There’s nothing like a little adventure to get you away from the humdrum of day-to-day life. But who has time for a week-long vacation every time you want to get away? Never fear: Missouri offers a plethora of destinations with fascinating, fun, and delicious attractions that you can enjoy within a day’s time. Here’s just a sampling of unique day trips in Missouri!

1. Lederhosen, anyone? It's got to be Hermann!
Hermann, MO 65041, USA
Jorge Royan via Wikimedia
Hermann is a charming German town, famous for its Oktoberfest, patterned after those in Munich. It also boasts wineries, great architecture, and restaurants throughout the year. Here's more on why Hermann makes for a great Missouri day trip destination.

If you are looking for spontaneous day trips near you in Missouri take a little trip to Hermann, MO for Oktoberfest in this video from Today is an Adventure:
2. All aboard for Branson!
Branson Scenic Railway, 206 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616, USA
GPA Photo Archive/Flickr
Branson is the place for old-fashioned fun. Take the 40-mile roundtrip scenic railway. Or enjoy Silver Dollar City amusement park or even some great country music acts.
3. Smells great - we must be in Kansas City!
Kansas City, MO, USA
Gbleem via Wikimedia
Kansas City is famous for being 'cue capital of the Midwest. Gotta try it! Plus there's a lot of great city attractions, such as the Plaza and Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Check out one of the top BBQ restaurants in Missouri.
4. Not bad for a golf course - Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail, 125 E High St, Jefferson City, MO 65101, USA
Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau/Flickr
Visit lovely Lake of the Ozarks for fun in the sun - swimming, boating, and, of course, golf. There are many scenic courses here. Or, for another kind of outdoor adventure, head to Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the largest state park in Missouri.
5. St. Louis sparkles
St. Louis, MO, USA
GoShows, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Even though the Lantern Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden has come and gone, there are still many reasons to visit this beautiful spot in St. Louis, along with the world-famous zoo, the City Museum and so much more! For more, check out the list of fun things to do in St. Louis, Missouri.

Another of our favorite Missouri day trips is exploring St. Louis - take a look at a few things to do in St. Louis, MO in this video from Island Hopper TV:

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6. Veranda Row in St. Charles
Saint Charles, St Charles, MO, USA
New York Public Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Historic St. Charles -- Missouri's first capital -- is delightful for history lovers. And complete with cobblestone streets!
7. M-I-Z-Z-O-U! Columbia
Columbia, MO, USA
Adam Procter/Flickr
The state's pride and joys - Mizzou and the Tigers - are in charming Columbia. Visit for a football game or to stroll the beautiful campus, Capen Park, or downtown.
8. Beautiful AND spooky at the same time - Meramec Caverns
Meramec Caverns, 1135 Hwy W, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA
marada/Flickr
Very surreal and enticing, the caverns make for a great tour. Just watch out for the bats! Without a doubt, Meramec Caverns is one of the most unique day trips in Missouri.
9. Explore Tom Sawyer's stomping grounds: Hannibal
Hannibal, MO 63401, USA
Danielle Kellogg / Flickr
Mark Twain's hometown lets you relive the life and times of Tom Sawyer. Also, make sure to see this charming lighthouse on the Mississippi! Learn more about why Hannibal is considered one of the most unique small towns in the U.S.
10. Magnificent Bonne Terre Mine
Bonne Terre Mine, 185 Park Ave, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA
Melissa/Flickr
A diver's paradise, Bonne Terre's famous mine is lovely and historic. Learn more information about this fascinating mine in Missouri.

Take a tour of the Bonne Terre Mine in this video from TPF! Travel Plus:

So when you have a day to play, venture to these Missouri hot spots! What’s your favorite Show-Me day trip destination? Did any of your favorite unique day trips in Missouri miss the list? If so, be sure to share your favorite day trips near you in the comments!

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unique day trips in Missouri

Beth C. | June 19, 2023

What are some fun activities in Missouri?

Some fun activities in Missouri include:

 

The Show-Me State is positively brimming with opportunities for fun. Whether you enjoy outdoor attractions, exploring historic small towns, dining, or something else altogether, you're bound to find something entertaining in Missouri. In our opinion, the following attractions are an absolute must-visit: the World's Largest Rocking Chair in Cuba, the home of Jesse James in St. Joseph, Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins in Camdenton, the Giant Book Shelf in the Kansas City Library, Glore Psychiatric Museum in St. Joseph, and the World's Largest Ball of Twine in Branson. Who knew there were so many fun and unusual things to do in Missouri?

What are the most unique things to do in Missouri?

Some unique things to do in Missouri include:

 

If the weather is warm enough, you should definitely plan a float trip down the Meramec River. In fact, the Meramec River is one of the most popular floating destinations in Missouri. Its wide channel lends itself perfectly to floating in a calm and peaceful manner. For an incredible float experience, be sure to check out Ozark Outdoors, which offers float trips, lodging, and camping. Whether you're interested in the 4-mile loop or something shorter, you'll love your experience out on the water. Here's more on how you can plan a float trip down the Meramec River.

Where can I go in Missouri that only the locals know about?

A few places to go in Missouri that only the locals know about include:

 

To experience Missouri as the locals do, you'll need to conduct some research to pinpoint the best hidden gems throughout the state. Fortunately, we've done just that so you can start exploring as soon as you're ready. Some of these hidden destinations include the Prairie Garden Trust, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Mark Twain Landing, and Rockbridge Memorial State Park. Rockbridge Memorial State Park is especially fun because it features all kinds of impressive rock formations and endless opportunities for hiking. Learn more about some of the best hidden gems in Missouri.

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