Are you a St. Louis native in search of a change of scenery—but only for a day? Or, are you visiting the area and want to get out and explore the state of Missouri?
Day trips are convenient because you get the pleasure of traveling with friends or family to a new place and are able to return back to your home within the same day. You get to sleep in your own bed, and you don't have to pack a lot for an overnight trip. Here are the five best day trips near your home (or home away from home) in St. Louis that are fun and easy to travel to.
5 Easy And Fun Day Trips From St. Louis
1. Columbia, Missouri
Average driving time: 1 hour, 54 minutes
Miles: 125
Columbia, Missouri is a vibrant college town, home to the state university, University of Missouri. St. Louis and Kansas City are both of equal distance from the city. The Columbia metropolitan area is the fourth most populous urban area in Missouri. The Missouri Tigers, the state’s only major athletic program, plays football at Faurot Field and are members of the southeastern conference.
Popular Places/attractions:
Rock Bridge Memorial National Park
Shelter Gardens
Ragtag Cinema
Francus Quadrangle
The Blue Note
Dining:
Shakespeare’s Pizza
CC’s City Broiler
Flat Branch Pub & Brewing
Murry’s
G&D Steakhouse
2. Jefferson City, Missouri
Average driving time: 2 hours, 6 minutes
Miles: 133
Jefferson City, Missouri is the capital of the state of Missouri. With a population of 43, 079, it is the 15th largest city in the state. Jefferson City is known for their arts and culture and various festivals. Jefferson City is named for Thomas Jefferson, who was the third president of the United States.
Popular Places/Attractions:
Missouri State Captial
Missouri State Museum
Fountain of the Centaurs
Dining:
The Grand Café
Madison’s Café
Arris’ Pizza Palace
Das Stein Haus
Paddy Malone’s
3. Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Average driving time: 1 hour, 52 minutes
Miles: 119
Cape Girardeau is an emerging college town, as it is home to Southeast Missouri State University. Cape Girardeau has emerged into a culturally rich community.
Popular Places/Attractions:
Glenn House
Show Me Center
Rosemary Berkeland Harry L. Crisp II Museum
Isle Casino of Cape Girardeau
Dining:
Broussard’s Cajun Cuisine
Pagliai’s Pizza
Celebrations Restaurant & Bar
Bella Italia Ristorante
4. Springfield, Missouri
Average driving time: 1 hour, 52 minutes
Miles: 119
Springfield is the third largest city in Missouri. The city houses several universities including Missouri State, Drury and Evangel University. Springfield’s nickname is the “Queen City of the Ozarks” and is known as the “Birthplace of Route 66.”
Popular Places/Attractions:
Dickerson Park Zoo
Pythian Home of Misouri
Landers Theatre
Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium
Dining:
Metropolitan Grill
Jimm’s Steakhouse & Pub
Pizza House
London Calling Gourmet Pasty Company
Taj Mahal
5. Carlyle Lake
Average driving time: 1 hour, 2 minutes
Miles: 51
Carlyle Lake is located in Clinton County, Illinois. It is the largest man-made lake in Illinois and the largest lake within the state. Carlyle Lake is mainly used for boating, including sailing and fishing.
Recreational Options:
Hunting
Fishing
Golfing
Camping
Boating & sailing
Biking & hiking
Dining:
The Fish House
The Lubar & Bistro
Wheelan’s BBQ Shack
Covered in Chocolate
This article was written by Alisiana Peters.