Scenic Drives in Missouri

Routes

Avg Distance

410 mi

Avg Drive

7h 56m

Destinations

Missouri's scenic drives offer a largely flat terrain, with max elevations around 976 ft, across routes averaging 403 miles. While not defined by dramatic peaks, these drives score an average of 7 out of 10 for their scenic qualities. With 60 routes to explore, you can find drives that highlight the state's natural beauty without extreme climbs.

Fuel snapshot for this state

Regular

$3.94/gal

Diesel: $5.60/gal

Typical trip cost

$58–$78

One-way, ~410 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG

CO₂ per trip

~143 kg

ICE vehicle, one-way average

Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-08-31

Climate through the year: Missouri

Missouri peaks at around 90°F in Jul and cools to 40°F / 24°F in Jan. Wettest month is May at ~4.8 in of rain.

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	40	24	2.6	5.7
Feb	46	28	2.2	4.3
Mar	57	37	3.5	2.3
Apr	68	47	4.7	0.2
May	77	58	4.8	—
Jun	86	67	4.5	—
Jul	90	71	3.9	—
Aug	88	69	3.4	—
Sep	81	61	3	—
Oct	69	49	3.2	—
Nov	56	37	3.4	0.9
Dec	45	29	2.5	3.2

Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for MO — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.

Planning Tips

Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

We rate routes on a 1-10 drive score based on elevation changes, road variety, and terrain diversity. The 60 routes listed here all score 7 or higher.

Current regular gas averages $3.94/gallon in Missouri (week of 2026-08-31). Diesel: $5.60/gallon. A typical one-way trip on these routes costs between $58 and $78. Source: US Energy Information Administration.

Drive times and distances come from OSRM routing over real OpenStreetMap road networks. Fuel costs use weekly US Energy Information Administration state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. EV charging data is sourced from NREL. Climate normals come from NOAA NCEI (1991–2020 reference period). Hazard data comes from FEMA and USGS public feeds.

Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Top Scenic Routes

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Missouri Trips

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	40	24	2.6	5.7
Feb	46	28	2.2	4.3
Mar	57	37	3.5	2.3
Apr	68	47	4.7	0.2
May	77	58	4.8	—
Jun	86	67	4.5	—
Jul	90	71	3.9	—
Aug	88	69	3.4	—
Sep	81	61	3	—
Oct	69	49	3.2	—
Nov	56	37	3.4	0.9
Dec	45	29	2.5	3.2

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	40	24	2.6	5.7
Feb	46	28	2.2	4.3
Mar	57	37	3.5	2.3
Apr	68	47	4.7	0.2
May	77	58	4.8	—
Jun	86	67	4.5	—
Jul	90	71	3.9	—
Aug	88	69	3.4	—
Sep	81	61	3	—
Oct	69	49	3.2	—
Nov	56	37	3.4	0.9
Dec	45	29	2.5	3.2

Month	High °F	Low °F	Rain in	Snow in
Jan	40	24	2.6	5.7
Feb	46	28	2.2	4.3
Mar	57	37	3.5	2.3
Apr	68	47	4.7	0.2
May	77	58	4.8	—
Jun	86	67	4.5	—
Jul	90	71	3.9	—
Aug	88	69	3.4	—
Sep	81	61	3	—
Oct	69	49	3.2	—
Nov	56	37	3.4	0.9
Dec	45	29	2.5	3.2