Shaw Nature Reserve is a 2,400+ acre natural area managed by the Missouri Botanical Garden and
set along the Meramec River just south of Gray Summit. Visitors can explore a mosaic of Ozark
forest, tallgrass prairie, glades, woodlands, and restored wetlands on more than 17 miles of
well-marked trails and service roads. The Whitmire Wildflower Garden showcases native plants in
a landscaped setting, while overlooks and boardwalks give you up-close views of seasonal blooms,
migrating birds, and changing fall color. It’s an ideal place to unwind after a busy day of
events, with both short strolls and longer hikes available.

Approx. distance: ~2 miles · ~5 minutes by car

Best for: Hikers, photographers, bird watchers, native plant enthusiasts.

Brookdale Farms is a working farm and event venue spread across rolling countryside near the
Meramec River. Depending on the season, guests can tackle one of the region’s largest corn mazes,
take a hayride or carriage ride, visit festival-style attractions, or join a river float trip.
The property also hosts weddings, corporate outings, and concerts, with open fields and barns
providing a classic rural backdrop. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly stop where you can experience
a bit of Missouri farm life just a short drive from Purina Farms.

Approx. distance: ~10–12 miles · ~15–20 minutes

Best for: Families, seasonal events, casual country experiences.

The Al Foster Memorial Trail follows the Meramec River along the base of forested bluffs between
Glencoe and Castlewood State Park. This mostly flat, crushed-stone path is part of the larger
Meramec Greenway and connects to several side trails used by hikers, trail runners, and mountain
bikers. River access points and benches make it easy to stop and watch kayakers, anglers, or train
traffic on the historic rail line that parallels the route. Shaded stretches and frequent views
of the water make this a popular spot for an easy walk after a long day on your feet at a dog show.

Approx. distance: ~8–10 miles · ~15–20 minutes

Best for: Walking, cycling, riverside scenery, casual family outings.

Castlewood State Park is a classic St. Louis–area escape, known for its bluff-top views over the
Meramec River and its dense network of hiking and mountain biking trails. Long switchback climbs
lead to overlooks where you can see the river winding through the valley, while easier riverside
paths follow the water’s edge past sandbars and fishing spots. Formerly a 1920s resort and picnic
destination, the park still offers open lawns, shady groves, and several trailheads clustered near
the main entrance. It’s a great choice for visitors who want a more challenging hike without
driving all the way into the Ozarks.

Approx. distance: ~18–20 miles · ~25–30 minutes

Best for: Hikers, mountain bikers, river overlooks, energetic dogs (outside of show days).

Robertsville State Park offers a quieter, more low-key experience on the Meramec River west of
Gray Summit. The park’s wooded campgrounds and picnic areas are tucked into a pocket of hills and
bottomland forest, with access to the river for paddling, boating, or simply watching the water go
by. Short hiking trails wind through hardwood stands and past old farm fields, giving you a feel
for how the landscape has evolved over time. With fewer crowds than some of the closer-in parks,
it’s a good option for campers and visitors who prefer a peaceful, less developed setting.

Approx. distance: ~12–14 miles · ~20 minutes

Best for: Camping, paddling, relaxed hiking, quiet nature time.

Route 66 State Park preserves the story of Times Beach, a town once located along the “Mother
Road” that was evacuated in the 1980s and later remediated. Today, the park features a visitor
center housed in a restored 1930s roadhouse with exhibits on Route 66 history and memorabilia
from the area’s heyday. Paved and gravel trails loop through open fields and floodplain forest,
with interpretive panels and views of the Meramec River and the old highway bridge. It’s a
fascinating combination of natural area and roadside history, easily accessible from I-44.

Approx. distance: ~13–15 miles · ~20 minutes

Best for: Route 66 fans, casual walks, cycling, history buffs.

Six Flags St. Louis is a full-service theme park built into the hills near Eureka, offering a mix
of high-thrill roller coasters, classic rides, kids’ areas, live entertainment, and seasonal
festivals. The park’s coasters range from wooden out-and-back layouts to modern steel loopers and
launches, while family-friendly sections feature gentler rides, character meet-and-greets, and
shaded play zones. In warm weather, the attached Hurricane Harbor waterpark provides wave pools,
slides, and lazy rivers included with admission on most operating days. It’s the go-to destination
for a full day of rides within a short drive of Purina Farms.

Approx. distance: ~8 miles · ~10–15 minutes

Best for: Thrill-seekers, families, summer vacation days.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Eureka is a family-focused campground designed around kids’ activities
and themed fun. RV sites and rental cabins sit under mature trees, with playgrounds, pools,
splash pads, mini-golf, and planned crafts and games keeping younger campers busy. Periodic
character appearances, outdoor movies, and weekend theme events add to the resort feel, while the
location near I-44 makes it easy to day-trip to Six Flags, Route 66 State Park, or Purina Farms.
It’s a convenient base camp for families who want both nature and amenities.

Approx. distance: ~9–10 miles · ~15 minutes

Best for: RV travelers, families, multi-day stays with kids.

Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area where bison, elk, deer, waterfowl, and wild turkeys
roam across more than 500 acres of fenced hills and valleys. Visitors normally drive a one-way
loop road through the park, watching for herds grazing in pastures or partially hidden in the
trees. Several pullouts and picnic sites allow you to linger and take photos, and a short
trail network offers opportunities to stretch your legs. Because the area is managed for large
mammals, pets are not allowed outside vehicles, making this a “look-but-don’t-walk-the-dog”
stop that still delivers memorable wildlife viewing.

Approx. distance: ~18–20 miles · ~25–30 minutes

Best for: Scenic drives, wildlife photography, nature lovers.

The World Bird Sanctuary is a 300+ acre facility dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation
of raptors and other bird species. Visitors can walk through outdoor aviaries and wooded trails
to see eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, vultures, and other birds up close, many of which are
permanent residents due to injuries. Educational programs and seasonal flight shows give you a
chance to learn how these birds hunt, migrate, and fit into their ecosystems. Combined with its
hiking paths and picnic spots, the sanctuary offers a rare mix of wildlife education and a forest
setting just minutes from I-44.

Approx. distance: ~18–20 miles · ~25–30 minutes

Best for: Bird enthusiasts, families, photographers, school groups.

The Endangered Wolf Center is a pioneering conservation facility focused on species such as the
Mexican gray wolf, red wolf, and African painted dog. Located on the grounds of Washington
University’s Tyson Research Center, it offers pre-booked tours that introduce visitors to pack
behavior, captive breeding programs, and the challenges of reintroducing predators to the wild.
Guests typically travel around the property in small groups with an educator, stopping at
different habitats to observe animals and discuss their natural history. It’s a powerful
behind-the-scenes look at how modern conservation works, tucked into the wooded hills near Eureka.

Approx. distance: ~15–18 miles · ~25–30 minutes

Best for: Conservation-minded visitors, teens and adults, small groups.

Forest Park is the crown jewel of St. Louis green spaces, spanning more than 1,300 acres—larger
than New York’s Central Park—and hosting many of the city’s top cultural institutions. Within
the park you’ll find lakes, streams, golf courses, formal gardens, and several paved and
unpaved trail networks suitable for walking, running, or cycling. It’s home to the Saint Louis
Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and Saint Louis Science Center, most of
which offer free general admission. Whether you want a quiet lakeside bench or a full day of
museum-hopping, Forest Park gives you plenty of options in one central, scenic setting.

Approx. distance: ~35–38 miles · ~45–50 minutes

Best for: Full-day city park outings, museums, jogging, biking.

The Saint Louis Zoo is consistently ranked among the top zoos in the United States and is known
for its free general admission and strong conservation programs. Spread across multiple themed
zones in Forest Park, the zoo features habitats for big cats, primates, elephants, penguins,
bears, reptiles, and more, along with immersive experiences like sea lion shows and a
narrow-gauge railroad. Exhibits such as Penguin & Puffin Coast and the River’s Edge allow
close viewing in carefully designed environments. With dining options, gift shops, and child-friendly
play areas, it’s an easy all-ages destination for a full or half day.

Approx. distance: ~37–38 miles · ~45–50 minutes

Best for: Families, animal lovers, multi-hour visits.

Overlooking Art Hill in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Art Museum occupies the former Palace of
Fine Arts from the 1904 World’s Fair and houses an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years
of art. Galleries range from ancient Egyptian and classical works to African, Asian, Islamic, and
Native American art, as well as European and American painting, decorative arts, and contemporary
pieces. Rotating special exhibitions bring in loaned masterpieces and thematic shows, while free
general admission keeps the museum accessible to locals and visitors alike. The building’s grand
architecture and hilltop location also provide standout views over the park.

Approx. distance: ~37–38 miles · ~45–50 minutes

Best for: Art enthusiasts, architecture fans, quiet indoor time.

Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical institutions in
the country and an active center for horticultural science and conservation. Visitors can stroll
through themed gardens that include a traditional Japanese strolling garden, an English Woodland
Garden, children’s play and learning areas, and specialized collections of roses, daylilies, and
Missouri natives. The geodesic Climatron conservatory recreates a tropical rainforest ecosystem
under glass, while seasonal displays highlight orchids, holiday lights, and other specialties.
Interpretive signage, guided tours, and educational exhibits make it easy to explore at your own pace.

Approx. distance: ~37–40 miles · ~50 minutes

Best for: Garden lovers, plant geeks, photographers, quiet contemplative walks.

The Magic House is a long-standing, hands-on children’s museum located in a renovated Victorian
mansion and modern additions in Kirkwood. Exhibits encourage kids to experiment with science,
engineering, and art through interactive stations like water play, construction zones, pretend
grocery stores and kitchens, and a host of rotating special exhibits. Many galleries are designed
at child scale, with tactile elements and accessible explanations that invite curiosity and
collaboration. Comfortable seating, a café, and clearly signed areas for different age ranges
make it a practical choice for families needing a weather-proof outing.

Approx. distance: ~30–32 miles · ~40–45 minutes

Best for: Families with younger children, rainy-day activities, school breaks.

City Museum is a one-of-a-kind urban playground built inside a historic shoe factory, filled with
whimsical structures made from repurposed architectural and industrial materials. Visitors of all
ages climb through tunnels, crawl through caves, slide down multi-story chutes, and navigate
suspended walkways and reimagined vehicles. Outdoor sections feature rooftop attractions and
structures made from airplanes, school buses, and steel rebar, while indoor areas blend art
installations with hands-on exploration. It’s energetic, loud, and endlessly surprising, so sturdy
shoes and a spirit of adventure are strongly recommended.

Approx. distance: ~38 miles · ~50–55 minutes

Best for: Adventurous kids and adults, unique photos, half- or full-day visits.

Gateway Arch National Park centers on the 630-foot stainless steel arch that has become the
defining symbol of St. Louis and America’s westward expansion. Visitors can explore the
museum beneath the Arch to learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition, the role of the city as
a frontier gateway, and the construction of the monument itself. Timed tickets take you up in
small tram cars to an observation room at the top, with sweeping views over downtown, the
Mississippi River, and Illinois farmland. The landscaped grounds and nearby Old Courthouse
provide additional walking routes and historic context.

Approx. distance: ~38 miles · ~50–55 minutes

Best for: First-time visitors, skyline views, U.S. history enthusiasts.

Augusta Winery sits in the heart of Augusta, Missouri, the first federally designated American
Viticultural Area in the United States. The town and surrounding hills are dotted with vineyards
and tasting rooms, many with patios overlooking the Missouri River valley. At Augusta Winery,
guests can sample a range of wines from dry European-style varietals to regional specialties,
often accompanied by live music on weekends. Nearby wineries and shops make it easy to turn a
single stop into an afternoon of exploring Missouri wine country, all within an easy drive of
the I-44 corridor.

Approx. distance: ~22–28 miles · ~35–45 minutes (north of I-44)

Best for: Wine tasting, scenic drives, relaxed adult outings.

Meramec Caverns is one of Missouri’s best-known show caves and a classic stop along old Route 66.
Guided tours lead visitors through multiple levels of underground passageways, where colorful
lighting highlights towering columns, curtain-like formations, and an underground river. The site
leans into lore about outlaw Jesse James, with interpretive stories connecting the cave to local
history. Above ground, the complex includes a gift shop, snack bars, riverboat rides, ziplines,
and basic lodging, making it a self-contained attraction that can easily fill half a day for
families and bus groups.

Approx. distance: ~30 miles west · ~30–35 minutes

Best for: Cave tours, Route 66 road trippers, families, tour groups.