Time is at a premium for most of us, which means we have to pack as much fun as we can into a single day. Fortunately, we’ve got endless destinations that make the perfect daylong road trip, like this epic one-day scenic day trip in Missouri. It promises a ton of fun – from sunrise to sunset.

You won’t do too much driving either – just over 90 miles – so you don’t have to worry about shelling out too much gas money. You should also have plenty of time to explore at each stop, too. Here are the Google Map directions. Just plug in your address, and go!

Google Maps
1. Gateway Arch National Park – St. Louis
Flickr/Morgan Burke
Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA
Flickr/Morgan Burke
Our first stop on this scenic day trip in Missouri takes us to Gateway Arch National Park for a glorious sunrise against the backdrop of the Arch and the Mighty Mississippi. Stroll along the Gateway Arch Trail for views of the sunrise. You might even want to bring a picnic for breakfast to enjoy as you watch the sun slowly wake up.

The Arch itself doesn’t open until 9 a.m. However, once it does, buy your tickets for a trip to the top for sensational views of St. Louis. If you think you’ll have enough time, visit the museum in the national landmark, too. Learn why this trail at Gateway Arch National Park was named the best trail in Missouri in a previous article.

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2. Main Street Café – Crystal City
Google/J Gates
Main Street Cafe, 902 N Truman Blvd #1329, Crystal City, MO 63019, USA
Google/Kimberly Curtis
Our next stop takes us to Main Street Café for a delicious lunch. Many guests called it a hidden gem, so it’s well worth the stop. (You’ll also want to fuel up for our next stop). Take a peek at the menu that’s brimming with favorites – from chopped steak and fried chicken to meatloaf and liver and onions. It also offers a kids menu and a seniors menu.
3. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park – Middle Brook
Google/Tony Smith
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park – Middle Brook
Google/Venture Momma
Make sure you bring comfy shoes for our stop at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. If you’re up for an adventure, you can hike the Mina Sauk Falls Trail, which leads to the tallest waterfall in Missouri. The park is also popular with picnickers and campers.

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is also home to the highest point in Missouri – the perfect spot to catch one of the best sunrises in Missouri, or a gorgeous sunset. You can arrive to the highest point by following Mina Sauk Falls Trail. Or, if you’re tired and just feel like driving, head to the top of the mountain. There, you’ll find a scenic overlook. You will have to walk about .03 of a mile on an ADA-accessible path. However, the views will be more than worth it. Learn more about the unforgettable drive to this mountain lookout.

Have you ever been to any of these places? If so, which were your favorites? What’s your favorite one-day road trip across Missouri? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Get a taste of the pioneer life when you check into this covered wagon campground in Missouri.

Are you interested in learning more about Missouri? Then check out this video of the 10 Top Rated Tourist Attractions to visit:

 

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More to Explore

Adventures in Missouri

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | February 06, 2023

Where can we find small towns in Missouri?

  • Parkville is a beautiful small town located about five miles north of downtown Kansas City that draws new residents and visitors alike to its historic downtown area, restaurants, antique shops, art galleries, and more.
  • Genevieve located about an hour south of St. Louis is the state’s oldest town and has maintained a great deal of its original French Colonial style.
  • Boonville sits approximately halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis and one of its biggest draws is the Katy Trail State Park popular with bikers, hikers, and others.

Read on to learn more about the many small towns in Missouri.

 

 Where can we find lakes in Missouri?

  • Table Rock Lake located near Branson is a big vacation spot and popular with those who enjoy water sports, fishing, and boating.
  • Pomme de Terre Lake north of Springfield has been called the “Gem of the Ozarks” and offers recreational activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and camping.
  • Mark Twain Lake situated in north-central Missouri features spectacular bluffs and abundant wildlife, in addition to great hiking trails.

Read on to learn more about the many lakes in Missouri.

 

Where can we find great hiking trails in Missouri?

  • The Clifty Creek Nature Area Trail in Dixon is a 2.5-mile loop trail that passes by beautiful limestone rock formations along some moderately rocky terrain.
  • The Klondike Park Trail meanders through a former quarry and offers scenic views of the Missouri River.
  • The Bell Mountain Loop Trail in Belleview is for more advanced hikers due to its 11.6-mile length but the views of the surrounding oak forested hills are worth it.

Read on to learn more about the many great hiking trails in Missouri.

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