Missouri is a state that offers a lot to explore. If ever you’ve thought to yourself, “what are some epic day trips near me in Missouri?” then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you like spending time outdoors, learning about Missouri’s rich history, or sitting down to a nice meal, this list of iconic Missouri day trips has it all. Create lasting memories by taking a day trip to any or all of these Missouri destinations.
- Bolduc House Museum - Ste. Genevieve
Bolduc House Museum/Facebook This national landmark was built in 1793. and is the oldest home in Missouri. The home is a great representation of early French-American Colonial. Don’t forget to explore the town of Ste. Genevieve, which is Missouri’s oldest city. Click here for more information and directions. The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum, 198 Market St, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670, USA
- Redmon’s Candy Factory - Phillipsburg
Charles J./Yelp Redmon’s Candy Factory can satisfy any sweet tooth. From old-fashioned candies to homemade fudge, Redmon’s has it all! They even have a unique assortment of cold sodas. Catch this candy paradise off I-44 between Lebanon and Springfield. Click here for more information and directions. Redmon’s Candy Factory, 330 Pine St, Phillipsburg, MO 65722, USA
- J. Huston Tavern - Arrow Rock
J. Huston Tarvern/Facebook J. Huston Tavern was established in 1834. With over 180 years in operation, this historic tavern is now well known for their fried chicken. Visit J. Huston Tavern in the historic village of Arrow Rock. Click here for more information and directions.
- Mina Sauk Falls - Ironton
Kbh3rd/Wikimedia Mina Sauk Falls is located inside Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. In one day you can see Missouri’s tallest waterfall, as well as hike to Missouri’s tallest point. Stay for the weekend and camp at any of the park’s beautiful campsite. Click here for more information and directions. Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA
- Missouri State Penitentiary - Jefferson City
Missouri State Penitentiary/Facebook The Missouri State Penitentiary is now a museum that offers tours of the historic facilities. There are tours for history buffs, photographers, and ghost hunters. You can even stay overnight for a ghost tour and personal investigation. Click here for more information and directions. Missouri State Penitentiary, 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
- National Tiger Sanctuary - Saddlebrooke
National Tiger Sanctuary/Facebook Located between Branson and Springfield, the National Tiger Sanctuary is home to 22 exotic animals. Choose from one of the three different tours, one of which allows you to feed some of the animals. Open Wednesday through Sunday, plan a visit soon. Click here for more information and directions. National Tiger Sanctuary, 518 State Hwy BB, Saddlebrooke, MO 65630, USA
- National World War I Museum and Memorial - Kansas City
National World War I Museum and Memorial/Yelp The National World War I Museum and Memorial is the go to spot for beautiful views of Kansas City. Start your visit with a trip to the top of Liberty Memorial. Then be sure to visit the two halls, Memory and Exhibition Hall, on either side of the Liberty tower. Each hall houses memorabilia and documentation of from those who experienced the first world war. Grab a bite to eat at the museum or visit near by Union Station for the ultimate KC experience. Click here for more information and directions. National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
- Old Village Mercantile - Caledonia
Old Village Mercantile Caledonia - Facebook The Old Village Mercantile in Caledonia will transport you back in time. Filled with classic candies, antiques, toys, and unique gifts there is something for everyone. Click here for more information and directions. Old Village Mercantile, Main Ave, Caledonia, MO 63631, USA
- O’Malley’s Pub - Weston
O’Malley’s Pub - Weston, Mo/Facebook If you love history and happy hour, then O’Malley’s Pub is the perfect destination for you. Dating back to 1842, this pub started off as a brewery cellar for aging and chilling beer. Now the hidden pub is a popular hangout that often features live music. Click here for more information and directions. O’Malley’s Pub, 540 Welt St, Weston, MO 64098, USA
- Ted Drewes - St. Louis
Ted Drewes Inc./Facebook Ted Drewes is St. Louis’ go-to custard stand. This world famous destination has been serving the best custard since 1930. With two locations and later summer hours you can fit this destination into any St. Louis trip! Click here for more information and directions. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, 6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109, USA
- The Barn - Crestwood
The Barn - Crestwood/Facebook The Barn sits on the Thomas Sappington House Museum property. Built in 1969, The Barn is a full service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After grabbing a bite, take a stroll around the beautiful grounds. Click here for more information and directions. The Barn, 1015 Sappington Rd, St. Louis, MO 63126, USA
- The Mine - Bonne Terre
The Mine at Bonne Terre/Facebook The Bonne Terre Mine was in operation from 1860 to 1962. Today the mines offer visitors the largest freshwater dive in the world. For those not looking to dive underwater, boat tours and walking tours are also available. Click here for more information and directions. Bonne Terre Mine “The Mine at Bonne Terre”, 185 Park Ave, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA
- Turtle Playground - St. Louis
Paul Sableman/Flickr Turtle Playground, located on the outskirts of Forest Park, is a magical spot often overlooked by visitors of the park. Constructed by the late Bob Cassilly, founder of the City Museum, these turtles look as if they could come to life any minute. Great for kids to love to climb or for adults who want to get that perfect Instagram photo. Click here for more information and directions. Turtle Playground, Oakland Ave at, 6128 Tamm Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139, USA
- Missouri Botanical Garden - St. Louis
Missouri Botanical Garden/Facebook The Missouri Botanical Garden was founded by Henry Shaw in 1859 on his personal property. The garden is home to a corpse flower, notorious for the foul smell it produces when in bloom. Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden for a relaxing day reconnecting with nature. Click here for more information and directions. Botanical Avenue, Botanical Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
We hope we’ve helped provide some answers to the ever-pressing question, “what are some day trips near me in Missouri?” Have you visited any of the destinations on our list? What other places in Missouri are worth the drive for a visit? Let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! For related content, be sure to check out our Ultimate Bucket List For Everyone In Missouri.
Bolduc House Museum/Facebook
This national landmark was built in 1793. and is the oldest home in Missouri. The home is a great representation of early French-American Colonial. Don’t forget to explore the town of Ste. Genevieve, which is Missouri’s oldest city. Click here for more information and directions.
The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum, 198 Market St, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670, USA
Charles J./Yelp
Redmon’s Candy Factory can satisfy any sweet tooth. From old-fashioned candies to homemade fudge, Redmon’s has it all! They even have a unique assortment of cold sodas. Catch this candy paradise off I-44 between Lebanon and Springfield. Click here for more information and directions.
Redmon’s Candy Factory, 330 Pine St, Phillipsburg, MO 65722, USA
J. Huston Tarvern/Facebook
J. Huston Tavern was established in 1834. With over 180 years in operation, this historic tavern is now well known for their fried chicken. Visit J. Huston Tavern in the historic village of Arrow Rock. Click here for more information and directions.
Kbh3rd/Wikimedia
Mina Sauk Falls is located inside Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. In one day you can see Missouri’s tallest waterfall, as well as hike to Missouri’s tallest point. Stay for the weekend and camp at any of the park’s beautiful campsite. Click here for more information and directions.
Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA
Missouri State Penitentiary/Facebook
The Missouri State Penitentiary is now a museum that offers tours of the historic facilities. There are tours for history buffs, photographers, and ghost hunters. You can even stay overnight for a ghost tour and personal investigation. Click here for more information and directions.
Missouri State Penitentiary, 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
National Tiger Sanctuary/Facebook
Located between Branson and Springfield, the National Tiger Sanctuary is home to 22 exotic animals. Choose from one of the three different tours, one of which allows you to feed some of the animals. Open Wednesday through Sunday, plan a visit soon. Click here for more information and directions.
National Tiger Sanctuary, 518 State Hwy BB, Saddlebrooke, MO 65630, USA
National World War I Museum and Memorial/Yelp
The National World War I Museum and Memorial is the go to spot for beautiful views of Kansas City. Start your visit with a trip to the top of Liberty Memorial. Then be sure to visit the two halls, Memory and Exhibition Hall, on either side of the Liberty tower. Each hall houses memorabilia and documentation of from those who experienced the first world war. Grab a bite to eat at the museum or visit near by Union Station for the ultimate KC experience. Click here for more information and directions.
National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Old Village Mercantile Caledonia - Facebook
The Old Village Mercantile in Caledonia will transport you back in time. Filled with classic candies, antiques, toys, and unique gifts there is something for everyone. Click here for more information and directions.
Old Village Mercantile, Main Ave, Caledonia, MO 63631, USA
O’Malley’s Pub - Weston, Mo/Facebook
If you love history and happy hour, then O’Malley’s Pub is the perfect destination for you. Dating back to 1842, this pub started off as a brewery cellar for aging and chilling beer. Now the hidden pub is a popular hangout that often features live music. Click here for more information and directions.
O’Malley’s Pub, 540 Welt St, Weston, MO 64098, USA
Ted Drewes Inc./Facebook
Ted Drewes is St. Louis’ go-to custard stand. This world famous destination has been serving the best custard since 1930. With two locations and later summer hours you can fit this destination into any St. Louis trip! Click here for more information and directions.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, 6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109, USA
The Barn - Crestwood/Facebook
The Barn sits on the Thomas Sappington House Museum property. Built in 1969, The Barn is a full service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After grabbing a bite, take a stroll around the beautiful grounds. Click here for more information and directions.
The Barn, 1015 Sappington Rd, St. Louis, MO 63126, USA
The Mine at Bonne Terre/Facebook
The Bonne Terre Mine was in operation from 1860 to 1962. Today the mines offer visitors the largest freshwater dive in the world. For those not looking to dive underwater, boat tours and walking tours are also available. Click here for more information and directions.
Bonne Terre Mine “The Mine at Bonne Terre”, 185 Park Ave, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA
Paul Sableman/Flickr
Turtle Playground, located on the outskirts of Forest Park, is a magical spot often overlooked by visitors of the park. Constructed by the late Bob Cassilly, founder of the City Museum, these turtles look as if they could come to life any minute. Great for kids to love to climb or for adults who want to get that perfect Instagram photo. Click here for more information and directions.
Turtle Playground, Oakland Ave at, 6128 Tamm Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139, USA
Missouri Botanical Garden/Facebook
The Missouri Botanical Garden was founded by Henry Shaw in 1859 on his personal property. The garden is home to a corpse flower, notorious for the foul smell it produces when in bloom. Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden for a relaxing day reconnecting with nature. Click here for more information and directions.
Botanical Avenue, Botanical Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
day trips near me in Missouri September 10, 2021 Beth C. What belongs on my Missouri bucket list? Traveling through Missouri is always a good idea, whether you’re a lucky resident of the state or simply passing through. There’s so much to see in do in the Show-Me State, from natural wonders to mouthwatering restaurants, quirky roadside stops, historic landmarks, and just about everything in between. In an effort to help you make the most of your time in Missouri, we’ve compiled a bucket list of things to do. Our ultimate Missouri bucket list includes the following: the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis, Onondaga Cave State Park, a Kansas City BBQ restaurant, Katy Trail, a float trip down the river, the St. Louis City Museum, St. Charles, visiting the top of Taum Sauk Mountain (which is the tallest point in the state of Missouri), the St. Louis Zoo, Ozark Trail, a trip to Fitz’s for a root beer float, Forest Park, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, the Gateway Arch, and Johnson Shut-Ins State Park. What are some of the most unique places in Missouri? There are so many incredible attractions in Missouri, and many of them are known the world over. But if you’re looking to dive a little deeper and uncover some truly unique places, we have just the list for you. Some of the oddest places you can possibly go in Missouri include the following: the World’s Largest Fork in Springfield, Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence, Cookin’ From Scratch in Doolittle, the World’s Largest Rocking Chair on Route 66, the Vacuum Museum and Factory in St. James, the Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail in St. Charles, Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum in St. Louis, and the World’s Largest Pecan in Brunswick. It sure seems like Missouri is home to many of the “world’s largest” oddities, doesn’t it? Learn more about these bizarre destinations you can visit in Missouri.
The OIYS Visitor Center
day trips near me in Missouri
September 10, 2021
Beth C.
What belongs on my Missouri bucket list? Traveling through Missouri is always a good idea, whether you’re a lucky resident of the state or simply passing through. There’s so much to see in do in the Show-Me State, from natural wonders to mouthwatering restaurants, quirky roadside stops, historic landmarks, and just about everything in between. In an effort to help you make the most of your time in Missouri, we’ve compiled a bucket list of things to do. Our ultimate Missouri bucket list includes the following: the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis, Onondaga Cave State Park, a Kansas City BBQ restaurant, Katy Trail, a float trip down the river, the St. Louis City Museum, St. Charles, visiting the top of Taum Sauk Mountain (which is the tallest point in the state of Missouri), the St. Louis Zoo, Ozark Trail, a trip to Fitz’s for a root beer float, Forest Park, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, the Gateway Arch, and Johnson Shut-Ins State Park. What are some of the most unique places in Missouri? There are so many incredible attractions in Missouri, and many of them are known the world over. But if you’re looking to dive a little deeper and uncover some truly unique places, we have just the list for you. Some of the oddest places you can possibly go in Missouri include the following: the World’s Largest Fork in Springfield, Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence, Cookin’ From Scratch in Doolittle, the World’s Largest Rocking Chair on Route 66, the Vacuum Museum and Factory in St. James, the Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail in St. Charles, Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum in St. Louis, and the World’s Largest Pecan in Brunswick. It sure seems like Missouri is home to many of the “world’s largest” oddities, doesn’t it? Learn more about these bizarre destinations you can visit in Missouri.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Traveling through Missouri is always a good idea, whether you’re a lucky resident of the state or simply passing through. There’s so much to see in do in the Show-Me State, from natural wonders to mouthwatering restaurants, quirky roadside stops, historic landmarks, and just about everything in between. In an effort to help you make the most of your time in Missouri, we’ve compiled a bucket list of things to do. Our ultimate Missouri bucket list includes the following: the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis, Onondaga Cave State Park, a Kansas City BBQ restaurant, Katy Trail, a float trip down the river, the St. Louis City Museum, St. Charles, visiting the top of Taum Sauk Mountain (which is the tallest point in the state of Missouri), the St. Louis Zoo, Ozark Trail, a trip to Fitz’s for a root beer float, Forest Park, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, the Gateway Arch, and Johnson Shut-Ins State Park.
What are some of the most unique places in Missouri?
There are so many incredible attractions in Missouri, and many of them are known the world over. But if you’re looking to dive a little deeper and uncover some truly unique places, we have just the list for you. Some of the oddest places you can possibly go in Missouri include the following: the World’s Largest Fork in Springfield, Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence, Cookin’ From Scratch in Doolittle, the World’s Largest Rocking Chair on Route 66, the Vacuum Museum and Factory in St. James, the Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail in St. Charles, Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum in St. Louis, and the World’s Largest Pecan in Brunswick. It sure seems like Missouri is home to many of the “world’s largest” oddities, doesn’t it? Learn more about these bizarre destinations you can visit in Missouri.
