10 best places for weekend getaway from Saint Joseph, MO
Weekend Getaway Overview from Saint Joseph, MO
This curated weekend itinerary highlights ten outstanding destinations within easy driving distance of Saint Joseph, offering a mix of outdoor adventure, regional history, family entertainment, and scenic beauty. Start with nearby treasures in St. Joseph itself—visit the Pony Express National Museum to connect with frontier history—then head east or south to explore larger attractions. For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park provide boating, hiking, dramatic overlooks and unique karst features; Pershing State Park and Procopius Park offer shorter hikes and accessible picnic spots for relaxed days in nature. Active travelers can pedal stretches of the Katy Trail from Rocheport or Columbia, enjoying gentle river views and local wineries en route. History buffs should allow time for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and the Mark Twain Boyhood Home in Hannibal to experience Civil War sites and literary heritage. For family fun and entertainment, plan at least a half-day at Silver Dollar City and an evening at Branson Landing for shopping, live shows and waterfront ambiance. Finally, make the drive to Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest for striking sandstone formations and sunset panoramas—an excellent finale to a weekend focused on Missouri’s natural and cultural highlights. Tailor each day by distances and interests: mix active outdoor days with museum visits and a theme-park afternoon for a balanced escape from Saint Joseph’s urban pace.
Ozarks Amphitheater in Camdenton (19.73 mi)
9 May 2026
