Amazing Day Trips to Take Near Park Hills, MO

Located about 50 miles south of St. Louis, the city of Park Hills, MO is close to some of the largest and most diverse national forests in the region, as well as large cities full of history and places to explore. If you are looking for ideas to go on exciting day trips with your friends or family, these are some nearby destinations you should definitely check out while in the area.

1. Mark Twain National Forest

Established in 1939 and covering almost 1,500,000 acres of territory, Mark Twain National Forest is the perfect day trip destination for those looking for an escape from the bustle of the city and a place to enjoy some fresh air and beautiful sights. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this expansive nature reserve contains over 10% of all forested land in the state of Missouri, as well as a wide variety of different species of flora and fauna.

Some of the attractions that make Mark Twain National Forest a popular destination among visitors from all over the country include Greer Spring, the Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway, as well as a section of the Ozark Trail system. Located about 25 miles west of downtown Park Hills, this national forest can be reached in about half an hour by car, driving along route MO-8. Once here, popular activities include wildlife watching, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

2. St. Louis

If you are looking for an urban destination where you can check out famous landmarks, historic sites, museums, and a vibrant cultural and gastronomic scene, the city of St. Louis is the place to go. Home to the famous Gateway Arch, the St. Louis metropolitan area has a population of a little under three million and is the second-largest city in the state. Getting here from Park Hills takes about an hour, driving north along routes I-55 and US-67.

The best area to start exploring St. Louis and the attractions it has to offer is the downtown area, where you can see not only the famous Gateway Arch but also the St. Louis Riverfront Park, the Old Courthouse building, the Basilica of Saint Louis, the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum, and the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. Other places you should not miss include the Missouri Botanical Garden, Forest Park, and Memorial Plaza.

3. Fort de Chartres

Located about 50 miles northeast of Park Hills, Fort de Chartres is one of the best day trip destinations for those wanting to learn more about the French heritage of the area. Originally built as a French fortification in the early 18th Century, this place served as an administrative center for the government of New France. Nowadays, the area features parts of the original bastion, a reconstructed gatehouse, as well as the oldest standing building in the state.

If you are planning to buy a new or pre-owned car to explore these and other wonderful destinations in Missouri and beyond, visit us at Park Hills Chevrolet! Check out our inventory, talk to our agents, and find the perfect vehicle for your needs.

Photo by Kampus Production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-family-unloading-things-in-the-car-7669214/

Tags: Fun Things near Park Hills, Fun Things to Do in Park Hills MO
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