9 Road Trips to Take in Missouri this Fall
There’s something about this time of year that always has me craving a weekend getaway - the kind that’s close enough to drive, but far enough to feel like an escape. Whether you’re looking for cozy cabins, lakeside views, or city adventures, Missouri has some incredible destinations within just a few hours from Kansas City.
Here are 9 of my favorite Missouri weekend trips, all easy drives from Kansas City that make perfect year-round getaways!
🌲 1. Postcard Cabins – Near Osceola, MO
If you’re dreaming of a cozy, modern escape that still feels close to nature, Postcard Cabins is it. This little slice of paradise gives you the reset you need without sacrificing comfort. Each tiny cabin comes fully stocked with a kitchen, full bathroom, and - the best part - s’mores kits to enjoy by your personal fire pit! 🔥
🐻 2. The Cheshire – St. Louis, MO
If you’ve ever wanted to step into a fairytale, The Cheshire is your chance. From the English pub-style restaurant to cozy rooms and outdoor chess boards, every detail feels magical. There’s even a pool for warmer months! Whether you’re visiting for a romantic weekend or a city escape, The Cheshire has endless charm.
🏕️ 3. Sycamore Creek Ranch – Branson, MO
This one’s for the adventurers! Sycamore Creek Ranch is one of the most unique stays in Missouri - think covered wagons with modern comfort (yes, they have heat, AC, and full bathrooms!). It’s a family-owned farm where you can hang with the animals, relax by a private lakeside beach, or dance the night away at a barn dance! 💃🏼
🛶 4. Innsbrook Resort – Innsbrook, MO
Just three hours from Kansas City, Innsbrook Resort is the perfect blend of lake life and resort comfort. This A-frame cabin is what cozy fall weekend dreams are made of - think fireplaces, lake views, and plenty of space to unwind. 🍂 Whether you’re kayaking, hiking, or just reading on the deck, this is the ultimate chill weekend spot.
🎨 5. Angad Arts Hotel – St. Louis, MO
If you love creativity, you’ll be obsessed with Angad Arts Hotel. Located in the St. Louis Arts District, this one-of-a-kind hotel lets you choose your room color based on how you want to feel - vibrant red, calming blue, cheerful yellow, or inspiring green. With an on-site art gallery, a delicious restaurant, and a rooftop bar, it’s the perfect city escape. 🏙️
🚂 6. Hermann, MO via Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner
For a car-free adventure, hop on the Amtrak Missouri River Runner to Hermann! This charming wine country town is full of history and character and it’s incredibly easy to explore without driving. Stay at The Vinchester Inn, right in the heart of town, and hop on the Hermann Trolley for tours of local wineries 🍷 It’s a stress-free and romantic weekend getaway!
🌄 7. The Ozarker Lodge – Branson, MO
Fall in Branson might just be the best time of year to visit the Ozarks and The Ozarker Lodge puts you right in the middle of it all. This cozy, design-forward lodge is surrounded by fall color and features creek-side firepits, a heated pool (open through the end of the year!), and the coziest coffee + wine bar, The Storeroom. 🍂
💛 Use code LO.KC.AL for an extra 5% off any current offer!
✨ 8. Hotel Kansas City – Kansas City, MO
For the ultimate staycation, Hotel Kansas City delivers. We celebrated our anniversary here, and it was pure magic! From dinner at @the_town_company (highly recommend the beef tartare and ricotta dumplings!) to live music and cocktails at @nighthawk_kc. The rooms are gorgeous, with old-world charm and modern luxury and ours even had a view of where we got engaged! 💫
🌳 9. Cobblepot Cottages – Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Cobblepot Cottages might be the best-kept secret at the Lake of the Ozarks. These treehouse-style cabins are tucked into the woods with lake views, private hot tubs, and fire pits for the coziest nights. Mornings are made for coffee on the deck, and evenings for sunsets over the lake! ☕🌅 Fall here is peaceful, colorful, and completely underrated. It is the perfect couples’ hideaway!
🌻 Plan Your Missouri Road Trip
From treehouse cabins to city hotels and lakeside lodges, Missouri has no shortage of hidden gems. Not to mention, they’re all within a few hours from Kansas City! Whether you’re chasing fall colors, cozy getaways, or just a change of scenery, these 9 destinations prove you don’t have to go far to feel worlds away.
