11 Easy Weekend Getaways from St. Louis That Are Totally Worth the Drive

Living in St. Louis means you’re perfectly positioned for amazing weekend adventures without breaking the bank or spending days in the car. Whether you’re craving outdoor thrills, small-town charm, or cultural experiences, there’s a perfect escape just a few hours away. Pack your overnight bag and gas up the car – these nearby destinations offer the perfect break from city life without requiring excessive travel time.

1. Hermann, Missouri (1.5 hours)

Nestled along the Missouri River, this charming German settlement transports visitors to a European-inspired escape. Stone Hill Winery and Hermannhof Vineyards offer award-winning wines amid rolling hills and historic cellars.

Stroll the brick-lined streets to discover artisan shops and German bakeries selling fresh strudel and pretzels. The Missouri Wine Country Train adds an extra layer of romance as it winds through the countryside.

Book a stay at one of the Victorian B&Bs for the full experience, many offering vineyard views and gourmet breakfasts featuring local ingredients.

2. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri (3 hours)

Sun-dappled waters stretch across 54,000 acres at this beloved Missouri playground. Rent a pontoon boat and spend lazy hours exploring hidden coves, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or fishing for bass and crappie.

The shoreline buzzes with waterfront restaurants where you can dock and dine while watching the sunset paint the sky. Ha Ha Tonka State Park offers a fascinating contrast with its castle ruins and natural bridges.

Accommodations range from rustic cabins to luxury resorts, making this destination perfect for any budget or style of weekend escape.

3. Springfield, Illinois (1.5 hours)

Walk in the footsteps of America’s 16th president in this history-rich capital city. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum brings history to life with immersive exhibits featuring lifelike figures and original artifacts.

Nearby, Lincoln’s meticulously preserved home offers a glimpse into his pre-presidential life. The Old State Capitol where Lincoln delivered his famous “House Divided” speech stands majestically in the downtown area.

After satisfying your historical curiosity, enjoy farm-to-table dining at local restaurants serving hearty Midwestern cuisine with modern twists.

4. Shawnee National Forest, Illinois (2 hours)

Ancient sandstone formations rise dramatically from the forest floor at Garden of the Gods, creating a landscape that feels otherworldly. Morning fog weaves between the rocks, creating an ethereal atmosphere perfect for photographers.

Miles of hiking trails wind through diverse ecosystems where deer bound through meadows and hawks soar overhead. Little Grand Canyon offers challenging terrain with rewarding views of the Mississippi River floodplain.

Overnight in a secluded cabin where stargazing reveals constellations typically hidden by city lights. The forest spans 280,000 acres of untamed wilderness waiting to be explored.

5. Eureka Springs, Arkansas (5 hours)

Victorian mansions cling to steep hillsides in this Ozark Mountain hideaway. The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring curved streets that follow the natural contours of the mountains.

Artists have flocked here for generations, filling galleries with handcrafted treasures and performing live music in intimate venues. The town’s healing springs still bubble up in stone basins throughout downtown, reminding visitors of the town’s spa heritage.

Thorncrown Chapel, a soaring glass sanctuary in the woods, showcases architectural brilliance that seems to bring the forest indoors.

6. Hannibal, Missouri (2 hours)

Mark Twain’s boyhood adventures spring to life in this Mississippi River town. The whitewashed fence from Tom Sawyer stands outside Twain’s childhood home, now a museum filled with personal artifacts and first editions.

Riverboat cruises offer narrated journeys along the mighty Mississippi, pointing out landmarks mentioned in Twain’s beloved stories. Mark Twain Cave Complex invites explorers to wander through the same labyrinth that inspired scenes in Tom Sawyer.

Downtown streets feature quirky shops selling everything from artisan chocolates to antiquarian books, perfect for afternoon browsing after morning sightseeing.

7. Elephant Rocks State Park, Missouri (1.5 hours)

Massive pink granite boulders, some as large as houses, stand like a parade of circus elephants frozen in time. These billion-year-old formations create a natural playground where visitors can scramble between gaps and perch atop rounded summits.

A mile-long Braille trail makes this wonder accessible to visually impaired visitors through rope guides and interpretive signs. The surrounding forest transforms with seasons – wildflower carpets in spring, lush greenery in summer, and fiery foliage in fall.

Combine your visit with nearby Johnson’s Shut-Ins, where the Black River tumbles through ancient volcanic rock creating natural water slides.

8. Columbia, Missouri (2 hours)

College-town energy meets small-city charm in this vibrant cultural hub. The District buzzes with independent bookstores, vinyl record shops, and locally-owned boutiques perfect for treasure hunting.

Ragtag Cinema screens indie films you won’t find at multiplexes, while nearby coffee shops serve single-origin brews in spaces adorned with local art. The food scene punches above its weight with farm-to-table restaurants sourcing ingredients from surrounding farmland.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, home to an underground stream and natural rock bridge just minutes from downtown.

9. Meramec Caverns, Missouri (1.25 hours)

Stalactites and stalagmites create cathedral-like chambers beneath the Ozark hills in this spectacular cave system. Once a hideout for Jesse James, these caverns now welcome visitors with guided tours showcasing dramatic formations illuminated by colorful lights.

Above ground, canoe rentals provide access to the crystal-clear Meramec River, perfect for spotting herons and kingfishers. Thrill-seekers can soar through the forest canopy on ziplines offering bird’s-eye views of the rolling countryside.

Vintage Route 66 billboards still advertise this classic American attraction that has drawn roadtrippers for generations.

10. Ste. Genevieve, Missouri (1.25 hours)

French colonial architecture tells the story of America’s earliest European settlement west of the Mississippi. Vertical log houses known as poteaux-en-terre stand as rare examples of a building style nearly extinct elsewhere in North America.

Family-owned wineries dot the surrounding countryside, offering tastings of Missouri varietals in scenic settings. The narrow streets invite wandering, with museums, artisan shops, and cafés housed in buildings dating to the 1700s.

Ghost tours reveal the spookier side of this historic town after dark, while daytime brings opportunities to watch craftspeople demonstrate colonial-era skills.

11. Pere Marquette State Park, Illinois (1 hour)

Limestone bluffs tower above the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, creating dramatic landscapes perfect for photography. Hiking trails range from gentle nature walks to challenging climbs rewarded with panoramic vistas.

The historic lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps welcomes visitors with massive stone fireplaces and rustic timber beams. Bald eagles soar overhead during winter months, drawing wildlife enthusiasts for prime bird watching.

Nearby Grafton offers waterfront dining where you can watch barges navigate the mighty rivers while sampling local catches and regional wines.