• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Meramec Caverns ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Attractions
Meramec Caverns | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© forcdan/stock.adobe.com

2. Katy Trail State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Activities
Katy Trail State Park | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© MarekPhotoDesign.com/stock.adobe.com

3. Kirkwood

Kirkwood | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© Syda Productions/stock.adobe.com

4. The Great River Road

Category: Activities
The Great River Road | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© Patchara/stock.adobe.com

5. Springfield

Springfield | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© pabrady63/stock.adobe.com

6. Chesterfield

Chesterfield | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© Johan Larson/stock.adobe.com

7. Clayton

Clayton | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© Sachs500/stock.adobe.com

8. Finger Lakes State Park

Category: Activities
Finger Lakes State Park | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© Rock and Wasp/stock.adobe.com

9. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Category: Activities
Ha Ha Tonka State Park | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© Sharon Day/stock.adobe.com

10. Johnson’s Shut-Ins

Johnson’s Shut-Ins | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© Sharon Day/stock.adobe.com

11. Hermann

Hermann | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© MarekPhotoDesign.com/stock.adobe.com

12. Bonne Terre Mine

Bonne Terre Mine | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© Sved Oliver/stock.adobe.com

13. St. Charles

St. Charles | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© Melanie/stock.adobe.com

14. Florissant

Florissant | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© leungchopan/stock.adobe.com

15. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Category: Activities
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© sschremp/stock.adobe.com

16. Columbia

Columbia | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© Henryk Sadura/stock.adobe.com

17. Hannibal

Hannibal | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© R. P. Jennings/stock.adobe.com

18. Jefferson City

Jefferson City | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© pabrady63/stock.adobe.com

19. Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© scottevers7/stock.adobe.com

20. Washington, MO

Washington, MO | Day Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
© Paylessimages/stock.adobe.com

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • St. Louis is one of the Midwest's most vibrant cities, known for its iconic St. Louis Arch, which commemorates the westward journey of the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition.
  • Visitors and area residents can day trip to some of Missouri's best attractions from the city, including the acclaimed rides and attractions of St. Louis Six Flags, located in nearby suburb Eureka.
  • Katy Trail State Park serves as the launch point for the 240-mile Katy Trail, which spans the length of the Missouri River along a former railroad route.
  • Unique natural attractions include Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which preserves a 20th-century castle's ruins, and Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, which offers natural rock slides during the summer months.
  • Historic attractions abound in cities such as Columbia, Hermann, and Jefferson City, including attractions connected to American author Mark Twain.

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