Most St. Louisans love spending time at renowned City attractions like the Gateway Arch, Saint Louis Zoo and Missouri Botanical Garden. However, sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Widen your gaze to the area beyond with our best day trips near St. Louis!
Eckert's Farm in Belleville, IL
Find family-friendly fun across the Mississippi River at Eckert's Farm.
Ecker's offers farm activities throughout the year. See what's going on at the farm, here.
Make a day of it by visiting for pick-your-own items, which vary seasonally. You'll find fresh berries and peaches in summer, apples and pumpkins in autumn or the whole family can cut down your very own Christmas tree in winter! Then, enjoy hearty comfort food in the Eckert's Country Restaurant. Besides bringing along the whole family, Eckert's makes for a great place to visit with out-of-towners or as a team-building trip to get away from the office and into the country! Photo source: Eckert's Farm
Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, MO
Located just 40 minutes from Downtown St. Louis, Shaw Nature Reserve is a beautiful place to experience the natural habitats of our region. With prairies and woodland areas, visitors are welcome to hike, picnic and observe nature anytime of the year.
Learn more about native plants, gardening and conservation or take a class about our local environment.
Nearby you can also visit Point Labaddie Brewery for a locally brewed pint or dog-lovers will be interested in stopping by Purina Farms!
Photo source: Shaw Nature Reserve
Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills, MO
Not technically located outside of St. Louis, Laumeier Sculpture Park is a great place to visit, if you haven't already been. This open-air museum and sculpture park boats 105 acres to explore. The park is free and open to the public year-round. Best of all, dogs are welcome in all outdoor galleries (they must be leashed and picked up after by owners).
Spend the day exploring the network of pathways and trails that wind throughout the park. You can bring along a picnic to enjoy or visit nearby restaurant Twisted Tree Steakhouse for comfort food along Historic U.S. 66.
Photo source: Laumeier Sculpture Park
Ste. Genevieve, MO and The Route Du Vin Wine Trail
Spend the day exploring Missouri's oldest town. Ste. Genevieve is a charming town featuring interesting eighteenth century architecture surrounded by some of the Midwest's best wineries. Spend the morning browsing unique boutiques and art galleries then enjoy lunch in Ste. Genevieve's historic district or make your way towards several of the wineries found along the Route Du Vin Wine Trail.
We recommend Chaumette or Crown Valley Winery for a lunch stop or Charleville Brewery if you've brought along your own picnic lunch. If your Ste. Genevieve trip includes more than a handful of winery tastings, then consider booking a Luxury Party Bus for your group. No one will have to worry about driving back to St. Louis, and you can truly relax and enjoy your winery experience.
Photo source: Crown Valley Winery