There’s nothing like a little adventure to get you away from the humdrum of day-to-day life. But who has time for a week-long vacation every time you want to get away? Never fear: Missouri offers a plethora of destinations with fascinating, fun, and delicious attractions that you can enjoy within a day’s time. Here’s just a sampling of unique day trips in Missouri!
- Lederhosen, anyone? It’s got to be Hermann!
commons.wikimedia.org Hermann is a charming German town, famous for its Oktoberfest, patterned after those in Munich. It also boasts wineries, great architecture, and restaurants throughout the year. Here’s more on why Hermann makes for a great Missouri day trip destination.
- All aboard for Branson!
commons.wikimedia.org Branson is the place for old-fashioned fun. Take the 40-mile roundtrip scenic railway. Or enjoy Silver Dollar City amusement park or even some great country music acts.
- Smells great - we must be in Kansas City!
en.wikipedia.org Kansas City is famous for being ‘cue capital of the Midwest. Gotta try it! Plus there’s a lot of great city attractions, such as the Plaza and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Check out one of the top BBQ restaurants in Missouri.
- Not bad for a golf course - Lake of the Ozarks
lakeoftheozarksgolfcourses.com Visit lovely Lake of the Ozarks for fun in the sun - swimming, boating, and, of course, golf. There are many scenic courses here. Or, for another kind of outdoor adventure, head to Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the largest state park in Missouri.
- St. Louis sparkles
commons.wikimedia.org Even though the Lantern Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden has come and gone, there are still many reasons to visit this beautiful spot in St. Louis, along with the world-famous zoo, the City Museum and so much more! For more, check out the list of fun things to do in St. Louis, Missouri.
- Veranda Row in St. Charles
commons.wikimedia.org Historic St. Charles – Missouri’s first capital – is delightful for history lovers. And complete with cobblestone streets!
- M-I-Z-Z-O-U! Columbia
simple.wikimedia.org The state’s pride and joys - Mizzou and the Tigers - are in charming Columbia. Visit for a football game or to stroll the beautiful campus or downtown.
- Beautiful AND spooky at the same time - Meramec Caverns
www.flickr.com Very surreal and enticing, the caverns make for a great tour. Just watch out for the bats! Without a doubt, Meramec Caverns is one of the most unique day trips in Missouri.
- Explore Tom Sawyer’s stomping grounds: Hannibal
Danielle Kellogg / flickr Mark Twain’s hometown lets you relive the life and times of Tom Sawyer. Also, make sure to see this charming lighthouse on the Mississippi! Learn more about why Hannibal is considered one of the most unique small towns in the U.S.
- Magnificent Bonne Terre Mine
www.flickr.com A diver’s paradise, Bonne Terre’s famous mine is lovely and historic. Learn more information about this fascinating mine in Missouri.
So when you have a day to play, venture to these Missouri hot spots! What’s your favorite Show-Me day trip destination? Did any of your favorite unique day trips in Missouri miss the list? If so, be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
commons.wikimedia.org
Hermann is a charming German town, famous for its Oktoberfest, patterned after those in Munich. It also boasts wineries, great architecture, and restaurants throughout the year. Here’s more on why Hermann makes for a great Missouri day trip destination.
Branson is the place for old-fashioned fun. Take the 40-mile roundtrip scenic railway. Or enjoy Silver Dollar City amusement park or even some great country music acts.
en.wikipedia.org
Kansas City is famous for being ‘cue capital of the Midwest. Gotta try it! Plus there’s a lot of great city attractions, such as the Plaza and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Check out one of the top BBQ restaurants in Missouri.
lakeoftheozarksgolfcourses.com
Visit lovely Lake of the Ozarks for fun in the sun - swimming, boating, and, of course, golf. There are many scenic courses here. Or, for another kind of outdoor adventure, head to Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the largest state park in Missouri.
Even though the Lantern Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden has come and gone, there are still many reasons to visit this beautiful spot in St. Louis, along with the world-famous zoo, the City Museum and so much more! For more, check out the list of fun things to do in St. Louis, Missouri.
Historic St. Charles – Missouri’s first capital – is delightful for history lovers. And complete with cobblestone streets!
simple.wikimedia.org
The state’s pride and joys - Mizzou and the Tigers - are in charming Columbia. Visit for a football game or to stroll the beautiful campus or downtown.
Very surreal and enticing, the caverns make for a great tour. Just watch out for the bats! Without a doubt, Meramec Caverns is one of the most unique day trips in Missouri.
Danielle Kellogg / flickr
Mark Twain’s hometown lets you relive the life and times of Tom Sawyer. Also, make sure to see this charming lighthouse on the Mississippi! Learn more about why Hannibal is considered one of the most unique small towns in the U.S.
A diver’s paradise, Bonne Terre’s famous mine is lovely and historic. Learn more information about this fascinating mine in Missouri.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Hermann, MO 65041, USAAddress: Branson, MO 65616, USAAddress: Kansas City, MO, USAAddress: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, USAAddress: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110, USAAddress: St Charles, MO, USAAddress: Columbia, MO, USAAddress: Meramec Caverns, 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080, USAAddress: Hannibal, MO 63401, USAAddress: Mineshaft Road, Mineshaft Rd, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
unique day trips in Missouri May 03, 2021 Beth C. What are some fun activities in Missouri? The Show-Me State is positively brimming with opportunities for fun. Whether you enjoy outdoor attractions, exploring historic small towns, dining, or something else altogether, you’re bound to find something entertaining in Missouri. In our opinion, the following attractions are an absolute must-visit: the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba, the home of Jesse James in St. Joseph, Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins in Camdenton, the Giant Book Shelf in the Kansas City Library, Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph, and the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Branson. Who knew there were so many fun and unusual things to do in Missouri? What are the most unique things to do in Missouri? If the weather is warm enough, you should definitely plan a float trip down the Meramec River. In fact, the Meramec River is one of the most popular floating destinations in Missouri. Its wide channel lends itself perfectly to floating in a calm and peaceful manner. For an incredible float experience, be sure to check out Ozark Outdoors, which offers float trips, lodging, and camping. Whether you’re interested in the 4-mile loop or something shorter, you’ll love your experience out on the water. Here’s more on how you can plan a float trip down the Meramec River. Where can I go in Missouri that only the locals know about? To experience Missouri as the locals do, you’ll need to conduct some research to pinpoint the best hidden gems throughout the state. Fortunately, we’ve done just that so you can start exploring as soon as you’re ready. Some of these hidden destinations include the Prairie Garden Trust, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Mark Twain Landing, and Rockbridge Memorial State Park. Rockbridge Memorial State Park is especially fun because it features all kinds of impressive rock formations and endless opportunities for hiking. Learn more about some of the best hidden gems in Missouri.
The OIYS Visitor Center
unique day trips in Missouri
May 03, 2021
Beth C.
What are some fun activities in Missouri? The Show-Me State is positively brimming with opportunities for fun. Whether you enjoy outdoor attractions, exploring historic small towns, dining, or something else altogether, you’re bound to find something entertaining in Missouri. In our opinion, the following attractions are an absolute must-visit: the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba, the home of Jesse James in St. Joseph, Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins in Camdenton, the Giant Book Shelf in the Kansas City Library, Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph, and the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Branson. Who knew there were so many fun and unusual things to do in Missouri? What are the most unique things to do in Missouri? If the weather is warm enough, you should definitely plan a float trip down the Meramec River. In fact, the Meramec River is one of the most popular floating destinations in Missouri. Its wide channel lends itself perfectly to floating in a calm and peaceful manner. For an incredible float experience, be sure to check out Ozark Outdoors, which offers float trips, lodging, and camping. Whether you’re interested in the 4-mile loop or something shorter, you’ll love your experience out on the water. Here’s more on how you can plan a float trip down the Meramec River. Where can I go in Missouri that only the locals know about? To experience Missouri as the locals do, you’ll need to conduct some research to pinpoint the best hidden gems throughout the state. Fortunately, we’ve done just that so you can start exploring as soon as you’re ready. Some of these hidden destinations include the Prairie Garden Trust, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Mark Twain Landing, and Rockbridge Memorial State Park. Rockbridge Memorial State Park is especially fun because it features all kinds of impressive rock formations and endless opportunities for hiking. Learn more about some of the best hidden gems in Missouri.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Show-Me State is positively brimming with opportunities for fun. Whether you enjoy outdoor attractions, exploring historic small towns, dining, or something else altogether, you’re bound to find something entertaining in Missouri. In our opinion, the following attractions are an absolute must-visit: the World’s Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba, the home of Jesse James in St. Joseph, Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins in Camdenton, the Giant Book Shelf in the Kansas City Library, Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph, and the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Branson. Who knew there were so many fun and unusual things to do in Missouri?
What are the most unique things to do in Missouri?
If the weather is warm enough, you should definitely plan a float trip down the Meramec River. In fact, the Meramec River is one of the most popular floating destinations in Missouri. Its wide channel lends itself perfectly to floating in a calm and peaceful manner. For an incredible float experience, be sure to check out Ozark Outdoors, which offers float trips, lodging, and camping. Whether you’re interested in the 4-mile loop or something shorter, you’ll love your experience out on the water. Here’s more on how you can plan a float trip down the Meramec River.
Where can I go in Missouri that only the locals know about?
To experience Missouri as the locals do, you’ll need to conduct some research to pinpoint the best hidden gems throughout the state. Fortunately, we’ve done just that so you can start exploring as soon as you’re ready. Some of these hidden destinations include the Prairie Garden Trust, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Mark Twain Landing, and Rockbridge Memorial State Park. Rockbridge Memorial State Park is especially fun because it features all kinds of impressive rock formations and endless opportunities for hiking. Learn more about some of the best hidden gems in Missouri.
