Scenic Drives in Missouri

Routes

Avg Distance

409 mi

Avg Drive

7h 54m

Destinations

Missouri offers a variety of scenic drives, with 60 routes averaging 409 miles and taking around 8 hours to complete. The drives here generally feature mostly flat terrain, with maximum elevations rarely exceeding 976 feet. The drive scores range from 7 to 9, indicating a good experience for those looking to explore the state's landscapes.

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.

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