The Most Affordable Missouri Road Trip Takes You To 6 Stunning Sites For Under $100
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
A road trip cures wanderlust. But sometimes we don’t have the cash for a multi-day adventure that takes us all across the state. That’s okay, though, because we have plenty of destinations within easy driving distance of each other that make a road trip affordable. This Missouri road trip, for example, won’t cost you too much in cash, less than $100, not including gas and stopping for meals and snacks. If you’re looking for an affordable road trip in Missouri, read on!
Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Let’s kick off our road trip at the free-admission Saint Louis Zoo. (However, there are some areas for which you have to pay, including entrance into the Children’s Zoo. That cost usually hovers around $4.) Meander through the zoo that’s home to more than 13,000 animals. A ton of photo-worthy moments await, so don’t forget your camera. Read more about this free-admission zoo in Missouri in our previous article.
Advertisement
Elephant Rocks State Park, 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, USA
Our next stop brings us to a natural wonder. Elephant Rocks, comprised of granite boulders that are 1.5 billion years old, look like a chain of circus elephants. Kiddos love to climb the rocks, and they make great selfie backgrounds. If you have time, hike to the nearby Engine House Ruins. Get a glimpse at this natural wonder in Missouri in our previous article.
Advertisement
Related Stories
This Bargain Hunters Road Trip Will Take You To The Best Thrift Stores In Missouri
12 Inexpensive Road Trip Destinations In Missouri That Won’t Break The Bank
6 Quick Road Trips In Missouri You Can Take This Weekend
Fanning 66 Outpost Llc, 5957 State Hwy ZZ, Cuba, MO 65453, USA
Snap photos of the World’s Second Largest Rocking Chair before heading into this old-school shop. It sells a little bit of everything, including old-school sodas and other goodies. Browse the shop; grab a bite and a drink; and recharge for our next stop. Read more about this unique Missouri destination.
Meramec State Park, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA
Bring your hiking shoes for your time exploring Meramec State Park. If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, follow a .01-mile (yep, short and) sweet trail that leads you to a really unique cave. You really have to see it for yourself. Get more information on this unique Missouri hike.
Sunset Park Drive, Sunset Park Dr, Florissant, MO 63031, USA
If you time it just right, make Sunset Park your next stop, and catch a glorious Missouri sunset. How about bringing along a picnic, too?
The St. Louis Wheel, 201 S 18th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
After a breathtaking sunset, how about drinking in stellar views of the St. Louis skyline? This isn’t a free one. As of the time of writing, a ride was $15 for adults and $10 for kiddos between three and 12. Soar 200 feet in the air, where you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the glittering skyline. Learn more about this unique Missouri destination in our previous article.
What sites would you include if you created your own affordable Missouri road trip? Let us know in the comments! For some of the darkest skies in the state, book a stay on this one-of-a-kind Missouri farm.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Affordable Things to do in Missouri
What are some other affordable things to do in Missouri?
In addition to the destinations listed in the above road trip, here are some other affordable -- and even free! -- things to do in Missouri:
- The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art - Kansas City. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art has been in operation since 1933. Housing major collections of European and American paintings, photography, and Native American art, you will have a hard time running out of new things to see. Don't miss the opportunity to get some selfies with the shuttlecocks on the south lawn. Visit the museum at 4525 Oak St., Kansas City. Please note that, while entrance to the museum is free, you must reserve tickets in advance.
- Missouri State Penitentiary Museum - Jefferson City. The Missouri State Penitentiary Museum is a great affordable attraction to visit after a tour of the old Missouri Penitentiary. Those who are fans of ghost tours and criminal history will love to learn more about what happened behind the bars. See displays about the prison riots or sit inside the replica jail cell to get a better idea about the conditions prisoners lived in.Admission is $2 per person (or free with the purchase of a prison tour).
- Missouri History Museum - Forest Park - St. Louis. Another free museum in the Show-Me State is the Missouri History Museum. One of the main attractions is the Spirit of St. Louis airplane, flown across the Atlantic Ocean by Charles Lindbergh, on display. There are rotating exhibits so the museum always has something new to offer! Find the Missouri History Museum at the corner of Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park.
- Grand Canyon of Missouri. Did you know Missouri has its very own Little Grand Canyon? Yep, and it's definitely worth a visit. Grand Gulf State Park in Koshkonong is home to a series of collapsed caves that create a beautiful canyon. Admire views of the canyon as you follow the Interpretive Loop Trail. You can visit the canyon floor, where you'll find a natural bridge.
- Mina Sauk Falls. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park lays claim to the tallest waterfall in Missouri - Mina Sauk Falls, and it's well-deserving of a visit. Set off on the three-mile Mina Sauk Falls Trail that leads to the gorgeous cascade that tumbles down 132 feet. While the trail is predominately shaded by trees, you will run into some rough terrain.