Your Guide to the Best Winter Weekend Destinations Near St. Louis
With winter now upon us and temperatures set to continue to decline, you will likely be spending a lot more time indoors in the coming weeks. If you're like many of us, cabin fever will likely set in soon, and you'll be looking for ways to get out of the house. In fact, you may even need a short winter getaway to help clear your head and get you through another frigid Missouri winter. The good news for St. Louis residents is that there are a number of fun and exciting destinations within a few hours drive of downtown that can make for the perfect weekend getaway. If you're in need of an escape this winter, read on to learn about our favorite winter weekend destinations near St. Louis.
Big Cedar Lodge
Ridgedale, MO - 261 Miles (3 Hours and 50 Minutes) Southwest of St. Louis
If you're looking for a luxurious, tranquil wilderness getaway, consider a trip to Big Cedar Lodge in the Missouri Ozarks. Located just south of Branson, Missouri, less than a four-hour drive south of downtown St. Louis, you'll discover cozy accommodations overlooking Table Rock Lake at America's premier wilderness resort. Ranked the #1 Resort in the Midwest by Travel & Leisure, Big Cedar Lodge provides rustic luxury in a secluded oasis that has something for everyone. Whether you prefer an inviting guest room inside the grand lodge overlooking the lake, or a private log cabin with a wood-burning fireplace tucked into the hillside, you are sure to enjoy a relaxing weekend away at Big Cedar Lodge. While you're there, make sure to take advantage of the many amenities they have to offer, including luxurious spa facilities and multiple world-class restaurants.
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby, IL- 224 Miles (3 Hours) North of St. Louis
If you're looking to experience a more rustic winter getaway, consider connecting with nature by visiting Starved Rock State Park an hour and a half west of Chicago. While just 3 hours north of St. Louis, you will be blown away by the truly awe-inspiring views Starved Rock offers in this 2,600-acre Illinois state park. With 18 canyons, 13 miles of hiking trails, and more than a dozen waterfalls, Starved Rock is the perfect destination for nature lovers year-round. However, Starved Rock is particularly spectacular in the winter when the falls turn to ice, and the numerous summer hiking trails provide an opportunity for cross-country skiing. At the end of the day, cozy up at Starved Rock Lodge, which offers a charming mix of rustic luxury and Midwestern hospitality in an authentic, log-built lodge.
Great Wolf Lodge
Kansas City, KS- 262 Miles (4 Hours) West of St. Louis
Looking for a bit of summer fun in the middle of winter? Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City may be the perfect weekend getaway for you. Escape the snow and freezing temperatures and pretend it's the middle of summer by relaxing at the resort's year-round indoor water park, just a four-hour drive west of downtown St. Louis. With a constant indoor temperature of 84 degrees year-round, you'll quickly forget your winter blues and will be ready to dive into all that this 38,000-square-foot water park has to offer. While this water park has a wide range of attractions, including exhilarating water slides, hot springs, and even a lazy river, the real star of the show at this resort is their water coaster, Howling Wolf, which takes guests on a high-speed journey outside the park's walls before dropping into a plunge pool. And perhaps best of all is that admission to the water park is free for guests staying in the hotel, making Great Wolf Lodge the perfect winter weekend getaway for St. Louis residents.
Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa
Branson, MO- 262 Miles (4 Hours) Southwest of St. Louis
If a more upscale winter getaway is more your style, then a weekend away at the Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa at Table Rock Lake may be the perfect fit. As the only AAA 4-Diamond resort in the area, Chateau on the Lake is a one-of-a-kind destination just a four-hour drive south of downtown St. Louis that offers a truly luxurious experience that provides European style and elegance. Let your troubles melt away as you discover beautiful trails, enjoy stunning vistas, and perhaps even enjoy a massage at spa Chateau.
Hidden Valley Ski Resort
Eureka, MO - 32 Miles (40 Minutes) West of St. Louis
Of course, for many people, there is no greater winter activity than hitting the slopes and enjoying an exhilarating day skiing or snowboarding. Fortunately for St. Louis residents, there is a thriving ski scene less than an hour away from downtown at Hidden Valley Ski Resort, just 30 miles west of downtown St. Louis. This ski resort is truly a hidden gem that offers something exciting for skiers of all skill levels, with 16 trails of varying difficulty covering more than 30 acres. For an added thrill, Hidden Valley even offers night skiing on select dates. Additionally, even if you're not into skiing or snowboarding, you can still enjoy an exciting day at Missouri's largest winter resort, as Hidden Valley boasts the largest snow-tubing hill in Missouri.
Need a New Place to Live in St. Louis? Check out Heritage Estates!
As temperatures drop this winter, and you begin spending more time at home, planning a few weekend getaways can help you stay active and prevent cabin fever. Of course, with the new year upon us, you may also be looking for a new apartment in St. Louis. If so, you should consider checking out the apartment homes at Heritage Estates in Afton this community is in a great location just outside downtown St. Louis. It also offers a wide range of amenities you're sure to love, including a swimming pool, multi-use sports court, fitness center, washers/dryers in select units, and a resident lounge with a sauna. Feel free to contact us today to learn more about this community's amenities as well as current availability.