Missouri is a beautiful state, but we’ve found 5 Amazing Road Trip Destinations You Didn’t Know About in Missouri and we’re here to tell you about them.

Amazing Road Trip Destinations You Didn’t Know About In Missouri

Missouri is a beautiful state, with rolling countryside, deeply wooded forests, wilderness, waterfalls, springs and shut ins. Lakes, streams, creeks and ponds are in abundance.

We made it our goal to search every inch of Missouri for the greatest places to enjoy the beauty and history of our state.

Here we are showing you 5 Amazing Road Trip Destinations You Didn’t Know About in Missouri.

Maybe you do, but I bet you didn’t know everything about each of these and if you’re looking for something fun to do – these are fantastic places to visit.

1. Klondike Park – St. Charles, MO

This hidden gem of a park is located in St. Charles County, Missouri, a county with plenty of parks to choose from. So what makes this one different?

From the moment you get to the main part of the park, you already can see what makes it different.

The park is 250 acres and features more than 4 miles of natural and paved trails for hiking or biking. But what makes it stunning is the 360 degree views. The park is on the site of an old silica sand quarry. The white sand is everywhere and truly makes you feel like you’re somewhere NOT in Missouri.

If you’ve got it in you, climb the large hill, because you are going to be gifted with a very unique lookout bluff which will provide you with some of the most picturesque views of the Missouri River Valley, as well as the historic Katy Trail.

It’s an incredible place to spend the day.

Feel like spending the night? The park features primitive camping as well as the most adorable rustic cabins that fit 8 with restrooms and a shower house close by.

There is a fully stocked fishing lake, boat ramps to access the Missouri river, a unique birding / wildlife area, picnic shelters, and playgrounds. There is so much to do in St. Charles County, but this park is a must see!

2. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park – Jefferson County, MO

Climb to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and be on top of Missouri – literally. That’s right!

This park includes the highest point in the entire state with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

It’s located in the St. Francis Mountains, Iron County and the State of Missouri.

The park is 7,500 acres so expect to make a day out of experiencing much of what the park offers which is a LOT of hiking. There is also a basic campground and picnic area.

It also hosts Missouri’s highest waterfall, Mina Sauk Falls, which drops a total of 132 feet in three distinct drops, but is only accessible by a bit of a hike. There is a beautiful lookout point that is wheelchair accessible to view the highest point and it’s worth it to see it and know you’re standing on top of Missouri.

Your best experience will be in Fall when the leaves are changing and the colors are prominent.

3.  Pilot Knob, Missouri

Yes, the whole town. It is located in Arcadia Valley of Iron County, Missouri.

It’s a scenic little town with several different things to do. A must see is the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site. The fort is preserved and you can learn about it in the visitor center. You can enjoy a nice picnic in the park, but I encourage you to stop across the street for a delicious lunch of fried catfish which was the most melt in your mouth meal I’ve had in ages.

As a foodie, where I stop for food on a road trip is almost equally, if not MORE important than the actual destinations. The FDC (Fort Davidson Cafe) is located at 302 S. McCune in Pilot Knob, directly across the street from the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site and directly on Bike Route 76 (Transamerica Trail) for all you cyclists!

The cafe boasts outlets for phone charging by tables, 60 MB WiFi, eclectic outdoor dining with a gorgeous view of Shepherd Mountain, Pilot Knob and Fort Davidson on the cutest patio, free water and ice, and I assure you – awesome food. Our meals were amazing, portions perfect and don’t even get me started on dessert. You have to try the Black River Mud Pie!

Overall Pilot Knob was a quaint little town that we thoroughly enjoyed exploring.

4. Eminence, Missouri

This is a weekend road trip. I encourage you to not try to do it all in a day because there is so much to take in and so much to see and do.

If you try to do it all in one day you will miss so much.  It’s absolutely one of the most beautiful areas in the entire state.

There is so much to see and do here from the Alley Spring Grist Mill Historic Site, Rocky Falls Shut In, Blue Springs on the Current River, Canoing, Zipline, Coldwater Ranch and so much more.

I cannot cover it all, but it was one heck of a weekend adventure and I cannot wait to go back and explore more.

5. Arcadia Valley Station – Arcadia Valley, MO

The Arcadia Valley runs along the Black River, so is perfect for camping but there is an awful lot to see and do in Arcadia Valley too.

What will you find in Arcadia Valley?

Spring-fed rivers that are stunning, rushing through lush valleys with trees that go on for miles. You’ll find quaint bed and breakfasts, 1.5 billion year old granite all over the place historic civil war sites and mountain trails that go on for miles through the wilderness.

One of the highlights of our day trip to Arcadia Valley was the Arcadia Valley Station which is the newest Amtrak station. It has an entire museum inside the train depot with some pretty cool historical items, photographs and relics to see!

Are you aware of these Amazing Road Trip Destinations You Didn’t Know About in Missouri? Which one do you want to visit?

Looking for more cool places to visit? Check out Travel Missouri | Travel Illinois

You might also enjoy these travel related articles:

• Outdoor Adventure: Missouri River Scenic Hike
• A Taste of Home: St. Louis Favorites
• What’s in my travel tote?

 

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