The Spontaneous Road Trip Through Missouri That Is The Perfect Weekend Of Adventure

I’m the type of person who loves to plan everything. When I go on a trip, I need my detailed itinerary. However, I’m trying to be a little more spontaneous and do more things on a whim. If you are like me and want to add a little more adventure and excitement to your life, this road trip itinerary is for you. Taking you to seven destinations, you’ll form a delightful loop throughout Missouri. Even better, there are attractions the entire family will enjoy, making this a spontaneous weekend adventure that everyone is sure to remember. So, pack your bags, grab your snacks, and let’s go!

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This road trip itinerary begins and ends in St. Louis. You will travel approximately 300 miles and drive for approximately 5.5 hours. For this article, we will travel clockwise but you can travel in either direction. Use this interactive map to customize your trip depending on your starting and ending location. You can also add a few of your favorite stops along the way.

Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA

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Our road trip begins at Gateway Arch National Park. If this is your first time here or it has been a while, stay and explore. You can walk around the grounds or explore the Gateway Arch Visitor Center. I recommend you take a tram ride to the top of the arch to admire the beauty of St. Louis.

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City Museum, 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA

Ashley Hughes/Google

If you are bringing children on this adventure, don’t skip the City Museum. Also in St. Louis, this is a museum composed primarily of architectural and industrial objects. Here you’ll find slides, tunnels, caves, and so much more. You’ll want to spend a few hours at this road trip stop. Adults and children alike will have a hard time leaving.

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Onondaga Cave State Park, 7556 Missouri H, Leasburg, MO 65535, USA

Onondaga Cave State Park/Facebook

Onondaga Cave State Park is the perfect place to spend some time outdoors. When you take a tour of the cave, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. If you prefer to spend your time above the ground, there is plenty to do including hiking, fishing, boating, and admiring the views of the Meramec River. If you are in the mood to camp, this Missouri state park offers excellent camping opportunities.

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Graham Cave State Park, 217 State Hwy TT, Danville, MO 63361, USA

Matt Gatlin/Google

Yes, the next stop on our spontaneous Missouri road trip is another state park with a cave. But, this destination is one for the history books. Here, artifacts were uncovered that tell the story of people who lived in the area nearly 10,000 years ago. Visit the mouth of Graham Cave, trek along the Graham Cave Trail, and visit the Graham Cave State Park Visitor Center.

Cuivre River State Park, 678 MO-147, Troy, MO 63379, USA

Cuivre River State Park/Facebook

As we make our way back to St. Louis, I recommend you stop at Cuivre River State Park. This is one of Missouri’s largest state parks and it is home to incredible landscapes from grasslands to limestone bluffs. Head to Lake Lincoln for some time on the water or explore via hiking or backpacking. Don’t forget a camera — it’s absolutely beautiful.

The Historic Daniel Boone Home, 1868 Hwy F, Defiance, MO 63341, USA

The Historic Daniel Boone Home/Facebook

History buffs (and those who just want someplace new to visit) will love the Historic Daniel Boone Home. This house will take you back in time and show you what life was like in the early 1800s. Not only can you visit the home, but there are several other historic buildings such as a general store, school, and grist mill to check out as well. Keep in mind that walking the village is free but there is a small fee to enter the Daniel Boone home and hours are seasonal.

Forest Park, 5595 Grand Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112, USA

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Forest Park is one of the best urban parks in America and certainly a bucket-list-worthy destination in Missouri. The park is 1,300 acres and features forests, lakes, and nature reserves. Stretch your legs as you walk around, find a grassy area for a picnic lunch, or even visit one of the five major destinations that call the park home such as the St. Louis Art Museum or the St. Louis Zoo.

What other destinations would you add to this road trip itinerary? Are there any restaurants on this route that you would add? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments.