Meramec State Park, Missouri
(Driving Time: 2 hours, Distance: 124 miles)
- A hiker's paradise with over 15 miles of scenic trails, towering bluffs, and the crystal-clear Meramec River perfect for swimming and fishing.
Elephant Rocks State Park, Missouri
(Driving Time: 1 hour 45 minutes, Distance: 104 miles)
- Experience a geological wonderland of massive granite boulders and rocks that resemble a herd of elephants, offering unique photo ops and hiking trails.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Missouri
(Driving Time: 2 hours 30 minutes, Distance: 150 miles)
- Swim, wade, and explore the unique shut-ins, a series of narrow granite chasms carved by the Black River, creating a natural waterpark.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Missouri
(Driving Time: 2 hours 15 minutes, Distance: 133 miles)
- Hike to the highest point in Missouri (1,772 feet) for stunning vistas, or explore the park's rugged terrain, glades, and waterfalls.
Big Oak Tree State Park, Missouri
(Driving Time: 1 hour 30 minutes, Distance: 95 miles)
- Marvel at the massive 350-year-old bur oak tree, one of the largest of its kind, and enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing in this peaceful parkland.
Alton, Illinois
(Driving Time: 2 hours, Distance: 117 miles)
- Explore the historic riverfront town with its antique shops, wineries, and the iconic Argosy Casino, or take a spooky ghost tour of its haunted sites.