Missouri is a state that offers a lot to explore. If ever you’ve thought to yourself, “What are some epic day trips near me in Missouri?” then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you like spending time outdoors, learning about Missouri’s rich history, or sitting down to a nice meal, this list of iconic day trips in Missouri has it all. Create lasting memories by taking a road trip to any or all of these Missouri destinations.

1. Bolduc House Museum - Ste. Genevieve
The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum, 198 Market St, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670, USA
Jack Boucher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This national landmark was built in 1793 and is the oldest home in Missouri. The Bolduc House is a great representation of the early French-American Colonial. Don't forget to explore the town of Ste. Genevieve, which is Missouri's oldest city.

Learn more about the Bolduc House Museum and the LeMeilleur House in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri in this video from My Corner Online:
2. Redmon's Candy Factory - Phillipsburg
Redmon's Candy Factory, 330 Pine St, Phillipsburg, MO 65722, USA
Ken Davis/Google Reviews
Redmon's Candy Factory can satisfy any sweet tooth. From old-fashioned candies to homemade fudge, Redmon's has it all! They even have a unique assortment of cold sodas. Catch this candy paradise off I-44 between Lebanon and Springfield.
3. J. Huston Tavern - Arrow Rock
J Huston Tavern, 305 Main St, Arrow Rock, MO 65320, USA
J. Huston Tarvern/Facebook
J. Huston Tavern was established in 1834. With over 180 years in operation, this historic tavern is now well known for its fried chicken. Visit J. Huston Tavern in the historic village of Arrow Rock.
4. Mina Sauk Falls - Ironton
Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA
Kbh3rd, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Mina Sauk Falls is located inside Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. In one day you can see Missouri's tallest waterfall, as well as hike to Missouri's tallest point. Stay for the weekend and camp at any of the park's beautiful campsites.
5. Missouri State Penitentiary - Jefferson City
Missouri State Penitentiary, 115 Lafayette St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
Missouri State Penitentiary/Facebook
The Missouri State Penitentiary is now a museum that offers tours of the historic facilities. There are tours for history buffs, photographers, and ghost hunters. You can even stay overnight for a ghost tour and personal investigation.
6. National Tiger Sanctuary - Saddlebrooke
National Tiger Sanctuary, 518 State Hwy BB, Saddlebrooke, MO 65630, USA
National Tiger Sanctuary/Facebook
Located between Branson and Springfield, the National Tiger Sanctuary is home to 22 exotic animals. Choose from one of the three different tours, one of which allows you to feed some of the animals. Open Wednesday through Sunday, plan a visit soon.

Go on a tiger adventure at the National Tiger Sanctuary for one of the coolest Missouri day trips for animal lovers:
7. National World War I Museum and Memorial - Kansas City
National WWI Museum and Memorial, 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
National WWI Museum and Memorial/Facebook
The National World War I Museum and Memorial is the go-to spot for beautiful views of Kansas City. Start your visit with a trip to the top of Liberty Memorial. Then be sure to visit the two halls, Memory and Exhibition Hall, on either side of the Liberty Tower. Each hall houses memorabilia and documentation of those who experienced the first world war. Grab a bite to eat at the museum or visit nearby Union Station for the ultimate KC experience.

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8. Old Village Mercantile - Caledonia
Old Village Mercantile, Main Ave, Caledonia, MO 63631, USA
Old Village Mercantile Caledonia - Facebook
The Old Village Mercantile in Caledonia will transport you back in time. Filled with classic candies, antiques, toys, and unique gifts there is something for everyone.
9. O'Malley's Pub - Weston
O'Malley's Pub, 540 Welt St, Weston, MO 64098, USA
O'Malley's Pub - Weston, Mo/Facebook
If you love history and happy hour, then O'Malley's Pub is the perfect destination for you. Dating back to 1842, this pub started off as a brewery cellar for aging and chilling beer. Now the hidden pub is a popular hangout that often features live music.
10. Ted Drewes - St. Louis
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, 6726 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109, USA
Ted Drewes Inc./Facebook
Ted Drewes is St. Louis' go-to custard stand. This world famous destination has been serving the best custard since 1930. With two locations and later summer hours you can fit this destination into any St. Louis trip!
11. The Barn - Crestwood
The Barn, 1015 Sappington Rd, St. Louis, MO 63126, USA
The Barn - Crestwood/Facebook
The Barn sits on the Thomas Sappington House Museum property. Built in 1969, The Barn is a full service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. After grabbing a bite, take a stroll around the beautiful grounds.
12. The Mine - Bonne Terre
Bonne Terre Mine "The Mine at Bonne Terre", 185 Park Ave, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA
The Mine at Bonne Terre/Facebook
The Bonne Terre Mine was in operation from 1860 to 1962. Today the mines offer visitors the largest freshwater dive in the world. For those not looking to dive underwater, boat tours and walking tours are also available.
13. Turtle Playground - St. Louis
Turtle Playground, Oakland Ave at, 6128 Tamm Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139, USA
Paul Sableman/Flickr
Turtle Playground, located on the outskirts of Forest Park, is a magical spot often overlooked by visitors of the park. Constructed by the late Bob Cassilly, founder of the City Museum, these turtles look as if they could come to life any minute. Great for kids to love to climb or for adults who want to get that perfect Instagram photo.
14. Missouri Botanical Garden - St. Louis
Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
Missouri Botanical Garden/Facebook
The Missouri Botanical Garden was founded by Henry Shaw in 1859 on his personal property. The garden is home to a corpse flower, notorious for the foul smell it produces when in bloom. Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden for a relaxing day reconnecting with nature.

Take a tour of the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the best day trips in Missouri for those that love nature and the diverse plant species in the state:

We hope we’ve helped provide some ideas for some new and exciting day trips in Missouri. Have you visited any of the destinations on our list? What other places in Missouri are worth the drive for a visit? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear from you! Be sure to check out our ultimate bucket list for everyone in Missouri.

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day trips near me in Missouri

Beth C. | September 10, 2021

What belongs on my Missouri bucket list?

A few things to put on your Missouri bucket list include:

 

Traveling through Missouri is always a good idea, whether you're a lucky resident of the state or simply passing through. There's so much to see in do in the Show-Me State, from natural wonders to mouthwatering restaurants, quirky roadside stops, historic landmarks, and just about everything in between. In an effort to help you make the most of your time in Missouri, we've compiled a bucket list of things to do. Our ultimate Missouri bucket list includes the following: the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis, Onondaga Cave State Park, a Kansas City BBQ restaurant, Katy Trail, a float trip down the river, the St. Louis City Museum, St. Charles, visiting the top of Taum Sauk Mountain (which is the tallest point in the state of Missouri), the St. Louis Zoo, Ozark Trail, a trip to Fitz's for a root beer float, Forest Park, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, the Gateway Arch, and Johnson Shut-Ins State Park.

What are some of the most unique places in Missouri?

Some of the most unique places in Missouri include:

 

There are so many incredible attractions in Missouri, and many of them are known the world over. But if you're looking to dive a little deeper and uncover some truly unique places, we have just the list for you. Some of the oddest places you can possibly go in Missouri include the following: the World's Largest Fork in Springfield, Leila's Hair Museum in Independence, Cookin' From Scratch in Doolittle, the World's Largest Rocking Chair on Route 66, the Vacuum Museum and Factory in St. James, the Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail in St. Charles, Laclede's Landing Wax Museum in St. Louis, and the World's Largest Pecan in Brunswick. It sure seems like Missouri is home to many of the "world's largest" oddities, doesn't it? Learn more about these bizarre destinations you can visit in Missouri.

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