For autumn lovers, the peak of fall colors is never quite long enough to truly satisfy our soul. We yearn to soak up every bit of crimson, orange and gold in hopes it’ll carry us through the coming seasons, to feel the satisfying crunch of every fallen leaf under our boots, and to savor every moment of those delicately veined bits of nearly translucent lace twirling in the wind and falling to the ground on a blustery grey autumn day. Since we can’t capture those moments in a jar and release them at will on a hot summer day, it’s imperative that we experience them to the fullest during their fleeting appearance.
To truly savor the best of Midwestern autumn, we offer up these unforgettable fall color experiences in Missouri:
Forest Park, St. Louis
Established in 1876, this 1,300-acre park is home to prairies, woodlands and waterways, all in the heart of St. Louis. Take a bike ride or stroll through Forest Park, visit the Nature Playscape with your children, or rent a kayak, canoe, paddle boat or stand-up paddle board and experience the colors by water. Forest Park is also home to some of the city’s top museums, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Science Center and the Missouri History Museum.
Top of The Rock, Branson
If you’re looking for a unique way to experience fall color, it’s hard to top Top of the Rock near Branson, Missouri. Rent an electric golf cart and enjoy breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake on this 2.5-mile tour that takes visitors along a nature trail, past waterfalls and inside Lost Canyon Cave, where you can stop and great a drink at the Bat Bar. If you’ve got a weekend to spare, book a cottage or cabin at nearby Big Cedar Lodge, or immerse yourself in nature with a weekend of “glamping” at the resort’s Camp Long Creek.
Explore Missouri’s historic mills and covered bridges
You don’t have to travel to New England to find mills and covered bridges steeped in charm and local history. The iconic red Dillard Mill sits next to Huzzah Creek at Dillard Mill State Historic Site in Davisville, Missouri. Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site in Lawson, Missouri, gives visitors a glimpse into life in 1870s Missouri. And for “Sleepy Hollow” vibes, check out Bollinger Mill State Historic Site in Burfordville, Missouri, which is home to one of only four remaining covered bridges in the state. You’ll find the others at Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site in Hillsboro, Missouri; Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site in Paris, Missouri; and Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site in Meadville, Missouri.
Fall color season typically begins in mid-September and peaks in mid-October.
The Cottage, Hermann
To truly experience the changing trees, why not sleep amongst them? The Cottage in Hermann, Missouri, offers three tree houses, each with the beauty and seclusion of nature paired with the comforts of home and a good night’s sleep (i.e. AC, heat and bathrooms with hot running water). You’re also just minutes from Hermann, where you’ll find more spectacular autumn views, dining, wineries and a Dark Trolley Ride.
Wabash, Frisco & Pacific Railroad
On Sundays May through October, this 12-inch gauge live steam railroad near Wildwood, Missouri, takes passengers on a 40-minute, 2-mile round trip along the Meramec River. While the trip is fun throughout the season, it’s particularly popular in the fall. Tickets are $5 and should be purchased in advance, as seating is limited. The Wabash, Frisco & Pacific Railroad will offer a special Pumpkin Express on Saturday, Oct. 10. Follow the Wabash, Frisco & Pacific Railroad on Facebook for updates about the special event.
Trail of Tears State Park
Pack a picnic or plan a hike through Trail of Tears State Park in Jackson, Missouri, for spectacular views of the Mississippi River. While you’re there, take time to learn more about the site’s history. Nine of the 13 Cherokee detachments that were forcibly relocated from Oklahoma crossed the river where the park stands today. Explore the Visitor Center to learn more about the harsh conditions they faced.
Harry S Truman National Historic Site, Independence
For a “Main Street in the fall” aesthetic with some major American history, tour the home that Harry and Bess shared at the Harry S Truman National Historic Site in Independence, Missouri, then walk over to Clinton’s Soda Fountain for a waffle cone. Located in Independence Square, Clinton’s is housed in the building where the young Harry Truman once worked.
Hwy 94 S Region, St. Charles County
While St. Charles County has the usual trappings of suburban life, you’ll also find country highways with panoramic views and charming little towns with plenty of fall activities. Take a drive along Hwy 94 S and nearby you’ll find The Historic Daniel Boone Home, Centennial Farms and the Sunflower Silos at Sunflower Hill Farm, a popular spot for picnics and photos that can also be accessed from the Katy Trail. Take a hike at Klondike Park, which offers views of the Missouri River Valley and onsite camping, including cabin rentals. Stop for pizza and enjoy patio dining at Good News Brewery in Defiance, or grab a glass of wine at one of the region’s many wineries. A few minutes from Hwy 94 S you’ll also find Broemmelsiek Park, a sprawling county park with an astronomy viewing area and its very own fall crop maze.
Grab a picnic table behind the lodge at Broemmelsiek Park and enjoy views of the lake surrounded by the changing fall colors.
Castlewood State Park
For great views with a side of adventure, grab a hiking stick or a mountain bike and head to Castlewood State Park in Ballwin, Missouri, where you’ll find meadows and views of the Meramec River, as well as hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing and wildlife viewing.
More tips for fall color viewing
Thanks to Missouri’s wide variety of trees and shrubs, fall color season in The Show-Me State typically lasts six to eight weeks, typically beginning in mid-September and peaking in mid-October, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. MDC suggests looking for rivers with forested bluffs, back roads, hikes, float trips, prairies and roadsides. Cemeteries, parks and older neighborhoods with mature trees can also be great spots to soak up autumn colors. For fall color reports in Missouri and more information about viewing, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
Kathryn Deters McDonald is a Missouri native, writer, author and lover of all things spooky, ooky and eerie. Salem, Shmalem. It’s all right here in The Spook-Me State.
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