The best part about living in Missouri is experiencing all four amazing seasons. Summer is one of the best seasons to take trips and spend some extra time doing the things you love. Here are 10 different activities and attractions across Missouri that are worth the trip. Plan your next vacation day and visit one of these out-of-this-world summer adventures — they’re some of the best day trips in Missouri, in fact!

1. Float down the Meramec River.
Meramec River, Missouri, USA
Ozark Outdoors/Facebook
Every summer requires a float trip down one of Missouri's many rivers. The Meramec is one of Missouri's more popular floating destinations.
2. Stroll through the gardens.
Shelter Gardens, 1817 W Broadway, Columbia, MO 65218, USA
Mary Beth C./Yelp
The Shelter Gardens in Columbia is a beautiful, tucked-away oasis in the middle of town. Enjoy the beautiful grounds and check out the old school house that was moved to the site.
3. Ride in style to the vineyards of Hermann.
Hermann, MO 65041, USA
Hermann Trolley/Facebook
Hermann, Missouri, is known for its amazing wineries and unique German heritage. Take a day trip to Hermann and board the trolley to your favorite vineyard or restaurant. For more information, read the full article about Missouri's very own Wine Country!
4. Hike under these giant rock formations.
Elephant Rocks State Park, 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, USA
Brad Kebodeaux/Facebook
At Elephant Rocks State Park you can hike among Missouri's oldest rock formations. Picture a pack of pachyderms out in the wilds of the Missouri Ozarks; that sums up Elephant Rocks State Park. Just like their animal counterparts, these pink-tinged rocks are massive, weighing in at more than 600 tons and reaching heights of over 20 feet. Created from granite more than 1.5 billion years old, the boulders are popular with visitors of all ages, including the kiddos who often climb on the so-called elephant train. And in fact, these boulders are big and sturdy enough to climb; the largest elephant, dubbed "Dumbo," stands 27 feet tall and weighs 680 tons. For those not into climbing and squeezing between the pack's tight spaces, there is an ADA-accessible interpretive trail that offers an equally wonderful way to experience this natural marvel.
5. Have drinks on a swanky rooftop restaurant and lounge.
The Roof, 1111 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
The Broadway Columbia Website
Take advantage of the warm summer evenings and grab drinks on the patio of The Roof. The restaurant is located on the top floor of The Broadway Hotel and provides stunning views of downtown Columbia. This place is also fun in the winter when they sometimes bring out the heated igloos!
6. Visit This State Park for a shaded hike with plenty of places to cool off.
Pickle Springs Natural Area, Dorlac Rd, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA
dorsalmo/TripAdvisor
Pickle Springs Nature Area is 180 acres of enchanting forest. This day trip is perfect for those who love nature or love to hike. For more information, read our full article about Pickle Springs Nature Area.
7. Get outdoors to experience some oversized artworks.
Laumeier Sculpture Park, 12580 Rott Rd, Sappington, MO 63127, USA
florador/Flickr
Looking for a unique place to explore? Laumeier Sculpture Park is a beautiful park tucked behind office buildings in St. Louis County. This little art oasis is great for interacting with art and nature. It's such a fun museum experience!
8. Cool off with a day at the beach.
Smithville Lake, Missouri, USA
Smithville Lake - Clay County Parks/Facebook
Summer and the water just go hand-in-hand, especially in Missouri. We can lounge on one of the state’s sandy beaches that lead straight into cool lake waters, or we can spend time on the water, exploring Missouri’s many beautiful lakes. Smithville Lake in Missouri, for example, provides an idyllic backdrop for a day of kayaking under the summer sun. Smithville Lake, located just north of Kansas City has not one but two awesome sand beaches. Spend a day boating, golfing, swimming, or enjoying nature at Smithville Lake.
9. Spend the day in Ste. Geneviève, Missouri's oldest town with endless attractions.
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670, USA
GPA Photo Archive/Flickr
If you’ve never been to Sainte Genevieve or if it’s been a while, you’ll definitely want to plan a day trip or a weekend getaway to this charming small town, the oldest in Missouri, that’s home to just under 4,500 people. The tiny town of Ste. Geneviève is actually Missouri's oldest settlement. This old trading town is now full of history, vineyards, amazing restaurants, shopping, and so much more. In fact, "O Magazine" named it one of the country's most charming small towns, and once you visit, you will undoubtedly agree!
10. Celebrate summer with a visit to this unique homemade ice cream shop.
Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream, 21 S 9th St, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
Sky S./Yelp
If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind ice cream shop, look no further than Sparky's in Columbia. Try refreshing flavor combinations like lavender honey or get adventurous and go for a boozy shake. Yes, please!

Have you been to any of the attractions on this list? Tell us about your experiences, and your favorite summer day trips in Missouri, in the comments below.

If your need more ideas for summer fun check out these 12 things you must do under the summer sun in Missouri.

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Best day trips in Missouri

Sarah M. | June 29, 2022

What are the best day trips near me in Missouri?

The Show-Me State is chock-full of amazing destinations, so no matter where you're located, if you're pondering the "best day trips near me" in Missouri, there are sure to be some options in your neck of the woods. Since we're discussing summer day trips, Summit Waves in Lee’s Summit is a totally fun adventure that is the perfect answer to those scorching summer days in Missouri – whether you’re looking for fast-paced thrills or you just want to lounge poolside! A popular family-friendly destination in Missouri since 2008, the neighborhood waterpark boasts a whole lot of fun, including an 8,000-square-foot wave pool, crystal-clear 904-foot lazy river, tube slides, and a good, old-fashioned swimming pool!

Looking for more amazing day trips in Missouri? This list has 12 of our favorite adventures, one for each month of the year!

What are some must-visit places in Missouri?

There's no place in Missouri quite like St. Louis, which makes for the ultimate day trip in the Show-Me State! With its epic children's museum, world-famous cuisine, and iconic attractions, St. Louis is a Midwest town that belongs on your bucket list. And the Gateway Arch truly is St. Louis; the glorious gateway to the West. The title attraction in the city's Gateway Arch National Park, this iconic structure symbolizes the importance of St. Louis as the "Gateway to the West." Shimmering against the city skyline, the arch attracts visitors from all over Missouri and beyond, making it one of the most-photographed landmarks in the country. The Arch has been a permanent part of the St. Louis skyline since it opened in 1965, welcoming more than 135 million visitors from around the world. At 630 feet tall, the Arch has the distinction as the U.S.'s tallest manmade landmark, coming in ahead of The Washington Monument and The Statue of Liberty, and riding up to the top is a rite of passage sure to fill you with a newfound appreciation for the Midwest.

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