit Branson.

3. Republic

30 minutes / 15 miles

One of the closest day trips from Springfield is to Republic.

The small town is home to some big attractions, including the Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield . Take in the history of the area and enjoy the beauty of the park all in one visit.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Brookline Park Nature Trails offer 2 miles of peaceful hiking through picturesque scenery. Bring your water and pack a snack for the perfect picnic spot along the way.

To cool off and beat the summer heat, the Republic Aquatic Center has plenty of pools and slides for all ages to enjoy.

4. Columbia

3 hours / 168 miles

There’s nothing quite like a day trip to Columbia, Missouri.

Start your adventure at the University of Missouri , home to both the Museum of Art and Archaeology and the Museum of Anthropology . With thought-provoking exhibits and knowledgeable staff, you’re guaranteed to learn something new.

The nearby Rock Bridge Memorial State Park has miles of hiking trails and beautiful views to take in as you explore the outdoors.

Stephens Lake Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, perfect for families and adventurers alike. Enjoy walks on the park’s trails or take a refreshing dip in the lake. The sprayground is great for kids. And, the park’s amphitheater hosts stunning performances.

Explore a variety of other outdoor spaces in the area, such as the Shelter Gardens , the scenic Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area , Finger Lakes State Park , and the serene Grindstone Nature Area .

And for the history buffs, the National Churchill Museum is a mere 30 minutes away in Fulton.

5. Sullivan

2.5 hours / 160 miles

If you’re looking for the perfect day trip destination in the heart of Missouri, Sullivan might just be the place for you.

One of the top attractions in the area is the stunning Meramec Caverns , where you can explore underground caves that are over 400 million years old.

For nature lovers, Onondaga Cave State Park is a great option, with guided tours taking visitors through magnificent limestone formations.

And, if you’re after a little more adventure, look no further than Meramec State Park , which has miles of hiking trails, stunning views, and the chance to enjoy the beautiful river.

6. Warrensburg

2 hours / 120 miles

Explore all that Warrensburg has to offer. Nature enthusiasts adore Powell Gardens , a sprawling 970-acre garden filled with vibrant flowers and eye-catching sculptures.

If you are visiting during warmer weather you can check out the Nassif Aquatic Center ‘s waterslides or the Central Missouri Speedway for some high-speed racing action.

History buffs will enjoy taking a stroll to the Old Johnson County Courthouse , where you’ll learn fascinating stories about the region’s past from the Johnson County Historical Society.

And if you’re looking for a quiet escape into nature, don’t miss Cave Hollow Park or Knob Noster State Park ‘s tranquil beauty.

7. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

1.5 hours / 75 miles

Just a short 1.5-hour drive will take you to the stunning Ha Ha Tonka State Park , a location renowned for its geological features and history.

The park is home to a unique natural bridge, numerous sinkholes, and a large spring, making it a nature enthusiast’s dream come true.

The captivating ruins of an early 1900s stone castle, built by a Kansas City businessman but destroyed by fire, sit high atop a bluff. This offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Lake of the Ozarks.

The park offers almost 30 miles of well-maintained trails, ranging from easy to rugged, that meander through the park’s diverse landscapes.

8. St. James & Rolla

If you’re looking for a fun day trip, consider heading out to the towns of St James and Rolla.

If you are visiting in the warmer months, consider starting your day off with a splash at the Tiger Shark Waterpark in St. James or relax at the Fugitive Beach at Rolla.

Take a step back in time at the Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology in Rolla and learn about the state’s fascinating geological history.

Experience the beauty of Maramec Spring Park , a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Explore the picturesque grounds, uncovering the wonders of the Maramec Museum and Ozark Agriculture Museum along the way.

If you have time on your way home, stop by the Military Museums of Fort Leonard Wood , where you can gain insight into the important role the military has played in Missouri’s history.

9. Jefferson City

30 minutes / 19 miles

A day trip from Springfield to the state capitol in Jefferson City is a great way to spend a day.

Brush up on the state’s political history with visits to the Missouri State Capitol and Governor’s Mansion , both iconic landmarks in the city. While you’re nearby, the Carnahan Memorial Gardens are a beautiful place to take a walk.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love exploring the numerous historic attractions like the Missouri State Museum, Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, and Missouri State Penitentiary Museum .

For those who love the great outdoors, the Runge Conservation Nature Center offers 2.4 miles of hiking trails. The nature center has educational exhibits, live animals, and even an aquarium.

10. Hermann

3 hours / 180 miles

Hermann, known for its rich German heritage, is a great day trip.

The Deutschheim State Historic Site is a must-see for history buffs, as is the Hermann Farm Museum and the Historic Hermann Museum .

For a unique experience, you can even tour Hermann’s Fire Company Museum .

If the weather is nice, take a walk along the Hermann Hill 3-mile path.

And for the wine lovers out there, the Hermann Wine Trail is a great option. There are 7 family-owned wineries to visit on the tour.

11. Kansas City

2.75 hours / 170 miles

Kansas City has plenty to keep you entertained. Pick and choose what interests you the most to put together an amazing day trip.

Kansas City has a range of museums that cater to a variety of interests. If you appreciate the arts, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a must-visit.

For those fascinated by history, the National WWI Museum and Memorial offers an immersive look into the world’s first global conflict. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a fascinating spot for sports enthusiasts, illustrating the rich history of African-American baseball.

Lastly, the Arabia Steamboat Museum provides a unique glimpse into the past with its vast collection of pre-Civil War artifacts recovered from the sunken 1856 steamboat.

No visit to Kansas City would be complete without indulging in some Kansas City BBQ. This city takes its barbecue seriously and has several coveted spots that you can try. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que , Q39 , and Arthur Bryant’s each offer a unique take on Kansas City BBQ.

Kansas City is also a city teeming with exciting family-friendly attractions that ensure fun for all ages. Worlds Of Fun and Oceans of Fun are two theme parks in one, offering roller coasters, water slides, and plenty of games.

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium offers an opportunity for kids to connect with wildlife. For young science enthusiasts, Science City at Union Station is a must-visit. This interactive science center is packed with hands-on exhibits that make learning a fun and thrilling experience.

12. Route 66 West

Starting in Springfield, Missouri, you can spend about three hours driving east along Route 66 and end up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Along the way, stop and take in some of the local attractions.

In Missouri, make a pit stop at the Jasper County Courthouse , visit the iconic 66 Drive-In Theatre , and see the historic Boots Court Motel in Carthage . In Joplin, stop at the Route 66 Mural Park and snap a few photos.

As you drive through Kansas, keep an eye out for the beloved Tow Mater Character in Galena.

In Oklahoma, visit Mickey Mantle’s Childhood Home , snap some photos in front of Allen’s Conoco Fillin’ Station , and indulge in some tasty treats at Dairy King in Commerce.

Don’t miss out on the murals , Gateway sign , and the stunning Coleman Theater in Miami. Stop at the Hi-Way Cafe in Vinita for a bite to eat and then head to the Totem Pole Park in Chelsea for a unique photo opportunity.

Visit the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum or Will Rogers Museum in Claremore, and make sure to stop by the iconic Blue Whale of Catoosa .

Finally, you’ll arrive in Tulsa where you can check out the iconic Route 66 stops like the Route 66 Rising , Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza , Admiral Twin Drive-In , Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios , and the Golden Driller Statue .

13. Route 66 East

Head east from Springfield on Route 66 to catch some iconic roadside attractions.

Start by visiting the Route 66 Museum and Munger Moss Motel in Lebanon for a blast from the past. Continue your journey by visiting the Frog Rock and Giant Bowling Pin in Waynesville.

Then, make your way to St. Robert to see the Mega Mayor Muffler Man and the Uranus Fudge Factory . You can’t miss the Route 66 Mural City , Route 66 Rocker , and Wagon Wheel Motel in Cuba.

Your road trip on Route 66 won’t be complete until you reach St. Louis. Take a ride up to the top of the Gateway Arch or marvel at the history inside the National Museum of Transportation .

Joplin is another good day trip from Springfield. History buffs will love the Joplin History & Mineral Museum .

If you’re looking to get outside and explore, be sure to check out Grand Falls – Missouri’s largest continuously flowing natural waterfall. Or, take a walk through the beautiful Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center or Cunningham Park .

Be sure to stop by the Red Onion Cafe for lunch, my personal favorite when visiting Joplin.

While you’re in the area, you can also visit the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond and the Neosho Fish Hatchery .

15. Carthage

1 hour / 60 miles

Just an hour’s drive from Springfield will bring you to Carthage. This quaint town is the perfect place to spend a day.

Begin your visit with the Precious Moments Chapel and Gardens . The chapel, decorated with Samuel J. Butcher’s famous Precious Moments characters, provides a peaceful place for reflection. The surrounding gardens showcase the beauty of nature, creating a tranquil getaway.

Start your historical tour of Carthage at the Jasper County Courthouse which dates back to the late 19th century. Then, proceed to the Historic Phelps House .

A visit to the Carthage Civil War Museum will provide a deeper insight into the area’s pivotal role during the Civil War. Finally, make your way to the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site, where one of the earliest battles of the Civil War took place. Immerse yourself in the past and gain a greater understanding of the history that shaped this small town.

Just outside of Carthage, you’ll find the captivating Red Oak II Art Installation. You can explore a charming collection of early 20th-century buildings. From a quaint general store to a vintage Phillips 66 station, an old schoolhouse, and even an intriguing old cemetery, there’s so much to discover!

Another historic place to visit is the 66 Drive-In Theatre, a well-preserved relic of Route 66’s golden age. Pull up your car, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a movie under the stars in this nostalgic setting, the perfect way to end your day of exploration.

16. Mansfield

1 hour / 50 miles

This quaint town of Mansfield is filled with some great attractions. Two must-visit destinations are Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds store and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum.

At Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds , you can wander through the gardens and find a variety of antique and rare seeds to add to your collection. Enjoy some animals and their pioneer village along the way.

At the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum , you can step into the life of the beloved author and see where she penned her famous Little House series. The museum offers a chance to see artifacts of the Ingalls and Wilder families.

There’s something magical about experiencing a piece of history in person, and Mansfield offers just that.

17. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

2 hours / 80 miles

Eureka Springs is a picturesque destination, boasting a charming Historic Downtown that will transport you to another era. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Eureka Springs Historical Museum , which offers a fascinating journey into the town’s rich history.

And for those intrigued by the supernatural, the ghost tour at the renowned 1886 Crescent Hotel is an absolute must-see!

Visit the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge to see their amazing rescue efforts. And if you love the outdoors, there are plenty of attractions to explore, including Beaver Lake, Onyx Cave, Blue Spring Heritage Center, and Pivot Rock and Natural Bridge .

There are also some impressive churches in Eureka Springs that shouldn’t be missed. These include the breathtaking Thorncrown Chapel and the beautiful St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church . And of course, make sure to visit the magnificent seven-story Christ of the Ozarks .

18. Pea Ridge, Arkansas

1.75 hours / 90 miles

Take an educational day trip to the Pea Ridge National Military Park . This site is a must-see for those interested in American history and the Civil War.

Start by stopping at the Museum and Visitor Center to learn about this historic site and watch a short film.

If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to participate in the Junior Ranger program, which allows children to explore and learn the unique history of this military park. You can get a booklet from a park ranger and your child will earn a badge for their efforts.

Next, you can explore the battlefield by walking around the park to relive some of the most iconic moments of the battle in 1862.

If you enjoy hiking, the Williams Hollow Loop Hike is a moderate to strenuous trail that is a little over 2 miles. It takes you through lovely scenery and with the possibility to spot some wildlife along the way.

Spend your day exploring American history and enjoying the natural beauty of Pea Ridge National Military Park.

19. Ponca, Arkansas

2 hours / 100 miles

Are you ready for a day full of adventure and outdoor exploration? Look no further than a day trip to Ponca, Arkansas! This breathtaking location is brimming with opportunities to get outside and discover the beauty of nature.

Visit Hawksbill Crag or hike the Lost Valley Recreation Area & Trail for breathtaking views and a chance to stretch your legs.

Thrill-seekers can zipline, float on the Buffalo River, or hit the mountain biking trails at the Buffalo Outdoor Center .

For an educational experience, visit the Ponca Elk Education Center and learn about the animals that call this area home.

A trip to Ponca is a perfect way to get some fresh air, exercise, and have a healthy dose of adventure!

20. Bentonville, Arkansas

2 hours / 125 miles

Bentonville is a fantastic town to visit, greatly influenced by the Walton Family. Don’t miss the Walmart Museum & Visitor Center , where you can discover the humble beginnings of Sam Walton and witness the incredible growth of Walmart into the success it is today.

If you love art, you’ll be amazed by the incredible collection at the Crystal Bridges Museum of Art . Be sure also to visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and enjoy the beautiful outdoor art displays along the museum’s trails.

If you’re visiting with your family, you can’t miss the Scott Family Amazeum ! And during the winter, make sure to check out the Lawrence Plaza Ice Rink for some super fun ice skating. In the summer, cool off at The Fountains at Lawrence Plaza .

In Bentonville, you can also enjoy amazing outdoor activities. Take a relaxing walk in the charming Orchards Park , explore the scenic Compton Gardens & Arboretum , or head north to Bella Vista and discover the breathtaking 2.2-mile Tanyard Creek Nature Trail .

21. Fayetteville, Arkansas

2.5 hours / 150 miles

For a fun day trip in Arkansas, Fayetteville is a fantastic choice. There are so many attractions to explore, from the quirky and enchanting Terra Studios to the scenic beauty of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks .

You won’t want to miss the Fayetteville Historic Downtown Square & Gardens , with its charming shops and lovely outdoor spaces. The Dickson Street Shops offer a wide variety of unique shopping opportunities.

You can also take in some fascinating history at the Clinton House Museum and the Arkansas Air Museum . If you’re feeling active, be sure to check out the Razorback Greenway or take a stroll along the lovely Lake Fayetteville .

And of course, no trip to Fayetteville is complete without a stop at the beloved University of Arkansas .

22. Tulsa, Oklahoma

2.75 hours / 185 miles

Tulsa, Oklahoma has a wide range of attractions for all types of travelers.

The Philbrook Museum of Art is an absolute must-visit with its’ artwork and beautiful gardens.

For an educational visit, go to the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art and the Greenwood Rising History Center.

Music Lovers will love the Woody Guthrie Center and the Bob Dylan Center next door. Also, check out Leon Russel’s The Church Studio while in town.

If you’re traveling to Tulsa with kids , the Tulsa Zoo , Gathering Place, and the Discovery Lab offer fun-filled educational experiences.

Outdoor attractions include Turkey Mountain , Oxley Nature Center , and the Tulsa Botanic Garden .

23. Fort Scott, Kansas

2 hours / 115 miles

You should check out Fort Scott, Kansas for a day trip from Springfield, Missouri. It’s a town filled with fascinating history! Start your adventure by hopping on the Fort Scott Trolley for an entertaining 50-minute tour of the town.

The Fort Scott National Historic Site offers an immersive journey back in time. Explore military structures and dive into educational displays that bring the site’s past to life. And don’t miss the nearby Fort Scott National Cemetery for even more military history.

You can learn all about Gordon Parks and see his iconic photographs at the Gordon Parks Museum . The Lowell Milken Center for Unsung Heroes is another amazing place to visit. Here, you can discover the stories of ordinary people who made a significant impact.

Final Thoughts on Day Trips From Springfield, Missouri

It’s amazing how much there is to explore around Springfield, Missouri. Whether you’re a fan of history or the great outdoors, each and every one of these places can be found within driving distance of this beautiful town. So get out there, explore, and experience the very best that the Springfield area has to offer. These day trips from Springfield, Missouri will not disappoint!

More Missouri Locations:

• 24 Best Things To Do in Springfield, Missouri
• 30 Fun Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids
• The Perfect St. Louis Family Vacation

Caitlin is a passionate traveler and the founder of Twin Family Travels, a blog helping families with planning trips both big and small. As a mom of twins, Caitlin loves spending time together as a family. She finds joy in discovering new places from day trips to far-away destinations. Hiking beautiful trails and meandering through museums are some of her favorite ways to spend her time. She provides valuable tips and recommendations that assist others in planning wonderful travel experiences.

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31 Best Day Trips From Kansas City — Places Nearby!

Kansas City’s got a rhythm all its own, a pulse that’s born from jazz and fed by a smorgasbord of breweries and eateries. 

It’s a place I know well, a local’s playground filled with laughter and the clinking of glasses. 

But don’t stop there. 

The city’s heartbeat extends beyond its borders. 

The best day trips from Kansas City? 

They’re right here, from the German charm of Hermann to the untamed wilds of Eagle Bluffs. 

I’ve wandered these paths, tasted these flavors, and I’m telling you, there’s a day trip here that’ll sing to your soul. 

So, grab your map, and let’s hit the road. 

Kansas City’s calling, and the adventure’s just begun.

Best Day Trips From Kansas City Compared

Day trips from Kansas City? 

Guess what?

They’re more than outings; they’re soul-filling experiences. 

From quaint towns to nature’s embrace, these gems are your ticket to unforgettable family memories.

Editor’s Choice

Branson sits a little further away from Kansas City than the rest of the spots so far. On average, the drive from Kansas City to Branson takes three hours and 20 minutes.

• Family Friendliness: 5/5
• Safety: 4/5
• Affordability: 4/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Fun factor: 5/5

#2nd Best Choice

Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is worth a visit for its vibrant year-round festivals and the great outdoor adventures that the surrounding Arkansas hills hold.

• Family Friendliness: 4/5
• Affordability: 3/5
• Accessibility: 3/5
• Fun factor: 4/5

#3rd Best Choice

Omaha has many sights to offer its visitors, such as the Aerospace Museum, the popular Henry Doorly Zoo, Rose Theater, and the Omaha Children’s Museum.

• Accessibility: 5/5

Here are top 31 day trips from Kansas City.

Branson, MO (877) 272-6766 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Family entertainment: With shows, theme parks, and attractions, there’s something for every family member.
• Scenic beauty: Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, the natural beauty is breathtaking.
• Can be pricey: Some attractions and shows may be on the expensive side.
• Crowded during peak season: Popular times can lead to crowds and longer waits.

Branson sits a little further away from Kansas City than the rest of the spots so far.

On average, the drive from Kansas City to Branson takes three hours and 20 minutes.

But boy, the drive is worth it if you enjoy driving down beautiful tree-lined roads with the wind in your hair.

Branson isn’t just about the drive, though; there’s enough and more to do in and around the city itself, from great shopping, dining, and tons of family-friendly attractions in the form of amusement parks, museums, and go-karting.

You could either spend your day exploring all that Branson has to offer, or head to the nearby Table Rock State Park with its many water-based attractions and camping possibilities.

Recommended Hotel: Grand Crowne Resort by Capital Vacations

2. Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs. AR (479) 253-7333 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Charming atmosphere: Eureka Springs is known for its Victorian architecture and winding streets. 
• Spa retreats: Famous for its healing springs, it’s a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Limited activities for kids: While beautiful, Eureka Springs might not have as many attractions geared toward younger children.
• Accessibility: The town’s hilly terrain and cobblestone streets might be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Though you’d be stretching the definition of a day trip to its uppermost limits (it’s nearly four hours away by road), Eureka Springs is worth a visit for its vibrant year-round festivals and the great outdoor adventures that the surrounding Arkansas hills hold.

If you’re visiting for festivals, summer is a great time, though you’ll have to check which ones are kid friendly before you visit.

If you’re looking for a day of hiking, canoeing, and fishing, Lake Leatherwood is a worthy stop.

Eureka Springs’ downtown area is also worth a visit for some great shopping and dining.

Historic character mingles with fun vibes in the area’s many quirky shops, art galleries, and live music scene.

Recommended Hotel: 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa

Omaha, NE (402) 444-4660 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Family fun: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a hit with kids, and the city offers a variety of museums and parks to explore.
• Culinary delights: From steaks to innovative cuisine, foodies will find plenty to savor in Omaha.
• Weather considerations: Depending on the season, weather in Omaha can be unpredictable, so packing appropriately is key.
• Distance: It’s a bit of a longer drive from Kansas City, so it might make for a long day if you’re planning a round trip.

Nebraska’s Omaha is a little under three hours away from Kansas City—close enough for a drive but sufficiently far away to feel like a one-day vacation!

Gorgeous state parks surround Omaha and are worth a visit if you love outdoor activities, such as the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and its rope courses winding through the treetops, horse riding, wave pool, mini and disc golf, a splash park, and rock climbing.

Omaha will also satisfy history lovers, rich in pioneer history, cultural centers, and museums, and one of the stops on the famed Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Recommended Hotel: The Peregrine Omaha Downtown Curio Collection By Hilton

4. Lake Jacomo

Lake Jacomo, MO (816) 691-3800 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This gorgeous 970-acre freshwater lake sits in Jackson County and is a 24-minute drive from Kansas City.

Plus, it’s a hit among nature lovers thanks to the plethora of outdoor activities on offer.

A portmanteau of Jackson County and Missouri (Ja-co-MO for Missouri—get it?) is full of opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and water sports.

Rent a boat at the marina, get your bait and tackle ready, and head to any of the three boat ramps to catch yourself some crappie, catfish, striped bass, largemouth bass, and bluegill, or simply enjoy some sailboating and pontoon boating around the lake.

Several lovely hiking trails surround the lake, such as the Pa-Huska and Rock Ledges nature trails.

Don’t miss the regular sailboat regattas hosted at the lake—the colorful cascade of sailboats on the water is quite a sight.

Recommended Hotel: Best Western Plus Lee’s Summit Hotel & Suites

Also See: Best Day Trips From St Louis

5. Carthage

Carthage, MO (417) 423-8075 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Situated two hours and 20 minutes from Kansas City, this city is a dream day trip for all history lovers, especially those who enjoy Civil War and Old West history.

Carthage was, after all, the site of the first and second battles of, well, Carthage.

After the Civil War, Carthage was reconstructed and flourished—the latter evident in the gorgeous vintage marble structures the area is rich in.

There are as many as 600 buildings placed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the famous Jasper County Courthouse and the Historic Carthage Square.

Carthage is also a sight to behold in autumn, which is why it’s also called ‘America’s Maple Leaf City’.

Other interesting sites in the city include the 66 Drive-In Theater, the Carthage Civil War Museum, and the country’s largest non-profit amusement park for children—Kiddieland.

Recommended Hotel: Days Inn by Wyndham Carthage

Related: Activities in Kansas City

6. Excelsior Springs

Excelsior Springs, MO (816) 637-2811 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Sitting just half an hour away from downtown Kansas City and home to the historic Elms Hotel and Spa , it’s no wonder that Excelsior Springs is one of the most popular places to visit near Kansas City for spa lovers—names such as Al Capone and Harry S. Truman also flocked to this resort town for a little pampering!

Alternatively, you could soak in the city’s rich history by visiting attractions such as the Hall of Waters, a historic Art Deco-style building that’s home to the world’s longest water bar.

There are plenty of other ways to spend your day here, too, depending on your mood—explore the many charming shops, restaurants, and local breweries sitting in the lovely downtown district, the Worlds of Fun park, or the Watkins Mill State Park.

Recommended Hotel: The Elms Hotel & Spa, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel

Related: Best Weekend Getaways From Kansas City

7. Leavenworth

Leavenworth, KS (913) 758-2948 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The stuff of dreams for history lovers, Leavenworth sits pretty on the Missouri’s banks, half an hour away from Kansas City, and holds the distinction of being the first incorporated city of Kansas, earning it the moniker “The First City of Kansas”.

Leavenworth is best known as the home of Fort Leavenworth, a significant military site in the country’s Civil War history, within which you’ll find the Frontier Army Museum and the Buffalo Soldier Memorial Park.

Other must-visit spots in the city for history buffs include the Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum, where the region’s African-American pioneers are celebrated, the C.W. Parker Carousel, and the historic district, 28 blocks of beautiful period buildings, lovely restaurants, and quaint antique shops.

Recommended Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Leavenworth

Lucas, KS (785) 525-6288 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The “Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas” is nestled three hours and 40 minutes from Kansas City.

It’s home to some of the most unique attractions in the country, such as the country’s second-best washroom and the World’s Largest Collection of the World’s Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things Museum!

Other unique spots that this lovely little farming community has to offer include Miller’s Park, an exhibition of the replicas of businesses, mountains, and churches that traveler couple Roy and Clara Miller built in the mid-1900s, and the Grassroots Art Center, which displays the work of self-taught artists.

Another interesting attraction is The Garden of Eden, a garden of sculptures with a log cabin listed on the National Register of Historic Places, constructed in 1907 by Samuel Perry Dinsmoor, a veteran of the Civil War.

Recommended Hotel: The Lodge at Russell – Russell Inn

9. Louisburg

Louisburg, KS Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Looking for a fascinating one day trip from Kansas City?

A short 40-minute drive will take you to Louisburg, a small city that manages to pack a surprising number of things to do outside Kansas City.

There are several family-friendly attractions here, such as the Powell Observatory (catch a public astronomical observation event here), and the annual Louisburg Cider Mill festival hosted every fall, replete with a street fair, corn maze, and pumpkin patch.

The Cedar Cove Feline Conservatory and Sanctuary is a spot that animal lovers will enjoy—you can view the majestic residents in all their glory.

If you’re an active family, the aquatic center is a great spot, with plenty of swimming and golfing on offer, or you could take in lovely lake and city views as you walk around the city lake.

Recommended Hotel: Paola Inn and Suites

Related: Beaches Near Kansas City

10. Powell Gardens

1609 NW US Hwy 50 Kingsville, MO 64061 (816) 697-2600 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Powell Gardens is 915 acres of pure natural beauty, sitting a mere 45 minutes away from downtown Kansas City.

This natural attraction makes for a great day trip if you enjoy botanical gardens and natural colors and sights, and with plenty of sections to explore, from a waterfall garden to an indoor conservatory, you can rest assured that you have enough and more things to do at Powell Gardens.

The visitor education center is worth checking out, mindfully designed to merge with the beautiful meadows and hills surrounding the garden, instead of sticking out.

It’s also worth noting that Powell Gardens is Kansas City’s official botanical garden.

Recommended Hotel: Holiday Inn Express – Oak Grove, an IHG Hotel

11. Independence, MO

Independence, MO (816) 325-7111 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Missouri’s fifth-largest city earned popularity as the one-time home/hometown of personalities such as Harry S. Truman and Ginger Rogers.

Today, it’s a popular day trip destination sitting 22 minutes from Kansas City.

Visitors flock to the city for its rich history and happening present—lovely vintage buildings share space with glitzy high rises in Independence.

A visit to Independence will allow you to tour several historically significant sites, such as the Truman Presidential Library and Museum, the National Frontier Trails Museum, the Missouri Mormon Walking Trail, and the gorgeous Bingham Waggoner Estate.

After the history lessons, give the tots a break with a visit to the George Owens Nature Park, 86 acres of sprawling greenery with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.

Recommended Hotel: Best Western Independence Kansas City

12. Missouri Town 1855

8010 E Park Rd Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 (816) 524-8770 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Drive for 35 minutes from Kansas City on I-70 E, and you’ll hit upon Missouri Town 1855, a recreated 19th-century farming village.

This spot makes for a great one-day trip from Kansas City if you want to give the young ones in the clan a taste of life in the 1800s in a fun, interesting way.

The 30-acre living history museum showcases over 25 relocated, restored historic buildings that represent 19th-century life in a prairie town.

Even better, Missouri Town 1855 takes it up a notch by having interpreters play residents of the village and bring alive a bygone era with performances and demonstrations.

Missouri Town 1855 is located within Fleming Park, so it shares borders with Lake Jacomo, Kemper Outdoor Education Center, and Blue Springs Lake—you can take a break from all the history by heading to one of these.

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn Kansas City-Lee’s Summit

13. Prairiefire

5661 W 135th St Overland Park, KS 66223 (913) 338-3800 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

One of Overland Park’s most happening districts, Prairiefire is a great idea if you love entertainment and shopping—you just need to head 30 minutes away from downtown Kansas City for both!

Whether you’re looking for mainstream shopping or more offbeat options, there are plenty of brand stores, boutiques, and eclectic local galleries to spend the day in.

If not, catch a movie at the AMC Prairiefire 17, enjoy a spot of bocce or bowling at Pinstripes, or take the fun outdoors at the Wetlands at Prairiefire.

Prairiefire also has a little something for the science and nature buffs—the Museum at Prairiefire, which finds a partner in New York’s American Museum of Natural History, resulting in some stunning displays for visitors.

Recommended Hotel: Home2 Suites By Hilton Overland Park, KS

Related: Weekend Trips in Missouri

14. Somerset Wine Trail

29725 Somerset Rd Paola, KS 66071 (913) 491-0038 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

This one’s a great stop for the lovebirds, and of course, the wine connoisseurs.

The Somerset Wine Trail, sitting just 44 minutes south of Kansas City, winds through the gorgeous, award-winning Middle Creek, White Wind Farm, Somerset Ridge, and NightHawk wineries and vineyards.

You can enjoy a range of activities at each of these wineries, from year-round tours and tastings and shopping for some world-class wine, and learn all about the wine-making process.

Somerset Ridge, especially, is worth stopping at—it’s the region’s largest and oldest winery, sprawled across 20 acres and with a wide variety of wines that can satisfy even the most discerning palettes.

Visit at the right time of the year and you can even experience vibrant live music performances, festivals, and even quirky offerings such as cigar-rolling demonstrations!

15. Mushroom Rock State Park (Kansas)

Ave K Brookville, KS 67425 (785) 546-2565 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Mushroom Rock State Park is located three hours and 16 minute from Kansas City.

At only around five acres in size, the Mushroom Rock State Park is among the country’s smallest.

But, the site’s otherworldly appearance draws quite a few visitors throughout the year.

The state park gets its name from the distinctive sandstone formations in the area—not only are these gorgeous natural attractions but they’re also historically significant, with centuries-old etchings done by pioneers and indigenous people visible on these mushroom rocks.

It’s fascinating to learn that the many large rock spheres that populate the park are from Kansas’s underwater days—you can imagine how many billions of years old this makes the 200-plus rocks in the area.

Some of the engravings, too, are even older than the Europeans’ arrival in North America.

Spend the day exploring the park; there are several picnic tables, so you can pack your own hamper and enjoy a fun picnic after all that exploring.

Recommended Hotel: AmericInn by Wyndham Salina

16. Lawrence

Lawrence, KS (785) 856-3040 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re looking for a relaxed day in a locale where culture and history ooze through every cobblestone, Lawrence must feature on your list of Kansas City day trips.

Lawrence is a convenient, short 40-minute drive from Kansas City.

And, Lawrence’s cultural attractions include the Watkins Museum of History, the Spencer Art Museum, the Liberty Hall theater, and the Haskell Cultural Center, which focuses on indigenous culture and lifestyle.

The city houses the reputed University of Kansas—a great idea if you’re a fan of high-level college sports.

There are also several museums clustered around the university.

Missouri’s sixth-largest state is also home to a nationally recognized live music scene, with several bands and artists often playing at the city’s Replay Lounge, The Bottleneck, and The Granada.

If you want a literal breath of fresh air, head to the Clinton Lake State Park for a sports field, marina, campgrounds, and picnic areas, or South Park, the city’s largest lung space and a venue for many exciting events.

Recommended Hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Lawrence Downtown

17. Lecompton

Lecompton, KS (785) 887-6148 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Formerly Kansas’s territorial capital, Lecompton is an easy 49-minute drive from Kansas City.

Even better, it’s a historically significant site for its contribution in the lead-up to the Civil War.

The Lecompton of today is a tourist hub, full of small-town charm and a personality that remembers and celebrates its rich history.

If you enjoy museums, head to downtown Lecompton for a tour through the Territorial Capital Museum, where you can see well-preserved artifacts from the Civil War era, and Constitution Hall, which finds a place among the country’s National Historic Landmarks.

One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot; there are quite a few walking tours available.

Recommended Hotel: Tru By Hilton Lawrence

Weston. MO (816) 640-2909 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Weston’s reputation precedes it—it’s been voted several times as one of the region’s best overnight and day trip destinations by a plethora of reputed regional and national publications such as Ingram’s, AAA Midwest Traveler, and The Pitch.

Just a 30-minute drive away from Kansas City’s downtown area, Weston’s star attraction is the Green Dirt Farm, a small business that sells mouthwatering cheese and offers four-course dinners showcasing local produce (Farm Table Dinners).

Apart from Green Dirt, you can explore the city’s many other historic farms, wineries, and creameries, each offering plenty of touring and tasting opportunities.

If you adore period breweries, the Weston Brewing Company, a 19th-century brewery that saw a reopening in 2005, must be on your list.

This apart, there is a plethora of shopping and dining options, with several stores and eateries housed in magnificent historical buildings, making the experience that much more special.

Recommended Hotel: Home2 Suites By Hilton Leavenworth Downtown

19. Dalton Gang Hideout

502 S Pearlette St Meade, KS 67864 (620) 873-2731 Social Media Open in Google Maps

Dalton Gang Hideout is every bit as exciting as the name sounds, and yes, it did serve as a hideout for the infamous Dalton Gang, an outlawed group of train robbers from the late 1800s!

While you need to drive for over four hours to reach this attraction from Kansas City, it’s definitely worth it.

Formerly the home of Eva Whipple, the gang’s sister, where the outlaws used to occasionally hide, Dalton Gang Hideout is a popular tourist attraction today and has been since it was thrown open to the public in 1940.

Visitors can enjoy tours of the house and a secret passageway that was discovered by its residents in 1892—after Whipple evacuated the house—leading from the main structure to the stable nearby.

The barn serves as an interesting museum, with personal effects and newspaper articles from the 1800s on display.

Recommended Hotel: Moon Mist Motel

20. St. Joseph

St. Joseph, MO (816) 233-6688 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

St. Joseph has a rich past—between being the famous Pony Express’s starting point, the site where infamous outlaw Jesse James met his end, and rapper Eminem’s birthplace, a lot of history is covered in this little community!

St. Joseph sits an easy one-hour drive from Kansas City and is generously peppered with gorgeous, Victorian-style period buildings, many of which feature in the National Register of Historic Places.

If you’d like to learn about the city’s eventful past and glorious culture, there are plenty of museums that serve the purpose, such as the Jesse James Home Museum and the Pony Express Museum (the stables here are from 1860!).

A good way to explore St. Joseph (which will appeal to outdoors lovers) is to hike or bike the 26-mile St. Joseph Parkway that snakes through the city; you can also enjoy hunting, picnicking, and fishing in the surrounding conservation lands.

Recommended Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites St Joseph

21. Florida

Florida, MO Open in Google Maps

Florida is about three hours from Kansas City by car.

Still, Missouri’s Florida makes an intriguing destination for a day trip.

While the village has had no residents since the mid-1900s, it still draws many visitors owing to its fame as renowned author Mark Twain’s birthplace.

Fans of the author will enjoy touring the Mark Twain Birthplace Historic Site, a living history museum, where you’ll also find preserved a two-room cabin that belonged to the author.

In the cabin are displayed several of his personal effects, such as first editions of some of his works and a prized manuscript of his masterpiece, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”.

The Historic Site sits along the manmade Mark Twain Lake, so you can also just spend some time unwinding on the banks.

Recommended Hotel: FairBridge Inn Express Monroe City

22. Northwest Arkansas

Arkansas Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Need a family-friendly outdoor getaway?

Northwest Arkansas, located three hours from the city, may just do the trick.

Sitting amid some stunning foliage is tons of outdoor fun, from swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the White River, paddling down its gentle rapids in a canoe, camping on its verdant banks, and spending some quality time together.

If this is too up close and personal with nature for you, dial it down a bit and head to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, home to the area’s sole native butterfly house and twelve spectacular themed gardens.

There are plenty of other attractions on offer for the family, as well, such as the Charlie and Willie George Park’s spray park, the quaint Dickson Street Bookshop, and many quirky local museums, such as the Museum of Discovery (a usual hit with the tots!) and the Walmart Museum.

Recommended Hotel: Graduate Fayetteville

Related: Weekend Getaways Near Oklahoma City, OK

Topeka, KS (785) 234-1030 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Many folks pass over Topeka for the more scenic places near Kansas City, but the state capital may just surprise you with all that it has to offer.

Set 45 minutes away from Kansas City, there are attractions typical to capital cities, such as climbing the spiraling staircase to the state capitol building’s dome, and several top-notch galleries, performing arts centers, and museums.

For a spot of family-friendly fun, check out Shawnee Lake and its many outdoor activities, from a swim beach to hiking trails to a softball complex to even a yacht club—something for every kind of outdoors person.

If you’ve got young scientists in the clan, consider a stop at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, with its interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences that make even learning math seem fun!

Recommended Hotel: Cyrus Hotel, Topeka, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

24. Eagles Bluff Conservation Area

6700 W Rte K Columbia, MO 65203 (573) 445-3882 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

A little over two hours away from Kansas, Eagles Bluff Conservation Area is a great spot to get away from the chaos and bustle of city life and just spend a day unplugged.

Miles of wetlands are open to exploration in this area where the Missouri once flowed; see if you can catch sight of Plowboy, a steamship believed to have sunk during this time and still resting in the sands of Eagles Bluff!

There is also the Katy Trail State Park nearby, with miles of hiking and biking trails and horse riding on offer.

Different pockets of Eagles Bluff offer different outdoor fun, such as birdwatching, fishing, and camping—there’s plenty to explore here!

Recommended Hotel: Stoney Creek Hotel Columbia

25. Tanganyika Wildlife Park

1000 S Hawkins Ln Goddard, KS 67052 (316) 553-4650 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Tanganyika Wildlife Park is a three-hour drive from Kansas City, but it’s well worth the effort if you’re a fan of wildlife interactions.

This family-owned zoo boasts one of the largest collections of wild animals in Missouri, along with over 40 well-laid-out exhibits and interactive displays for the kids.

What makes Tanganyika Wildlife Park a standout experience, though, is the possibility of feeding some of its wild residents and encountering ring-tail lemurs in their natural habitat—the only place in the United States where you can do the latter.

While you’re here, make sure you set aside some time to spend at the park’s latest addition, a top-notch 5,000-square-foot, animal-themed water complex named Tanganyika Falls—if the kids didn’t already love Tanganyika, the waterfalls, water tipping buckets, slides, and the ginormous water playground will do the trick!

Recommended Hotel: Hampton Inn By Hilton Wichita Northwest

26. Atchison

Atchison, KS (913) 367-2427 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Amelia Earhart put Atchison on the tourist map.

But, there’s more to this gorgeous city than just being the birthplace of one of America’s most bad-ass personalities!

And, this city is less than an hour away from Kansas City by car.

For the uninitiated, Amelia Earhart is best known as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Her life and journey are well-documented in The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum, sitting sixty miles away from Kansas City and fittingly looked after by an organization of female pilots.

If you’re not an Amelia fan, don’t worry—you can check out the International Forest of Friendship arboretum dedicated to those in aviation, or the Atchison Rail Museum, where you can enjoy a train ride on the Atchinson and Western Miniature Railroad.

For history and culture enthusiasts, the Evah C. Cray Museum, the Muchnic Art Gallery, and the Riverfront Park’s Lewis and Clark pavilion are worth a visit.

Recommended Hotel: Quality Inn Atchison

27. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

1491 Missouri D Camdenton, MO 65020 (573) 346-2986 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Another one on nature lovers’ list of things to do outside Kansas City is to visit Ha Ha Tonka State Park for a day trip, though you’ll probably end up wanting to spend more than a day here!

A beautiful three-hour drive away from Kansas City, Ha Ha Tonka is a haven for outdoor fun, with trails, lakes, and watersports tucked into Lake of the Ozarks country.

Rent a boat (or a jet ski, if you’re feeling adventurous), simply spend your day in the water, or explore the 15-plus miles of walking trails in the park, where you’ll chance upon gorgeous natural bridges, caves, and sinkholes.

One of the park’s star attractions is the bones of a castle sitting high on one of the park’s bluffs, a reminder of owner Robert Snyder’s sorrowful story and its own troubled past.

Recommended Hotel: Sleep Inn & Suites Lake of the Ozarks

28. Roaring River State Park

12716 Farm Rd 2239 Cassville, MO 65625 (417) 847-2539 Visit Website Open in Google Maps

Come the warm months of summer, the Roaring River State Park comes alive with families looking to cool off and spend a fun day outdoors.

However, there are plenty of other activities throughout the years in this lovely state park.

Roaring River is prime trout country—its biggest draw—and is among the country’s chief trout fisheries.

If fishing isn’t your idea of a day out, you can explore the seven wildflower-lined trails that wind through the hills, such as the Deer Leap Trail overlooking the fish hatchery.

If you want to turn your day out into a weekend out, you can either spend the night camping or in a rented cabin.

Recommended Hotel: Cassville Four Seasons Inn & Suites

29. Hermann

Hermann, MO (573) 789-0771 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

You don’t have to fly to Europe to experience the charms and culture of Germany.

From Kansas City, you’ll just have to drive for three hours to get to Hermann, which is a slice of Germany in the United States.

And, it’s a town where time has stood still—in the 19th century, to be precise.

Visitors to Hermann can get a feel of Missouri-River-Valley German life of the 1800s, thanks to a range of cultural and historical attractions such as the Historic Hermann Museum, the Deutschheim State Historic Site, and the Gasconade County Courthouse.

However, Hermann isn’t just historically significant—it’s also culinarily significant.

The area surrounding Hermann was designated the Hermann American Viticultural Area in 1893, and, today, houses seven acclaimed wineries, the source of one-third of Missouri’s wine.

Visitors to the area can also enjoy a range of themed events held every year along the 20-mile-long Hermann Wine Trail, or simply enjoy a magical evening with live music on any of the wineries’ terraces.

As if all this wasn’t enough, there’s plenty available for outdoors lovers too, from zipline trails to hiking and biking to a state park across the river.

A little something for everyone in Hermann!

Recommended Hotel: Hermann Crown Suites

30. Columbia

Columbia, MO (573) 874-2489 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Missouri’s Columbia, resting two hours from Kansas City, is home to the prestigious University of Missouri.

But, there’s more to it than just being a college town.

If you’re a fan of all things archaeological, consider visiting the towering pillars of the Francis Quadrangle and the Museum of Art and Archaeology.

Downtown Columbia houses the Columbia Art League, a gallery that showcases stunning exhibitions and educative art programs for visitors.

If you want to spend some time outdoors, check out the hiking trails and parks in sites such as Capen Park, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Stephens Lake Beach and Park, and Finger Lakes State Park—the latter even has ATV trails!

There’s also a nearby lake for water babies, with swimming, scuba diving, fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing on offer.

Recommended Hotel: Staybridge Suites Columbia-Highway 63 & I-70, an IHG Hotel

Joplin, MO (800) 657-2534 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Rounding off the list is Joplin, a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from Kansas City.

Family-friendly fun things abound in Joplin, such as an indoor playground for children, the Grand Falls (a gigantic waterfall, as the name suggests!), and the George Washington Carver National Monument.

The lively Sunshine Lamp District, a tribute to Joplin’s past as a highly successful mining hub with its name and red brick buildings, is worth strolling around—the heart of Joplin has many excellent eateries, unique shops, and lovely art galleries.

If it’s just you and the S/O on one of your romantic Kansas City trips to Joplin, make a stop at Keltoi Winery—you’d be forgiven for forgetting that you’re in Joplin and not the Emerald Isle while in this slice of Ireland!

Whichever spot you end up visiting on your day trip, you’re bound to be left wanting more—these are the best day trips from Kansas City, after all!

Luckily, sitting in such close proximity, multiple trips to all these spots is possible; it’s completely natural to even end up spending more than a day in some of these spots.

So pack your day bag and simply drive down to any of these destinations for a fun day out!

Recommended Hotel: Home2 Suites By Hilton Joplin, MO

Day Trip Guide 

Comparing destinations: which one is right for you.

In Branson, I found myself tapping my foot to the beat of country tunes, a world alive with music and laughter. 

It’s a place where families can lose themselves in entertainment, though the crowds can sometimes steal the show.

Eureka Springs whispered to me through its winding streets, a charming escape that felt like a secret. 

The healing springs were a balm to my soul, but I noticed the town’s appeal might be lost on the youngest travelers.

Omaha, on the other hand, was a delightful surprise. 

The zoo captured my imagination and the steaks? 

Unforgettable. 

But the drive was long, a journey that might wear on some.

Each destination sang a different tune, a melody of Missouri’s diverse landscape. 

Branson for the lively, Eureka Springs for the tranquil, and Omaha for the adventurous. 

As a local, I’ve tasted these day trips, and I can tell you the flavor of each is worth savoring.

How I Picked The Destinations

These destinations? 

They’re not just names on a map. 

They’re places I’ve roamed, flavors I’ve savored. I’ve talked to fellow locals, travelers who’ve wandered the same paths, and researched the hidden corners. 

Living in this state, I’ve tasted the essence of these day trips. 

Trust me, each one’s a journey, a story waiting to be told. 

Let’s explore them together.

Our Rating Method

I rate these destinations based on the following criteria.

• Family friendliness: This criterion assesses the family-friendly appeal of every destination. Does it offer attractions suited for the whole family? Does it have facilities and services that entertain and engage all age groups? I use these questions to evaluate family friendliness. 
• Safety: I use this to evaluate safety and security. Does the area have a low crime rate? Is public transportation secure? Are local authorities reliable and helpful? I ask myself these questions when evaluating safety. 
• Affordability: This is used to assess affordability. Will visitors get a lot of bang for their buck? Is it cheaper compared to the other options? I consider these factors when rating affordability. I consider these factors when rating affordability.
• Accessibility: This criterion evaluates the accessibility of every location. Is it easily accessible by public transportation? How walkable is the area? How far is it from the base? These are the questions I ask myself when assessing accessibility. 
• Fun factor: I use this to evaluate how enjoyable the day trip is for visitors. Will it create positive and memorable experiences? Does it offer attractions that promise fun experiences for the whole family? Are there theme parks, beaches, and hiking trails? I use these questions to evaluate this criterion.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What cities are an hour away from kansas city.

Lawrence is roughly an hour away from Kansas City. It’s home to the University of Kansas and offers a vibrant arts and music scene. Similarly, St. Joseph, Missouri, is about an hour’s drive from Kansas City, known for its rich history and the beautiful Parkway System, a series of parks and boulevards connected by parkways.

Is Kansas City, Kansas Worth Visiting?

Kansas City, Kansas, is certainly worth visiting. It offers a blend of cultural attractions like the Rosedale Memorial Arch and the Kansas Speedway for NASCAR enthusiasts. Whether you’re into history, sports, or just exploring new flavors at local eateries, there’s something in Kansas City, Kansas, that’ll catch your interest.

What State Is Closest To Kansas City?

Missouri is the state closest to Kansas City, as Kansas City is actually located in both Kansas and Missouri. The city straddles the border between the two states, with Kansas City, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri, being part of the larger metropolitan area. This unique location offers a blend of experiences and attractions in both states.

Conclusion 

The road’s been long, the flavors rich, and the melodies of these best day trips from Kansas City still echo in my ears. 

But if I had to pick one, Branson’s the tune I’d hum again. 

It’s lively, it’s vibrant, and it’s got a soul that sings to both young and old. 

Eureka Springs whispered its charm, and Omaha roared with adventure, but Branson? 

It danced. 

It laughed. 

It invited me in like an old friend. 

So pack your bags, hit the road, and let Branson’s rhythm guide you. 

It’s a journey, and it’s waiting for you.

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Day Trips: Branson & Beyond

Springfield is surrounded by communities that help make up the fabric of the Ozarks. While a trip to Springfield may be your first stop, there are many cities and small towns in the Ozarks that are less than an hour away.

Nixa, just south on U.S. 160, is certainly one worth visiting thanks to contemporary dining, rustic stores and outdoor living. The town’s most well-known event is Nixa Sucker Days Music, Arts and & Crafts Festival set in May. This event started as a fish fry in 1957 with suckers provided by anglers who snagged them from local rivers and streams.

Branson, Missouri, farther south on U.S. 65, is filled with live music theatre shows from every genre and home to the famous Silver Dollar City amusement park that pulls in thousands of visitors each year. Other amazing attractions include the Titanic Museum, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, The Branson Landing, Branson Scenic Railway and others.

Just north of Springfield sits Bolivar, Missouri, home to country-style cuisine such as Smith’s Restaurant, famous for its huge pork tenderloin sandwich. The Dunnegan Gallery of Art showcases its permanent collection of more than 1,000 sculptures along with traveling exhibits. Finish the day at Dunnegan Memorial Park where you can walk the trails and see the domestic wildlife such as swans, ducks and peacocks.

Travelers heading between Springfield and Branson on U.S. 65 have good reason to make a pit stop in the thriving community of Ozark. Its midwest charm, local restaurants and unique shops combine to create an experience exclusive to the Missouri Ozarks. The newest addition is The Ozark Mill at Finley Farms filled with event venues, a coffee shop, workshop space, and more.

Contact Information

Toll-Free: (800) 678-8767 Phone: (417) 881-5300

Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center 815 E. Saint Louis St., Suite 100 Springfield, MO 65806

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Road trip! One tank is all you need to visit these tiny towns in Missouri and Kansas

T he village of Arrow Rock, roughly 100 miles east of Kansas City, boasts a population of 62, but it has more to offer visitors than most towns 10 times its size. Make that 100 times its size.

The entire village is a National Historic Landmark, complete with buildings dating as far back as its founding in 1829, and it is the site of a state park, museums, a professional theater, boardwalk storefronts and more.

Arrow Rock, simply put, is a tiny town with a ton to offer.

It is not alone in Missouri and Kansas, which might be rivals in many ways but share one feature — charming small towns.

A year ago, we assembled a guide to interesting places to visit relatively close to Kansas City — say, one tank of gas each way — that included St. Louis, Wichita, Omaha and Des Moines. This summer we go small.

Really small. So small that favorite getaway spot Weston (population 1,641) is well over our limit of 1,000 inhabitants.

We’re also narrowing the driving distance to places within a one-tank roundtrip, or about 200 miles. Some towns are day trips, others might be places to visit on the way to somewhere else. Almost all have antique shops, boutiques, restaurants and museums that will keep visitors occupied for most of an afternoon.

“There are so many wonderful little communities,” travel writer Diana Lambdin Meyer of Parkville said.

Meyer describes many of these same towns in the recently released 17th edition of “Day Trips From Kansas City,” which the late former Star entertainment writer and restaurant critic Shifra Stein originated in 1980.

Two spots Meyer has added in the updated “Day Trips” are Lecompton, a Kansas town northwest of Lawrence filled with historic significance, and Plattsburg, just northeast of Kansas City. It features Victorian architecture and a high-quality bakery.

“There are some gorgeous homes up there,” Meyer said. “Plattsburg was a fun discovery for me this time to add to the book.”

Plattsburg is too large for inclusion in our tiny towns listing. So is Wamego, Kansas, near Manhattan, but it also is special in Meyer’s estimation.

“They’ve got the big Wizard of Oz Museum,” she said. “But then … where lots of towns have their hearts on parade or their cows on parade or whatever, they have Toto all around town. And something about Toto the dog, I just love it. … You drive along, and there’s just lots of Totos standing around, and it makes me smile.”

Hermann, Missouri — between Jefferson City and St. Louis — also is worth a mention, even though it also is too large to qualify for our listing. In February, Travel and Leisure magazine named the popular Missouri River town one of the “20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S.”

Missouri and Kansas have plenty of other small towns worth checking out. Here is a guide to the smallest of the small, plus suggestions for other day trips and a few more highlights. Towns are listed by distance from Kansas City.

▪ Jamesport (556 population, 82 miles): Amish stores and businesses, horse-related operations; multiple antique shops. jamesport-mo.com

▪ Brunswick (788, 91): Pecan Capital of Missouri boasting pecan farms and world’s Largest 20th Century Pecan; Sew Sweet, a nationally recognized quilting shop. brunswickmo.com

▪ Blackwater (175, 91): Iron Horse Hotel; West End Theatre; on the route to Arrow Rock. blackwatermissouri.com

▪ Arrow Rock (62, 100): Huston Tavern; Arrow Rock State Historic Site visitor center; Lyceum Theater ; Ferry Landing Site; Missouri Folk Art Shop and Gallery. arrowrock.org

▪ Rocheport (239, 115): Katy Trail; Les Bourgeois Vineyard; multiple B&Bs; short drive to Warm Springs Ranch , official breeding facility of Budweiser Clydesdales. rocheport-mo.com

▪ Westphalia (406, 173): Westphalia Vineyards winery; Painted Rock Conservation Area. cityofwestphaliamo.com

▪ Bethel (129, 183): Historic German colony ; multiple buildings on National Register of Historic Places; Bethel Fest Hall restaurant. historicbethel.org

▪ Vienna (528, 194): Clifty Creek Conservation Area; antique stores and boutiques; Maries County Jail and Sheriff’s House. viennamococ.com

▪ Lecompton (592 population, 51 miles): Motto is “Civil War Birthplace — Where Slavery Began to Die”; Constitution Hall and Territorial Capital Museum. lecomptonkansas.com

▪ Paxico (212, 93): Historic district; Prairie Fire Winery & Candle Co; Wyldewood Winery & Cellars. legendsofkansas.com/paxico-kansas

▪ Alma (799, 102): Alma Creamery; Volland Store ; Native Stone Scenic Byway; Wabaunsee County Historical Museum. cityofalma-kansas.com

▪ Strong City (399, 128): Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve ; Flint Hills National Scenic Byway; famous for rodeo each summer. strong-city.org

▪ Cottonwood Falls (821, 130): Flint Hills; French Renaissance-style courthouse; art galleries, boutiques, antique shops; five National Register of Historic Places listings. cwfks.org

▪ Riverton (893, 147): Old Riverton Store , oldest store still operating on Route 66; Brush Creek Bridge (aka Rainbow Bridge). theroute-66.com/riverton.html

▪ Elk Falls (109, 188): Calls itself “World’s Largest Living Ghost Town” and “Outhouse Capital of the World”; Rock Garden; 1893 Iron Truss Bridge and Elk Falls. kansastravel.org/elkfalls.htm

Other day trips in Missouri

▪ Parkville (7,177, 11): Park University, English Landing Park. parkvillemo.org

▪ Excelsior Springs (10,553, 28): Elms Hotel and Spa , Hall of Waters. visitexcelsior.com

▪ Weston (1,641, 33): O’Malley’s 1842 Pub , Holladay Distillery. westonmo.com

▪ Plattsburg (2,214, 38): Sugar Whipped Bakery , operated by Kansas City native and former New York City pastry chef Melissa Fahlstrom. plattsburgchamber.org

▪ Lexington (4,564, 52): Battle of Lexington State Historic Site, four historic districts. visitlexingtonmo.com

▪ Warsaw (2,127, 88): Drake Harbor, Truman Lake and Lake of the Ozarks. welcometowarsaw.com

▪ Lamar (4,301, 120): Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site . cityoflamar.org

Other day trips in Kansas

▪ Baldwin City (4,882, 48): Baker University, Midland Railway. baldwincity.org

▪ Paola (5,786, 50): Downtown Park Square. cityofpaola.com

▪ Atchison (10,694, 51): Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum , Muchnic Art Gallery. cityofatchison.com

▪ Osawatomie (4,280, 52): John Brown Memorial Park and Museum State Historic Site. osawatomieks.org

▪ Hiawatha (3,246, 93): Davis Memorial, close to three casinos. cityofhiawatha.org

▪ Wamego (4,860, 108): Oz Museum , Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie Park. visitwamego.com

▪ Council Grove (2,111, 120): Flint Hills National Scenic Byway; more than 25 historic spots. councilgrove.com

More trips in Missouri

▪ California (4,515, 130): Finke Theatre, Cultural Heritage Center. calmo.com

▪ Hermann (2,180, 189): Deutschheim State Historic Site, multiple wineries. visithermann.com

▪ Mansfield (1,227, 215): Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum , Bakersville Pioneer Village. mansfieldcityhall.org

Two of the best small towns to visit in the U.S. are in Kansas, says new national list

More trips in Kansas

▪ Marysville (3,417, 150): Pony Express Home Station & Museum, Black Squirrels on Parade. visitmarysvilleks.org

▪ Abilene (6,468, 152): Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum , C.W. Parker Carousel. abilenekansas.org

▪ Lindsborg (3,496, 197): Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum. visitlindsborg.com

▪ Concordia (5,032, 212): National Orphan Train Complex , Camp Concordia POW camp . concordiaks.org

©2023 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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