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. 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 Theme Park, Eureka Source: anjanettew / Flickr Six Flags Theme Park, Eureka 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. Its downtown area has all the usual suspects of a student city: great restaurants, buzzing bars, and excellent shopping opportunities. The home of the main campus of the University of Missouri, Columbia makes for a really fun day trip option. Columbia Source: Nina B / shutterstock Columbia 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.ĩ. 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. Over fourteen miles of trails you can experience a variety of different landscapes, from meadows to forests, as well as plenty of different fauna. Located just 30 minutes outside of the city, nature abounds in Shaw Nature Reserve. Shaw Nature Reserve Source: Susan Sherman-Adkins / shutterstock Shaw Nature Reserve 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. Hugging the western border with Illinois, the road runs alongside the Mississippi River and provides some beautiful views out across the water. 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. Road Trip Along the Great River Road Source: Tony Campbell / shutterstock Adult Bald Eagle Along The Great River Road 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.ħ. 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. Johnson’s Shut-Ins Source: Sharon Day / shutterstock Johnson’s Shut-InsĪn intriguing natural attraction in the surrounds of St Louis is Johnson’s Shut-Ins.Ī park created by volcanic activity long ago, the river’s flow has created pools, rapids and waterfalls that make for fun exploration. The trail can be started from several different points, but Defiance and Augusta are the most likely options from St Louis. 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. This beautiful cycling and walking track stretches for over 200 miles throughout the state, more or less following the path of the Missouri River.Ĭycling the trail is a great option if you feel like getting out into nature and leaving the car behind for a while. The Katy trail Source: LanaG / shutterstock The Katy Trail 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.Īside from Lincoln, there’s more history to be had: Springfield also hosts the pretty Old State Capitol building.ĥ. 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.Ī 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. Springfield, Illinois Source: RRuntsch / shutterstock Springfield, Illinois Here are the best day trips to be taken from St Louis: 1. 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. 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. It was named for Louis IX of France, as the first European settlers there were French fur traders. A port city built along the bustling banks of the Mississippi river, St Louis was founded in 1764.
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