St. Louis is a proud Midwestern city that isn’t shy to share its self-pride, a real little gem tucked away in the USA’s Missouri. “St. Louie” as it is affectionately called, is home to an incredible art scene and several beautiful sites, such as Busch Stadium, home to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, the Gateway Arch, North America’s tallest monument, and the massive Forest Park. Visiting tourists are also offered various accommodation options, such as vacation rentals and hotels with a balcony in St. Louis. There’s a lot to love about St. Louis, but if you want a change of scenery for a day or two, look no further. Here are some great day-trip ideas for you to consider:
1. Get your drinks on in Augusta and Hermann
The charming towns of Augusta and Hermann are situated along the Mississippi River and the area guarantees you scenic drives along the way. Augusta is 47 miles (75.6 kilometers) from St. Louis and the drive should take about 55 minutes, while Hermann is another 37 miles (59.5 kilometers) down the road, about 55 minutes from the town of Augusta. The total distance you’ll cover if you drive to both towns from St. Louis is 84 miles (135.2 kilometers), covering 1 hour and 50 minutes. Beyond the beautiful countryside of both towns, the major attractions are several wineries that you can find within each of the towns. German immigrants settled in this area in the 1800s and brought with them their wine-making expertise. The climate and the fertile soil led to the area becoming a district known for its wine. Wines to go are also offered in each of the wineries within the area; drop by and take home a bottle of your favourite tipple!
Stone Hill Winery
Address: 1110 Stone Hill Highway, Hermann, MO 65041
Opening Hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 10 am - 5.30 pm. Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am - 7 pm. Sundays, 11 am - 5 pm
Duration: around 2 hours required
Contact: +1 573-486-2221
Website: Stone Hill Winery
2. Cool off in the waters of Carlyle Lake
Drive over the state border to Clinton County, Illinois, and you’ll find the largest man-made lake in the state. Carlyle Lake is 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) and an hour’s drive from St. Louis. When you arrive at your destination, be prepared to be entranced by the gorgeous blue waters of the lake. Throughout the year, Carlyle Lake is predominantly used for boating, including sailing, and fishing. Sailboats and pontoon boats are available for rent around the lake, so don’t feel like you can’t be part of the fun out on the lake if you don’t have your own boat! Camping, hunting, biking, and hiking are among the other popular activities you can partake in without having to go near the water. The campsites and bathrooms are maintained well, so have a longer stay if you like to rough it out every now and then.
Carlyle Lake
Address: Carlyle Township, IL 62231
Duration: around 2 hours required
Website: Carlyle Lake
3. Tour around Jefferson City
Fancy visiting another city in the Midwestern state? Why not visit the state capital of Missouri? A 2-hour drive west will take you to the capital and 15th-most populous city in Missouri, Jefferson City. The drive to the city is approximately 2 hours from St. Louis, but it’ll be worth it for those who like history or visiting state capitols. As with most other states, the state capitol of Missouri contains an abundance of historical information. Take the free guided tour of the state house and learn about the Thomas Hart Benton mural and the controversy surrounding it.
Another captivating tour is the one offered by the Missouri State Penitentiary. The prison first opened in 1836 and has housed several infamous American inmates throughout its time. Listen to the tales about what happened within the prison walls and learn more about this historic former prison and what went on within. Paranormal tours are also offered for those in search of a more immersive and spooky experience.
Missouri State Penitentiary Tours
Address: 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Price: from 14 USD
Duration: around 2 hours required
Contact: +1 573-632-2820
Website: Missouri State Penitentiary Tours
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
Incredible Cabin with Even Better Views
Elsberry, Missouri, United States
Beautiful Guesthouse Sanctuary
Washington, Missouri, United States
Covenant Retreat Resort Style Vacation Home w/Pool
St. Louis, Missouri, United States
4. See the world's largest fork in Springfield (from USD 12.0)
Springfield is the third-largest city in the state of Missouri and is located 216 miles (347.6 kilometers) southwest of St. Louis. The 3-hour drive will take you to a city with a variety of sights and attractions. First on the list is Hammons Field. If you’ve not yet been to a baseball stadium in the States, you have to visit at least one and soak in the baseball culture. Although Hammons Field is a minor league ballpark, there is nothing minor about the stadium’s atmosphere during a big game. The next attraction you’ll want to visit is Fantastic Caverns, a show cave that you can explore by tram. The city is also where you will find the World’s Largest Fork! The 3-story-tall and quirky utensil doesn’t, however, actually lead you to any food.
Night Ghost Tour of Pythian Castle in Springfield Missouri
Price: from 17 USD
Duration: around 2 hours required
Book Now:
History Tour of Pythian Castle in Springfield Missouri
Duration 1 hour
5. Visit Kansas City, the City of Fountains (from 31 USD)
Said to have more fountains than Rome, Kansas City will leave you broke if you plan on throwing a penny into every fountain you see. Kansas City, the largest city in Missouri and the sixth-largest in the Midwest, is a 248-mile (399-kilometer) drive from St. Louis, and the journey will take you 3 hours and 45 minutes. Here, you will find one of America’s largest public farmers’ markets, located in the River Market District in the north, the cradle of a distinctive form of jazz, located in the 18th and Vine District in the east, and Spanish-style architecture and upscale shops towards the south. Kansas City is also known for its style of barbecue and craft breweries, two things that pair together nicely.
Kansas City Jazz Excursion
Price: from 31 USD
Duration: around 2 hours required
Book Now:
Uncorked Tour in Kansas City
Price: from 60 USD
Duration: around 4 hours required
Book Now:
Get behind the wheel!
Don’t limit yourself to the boundaries of St. Louis. With so much going on in the Midwest, you’re almost obliged to make the drive to the different cities and embrace the similar, yet such different, atmospheres. Regardless of where you go, you’ll be delighted by what the Midwest has to offer.