Road Trips from St. Louis, MO
Looking for a weekend escape from St. Louis? You've got options that range from quick half-day drives to longer hauls, all within Missouri. Several routes offer a scenic drive with access to parks, including the notable Gateway Arch National Park, just a short distance away. Whether you prefer a more direct route or one with a bit more surface road exploration, there's a drive that fits your weekend plans. Most of these are day trips, but they provide a good taste of what's nearby without requiring an overnight stay.
Total Routes
19
Shortest
3.4h
With Parks Nearby
19
Full-day getaway
Macon, MO
3h 32m178.9 mi one way
This 3.5-hour drive to Macon is a solid choice if you want a good balance of highway and surface roads. With a drive score of 10, it's one of the more engaging routes. It's shorter than the drive to Princeton or Milan, and offers the same access to Gateway Arch National Park.
Glasgow, MO
3h 25m163.4 mi one way
For a shorter trip at 3.4 hours, Glasgow offers a route that's mostly surface roads. It's a bit closer than Sedalia and features gently rolling terrain, unlike the flatter options. Like other nearby destinations, it still connects you to Gateway Arch National Park.
Sedalia, MO
3h 45m190.2 mi one way
This 3.8-hour drive to Sedalia is a good option if you prefer mostly flat terrain. It's a bit longer than the trip to Macon but offers a similar profile with a drive score of 8. You'll still have access to Gateway Arch National Park.
Weekend trip
16 total in this range
Princeton, MO
5h 50m280.1 mi one way
If you're up for a longer drive, Princeton is 5.8 hours away. This route has a high drive score of 10 and is characterized by mixed highway and surface roads, with mostly flat terrain. It's one of the furthest options, offering a more substantial excursion.
Milan, MO
5h240.6 mi one way
Clocking in at 5 hours, the drive to Milan is a solid choice for a longer day trip. With a perfect drive score of 10 and mixed highway/surface roads, it offers an engaging route. The terrain is mostly flat, similar to many other nearby destinations.
Marceline, MO
4h 6m204.5 mi one way
This 4.1-hour drive to Marceline offers an excellent drive score of 10. Utilizing a mix of highway and surface roads, the terrain is mostly flat. It's a good mid-range option in terms of distance, providing a satisfying drive without being excessively long.
Maryville, MO
6h 34m344.9 mi one way
For the longest excursion on this list, Maryville is a 6.6-hour drive. This route predominantly uses surface roads and has a drive score of 9. The terrain is mostly flat, making it a consistent drive across its significant distance.
Excelsior Springs, MO
4h 48m242.2 mi one way
This 4.8-hour trip to Excelsior Springs features mostly surface roads and a drive score of 9. The terrain is mostly flat, offering a consistent driving experience. It's a longer option than Glasgow or Macon but provides a different route within Missouri.
Browse by Mood
Princeton, MO
5h 50m280.1 mi one way
Macon, MO
3h 32m178.9 mi one way
Milan, MO
5h240.6 mi one way
Marceline, MO
4h 6m204.5 mi one way
Marceline, MO
4h 6m204.5 mi one way
Maryville, MO
6h 34m344.9 mi one way
Lee's Summit, MO
4h 44m245.1 mi one way
Sedalia, MO
3h 45m190.2 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With mostly flat terrain and access to Gateway Arch National Park, spring drives offer pleasant conditions for exploring nearby Missouri.
Summer
The consistent, mostly flat terrain on these routes makes for straightforward summer drives, with park access remaining a key feature.
Fall
Enjoy the mostly flat terrain and park accessibility during fall, making these drives a good way to see the changing scenery.
Winter
The primarily flat terrain on these routes generally ensures manageable winter driving conditions for day trips from St. Louis.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the St. Louis, MO city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.