Top Spots For A Fall Getaway Near St. Louis

When St. Louisans think of fall color, the first thing we think of is a drive up the Great River Road. The Illinois side of the Mississippi is lined with stunning bluffs, and the leaf color is heartbreakingly beautiful along this stretch of highway. Stop in Grafton for fudge, ice cream or drinks on the river, and enjoy some hiking or horseback riding at Pere Marquette State Park. There are adorable B&Bs in the quaint village of Elsah, like the Maple Leaf Cottage Inn, to make the drive into a lovely weekend, and several great restaurants in Grafton and Alton.

While everyone else is following the Mississippi northward, you can escape the crowds by heading south. If you head south along the Illinois side of the river, you'll pass through the Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site into Chester, Illinois. From here, you can enjoy hiking in the Piney Creek Ravine State Natural Area, check out the Kaskaskia Bell (aka "the other Liberty Bell") and see the Popeye museum. Soak up some overnight pampering at the area's beloved Corner George Inn in the historic village of Maeystown.

Another option is to follow the Missouri side of the Mississippi south to Sainte Genevieve. You can't go wrong with a room at the beautiful In St. Gemme Beauvais, and the restaurant at the Inn is very popular as well. Several local wineries provide a lovely spot to eat, taste local wines and watch the leaves change color. Pickle Springs Natural Area and Hawn State Park both offer gorgeous hiking. Be sure to arrange a tour at Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary so you can meet the rescued tigers and enjoy the glorious views — and if you can get a reservation, don't miss the lovely, elegant restaurant at the Sanctuary. 

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Of course, you don't have to follow the river to enjoy the fall color. You could head straight into Hermann or Augusta for the weekend. You can feel the city tension draining out of you as you leave the skyline behind and head into the rolling Missouri hills. This area has dozens of wineries, charming restaurants and country roads to bike or stroll through. There are also dozens of places to stay, but Alpenhorn Gasthaus is a consistent favorite. European hospitality, gourmet food and charming home and grounds make the Gasthaus the perfect getaway. 

If you have small children, there is no better getaway in the St. Louis area than the YMCA's Trout Lodge in Potosi. The private lake sparkles in this woodland setting, surrounded by the Ozark foothills. The Lodge is an all-inclusive resort for families, especially well-suited to those with young children. Every day is packed with activities, the kiddies get their own buffet line with a child-size buffet stocked with kid-tested goodies, and everyone in the family will enjoy swimming, sailing and paddling funyaks on the lake. 

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