Top 5 St Louis Day Trips: Explore Exciting Escapes
St. Louis, well, it’s more or less known as the Gateway to the West, and you know, it sits there as like, a superb spot to start some pretty memorable day trips. The city’s location, in some respects, it puts you within easy reach of, that, a number of attractions that actually make for, like, perfect escapes. That could be exploring some really captivating historical sites, or even taking in some gorgeous natural beauty, or even checking out a handful of, that, quirky local spots, that suit all kinds of, like, travelers. Here, in a way, we’re going to be taking a closer look at, that, just five great day trips that originate from St. Louis. We’ll give you just a little taste of what to expect, to tell you the truth, and that, help you plan an excursion. I mean, it’s something you will likely enjoy. Just, naturally, try it yourself.
1. Augusta, MO: Wine Country Escape
First up, you know, we’ve got Augusta, Missouri. And basically, it’s just a little drive, an hour west of St. Louis. This is more or less considered to be, kind of, the very first designated American Viticultural Area. I mean, like, that, since 1980! But seriously, it’s worth every second of the trip. I mean, like, it’s like your version of a wine lover’s retreat. That part of Missouri, still, it’s almost a dead cert that, that, with the lush vineyards, as a matter of fact it’s going to be creating some exceptionally picturesque settings. Basically, Augusta ends up providing more than just wine tastings; but rather, it delivers a tranquil experience that’s, more or less, tough to come by, now and again. A stroll through the town reveals all kinds of historical buildings that almost help you feel, just a bit, as if, well, you may just, like, be stepping back in time, frankly.
Augusta Winery, for example, it presents both live music and a lovely picnic area for everybody. Mount Pleasant Estates is just a little more, kind of, the grand of the two, basically, offering tours of its extensive cellars and some fairly spectacular views to gaze on. For just a slightly active venture, you’ve also got the Katy Trail nearby which goes by Augusta, right?, It’s great if you’re keen on doing biking or hiking, right now! So, you could balance some great wine drinking, more or less, with a healthy bout of activity. In many ways, that kind of, lets you savor a bit of Missouri’s rural allure.
Read our full review: Augusta, Missouri Wine Country Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Augusta Wineries)
2. Hermann, MO: German Heritage and Vineyards
Hermann is rather one of, that, Missouri’s top tourist destinations and really shows what it’s got, by and large; and, yes it shows it in its, just slightly rich German heritage as well as even the stunning wine scene, clearly. It is very found along the Missouri River, really. This town shows off so much that is historical and you can almost literally feel the past by, like, stepping into many shops. Those shops have generational recipes like chocolates, sausages and pretzels. Also it has just a little history when they do that. One of, these visits could also start at the Deutschheim State Historic Site in order to appreciate all the town’s foundations. In essence this area is great if you prefer culture.
Plus that place has vineyards as, like, a backdrop and there are festivals year round to consider as part of the deal that’s, alright, very amazing for that occasion, honestly. Stone Hill Winery, naturally, is actually, easily seen in many views, now and again, providing even, arguably, beautiful scenic vistas. So you get to soak yourself there a little. So, for, really, a charming blend of past times, what’s, basically, an awesome view, it can come from all, like, historical tours, or with modern experiences. These will bring an attraction for history enthusiasts as well as wine connoisseurs at many levels to suit, too.
Read our full review: Hermann, Missouri German Heritage Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Hermann Attractions)
3. Grafton, IL: River Views and Outdoor Activities
On the flip side, there’s Grafton, Illinois, right?, You know, It’s almost at the place where the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers come together and this is actually the gateway to outdoor opportunities and picturesque panoramas of water. This location, right?, I would go as far to say, might be something we can explore and that offers chances, like, hiking near cliffs plus seeing eagles and, right now, experiencing those quaint shops. The drive to the river side is a simple matter that’s so fast! That will have you seeing, actually, a weekend getaway! Now!
If, still, the outdoors attracts your interests, try seeing Pere Marquette State Park nearby. What goes on there tends to, very, entail going throughout nature, such as finding the area’s trails and peaks while admiring a unique view! In turn there happens to be, well, some seasonal fun involved: what occurs at, actually, a time with Grafton often may make some trips and memorable, as it involves going on the rivers for just those easy and casual moments plus activities.
So people who appreciate that mix concerning beauty including, still, that, just a bit of rest may definitely see, like, what is actually done out by the streams for this very small but still remarkable getaway right nearby to a very active city. The whole region provides a bunch including, obviously, eating spots and restaurants. This place comes to you if shopping small, where local places let people spend their hard earned bucks from those big outlets around!
Read our full review: Grafton, Illinois River Views Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Grafton, IL Activities)
4. Hannibal, MO: Mark Twain’s Hometown
Going even more northeast coming directly from St. Louis in all directions, what this contains very nearly approaches Hannibal; and still you will find Mark Twain memories too! People flock to visit since the celebrated writer Samuel Clemens had some connections. Like it’s not difficult for, really, anyone if they would, literally, have known those adventures through books like ‘Tom Sawyer’. His old time childhood home could serve as a launching board for such tours with museums which will go through much information regarding one writer’s life as if to keep its history moving forwards even still!
Hannibal displays places close together from various scenes right taken out regarding these famous works and locations such as Mark Twain Cave! You will literally get close if it does exist, I bet! Well, as you follow paths while understanding a little, actually, better about an impressive man it may definitely lead people with literary curiosity while just walking along town. Hannibal can have anyone feel inspired regardless if it concerns, really, knowledge! Take such history out yourself. It really exists. You would also view so many historical locations and scenes.
Read our full review: Hannibal, Missouri Mark Twain Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Hannibal Attractions)
5. Farmington, MO: Outdoor Adventure and History
A last quick day out includes driving southerly coming just about everywhere through St. Louis that will stop in Farmington for the duration as it gives various explorations combining old-school memories in town together, now, using so many nature adventures located at those surrounding points for view!. This old town has antique streets at downtown that show different niche shops from those that used-to-exist ones to current businesses. Its landmarks there usually hold cultural depth on such travels around where, yes they have so many historic districts from throughout Farmington!
Those parks along St. Francois mountains nearby have the ideal scenic landscapes especially, virtually, just seeing them via spending some days over trails. Another day to consider involves trying those water spots whether you rather just boat along or see many calm locations which suit every different person around who is coming throughout Missouri there!
Farmington tends not just be described from all those sites alone given since people could simply visit various locations! Here the adventures just never fade away, no! Just consider this town in general because there might just be more you don’t expect whether at any shop around town too. Or even while touring St. Francois mountains; but that all lets everyone cherish history in order towards many exciting events, wow!
Read our full review: Farmington, Missouri Outdoors Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Farmington Activities)