Quick Summary:

  • Question: What makes Missouri one of the Midwest's loveliest states?
  • Answer: Missouri is one of the Midwest's loveliest states, butting up against the majestic Mississippi River's western banks.
  • Question: What historical significance does Missouri have?
  • Answer: The state is known for its connection to early American pioneer history, including the famed 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Northwest.
  • Question: What historic sites can visitors explore in Missouri?
  • Answer: Visitors can day trip to a number of historic sites throughout the state, including the Mark Twain-related attractions of charming city Hannibal and the preserved historic buildings of Carthage, many of which are connected to the historic American Route 66.


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
  • Please support our journalism through affiliate links. Affiliate Disclosure
  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Kansas City ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kansas City | Day Trips in Missouri
© R. Gino Santa Maria/stock.adobe.com

2. Springfield ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Springfield | Day Trips in Missouri
© Matt/stock.adobe.com

3. St. Louis

St. Louis | Day Trips in Missouri
© SNEHIT/stock.adobe.com

4. Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve | Day Trips in Missouri
© scottevers7/stock.adobe.com

5. Arrow Rock

Arrow Rock | Day Trips in Missouri
© willbrasil21/stock.adobe.com

6. Bonne Terre Mine

Bonne Terre Mine | Day Trips in Missouri
© Sved Oliver/stock.adobe.com

7. Boonville

Boonville | Day Trips in Missouri
© MarekPhotoDesign.com/stock.adobe.com

8. Caledonia

Caledonia | Day Trips in Missouri
© alexmia/stock.adobe.com

9. Carthage

Category: Museums & Culture
Carthage | Day Trips in Missouri
© PeekCC/stock.adobe.com

10. Columbia

Columbia | Day Trips in Missouri
© SeanPavonePhoto/stock.adobe.com

11. Crestwood

Crestwood | Day Trips in Missouri
© New Africa/stock.adobe.com

12. Eureka

Eureka | Day Trips in Missouri
© gnagel/stock.adobe.com

13. The Great River Road

Category: Activities
The Great River Road | Day Trips in Missouri
© uthaiphoto/stock.adobe.com

14. Hannibal

Hannibal | Day Trips in Missouri
© seliveoak/stock.adobe.com

15. Hermann

Hermann | Day Trips in Missouri
© MarekPhotoDesign.com/stock.adobe.com

16. Jefferson City

Jefferson City | Day Trips in Missouri
© pabrady63/stock.adobe.com

17. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Category: Activities
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park | Day Trips in Missouri
© Syda Productions/stock.adobe.com

18. Kimmswick

Kimmswick | Day Trips in Missouri
© jerri/stock.adobe.com

19. Meramec Caverns

Category: Attractions
Meramec Caverns | Day Trips in Missouri
© forcdan/stock.adobe.com

20. Parkville

Category: Activities
Parkville | Day Trips in Missouri
© Andreas/stock.adobe.com

21. Phillipsburg

Phillipsburg | Day Trips in Missouri
© David Tran/stock.adobe.com

22. St. Charles

St. Charles | Day Trips in Missouri
© Melanie/stock.adobe.com

23. Weston

Weston | Day Trips in Missouri
© Aaron/stock.adobe.com

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.