Six scenic Missouri drives that are at their best when the leaves begin to change.
Trees drenched in red, orange, and yellow make autumn one of the best times to explore Missouri. The Show-Me State is an ideal place to take a drive and see hardwood forests filled with oaks, hickories, maples, and more this fall.
Highway 94: Jefferson City to West Alton
Highway 94 runs parallel to the Missouri River, weaving through the state’s wine region from the Capital City to near St. Louis. Take in sweeping vineyards and towering bluffs, and make a charming stop in Augusta to savor award-winning wines from Balducci Vineyards and Augusta Winery. Farther west, explore all Hermann has to offer – museums, downtown shops, and wineries with beautiful views. Stay overnight at The Cottage, a tree house bed-and-breakfast nestled in the colorful trees.
Highway 79: Hannibal to St. Louis
In Hannibal, Mark Twain history blends with the rich colors of fall. Walk the streets of the famed author’s youth, tour the famous Mark Twain Cave, and visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. Visitors can even try their hand at painting Tom Sawyer’s famous whitewashed fence and see a treasure trove of Twain artifacts. Take in the sweeping vista from Lover’s Leap, just outside the city limits. Keep traveling south along the Mississippi River for breathtaking views and incredible meals. In St. Louis, enjoy the vibrant foliage at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Forest Park, and Gateway Arch National Park.
Highway 21: Caledonia to Van Buren
In Caledonia, visit the Old Village Mercantile and nearby antique shops. The area is home to some of Missouri’s most popular outdoor spots, including Elephant Rocks, Taum Sauk Mountain, and Johnson’s Shut-Ins state parks. Travel south to explore the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, and be sure to visit Van Buren to see one of the country’s biggest springs – aptly named Big Spring.
Highway 19: Cuba to Eminence
Check out the Route 66 attractions and outdoor murals in Cuba before setting out on Highway 19. Along the route, Round Spring and Blue Spring sparkle in unforgettable blue against the bright fall leaves. Take a break from outdoor adventures at Echo Bluff State Park, located just off Highway 19 along Sinking Creek. Cozy up in a room at Betty Lea Lodge, which offers private balconies with picturesque views. Continue south toward Eminence; then take Highway 106 to see Alley Mill. The nostalgic red mill adorns the edge of Alley Spring, surrounded by oaks and pines.
Highway 5, Highway 54, and Highway 52: Lake of the Ozarks loop
The Lake of the Ozarks’ hillsides burst with color when the weather begins to turn cool, making for a perfect sight when traveling down Highway 5. Fall colors are especially vivid along the shoreline – in full view where the highway crosses the lake at the Hurricane Deck and Niangua bridges. Travel along Highway 54 to Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, where deep ravines, towering bluffs, and the castle ruins pop along with the fall colors. The Dell Rim Trail takes hikers down 316 wooden steps to Ha Ha Tonka Spring, ending at an overlook into Whispering Dell Sinkhole. Check out the abundant dining options while in town, and see why the Lake area draws so many visitors.
Highway 65, Highway 13, and Highway 76: Table Rock Lake loop
Travel a winding path around Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo to see south Missouri bathed in fall’s warm colors. Explore family-friendly attractions and live entertainment in Branson before continuing your journey south on Highway 65 through the historic town of Hollister. Nearby, Table Rock Lake State Park offers plenty of space to enjoy crisp temperatures and clear skies. Take Highway 86 across the lake to Highway 13 and into Kimberling City, where scenic overlooks, waterfront dining, and peaceful lake views make for the perfect fall stop.
An autumn road trip in Missouri is a great chance to take in beauty, both natural and man-made. From colorful forests to charming small towns, fall is the perfect time to explore the Show-Me State.
