I want to Go Somewhere: Day Trips from STL
“it doesn’t take a big trip to enjoy an experience different than the city of St. Louis has to offer”
#amyshereforthis
When I was a kid growing up in rural mid-Missouri, St. Louis seemed so big and limitless to me. St. Louis city and county were the places we’d go for entertainment: the zoo, museums, Science Center, parks, festivals, the malls, and other stores we couldn’t find near our small town. The possibilities were endless in St. Louis.
Now that I’m an adult and I’ve lived in South City for eight years, I realize that the perceptions of my youth weren’t entirely accurate. While it is home and the place that I love, St. Louis doesn’t feel so big and I’ve definitely found its limits. As much as I love being here and enjoying the many things to do just minutes from my house, sometimes I itch to do something different, you know? I want to see some different sights, experience activities outside of my norm.
The great news is that it doesn’t take a big trip to enjoy an experience different than the city of St. Louis has to offer. Today, I’d love to tell you about some ideas for easy day trips from the city that are sure to help you find adventure if you’re feeling a little stale where you are.
Ironton, MO
“you can find adventure even if you’re feeling a little stale where you are.”
#amyshereforthis
The Ironton area, 80 miles south of St. Louis, is full of fun places to explore and adventure. You could go for a hike at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park or Buford Mountain Conservation Area, climb on some boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park, or take a swim at Johnson’s Shut-Ins. These popular destinations are beautiful and a blast to explore, all around 1.5-2 hours from the city. This area is definitely worth the trip!
Alton and Grafton, IL
If you head northwest of the city and cross the river, you’ll find Alton, IL and Grafton. Alton is around a 40 minute drive with a downtown area and the popular bar Fast Eddie’s Bon Air. Just down the scenic Great River Road is the town of Grafton. In Grafton, you can hike at Pere Marquette State Park and visit the lodge there to grab some food or a glass of wine. The downtown area has a variety of bars and restaurants as well as little shops to stop in.
“I want to see some different sights, experience activities outside of my norm.”
#amyshereforthis
Augusta, MO
One hour west of the city is the Augusta region of Missouri wine country. A popular weekend destination for many, there are plentiful wineries in the area to visit. Montelle is one of my favorites for the lovely view, but Chandler Hill in Defiance is also a great one to visit. If you want to do something active while in the area, stop at Klondike Park on the way or hop on the Katy Trail at the Augusta trailhead.
Cape Girardeau, MO
Head south on highway 55 for two-ish hours and you’ll find yourself in Cape Girardeau. I went to college in Cape at Southeast Missouri State, so it’s mostly nostalgic for me to go back and visit. But downtown Cape has gotten way cooler since I lived there, thanks in large part to increased revenue from a casino opening and Gone Girl filming scenes there. Just outside of Cape Girardeau is Trail of Tears State Park, a great hiking spot. While downtown you could visit Minglewood Brewery and hang out in their biergarten, walk along the riverfront, or stop in one of the many other restaurants or stores. You could also visit SEMO’s campus to relive some of my college experience which wouldn’t be rewarding for you actually, but whatever.
Where are you going to head for your next day trips? Do you have other favorite spots for quick getaways from the city? Wherever you head next, have fun!