Top Five Best Places to Visit Between Belleville, IL and Columbia, MO

Looking for the perfect road trip? Look no further than the route between Belleville, IL and Columbia, MO. Along the way, you'll find quaint small towns, breathtaking vistas, and interesting attractions. Here are our top five picks for the best places to visit.

Halfway Point: Warrenton, MO

Before we jump into the top five places to visit, we need to mention the halfway point. Warrenton, MO is the perfect spot to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and stock up on supplies. There are plenty of options for restaurants and shops, but we recommend stopping in at the Warrenton Dairy for some homemade ice cream. You won't regret it.

1. Mastodon State Historic Site - Imperial, MO

Just outside of St. Louis, you'll find the Mastodon State Historic Site. This fascinating spot is home to the Kimmswick Bone bed, where scientists discovered mastodon bones and artifacts from early human hunters. Take a hike on one of the many trails and keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and turkeys. The museum houses many exhibits and a theater in which to learn about the Mastodon.

2. Katy Trail State Park - Rocheport, MO

If you're looking for some outdoor adventure, don't miss the Katy Trail State Park. This rail-to-trail conversion stretches 240 miles across Missouri, with the Rocheport trailhead being a great entry point for a beautiful bike ride or walk along the river. The park is enveloped by limestone bluffs, which provide visitors with stunning views to enjoy. The park is perfect for nature lovers and those just looking for a bit of exercise.

3. Warm Springs Ranch - Boonville, MO

Home of the Budweiser Clydesdales, Warm Springs Ranch is a must-visit spot for animal lovers. Take a guided tour and get an up-close look at the majestic horses and learn about their breeding and training process. Be sure to stop in at the gift shop to take home a souvenir, including something with the Clydesdales themselves.

4. Hermann, MO

Hermann is a charming town located in the heart of Missouri wine country. While there are several wineries to visit in the area, we recommend starting your visit at the Deutschheim State Historic Site. This historic museum complex consists of several homes built by German immigrants in the 1800s. You can take tours of the homes, and the German School Museum is particularly interesting. Afterwards, walk the town's streets and check out the shops and restaurants.

5. University of Missouri - Columbia, MO

Our final stop is the University of Missouri in Columbia. This beautiful campus is home to the Mizzou Tigers and is a great spot for a stroll. We recommend visiting the Museum of Art & Archaeology and the Conservatory of Music. If you're visiting in the fall, try to catch a football game at Faurot Field. After all, there's nothing quite like college football in the Midwest.

Conclusion

That concludes our list of the top five places to visit between Belleville, IL and Columbia, MO. From historical landmarks to outdoor excursions, there's something for everyone on this road trip. Don't forget to take it slow, appreciate the journey, and above all, have fun!