This Epic One-Day Road Trip Across Missouri Is Full Of Adventures From Sunrise To Sunset

Time is at a premium for most of us, which means we have to pack as much fun as we can into a single day. Fortunately, we’ve got endless destinations that make the perfect daylong road trip, like this epic one-day road trip through Missouri. It promises a ton of fun – from sunrise to sunset.

You won’t do too much driving either – just over 90 miles – so you don’t have to worry about shelling out too much gas money. You should also have plenty of time to explore at each stop, too. Here are the Google Map directions. Just plug in your address, and go.

Google Maps

Flickr/Morgan Burke

Gateway Arch National Park, 11 N 4th St #1810, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA

Flickr/Morgan Burke

Our first stop takes us to Gateway Arch National Park for a glorious sunrise against the backdrop of the Arch and the Mighty Mississippi. Stroll along the Gateway Arch Trail for views of the sunrise. You might even want to bring a picnic for breakfast to enjoy as you watch the sun slowly wake up.

The Arch itself doesn’t open until 9 a.m. However, once it does, buy your tickets for a trip to the top for sensational views of St. Louis. If you think you’ll have enough time, visit the museum in the national landmark, too. Learn why this trail at Gateway Arch National Park was named the best trail in Missouri in a previous article.

Google/J Gates

Main Street Cafe, 902 N Truman Blvd #1329, Crystal City, MO 63019, USA

Google/Kimberly Curtis

Our next stop takes us to Main Street Café for a delicious lunch. Many guests called it a hidden gem, so it’s well worth the stop. (You’ll also want to fuel up for our next stop.) Take a peek at the menu that’s brimming with favorites – from chopped steak and fried chicken to meatloaf and liver and onions. It also offers a kids menu and a seniors menu.

Google/Tony Smith

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park – Middle Brook

Google/Venture Momma

Make sure you bring comfy shoes for our stop at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. If you’re up for an adventure, you can hike the Mina Sauk Falls Trail, which leads to the tallest waterfall in Missouri. The park is also popular with picnickers and campers.

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is also home to the highest point in Missouri – the perfect spot to catch a gorgeous sunset. You can arrive to the highest point by following Mina Sauk Falls Trail. Or, if you’re tired and just feel like driving, head to the top of the mountain. There, you’ll find a scenic overlook. You will have to walk about .03 of a mile on an ADA-accessible path. However, the views will be more than worth it. Learn more about the unforgettable drive to this mountain lookout.

What’s your favorite one-day road trip across Missouri? Tell us about it in the comments! Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Get a taste of the pioneer life when you check into this covered wagon campground in Missouri.