The harvest season is the perfect time to get outdoors, enjoy the cooler temperatures, and of course, the beautiful fall foliage. With so many things to do and see before winter sets in, you may want to start planning some fun day trips now. Here are some of the best places to see the fall foliage, so start planning those fall day trips in Missouri now!

1. St. Louis Arch

The St. Louis Arch, also known as the Gateway Arch, is always a fun thing to do in Missouri in October. Once the leaves begin to change you may want to take a trip to the top for a great vantage point of the tree-lined Mississippi all the way to the beautiful Forest Park.

2. Stone Hill Winery

Stone Hill Winery is located atop the Missouri River bluffs in Hermann. Not only is fall a great time to visit because of the beautiful weather and stunning foliage, but it is also harvest season. Plan a visit to see the grape stomp or enjoy celebrating the area's German heritage at Oktoberfest for a memorable Missouri autumn.

3. Sunshine Valley Farmstand

Apple picking is a classic fall activity in Missouri. There are plenty of orchards around the state but Sunshine Valley Farm in Rogersville certainly won't disappoint. Bring home a bushel of farm-fresh apples perfect for homemade apple pie.

4. Apple Butter Festival

One fall festival in Missouri you won't want to miss is the Apple Butter Festival in Kimmswick. This tiny colonial town has been making and celebrating apple butter for over 40 years! Enjoy a weekend of tasty fall treats, crafts, and history all in one great festival. It's always held on the last full weekend of October, so mark your calendars! This is one of the best things to do in Missouri in October.

5. Mark Twain National Forest

Missouri's only national forest is perfect for a fall foliage tour. Mark Twain National Forest encompasses roughly 1.5 million acres and has about 750 miles of trails to enjoy. Located in Southeastern Missouri, this beautiful forest is one of the most picture-perfect things to do in fall in Missouri.

6. Lemp Mansion Restaurant & Inn

Visit a real haunted house in Missouri this fall with a trip to Lemp Mansion. The ghosts of the Lemp family still reside in their family home decades after their tragic deaths. Stay for a meal, or if you're brave enough, book a room for an overnight stay.

7. Carolyn's Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin picking in Missouri is one of the quintessential fall activities. With many great pumpkin patches across the state, your family won't have any trouble finding one to visit. However, if you're near the Kansas City metro you need to visit Carolyn's Country Cousins Pumpkin Patch. Kids love all the fun activities and parents will love the food and gifts store.

8. Shryock's Corn Maze

Shryock's Corn Maze is located in Columbia, making it a great location for a day trip from about anywhere in Missouri. This huge corn maze is different each year and typically opens in early September. There is so much to do at Shryock's that your family can have an entire fun-filled day at the farm, a perfect Missouri fall day trip.

9. Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours

Take to the skies for the ultimate view of fall foliage in Missouri. Head to Branson where you can take a canopy and zip line tour through the trees. You'll find the peak time for seeing all the beautiful fall foliage is early to mid-October so be sure to plan your trip at the right time.

Have you taken any of these fall day trips in Missouri? What other activities are perfect for a beautiful fall day in the Show Me State? Let us know in the comments below. For more leaf-peeping adventures, gas up the car and take this epic road trip to see some of the best fall foliage in Missouri.

Planning on a hiking adventure this fall? Make sure you have AllTrails+ downloaded on your phone! Not only does it offer trail conditions but you can download maps offline, so you never have to worry about navigation!