10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from St. Louis, Missouri
If you live in or near
St. Louis County, Missouri, chances are you’ve already been to the big-name spots in your own backyard. But what about those quick, simple road trips just outside the county line?
Today we’re heading out of St. Louis County and into nearby
Illinois and surrounding
Missouri counties to find fun, easy day trips. All of these make great weekend escapes, last-minute drives, or mini adventures when you just need to get out of town.
We’ll focus on things to do in:
- Madison County, IL
- Monroe County, IL
- St. Clair County, IL
- Franklin County, MO
- Jefferson County, MO
- St. Charles County, MO
- Independent City of St. Louis, MO (separate from the county)
All of these are an easy drive from St. Louis County, most under an hour.
1. Step Back in Time at Cahokia Mounds (Madison County, IL)
If you’re up for a quick 20–30 minute drive across the river,
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site feels like a whole different world.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the center of a huge Native American city, long before Europeans arrived. You can:
- Climb Monks Mound, the largest earthen mound in North America
- Walk peaceful trails through the old city site
- Visit the interpretive center (check hours before you go)
Standing on top of Monks Mound, looking out toward the St. Louis skyline, it’s wild to imagine that around 1,000 years ago, this was the big city of the region.
It’s a great road trip from St. Louis if you love
history,
short hikes, and
quiet scenic views.
2. Cruise the Great River Road to Alton & Grafton (Madison County, IL)
Want a classic Midwest road trip feel? Head to
Alton and then follow the
Great River Road up to
Grafton in Madison County.
Along this scenic drive, you can:
- Stop at river overlooks with wide views of the Mississippi
- Browse antique shops and cafes in downtown Alton
- Grab a meal at a riverside restaurant in Grafton
- Try seasonal activities like eagle watching in winter
On a sunny day, with the windows down and the river right next to you, it’s one of the most relaxing things to do near St. Louis. Think of it as your “mini Pacific Coast Highway,” Midwest style.
Tip: Try to time your drive around sunset for some amazing light on the river.
3. Explore Pere Marquette & the Bluffs (Madison County, IL)
Keep that Great River Road trip going and head toward
Pere Marquette State Park, also in Madison County.
This park is known for:
- Bluff-top overlooks with sweeping river views
- Miles of hiking trails through thick forest
- Beautiful fall colors every October and November
Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, you can still drive up to some of the overlooks and take short walks. I’ve gone there with friends who aren’t “outdoorsy,” and they still loved it—especially in the fall.
It’s an easy out-of-county road trip when you want to stretch your legs and breathe some fresh air without planning a full camping weekend.
4. Wine & Small-Town Charm in Waterloo (Monroe County, IL)
Just a bit south in
Monroe County, Illinois, the town of
Waterloo offers a slower pace and that cozy small-town feel.
On a day trip from St. Louis County, you can:
- Relax at local wineries in the rolling countryside
- Stroll through a classic Midwestern downtown square
- Grab ice cream or a burger at a local spot
This is a great pick if you’re planning a casual couples’ day out or a low-key girls’ trip. It’s close enough for a few hours, but far enough to feel like you’ve escaped the city.
If you like scenic drives through farmland and gentle hills, you’ll enjoy this one.
5. Bluff Views & River Vibes in Valmeyer & the Mississippi Bottoms (Monroe County, IL)
For something a little different, head to the
Mississippi River bottoms and bluffs around
Valmeyer in Monroe County.
What makes this area special?
- Steep limestone bluffs rising up from flat river bottoms
- Quiet country roads that are perfect for a slow drive
- Bird-watching and peaceful photo spots along the way
This is the kind of road trip where the drive itself is the attraction. Pack a cooler, bring your favorite playlist, and just wander a bit.
If you’ve ever wanted to see where the “city” starts to turn into “country,” this is a nice, low-stress way to do it.
6. Family Fun in O’Fallon & Belleville (St. Clair County, IL)
Looking for
family-friendly things to do near St. Louis that aren’t in St. Louis County? Head over to
St. Clair County, Illinois, especially around
Belleville and
O’Fallon.
Depending on the season, you can find:
- Local festivals and fairs
- Community parks with playgrounds and walking paths
- Casual restaurants and dessert shops
One thing I like about this kind of road trip is that it’s low-pressure. You don’t need tickets weeks in advance or a packed itinerary. You can just drive over, wander around, and see what you find.
If you’re traveling with kids, this is a simple way to give them a “trip” without the hassle of a long drive.
7. Historic Downtown St. Charles & the Missouri Riverfront (St. Charles County, MO)
Across the Missouri River in
St. Charles County, the city of
St. Charles is one of the most popular day trips from the St. Louis area—and for good reason.
Highlights include:
- The brick-lined streets of Historic Main Street
- Unique boutiques, art shops, and local restaurants
- The Missouri Riverfront and nearby walking and biking trails
It’s especially charming around the holidays thanks to seasonal festivals and decorations, but it’s a great visit year-round. You can spend a full day shopping, eating, and people-watching without ever getting bored.
If someone asks, “Where should I go near St. Louis for a cute downtown?” this is usually the first place I recommend.
8. Trails, Lakes & Camping at Klondike Park and Beyond (St. Charles County, MO)
If you keep driving through St. Charles County toward the
wine country area, you’ll find outdoor gems like
Klondike Park and several conservation areas.
Things to do:
- Hike short trails with overlook views of the Missouri River valley
- Walk around a quiet lake surrounded by bright white rock bluffs
- Connect to the Katy Trail for biking or longer walks
This is one of those places where you can make your day as active or as relaxed as you want. You can do a serious hike, or just sit on a bench and enjoy the view.
If you’re looking for
outdoor activities near St. Louis without driving hours away, this is a solid choice.
9. Rivers, Caves & State Parks in Jefferson County, MO
Head south from St. Louis County into
Jefferson County for some great nature-focused road trips.
While you’ll want to double-check specific park locations on a map, this area of Missouri is known for:
- Clear rivers perfect for floating and swimming
- Rock formations and scenic overlooks
- Caves and interesting geology throughout the region
It’s an especially good choice in summer, when all you want to do is cool off in the water. Pack towels, sunscreen, and snacks, and you’ve got an easy, fun day trip from the suburbs of St. Louis.
If you grew up in the region, chances are you’ve done at least one tubing or river trip in Jefferson County—why not make it a yearly tradition?
10. Explore the Independent City of St. Louis (St. Louis City, MO)
This one surprises a lot of people outside the region:
St. Louis City is separate from St. Louis County. That means it totally counts as an out-of-county road trip!
From St. Louis County, you’re just a short drive from:
- Iconic neighborhoods with unique vibes and restaurants
- Historic buildings, parks, and cultural spots
- Sports, live music, and seasonal events
Since the city is full of different districts, you can treat each visit like a different road trip:
one weekend you might focus on food, another on museums and parks, another on nightlife or live music.
Even if you’ve lived nearby your whole life, there’s usually some corner of the city you haven’t really explored yet.
Tips for Planning Your St. Louis–Area Road Trips
To make the most of these out-of-county drives:
- Check hours and seasonal schedules for parks, wineries, and attractions.
- Bring water and snacks, especially for nature-focused spots.
- Watch the weather before you head out, especially for river or bluff areas.
- Plan a loose route, but leave time to pull over at random overlooks or small-town shops.
You don’t need a big budget or a long weekend to feel like you’ve “gotten away.” Many of these trips are 30–60 minutes from St. Louis County, which makes them perfect for a half-day adventure.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip Near St. Louis?
These are just
10 easy out-of-county road trips from St. Louis County, but there are plenty more to discover in nearby Illinois and Missouri counties.
Have you driven the Great River Road? Spent a lazy afternoon in St. Charles? Climbed the bluffs near the Mississippi?
I’d love to hear about your favorites.
- Which nearby town or park do you always recommend to friends?
- Do you prefer river views, historic downtowns, or quiet country roads?
Share your go-to St. Louis–area road trip ideas in the comments and let’s build a local travel list together.
And if you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family who are looking for fun, easy things to do near St. Louis. Your share might inspire someone’s next perfect weekend escape.
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