Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. United States
  3. Missouri (MO)
  4. Saint Louis

River City Casino

We will be staying at the River City Casino for three nights and would like

to know if we can do day trips of the Ozark Mountains from there?

Hoping to see some nice Fall Foliage while we're there. Any advice

is appreciated.

Thanks

River City Casino in St. Louis is a convenient base for exploring the region, but the Ozark Mountains are not right next door. They are absolutely doable as day trips, though some destinations will involve longer drives. The good news is that fall foliage in Missouri can be beautiful, and several areas offer stunning landscapes within a reasonable distance.

Below is a detailed breakdown to help you plan your outings.

How far are the Ozarks from River City Casino?

The Ozark region begins in southern Missouri, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from St. Louis depending on where you go. Some areas, particularly the deeper Ozarks and places near Branson, take longer (3–4 hours) and are not ideal for day trips. But several northern and central Ozark destinations are very manageable.

Here are the most realistic day-trip options for fall scenery:

  • Meramec State Park – About 1 hour 15 minutes southwest. Offers wooded hills, river bluffs, and great leaf color. Easy trails and scenic drives.
  • Onondaga Cave State Park – About 1 hour 20 minutes. Beautiful rivers, forests, and optional cave tours. Foliage is excellent along the Meramec River valley.
  • Hermann / Missouri River Hills – About 1 hour 30 minutes west. Although technically not the Ozarks, the rolling hills and vineyards give incredible fall color. A charming town for lunch or wine tasting.
  • Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park – Around 2 hours south. Rocky landscapes, clear water, and dramatic Ozark scenery.
  • Elephant Rocks State Park – About 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Can easily be paired with Johnson’s Shut-Ins for a full day.

Scenic drives close to St. Louis with fall foliage

If you don't want to venture too deep into the Ozarks, there are beautiful fall drives closer to the metro area:

  • Highway 94 (Missouri Weinstrasse) – Rolling bluffs, forests, and wineries; less than 45 minutes from River City Casino.
  • Route 66 / Meramec River corridor – Passes through valleys and wooded areas with excellent color.
  • Pere Marquette State Park (Illinois) – About 1 hour north. Not the Ozarks, but some of the best fall foliage in the region with river bluffs and sweeping overlooks.

Best time for fall foliage near St. Louis

Peak color in the region typically occurs from mid-October to early November, though it varies by year depending on temperature and rainfall. The Ozarks can peak slightly later because of elevation differences.

Summary

Yes, you can absolutely do Ozark day trips while staying at River City Casino. The closest sections of the Ozarks are around an hour to two hours away, making them easy for a scenic day of hiking, driving, or relaxing among fall colors. If you prefer shorter drives, the Missouri River bluff region and several state parks north and east of St. Louis also offer outstanding foliage.

More Saint Louis Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Elephant Rock
new
southwest

Popular Destinations

Montreal
Atami Geopark
Wood pear
Wuyuan Jiangwan Scenic Spot

Popular Travel Questions