Five unexpected places to stop on a drive from Bethalto, IL to Ballwin, MO

Are you looking to take a road trip outside the city and explore the beauty of Illinois and Missouri? A drive from Bethalto, Illinois to Ballwin, Missouri is just what you need. This route will take you through picturesque towns, scenic landscapes, and unique attractions. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes without traffic, but it is worth taking your time to enjoy the journey. Here are five unexpected places to stop on a drive from Bethalto, Illinois, to Ballwin, Missouri that will make your trip even more memorable.

Halfway Point: Florissant, MO

Florissant, Missouri is located 22 miles away from Bethalto, Illinois, and 14 miles away from Ballwin, Missouri. It is the halfway point of the trip and an excellent place to rest and explore. This town is full of historic buildings that have been preserved to depict the architecture and lifestyle of the 18th and 19th centuries. One of the main attractions of Florissant is the St. Ferdinand Shrine. It is a beautiful church that was built in the mid-1800s and is still in use today. Another attraction that is worth a visit is the Old St. Ferdinand's Schoolhouse. It was built in 1865 and is now a museum displaying the history of the town. Spend some time walking along the main street and enjoying the antique stores, gift shops, and restaurants.

Favorite Food in Florissant: While in Florissant, do not miss out on trying out the famous Pizza at Pirrone's Pizzeria. It is a family-owned business that has been serving the town for over 60 years. The pizza is made from scratch using the freshest ingredients, and the thin, crispy crust will leave you craving for more.

1. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Unleash your inner Indiana Jones and explore the ancient native culture at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. It is located on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, 20 miles away from Bethalto, Illinois. The site is home to the largest pre-Columbian settlement north of Mexico, and its history dates back to 1050-1350 AD. Visitors can see the mounds that were built as a part of the religious and social center and learn about the Mississippian culture through the museum exhibits. The park has walking trails that take you through the ruins and offer beautiful views of the St. Louis skyline.

Favorite Food in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site: The Boathouse in Forest Park is an excellent place to stop for lunch. They have a variety of sandwiches, salads, and a delicious seafood selection. The restaurant is overlooking a serene lake, and the atmosphere is perfect for a peaceful lunch break.

2. City Museum

City Museum is located in downtown St. Louis, 26 miles away from Bethalto, Illinois. This is no ordinary museum - it is an interactive, indoor playground that is perfect for both adults and children. The museum has everything from a rooftop Ferris wheel to old airplanes, ships, and sculptures made from reclaimed materials. Visitors can climb around the structures, participate in art activities, and even crawl through secret tunnels. There are several food options on-site, including a full-service bar.

Favorite Food in City Museum: Baiku Sushi Lounge is an excellent place to have dinner after spending the day at City Museum. It is located in the same building as the museum and has delicious sushi rolls and cocktails.

3. Castlewood State Park

Escape into nature at the Castlewood State Park. It is located in Ballwin, Missouri, 7 miles away from the City Museum. The park is situated on the banks of the Meramec River and has over 1700 acres of forests, trails, and picnic areas. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride along the trails that offer breathtaking views of the river and the bluffs. The park is also a popular spot for fishing, and you may catch trout, bass, and catfish.

Favorite Food in Castlewood State Park: The Fatted Calf is a local gem that has been serving the town for over 15 years. They have a farm-to-table concept and offer fresh and delicious burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant is located on the outskirts of the park and has a beautiful patio overlooking the river.

4. Purina Farms

Purina Farms is located 12 miles away from Castlewood State Park, in Gray Summit, Missouri. This attraction is perfect for families with children of all ages. Purina Farms offers guided tours around their animal barns, where visitors can see cows, pigs, goats, and horses. There is also a dog show arena, where you can watch purebred dogs perform their tricks and agility skills. During the summer months, visitors can take part in the hayride, carousel, and wagon rides.

Favorite Food in Purina Farms: Fitz's Root Beer is a St. Louis institution that has been operating for over 70 years. They offer a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and, of course, their famous root beer. The restaurant is located on the Purina Farms premises and has a fun and quirky atmosphere.

In conclusion, taking a drive from Bethalto, Illinois, to Ballwin, Missouri, is an adventure not to be missed. The route takes you through beautiful towns, scenic landscapes, and unique attractions. The five unexpected places to stop on this drive that we have shared with you offer a range of experiences that will enrich your journey. The St. Ferdinand Shrine in Florissant is an excellent place to start your trip, and Purina Farms is an exciting place to end it. So, pack your bags, fill up your tank, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime.