7 Unforgettable Weekend Trips from St. Louis

Looking for unforgettable weekend trips from St. Louis? You’ve come to the right place!

Ahhhh.. St. Louis, Missouri. This midwestern city is the place I called home for 4 years. As a native Californian, I have always been especially concerned with living somewhere where there is a lot to do! Call me spoiled, but there really is so much to do within California, that one could truly never leave and never be bored!

I was pleased to find that St. Louis does in fact have a lot of things to do! And, even better, there are tons of incredible places to visit that are only a short drive away! I was amazed that you can quickly cross state lines to visit somewhere new for a weekend trip!

A few times a year over the four years living here, I would plan a weekend getaway from St. Louis with some friends to explore more of what the Midwest has to offer!

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The BEST Weekend Getaways near St. Louis

With the help of some of my fellow travel bloggers, I have crafted this list of unforgettable weekend trips from St. Louis for you to look back on when you are itching to get out of the city for a weekend!

1. Chicago, IL

Recommended by Janice Moskoff of Gather And Go Travel

Chicago is the closest, large, metropolitan city to St. Louis, and makes the perfect weekend getaway!

While there are many nonstop flights to Chicago daily from St. Louis, the drive is absolutely worth it and makes for a fun road trip. With stops—such as the Dixie Truck Stop in McLean, IL, at exit 145—the drive can take up to five hours, but if started early, it will take only half the day. 

Especially if this is your first visit to Chicago—you will be wildly impressed by the breathtaking beauty and views of the city. The city sits on the edge of Lake Michigan, like a gleaming metropolis on the border of a calm ocean, making for an unforgettable first impression. 

The lakefront even has beaches, which of course you can visit. Or you can run, walk, or bike (rentals available) the 18.5-mile lakefront path, which will wow you with its views. 

During your weekend trip, stay in a central location on the Chicago River in a hotel, such as the Westin River North to be able to use your hotel as a base to explore!

One of the most highly recommended things to do in Chicago during your weekend getaway is to walk the Riverwalk—grabbing a drink, snack, or ice cream as you go. Then, take an architectural river cruise to learn about the city’s history via its waterways. For the best experience and guides, book yours with the Chicago Architectural Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring people on why design matters.

Next, wander into the marvel that is Millenium Park. Grab photos of the iconic and gleaming Bean. Stroll through its many gardens and on to see the Jay Pritzker Pavillion bandshell. Catch a free concert if you can. There are several a week in season, and the evening ones make for excellent picnic opportunities!

Then, take the pedestrian bridge from the park to enter the iconic Chicago Art Institute for the quiet contemplation of artistic masterpieces. 

You will quickly realize that Chicago offers more to do, see, and eat than you could ever hope to fit in a few days, much less a week! So, pick the things that interest you most and prepare for a fantastic visit!

2. Indianapolis, IN

Recommended by Pam Howard of Our Adventure is Everywhere

Indianapolis is yet another fantastic weekend getaway from St. Louis. There are plenty of fun things to do, definitely more than you can explore in one weekend, but you can get a fantastic overview of the city – and probably enough to whet your appetite and have you planning a return trip!

If bringing kids along for the weekend trip, you should absolutely plan to visit the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and the Indianapolis Zoo.

The Indianapolis Children’s Museum is consistently voted as one of the top children’s museums in the world. With four floors of fun for kids of all ages, you’ll easily spend hours exploring, learning, and creating memories.

The Indianapolis Zoo is located downtown, and on a beautiful Indiana day, is a perfect way to spend time outside getting up and personal with a variety of animals including dolphins, Orangutans (world-class exhibit), elephants, and more.

A few other highlights of the city include spending time in one or more of the designated cultural arts centers – Mass Ave and Fountain Square would be great ones to start with, or visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and checking out a professional or college sporting event.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is the home of the Indy 500 – the greatest spectacle in racing. There is a museum at the Speedway that is a must-visit, and if you can, sign up for the behind-the-scenes tour so you can get out on the racetrack.

For sporting events, Indianapolis is home to the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, the Indianapolis Indians, and multiple teams at both IUPUI and Butler University – so no lack of sports to see for the weekend!

Hopefully, these ideas have got your motors running (yes, that’s a racing pun). Start planning your weekend getaway to the Circle City – you’re sure to enjoy your visit and create a handful of lasting memories.

3. Kansas City, MO

Recommended by Devon of Say Yes to the Trip

Kansas City, located right in the heart of America, is best known for award-winning barbecue, jazz music, and recent Super Bowl wins.

The total distance from St. Louis to Kansas City is approximately 248 miles and typically takes a little over 3.5 hours by car. You’ll head straight west on Highway I-70 until you reach downtown KC, making it an easy weekend getaway.

If you are looking for the best place to stay, you can’t go wrong with either the Crossroads Arts District or the Country Club Plaza. Both locations put you within walking distance of some of the city’s BEST restaurants, rooftop bars, and boutique shops.

There are so many fun things to do in Kansas City for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. Of course, no trip to Kansas City would be complete without trying its world-famous barbeque. Be sure to check out local favorite, Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, located within a gas station, or newcomer, Q39.

Afterward, visit Boulevard Brewery, the Midwest’s largest specialty brewer. Enjoy a beer on their outdoor patio or head upstairs to the Rec Deck for a game of shuffleboard (ages 21+ only). The brewery offers tours as well if you are interested in learning more about the science behind making Boulevard beers. 

Kansas City also has a ton of museums that are worth visiting. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is completely free and includes works of art from Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh, among others. If you have an interest in history, the National World War I Museum and Memorial (which offers great views of downtown Kansas City) and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum are both worth a visit. 

Finally, wrap up your weekend getaway by enjoying relaxing jazz music at either of these renowned Kansas City venues: Green Lady Lounge or Black Dolphin.

4. Nashville, TN

Recommended by Tina Tolbert of The Southern Travelista

Nashville, Tennessee is the perfect destination for a weekend trip from St. Louis!  Aside from the beautiful weather, there is a variety of excursions that everyone in the family can enjoy.  

Nashville is most famously known for country music, and the downtown area will give you all the country music feel.  Broadway is famously known for its bars and honky tonks and provides more of a party atmosphere.

The Assembly Food Hall is a great downtown spot to find a bite to eat.  It is an eclectic mashup of lots of different food spots all brought under one roof, so it truly has something for everyone.  Country music fans will also find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Johnny Cash Museum in the downtown vicinity as well.  

Aside from the downtown area, Nashville has many parks and museums to explore as well!  Centennial Park is a great spot to play and relax when the weather is great.  At the center of the park stands the life-sized replica of the Parthenon which is fun to see and explore!  

A short drive from Centennial Park you can find both the Nashville Zoo and the Adventure Science Center which not only are fun places for a day with the family, but also provide a little bit of hands on education as well. 

Whether you are looking for a couples weekend, some time with the family, or a trip with your friends; Nashville has something for everyone!

5. Springfield, IL

Recommended by Sophie of Delightful Travel Notes

Springfield, the capital city of Illinois, is just about 100 miles northeast of St. Louis. This makes it an ideal weekend destination in Central Illinois for families and visitors of all ages from St. Louis.

The city is rich in history due to its deep ties to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield is among the best things to do in Central Illinois. This state-of-the-art facility showcases the life of Abraham Lincoln with interactive displays, artifacts, and multimedia exhibits. Just a short walk away is the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, which has been preserved to look as it did in the 1860s.

For architecture enthusiasts, the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site is a must-see. It is one of the most significant and best-preserved examples of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Prairie School” style. The house boasts beautiful art glass windows and intricate wooden interiors.

No visit to Springfield is complete without trying horseshoe, the signature sandwich of the city. It consists of your choice of meat placed on toast, topped with fries, and smothered in cheese sauce.

With Springfield being only a 1.5-hour drive from St. Louis, it is the perfect destination for a weekend trip, but an overnight trip from St. Louis is doable as well!

6. Starved Rock State Park, IL

Recommended by Pam Howard of Our Adventure is Everywhere

If your weekend getaway goal is to truly get away, then consider a trip to Starved Rock State Park in Illinois. With its dozens of beautiful hiking trails – many ending in waterfalls and canyons, Starved Rock State Park is a hiker’s paradise. Starved Rock is consistently ranked one of the best places to hike in the Midwest!

But even if hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other opportunities to enjoy yourself at the park and in the nearby town of Ottawa. The park itself often has a variety of unique programs such as trolley rides, boat rides, and special holiday events, any of which would be a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening.

Ottawa is a darling little town chock full of restaurants, coffee shops (Jeremiah Joe is a favorite), and locally-owned boutiques. There are even a wineries nearby!

So, a combo of shopping, eating, and enjoying mother nature at Starved Rock State Park is an easy weekend to plan. Stay right at the park and immerse yourself in the beauty of the area as you give yourself the opportunity to truly relax.

7. Turkey Run State Park, IN

Recommended by Well and Well Traveled

Yet another unforgettable weekend destination from St. Louis for adventurous travelers is Turkey Run State Park, just east of Indianapolis, IN.

Voted the 7^th best state park in the nation according to TravelAwaits, Turkey Run State Park is a favorite among locals!

Stay at the rustic yet comfortable Turkey Run Inn located at the state park. There, visitors can enjoy the heated pool, arcade, gift shop, and restaurant in addition to all that Turkey Run State Park has to offer.

Explore unique geological terrain as you hike along the more than 14 miles of trails at Turkey Run. Some trails are considered rugged with steep inclines, ladders, and creek beds while others are great for a leisurely stroll. 

Canoe, kayak, or tube down Sugar Creek with Sugar Valley Canoe Rentals. They have routes that vary in length from 3 to 15 miles. Many of their routes go straight through Turkey Run State Park, passing under the suspension bridge used for hiking above. 

While visiting, view the many covered bridges in Parke County where Turkey Run is located. Not only does the state park hold two covered bridges (accessible by hiking and driving) but there are numerous covered bridges in the area. In fact, every year the Covered Bridge Festival takes place in October. Visitors can follow the highlighted route to view the bridges and purchase some local treats!

Weekend Trips from St. Louis, MO Recap

There are endless places to visit in the midwest that make for the perfect weekend getaway from St. Louis! Whether you want to enjoy the city life in Chicago, or escape to beautiful state parks such as Starved Rock State Park or Turkey Run State Park, you are sure to have an unforgettable weekend!

in it for later

Have you been to any of these weekend getaways from St. Louis? Let me know what your favorite has been in the comments below!