
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
1. Branson, Missouri
A family-friendly destination with live music shows, amusement parks, and outdoor attractions like Table Rock Lake.
- Live Entertainment: Home to over 50 live shows featuring various genres of music
- Outdoor Activities: Offers activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and ziplining
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Attractions like Silver Dollar City cater specifically to families with kids
2. Kansas City, Missouri
A vibrant city known for its barbecue, jazz, and art museums like the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
- Barbecue Destination: Home to some of the best barbecue in the country
- Art and Culture: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection spanning thousands of years
- Jazz History: Known as the 'Paris of the Plains' for its contribution to jazz music
3. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Relax in natural hot springs and enjoy spa treatments while exploring historic Bathhouse Row.
- Natural Hot Springs: Enjoy soothing mineral waters at over 40 hot springs
- Historic Bathhouse Row: A National Historic Landmark featuring eight beautifully restored bathhouses
- Spa and Wellness: Indulge in various spa treatments at luxury resorts and hotels
4. Nashville, Tennessee
Music City offers a lively atmosphere with legendary venues, live music, and iconic landmarks like the Grand Ole Opry.
- Live Music Capital: Home to over 180 live music venues, including the historic Ryman Auditorium
- Iconic Landmarks: Visit the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Historic RCA Studio B
- Foodie Destination: Known for its delicious Southern cuisine, particularly hot chicken and barbecue
5. Memphis, Tennessee
Explore Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, and sample world-famous Memphis barbecue.
- Elvis Presley's Graceland: Take a tour of Elvis Presley's iconic home and memorabilia museum
- Civil Rights History: Learn about the history of the American Civil Rights Movement at the National Civil Rights Museum
- Barbecue Mecca: Sample legendary barbecue from restaurants like Central BBQ and Corky's
6. Louisville, Kentucky
Experience the Kentucky Derby, Mint Juleps, and bourbon distilleries like the legendary Woodford Reserve.
- Kentucky Derby: Attend the world-famous horse race at Churchill Downs in May
- Bourbon Distilleries: Tour iconic bourbon distilleries and taste some of the finest Kentucky whiskey
- Mint Juleps: Enjoy the classic Southern drink made with mint, sugar, water, and bourbon
7. Indianapolis, Indiana
Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Children's Museum of Indianapolis, and enjoy local cuisine.
- Racing Capital: Home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, host of the world-famous Indy 500
- Children's Museum: The largest children's museum in the world with numerous interactive exhibits
- Farm-to-Table Dining: Enjoy locally sourced and fresh ingredients at restaurants like Milktooth
8. Chicago, Illinois
Experience iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier.
- Skydeck Chicago: Visit the Willis Tower Skydeck for breathtaking views of the city
- Millennium Park: Enjoy art, music, and architecture at this urban park, home to Cloud Gate (the Bean)
- Navy Pier: A lakefront destination featuring shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Ferris wheel
9. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Discover the Milwaukee Art Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, and Brewers baseball games.
- Art Museum Architecture: Admire the unique Quonset hut architecture of the Milwaukee Art Museum
- Harley-Davidson History: Explore the history and innovation behind America's first motorcycle manufacturer
- Baseball Experience: Catch a Milwaukee Brewers game at Miller Park, home of the 2011 World Series champions
10. Madison, Wisconsin
Visit the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, Capitol Square, and Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
- Campus Tour: Explore the beautiful campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Capitol Square: Admire the architecture and history at the Wisconsin State Capitol building
- Botanical Gardens: Enjoy a peaceful stroll through Olbrich Botanical Gardens, featuring over 16 beautiful gardens
11. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Explore the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mall of America, and enjoy local cuisine.
- Art Museum Collection: Discover one of the finest art collections in the country at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Mall of America: Shop til you drop at North America's largest mall, featuring over 520 stores and attractions
- Local Cuisine: Enjoy unique dishes like Jucy Lucy burgers and Spoonbread at local restaurants
12. Des Moines, Iowa
Discover the Des Moines Art Center, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and the Iowa State Capitol.
- Art Museum Architecture: Admire the modern architecture of the Des Moines Art Center
- Botanical Gardens: Relax and enjoy over 14 beautiful gardens at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Capitol Building: Experience the historic Iowa State Capitol, featuring gold leaf domes and marble sculptures
13. Omaha, Nebraska
Visit the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Old Market District, and the Durham Museum.
- Henry Doorly Zoo: Explore one of the best zoos in the country with unique exhibits like the Desert Dome
- Old Market District: Stroll through a lively district featuring boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants
- Durham Museum: Step back in time at the Durham Museum, showcasing Omaha's history
14. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Relax on the waterfront, go boating, and enjoy local dining at the Lake of the Ozarks.
- Water Sports: Enjoy a variety of water activities like boating, jet skiing, and paddleboarding
- Lakefront Dining: Savor delicious meals at lakeside restaurants with beautiful views
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains and crystal-clear lake waters
15. St. Paul, Minnesota
Visit the Minnesota State Capitol, Saint Paul Cathedral, and Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
- State Capitol Architecture: Admire the stunning architecture of the Minnesota State Capitol
- Saint Paul Cathedral: Take a tour of the stunning Saint Paul Cathedral, featuring beautiful stained glass windows
- Zoo and Conservatory: Explore animals and plants from around the world at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory