Let’s go on a road trip to Missouri in the fall! This season is the perfect time to view the state’s colorful landscapes. This road trip will take you to some of the best fall colors in Missouri. Pack your car, bring plenty of snacks, and make sure you’ve got plenty of room for photos on your smartphone or camera when you hit the open road on this fall foliage road trip in Missouri.

We invite you to hop into your car for this seasonal road trip to see the best fall colors in Missouri.

The Route
Google Maps
1. Weston Bend State Park - Weston
Dena M./TripAdvisor
16600 MO-45, Weston, MO 64098, USA
Dena M./TripAdvisor
Let's start our road trip to see the fall colors of Missouri in Weston, just north of Kansas City. Enjoy a short hike to the lookout in Weston Bend State Park for a beautiful view of the Missouri River.

Take a closer look at Weston Bend State Park:

2. Park University - Parkville
Park University/Facebook
8700 NW River Park Dr, Parkville, MO 64152, USA
Park University/Facebook
Next, our road trip to the best fall foliage in Missouri takes us to Park University in Parkville. Park University was founded in 1875 and its oldest building, Mackay Hall, was built from limestone that was mined on campus ground. It also promises spellbinding views of the colors of fall, especially during peak fall foliage.
3. J. Huston Tavern - Arrow Rock
J Huston Tavern/Yelp
305 Main St, Arrow Rock, MO 65320, USA
J Huston Tavern/Yelp
Hungry yet? Grab a bite to eat at J. Huston Tavern, which is one of the oldest taverns in Missouri and is located on the grounds of the Arrow Rock State Historic Site.
4. Hermann Wine Trail - Hermann
Stone Hill Winery/Facebook
150a Market St, Hermann, MO 65041, USA
Hermanhof Winery/Facebook
Welcome to Hermann, the official wine country of Missouri. The Hermann Wine Trail consists of seven wineries located in Hermann and other surrounding towns. If you're looking for things to do in the fall in Missouri, follow the wine trail for wine tasting and sensational views of the fall foliage.

Related Stories

This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In Missouri

This Epic Road Trip Leads To 7 Iconic Landmarks In Missouri

 This 433-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Missouri, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is

This 433-Mile Road Trip Leads To Some Of The Most Scenic Parts Of Missouri, No Matter What Time Of Year It Is

 The Stunning Missouri Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America

The Stunning Missouri Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America
5. Elephant Rocks State Park - Belleview
Elizabeth Rakers/Google
7390 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, USA
Brad Kebodeaux/flickr
Elephant Rocks State Park features more than just a bunch of large rocks to climb on. In fact, there are a number of trails through wooded areas for the public to enjoy. Enjoy spectacular views of the popular park drenched in the colors of fall from atop Elephant Rocks or along one of the trails.

Get a closer look at Elephant Rocks State Park:

6. Taum Sauk Mountain
Kevin L. Moore/flickr
Arcadia Township, MO, USA
Jeffrey Grandy/flickr
Stand on top of the highest point in Missouri to take in the beautiful fall foliage of the miles and miles of trees below you.
7. Current River - Van Buren
Van Buren, MO 63965, USA
K e v i n/Flickr
The crystal waters of the Current River give off the most beautiful reflection of the fall trees that tower over them. You'll also be driving along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway, which is beautiful in itself.
8. Alley Spring Grist Mill - Eminence
Jackie/TripAdvisor
Eminence, MO 65466, USA
Jackie/TripAdvisor
Tour the old alley mill before walking along the beautiful cool springs. This spring is also located right along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. You'll be treated to spectacular views of the fall colors in Missouri and the rushing water of the springs.

Get a closer look at Alley Spring Grist Mill:

9. Table Rock Lake State Park - Branson
CMFRIESE/flickr
Branson, MO 65616, USA
Thomas & Dianne Jones/flickr
During the summer, Table Rock Lake can get pretty packed with families and young revelers alike. However, the lake tends to calm down a lot more during the fall, making it perfect for a relaxing drive-through. It is also one of the most beautiful places during peak fall foliage in Missouri.

So what are you waiting for? Throw on your flannel shirts, fill up on pumpkin spice lattes, and buckle up for this amazing fall foliage road trip in Missouri.

Where is your favorite place to view the fall colors in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Then, check out 11 of the most beautiful fall destinations in Missouri.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best Fall Foliage In Missouri

Beth Price-Williams | August 08, 2019

When is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Missouri?

The best time to see peak fall foliage in Missouri is late October

Drink in some of the most beautiful fall colors in Missouri during peak fall foliage, which generally takes place in mid-October. If you want to see the peak fall foliage, you have a limited time as the leaves begin to fall toward the end of October. You have plenty of things to do in the fall in Missouri to enjoy the changing colors – from rustic autumn hikes to picturesque train rides.

Where are the best places in Missouri to see fall foliage?

The best places to see fall foliage include:

  • Missouri backroads
  • Lake of the Ozarks
  • Castlewood State Park
  • Thousand Hills State Park

If you’re searching for where to see fall colors in Missouri, you won’t have to look far. In fact, if you just take a leisurely drive along Missouri’s backroads, you’re sure to be treated to a spectacular display of colors. Lake of the Ozarks also received nationwide attention, securing the second spot of the best places to see fall foliage in the United States, according to USA Today/10 Best readers in 2018. Don’t forget to check out state parks, too, including Castlewood State Park and Thousand Hills State Park.

What are the best Missouri hikes to take in the fall?

The best Missouri hikes to take in the fall include:

  • St. Stanislaus Trail
  • Klondike Park Trail
  • Missouri River Trail

Lace up your hiking boots for a refreshing and beautiful fall hike. If you prefer an easy hike, try the St. Stanislaus Trail in St. Stanislaus Park in St. Louis, Klondike Park Trail in Augusta, or the Missouri River Trail in Weston Bend State Park.

How about hitting the road on an epic fall daytrip? Popular day trip destinations, where you can see the changing colors in Missouri, include Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, Mark Twain National Forest in Rolla, and Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours in Branson.

Related Articles