The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Missouri Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
By Beth Price-Williams|Published March 04, 2024
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Can anything cure a bout of wanderlust, cabin fever, or spring fever like a road trip? Not likely. Living in Missouri means our choices for road trip destinations are practically endless. But there’s probably no better or more enchanting way to celebrate spring than with a flower road trip through Missouri.
Pack a pair of comfy shoes, your camera, and plenty of snacks before you set off on this flower road trip through Virginia. You can easily customize the Google Map directions to meet your interests, timeline, and location. Whatever you do, have fun!
Let’s kick off our epic spring road trip with a stroll along this wildflower trail at St. Francois State Park. Brimming with beautiful wildflowers, Swimming Deer Trail is relatively short at 3.4 miles and sits somewhere between easy and moderate; just be prepared for some inclines and rocky terrain. You can even bring your pooch along. Even if you don’t feel like a hike, you’ll still be able to see the flowers at this Missouri state park.
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2. Meramec State Park – Sullivan
Meramec State Park, 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA
More colorful wildflowers await at Meramec State Park, which is perhaps best known for its Virginia bluebells. If you’re up for another hike, follow the picturesque Wilderness Trail. Stretching just over eight miles, the pretty path will take you past an abundance of wildflowers, including those famous bluebells.
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3. Long Row Lavender Farm – Wright City
Long Row Lavender, 26549 S Stracks Church Rd, Wright City, MO 63390, USA
Meander past rows and rows of lavender at Long Row Lavender Farm, a 15-acre farm that’s an idyllic addition to any spring road trip. The farm usually opens in early March. Stroll past the lavender plants; buy lavender, beginning at the end of April, and explore the shop. The on-site café is open select hours, if you want to have a bite.
Our next stop brings us to Dr. Edmund M. Babler Memorial State Park. Brimming with wildflowers, this Missouri state park promises the perfect setting for viewing the wildflowers and wildlife, having a picnic, and enjoying a scenic hike. For the best views of the wildflowers, set off on the Dogwood and Woodbine Trail, a nearly four-mile trail.
5. Shaw Nature Reserve – Gray Summit
Shaw Nature Reserve, 307 Pinetum Loop Rd, Gray Summit, MO 63039, USA
Shaw Nature Reserve is absolutely breathtaking year-round, but you definitely don’t want to pass by a spring visit. Trails meander through the reserve and will lead you past a variety of flowers, from bluebells to pink dogwoods.
6. Mastodon State Historic Site – Imperial
Mastodon State Historic Site, 1050 Charles J Becker Dr, Imperial, MO 63052, USA
If you’ve got the time, carve out at least an hour or so for your visit to Mastodon State Historic Site. Start your visit at the museum, if it’s open when you visit, to get a glimpse of what life was like in Missouri during prehistoric times. Outdoors, you’ll find scores of colorful wildflowers in the spring. View them on a scenic hike, or by checking out the wildflower garden.
7. Hawn State Park – New Offenburg
Hawn State Park, 12096 Park Dr, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA
Our final stop brings us almost full circle and to Hawn State Park. Exuding a fairy tale vibe, this Missouri state park boasts a variety of breathtaking scenery – from wildflower fields and canyons to cliffs and forests. It’s also an idyllic spot to view the spring wildflowers. The park is home to hiking trails, picnic tables, and a playground.
What other destinations would you add to this flower road trip through Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Spring is one of the best times for a road trip. If you’re up for more road-tripping, consider setting off on this waterfall road trip in Missouri. Before setting off, check out our road trip packing essentials list.
