Day Trip,  Hikes,  Illinois,  Kids,  Missouri,  St. Louis,  Trips

7 Great Day Trips from St. Louis

Looking for a quick escape from the St. Louis area without a long day of travel? Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply in search of new adventures, there are great opportunities for exploration within a two-hour radius of St. Louis. To make your travel plans easy, I’ve narrowed down our top day trip destinations to give you seven ideas for the perfect adventure journey. Load up the kids, pack all the snacks, and head out to explore these hidden gem locations.

Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

Take a trip just one hour south to Missouri’s oldest town established in 1750. Beautiful Ste. Genevieve boasts some of the best French Colonial architecture in the country with many structures dating to the 1700s. The area is so full of history that it became one of the newest units of the National Parks System last year. Not only can you find historic sites to explore, but the town is located near great hiking trails and boasts an amazing playground for kids of all abilities.

Things to Do

Museums – Stop at the Visitor’s Center to learn more and arrange tours. If you have a National Parks Passport book you can have it stamped here and kids can earn Junior Ranger badges. Also check out the Center for French Colonial Life or new Art Guild. Kids will enjoy the dinosaurs and other exhibits at the new Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center.

Outdoor Fun – In town, check out the amazing Braden’s Challenger Playground which is designed to be accessible to all kids. A new aquatic center is located just across the road and is perfect for kids of all ages.

Heading a few miles outside of town, you can find amazing hikes past interesting rock formations and scenic creeks. Hawn State Park, Pickle Springs, and Hickory Canyons are all family friendly.

For animal lovers, don’t miss the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary to view these majestic rescued cats. Younger ones may enjoy feeding the animals at Critter Lane Petting Zoo.

Sweet Treats – Wrap up your visit with ice cream or a stop at the Sweet Things Candy Shop. Right next door, adults might prefer to satisfy their sweet tooth with some gourmet honey at Harold’s Honey Bar. Trust me, it’s amazing!


Cruise Highway 79 to Hannibal, MO

This trip is both about the journey and the destination. On your way to or from Hannibal, take scenic Highway 79 past overlooks and rolling farm fields. Make a stop at the charming river towns of Clarksville and Louisiana. Closer to Hannibal, the ghost town of Ilasco is an interesting stop. Once you reach Hannibal, the options for family fun are endless as your explore this town made famous by Mark Twain.

Things to Do

Clarksville – Stroll the riverfront and check out the view from the lock & dam overlook. Visit the shops downtown.

Louisiana – The historic downtown has the most intact Victorian streetscape in the state. See the great river views from Riverview Park.

Hannibal – Explore all things Tom Sawyer throughout the downtown including Mark Twain’s boyhood home, and the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse . Other adventures include cruising on the Mark Twain Riverboat or exploring Mark Twain Cave.

If you want to do some more walking or hiking, the scenic Sodalis Natura Preserve is a great spot. Don’t forget to stop for a great river view from Lover’s Leap or Riverview Park.

Meramec Caverns and Meramec State Park

No matter the temperature outside, it is a constant 66 degrees when you journey underground to explore the wonders of Meramec Caverns. Add to the adventure by taking a hike and viewing more caves at nearby Meramec State Park.

Things to do

Meramec Caverns – The cave tour is the big attraction here. The walk is an easy 1.25 miles but strollers are not allowed. Other attractions here include ziplining, panning for gold, a climbing wall, and boat and float rides.

Meramec State Park – Seven different trails can be found in this park. The Bluff View Trail offers nice river views and a historic CCC era shelter while the Natural Wonder and Walking Fern Trail offer short hikes past creeks and cave openings.

Sunny Jim Bottomley City Park – This park in nearby Sullivan has a really nice pool, playground, and super cute Route 66 themed splash pad if you visit on a hot day.



Explore the Arcadia Valley

We absolutely love this area of the state. The hiking and recreation options are endless and the scenery is stunning. You can also explore historic sites to turn the trip into both an adventure and an educational outing.

Things to do

Historic Sites – Visit a Civil War battleground at the Pilot Knob Historic Site. The site also features a playground. Visit the courthouse downtown and see if you can find the cannon ball mark.

Hikes Elephant Rocks State Park is a must see. An easy path winds pass massive granite boulders. Arrive early or a weekday as this park gets crowded fast on weekends. Johnson’s Shut-Ins is another must see park. An easy paved trail leads to a boardwalk overlook of the scenic cascades. Up for a longer hike? Hike the full 2.5 mile trail or venture over to nearby Taum Sauk Mountain to see the highest point in Missouri and the state’s tallest waterfall.

Where to eat – Head to the historic and beautiful Arcadia Academy for made from scratch meals. Baylee Jo’s BBQ is another family favorite. Follow up your visit with ice cream and candy while taking a trip back in time to the Old Village Mercantile in quaint Caledonia.



See the Big Things in Casey, IL

Head east on Highway 70 to the Little Town of Big Things. Casey, IL holds an impressive collection of the World’s Largest Objects such as the biggest mailbox, rocking chair, and pitchfork. All of these items are available on display to view for free.

Things to do

See the Big Things – Find out the full list of 12 World’s Largest attractions here. The town also boasts dozens more items that are not record breakers but just plain big!

Kaskaskia Dragon – On the way there or back, stop just off the highway in Vandalia at the shop next door to buy a token to make the dragon breathe fire.

Where to eat – The Whimsy Cafe is next to the largest windchime while Richards Farm has the largest pitchfork. Or make a sidetrip to the tiny town of Moonshine for a famous Moonshine burger. Looking for a snack? Try Tretzel Time or the Candy Depot (also home to the largest wooden shoes.)



Fort De Chartres, IL

You may not expect to find a French Colonial Fort in southern Illinois, but this historic spot is a must see. Combine your visit with a great hike along the bluffs for a full day.

Things to do

Fort de Chartres – This reconstructed 18th century stone fort has so many interesting areas to explore. Climb around the buildings and foundations and see the powder house which is the oldest structure in all of the state. The museum is well worth a visit.

Modoc Ferry – If coming from the Missouri side, start or end your trip with a ride on the ferry between Illinois and Ste. Genevieve. Kids will get a kick out of it and it offers an up close view of the river.

HikingSalt Lick Point is one of the best hikes around. The climb up the bluffs is a little steep, but the views are worth it. Or stick to the lower and flat Johnson’s Trail to view the rocks and bluffs from below.

Where to Eat – Take a cruise through the tiny but charming village of Maeystown for lunch at Hank & Lily’s Creekside. Or head into beautiful downtown Red Bud for more dining options and ice cream.



Take the River Road to Grafton

The Great River Road in Illinois is one of the area’s most scenic drives. The road squeezes between the mighty Mississippi and towering bluffs. There are several quaint towns and scenic parks to stop at along the way. Timing your visit to end with watching the sun set over the river is even better.

Things to do

Alton – Stop at the free Great River Museum to learn more about the mighty Mississippi and even tour the lock and dam.

Elsah – This is the town time forgot. The entire village is listed on the National Historic Register. Stop at the general store for a treat along the way.

Dow – Just northeast of Elsah, the TreeHouse Wildlife Center is a great spot for the whole family to view rescued wildlife.

Grafton – Stop at the river for a view of the lighthouse. Explore the many shops and restaurants in the beautiful downtown. Take a ride on the scenic aerial lift up to the bluffs and then take a thrilling ride on Aerie’s Alpine Coaster. Soar through the trees on a family friendly zipline.

Hiking – Between Alton and Grafton lies Olin Nature Preserve. This preserve has a variety of scenic trails for even the littlest legs. (They close for the winter but reopen April 1.) Just north of Grafton lies Pere Marquette State Park. See the panoramic views from one of the many hiking trails or enjoy the viewpoints on the scenic drive.

Where to eat – Grafton is full of different dining choices. The Loading Dock is popular for it’s river views and outdoor dining. The Pere Marquette Lodge offers delicious meals all day. There are at least three different places in Grafton for ice cream or fudge if you need some dessert.

Looking for more ideas? Be sure to check out our travel pages for both Missouri and Illinois. We also love this Day Trips book for even more travel ideas within driving distance.

Do you have a favorite day trip destination from St. Louis?

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