Outdoor Adventures Near St. Louis That You Have to Experience
By Riverfront Times Staff on Fri, Mar 24, 2023 at 2:11 pm
The city is great and all, but sometimes you need to get away from the concrete jungle. Whether you're craving a leisurely bike ride along a beautiful paved trail, a hike through a state park or a thrilling ride on a zip line, we have outdoor adventures to suit every St. Louisan. Some are as close as 30 minutes away, while others are as many as four hours (road trip!). But they're all within driving distance. Bonus: some of these destinations are near one another, so you can get more out of your journey. So ditch that cellphone and say goodbye to the noise, the hustle and bustle, and get out there into the countryside, St. Louis. Nature is calling.
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Elephant Rocks State Park
7406 Missouri 21
Belleview, MO 63623
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 30 minutes (directions here)
Climb on, jump across and adventure through the narrows of this 1.5 billion-year-old natural playground of huge, red granite boulders. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Brad Kebodeaux.
7406 Missouri 21
Belleview, MO 63623
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 30 minutes (directions here)
Climb on, jump across and adventure through the narrows of this 1.5 billion-year-old natural playground of huge, red granite boulders. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Brad Kebodeaux.
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Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
148 Taum Sauk Trail
Middle Brook, MO 63656
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 43 minutes (Directions here)
In the summer, wander 20 minutes down Hwy N from Elephant Rocks to Johnson's Shut-Ins, Missouri's largest collection of natural water slides. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Brad Kebodeaux.
148 Taum Sauk Trail
Middle Brook, MO 63656
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 43 minutes (Directions here)
In the summer, wander 20 minutes down Hwy N from Elephant Rocks to Johnson's Shut-Ins, Missouri's largest collection of natural water slides. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Brad Kebodeaux.
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Katy Trail
Machens, MO -- Clinton, MO
Parking options here
Grab your bike and hit the Katy Trail. With 21 fantastic wineries and ten grade-A parks along the 264-mile bike trail, there's no going wrong. Our personal favorite route is Defiance to Augusta. Defiance has a nice bike shop for any repairs or bike rentals, and Augusta has some of the best wineries and breweries along the way. Photo courtesy of Flickr / N.
Machens, MO -- Clinton, MO
Parking options here
Grab your bike and hit the Katy Trail. With 21 fantastic wineries and ten grade-A parks along the 264-mile bike trail, there's no going wrong. Our personal favorite route is Defiance to Augusta. Defiance has a nice bike shop for any repairs or bike rentals, and Augusta has some of the best wineries and breweries along the way. Photo courtesy of Flickr / N.
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Klondike Park
4600 MO-94
Augusta, MO 63332
Estimated drive time: 49 minutes (Directions here)
If you're into parks, explore Klondike, home of a white sand beach. Cabins are available for campers, too. Bonus: it can be accessed right off the Katy Trail, so you can have a two-in-one adventure. Photo courtesy of Flickr / George Shao.
4600 MO-94
Augusta, MO 63332
Estimated drive time: 49 minutes (Directions here)
If you're into parks, explore Klondike, home of a white sand beach. Cabins are available for campers, too. Bonus: it can be accessed right off the Katy Trail, so you can have a two-in-one adventure. Photo courtesy of Flickr / George Shao.
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Garden of the Gods
745, Garden of Gods
Herod, IL 62947
Estimated drive time: 2 hours, 35 minutes (Directions here)
Deep in the heart of Shawnee National Forest sits a hidden gem called Garden of the Gods. Just a short walk from this cliff-side vista are the best primitive campgrounds in these parts. A handful of the campgrounds have stunning views perfect for watching the sunset. If you're more of a cabin type, there are treehouse cabins at Timber Ridge, closer to wine country. Photo by Kelly Glueck.
745, Garden of Gods
Herod, IL 62947
Estimated drive time: 2 hours, 35 minutes (Directions here)
Deep in the heart of Shawnee National Forest sits a hidden gem called Garden of the Gods. Just a short walk from this cliff-side vista are the best primitive campgrounds in these parts. A handful of the campgrounds have stunning views perfect for watching the sunset. If you're more of a cabin type, there are treehouse cabins at Timber Ridge, closer to wine country. Photo by Kelly Glueck.
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Starved Rock State Park
2668 E. 875th Rd.
Oglesby, IL 61348
Estimated drive time: 3 hours, 18 minutes (Directions here)
Not far from Garden of the Gods is Starved Rock State Park. Here you'll have eighteen canyons to explore, such as LaSalle Canyon (pictured). Also close are Illinois' 30-mile long Pomona natural bridge, the Little Grand Canyon and Giant City State Park. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Judd McCullum.
2668 E. 875th Rd.
Oglesby, IL 61348
Estimated drive time: 3 hours, 18 minutes (Directions here)
Not far from Garden of the Gods is Starved Rock State Park. Here you'll have eighteen canyons to explore, such as LaSalle Canyon (pictured). Also close are Illinois' 30-mile long Pomona natural bridge, the Little Grand Canyon and Giant City State Park. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Judd McCullum.
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Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
(13219 Streetcar Drive, Maryland Heights, MO)
The wind in your hair as you zip down one of the park's lines or tackle an obstacle course is one unforgettable experience you need to have.
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Pere Marquette State Park
13112 Visitors Center Lane
Grafton, IL 62037
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 3 minutes (Directions here)
This beautiful park has stunning views of the Illinois River. There is also a quaint lodge, rustic cabins and standard campgrounds on the property. While in Grafton, grab a drink and some fish and chips at the Loading Dock. The music on the dock starts at 2 p.m. on weekends. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Eric Bueneman.
13112 Visitors Center Lane
Grafton, IL 62037
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 3 minutes (Directions here)
This beautiful park has stunning views of the Illinois River. There is also a quaint lodge, rustic cabins and standard campgrounds on the property. While in Grafton, grab a drink and some fish and chips at the Loading Dock. The music on the dock starts at 2 p.m. on weekends. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Eric Bueneman.
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Madison County Transit Trails
Madison County, IL
Estimated drive time: 40 minutes (Parking options here.)
If you're looking for more of a leisurely stroll or outdoor exercise instead of a risky thrill, try the Madison County Transit Trails. They're paved, very well-kept and extend throughout the entire county. For those who want to venture a bit deeper into the woods, you'll find an occasional clearing off the main path to explore. Photo courtesy of Instagram / kayla_r_bartz.
Madison County, IL
Estimated drive time: 40 minutes (Parking options here.)
If you're looking for more of a leisurely stroll or outdoor exercise instead of a risky thrill, try the Madison County Transit Trails. They're paved, very well-kept and extend throughout the entire county. For those who want to venture a bit deeper into the woods, you'll find an occasional clearing off the main path to explore. Photo courtesy of Instagram / kayla_r_bartz.
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Watershed Nature Center
1591 Tower Ave.
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Estimated drive time: 31 minutes (Directions here)
Bike the trail to Edwardsville, and you just might find this wetland hidden in the woods. Prairie and forest also make up the 40 acres of this nature center. Park yourself on the marsh walk and take in the sights and sounds of nature. It's a quiet oasis that you'd never guess was located right in Edwardsville. Photo courtesy of Instagram / ourlittlelifestyleblog.
1591 Tower Ave.
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Estimated drive time: 31 minutes (Directions here)
Bike the trail to Edwardsville, and you just might find this wetland hidden in the woods. Prairie and forest also make up the 40 acres of this nature center. Park yourself on the marsh walk and take in the sights and sounds of nature. It's a quiet oasis that you'd never guess was located right in Edwardsville. Photo courtesy of Instagram / ourlittlelifestyleblog.
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Mina Sauk Falls at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
148 Taum Sauk Trail
Middle Brook, MO 63656
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 47 minutes (Directions here)
This adventure begins with Missouri's highest point on Taum Sauk Mountain (1,772 ft). Just around the corner of the lookout is a three-mile loop, which takes you to the best makeout spot in Missouri. A fun fact about Mina Sauk: it happens to be tallest waterfall in Missouri. Photo by Kelly Glueck.
148 Taum Sauk Trail
Middle Brook, MO 63656
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 47 minutes (Directions here)
This adventure begins with Missouri's highest point on Taum Sauk Mountain (1,772 ft). Just around the corner of the lookout is a three-mile loop, which takes you to the best makeout spot in Missouri. A fun fact about Mina Sauk: it happens to be tallest waterfall in Missouri. Photo by Kelly Glueck.
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Hawn State Park
12096 Park Dr.
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 11 minutes (Directions here)
For a little bit of everything within a short distance, hike Hawn State Park's Pickle Creek Trail. The trail follows the rocky, sand-based creek and is an optimal place to soak up the sun on a rock to the sounds of rushing water. If you travel a little further into the Whispering Pines trail, don't forget to get a whiff of the sweet pine smell. About a half mile or so in, there is also a cool rock overhang. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Missouri Division of Tourism.
12096 Park Dr.
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 11 minutes (Directions here)
For a little bit of everything within a short distance, hike Hawn State Park's Pickle Creek Trail. The trail follows the rocky, sand-based creek and is an optimal place to soak up the sun on a rock to the sounds of rushing water. If you travel a little further into the Whispering Pines trail, don't forget to get a whiff of the sweet pine smell. About a half mile or so in, there is also a cool rock overhang. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Missouri Division of Tourism.
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Cave Vineyards
21124 Cave Rd.
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 9 minutes (Directions here)
A little less adventurous, but nonetheless thrilling, are the nearby Cave Vineyards. That's right, these vineyards are in a cave -- you've never experienced wine quite like this, have you? Several other French-inspired wineries are also nearby, and we'd recommend a stop in Ste. Genevieve's historical district. Not only is this town adorable, but it has a rich history -- it's the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri. There are bed-and-breakfasts out the wazoo. Photo courtesy of Instagram / erinj34.
21124 Cave Rd.
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 9 minutes (Directions here)
A little less adventurous, but nonetheless thrilling, are the nearby Cave Vineyards. That's right, these vineyards are in a cave -- you've never experienced wine quite like this, have you? Several other French-inspired wineries are also nearby, and we'd recommend a stop in Ste. Genevieve's historical district. Not only is this town adorable, but it has a rich history -- it's the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri. There are bed-and-breakfasts out the wazoo. Photo courtesy of Instagram / erinj34.
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Bell Mountain
401 Fairgrounds Rd.
Rolla, MO 65401
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 51 minutes (Directions here)
Bell Mountain is not for the faint of heart. Though not the highest peak in Missouri, it certainly has the best view, at 1,698 feet. The thirteen-mile loop is rocky, with water sources on its north side, making it a fun day hike or backpacking trip for adventurous types. Watch out for mountain lions. Locals will tell you tales of a mountain lion that likes to roam those parts. He was caught in a neighboring county and released back into the wild in 2012. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Savage Freedom.
401 Fairgrounds Rd.
Rolla, MO 65401
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 51 minutes (Directions here)
Bell Mountain is not for the faint of heart. Though not the highest peak in Missouri, it certainly has the best view, at 1,698 feet. The thirteen-mile loop is rocky, with water sources on its north side, making it a fun day hike or backpacking trip for adventurous types. Watch out for mountain lions. Locals will tell you tales of a mountain lion that likes to roam those parts. He was caught in a neighboring county and released back into the wild in 2012. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Savage Freedom.
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Ha Ha Tonka State Park
1491 State Road D
Camdenton, MO 65020
Estimated drive time: 3 hours (Directions here)
Caves, sinkholes, springs and natural bridges await you at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. And would you check out that view? Perfection. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Heath Cajandig.
1491 State Road D
Camdenton, MO 65020
Estimated drive time: 3 hours (Directions here)
Caves, sinkholes, springs and natural bridges await you at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. And would you check out that view? Perfection. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Heath Cajandig.
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Ha Ha Tonka Castle
1491 State Road D
Camdenton, MO 65020
Estimated drive time: 3 hours, 1 minute (Directions here)
A fascinating experience in itself, Ha Ha Tonka Castle is located in Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Wealthy Kansas City businessman Robert McClure Snyder began building the mansion in the early 1900s, and his son finished it after his death in 1906 in one of Missouri's first automobile accidents. A fire occurred at the castle in 1942, leaving the remains you can explore today. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Dakota Callaway.
1491 State Road D
Camdenton, MO 65020
Estimated drive time: 3 hours, 1 minute (Directions here)
A fascinating experience in itself, Ha Ha Tonka Castle is located in Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Wealthy Kansas City businessman Robert McClure Snyder began building the mansion in the early 1900s, and his son finished it after his death in 1906 in one of Missouri's first automobile accidents. A fire occurred at the castle in 1942, leaving the remains you can explore today. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Dakota Callaway.
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Table Rock Lake
Branson, MO
Estimated drive time: 4 hours, 14 minutes (Directions here)
For the lake lovers out there, be sure to make a trip to Table Rock Lake. You'll have access to all the watersports you can think of. If you ever tire of the sun and water, Branson offers countless shows, museums, restaurants and shops for your disposal. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Doug Wertman.
Branson, MO
Estimated drive time: 4 hours, 14 minutes (Directions here)
For the lake lovers out there, be sure to make a trip to Table Rock Lake. You'll have access to all the watersports you can think of. If you ever tire of the sun and water, Branson offers countless shows, museums, restaurants and shops for your disposal. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Doug Wertman.
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Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
2038 MO-86
Lampe, MO 65681
Estimated drive time: 4 hours, 25 minutes (Directions here)
While you're in the Table Rock Lake area, make a point to explore Dogwood Canyon, a beyond beautiful nature park. Overall, it has been left in its natural state, but some amenities have been added to make the park more accessible -- a great option for families. You can bike, hike, horseback ride, fish and even take a tram or Segway tour. But no matter what you do, and no matter where you decide to go, the sun is sure to set on a memorable day. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Jason St Peter.
2038 MO-86
Lampe, MO 65681
Estimated drive time: 4 hours, 25 minutes (Directions here)
While you're in the Table Rock Lake area, make a point to explore Dogwood Canyon, a beyond beautiful nature park. Overall, it has been left in its natural state, but some amenities have been added to make the park more accessible -- a great option for families. You can bike, hike, horseback ride, fish and even take a tram or Segway tour. But no matter what you do, and no matter where you decide to go, the sun is sure to set on a memorable day. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Jason St Peter.
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VIA FLICKR / DAVE CLARK
Laumeier Sculpture Park
(12580 Rott Road, Sappington, MO)
Laumeier Sculpture Park is one of the most well-known gems and fairly close to St. Louis. Kids love it, adults love it, you can't go wrong here.
(12580 Rott Road, Sappington, MO)
Laumeier Sculpture Park is one of the most well-known gems and fairly close to St. Louis. Kids love it, adults love it, you can't go wrong here.
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