Autumn is upon us, and the time has come for beanies, boots and a cozy road trip playlist. From long stretches of Illinois River road to a winding path through Ladue’s backyard, here are a few scenic drives for your consideration.
Closest and shortest: Litzsinger Road between McKnight Road and Lindbergh Boulevard
- About three miles from Ladue and Dielman roads
Set your GPS to Tilles Park, where the kids can take turns on the swing set, then head west on Litzsinger Road to admire the fall foliage in all its leafy glory. Litzsinger is home to an array of large and gorgeous houses with tennis courts and pools – you might want to venture back in a few months, as the area is known for its elaborate holiday decorations. Just between Daniel Road and Overlook Drive, the blacktop crosses a semi-dry creek bed, straightening out to run beside forests of mature trees on both sides. Short and sweet, the journey comes to an end past Warson Road at Litzsinger School and Lindbergh Boulevard.
Tilles Park, 9551 Litzsinger Road, St. Louis, Missouri, stlouiscountymo.gov
Photo by Emily Standlee
Middle of the road: Lone Elk Park in High Ridge, Missouri
- About 16 miles from Ladue and Dielman roads (if avoiding highways)
Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area home to elk, bison, wild turkey, waterfowl and deer. The land – once part of the Tyson Valley Powder Plant – was used during WWII to test and store ammunition. These days, you can follow the park’s looping road, which offers lake views and various trail heads. To get there from Ladue, drive west on Clayton Road, south down Des Peres and then southwest, hugging Interstate 44. You might check the “avoid highways” box in your map app to potentially end up somewhere new and exciting. Lone Elk opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sunset.
Lone Elk Park, 1 Lone Elk Park Rd., St. Louis, Missouri, stlouiscountymo.gov
Photo by Ken Canning
Worth the trek: The Great River Road in Alton, Illinois
- About 31 miles from Ladue and Dielman roads (if avoiding highways)
There are a few ways to find The Great River Road in Alton, Illinois, but you’ll have to cross a river or two to get there. One route travels west from Ladue through University City, north toward Spanish Lake, over the Bellefontaine Bridge – which crosses the Missouri River – into West Alton and over a small island and the Mississippi River. Alternatively, drive through St. Louis for shiny city views, cross the Mississippi at McKinley Bridge and follow it north to Wood River, Illinois. The River Road runs parallel to the Mississippi River, taking you past the Piasa Bird Mural and caves at Piasa Park, charming little towns like Elsah, Illinois, and on into Grafton, where the Mississippi River meets the Illinois. You can even take a ferry there, if you’re so inclined.
The Great River Road, near 1 Chessen Lane, Alton, Illinois, experiencemississippiriver.com
Photo courtesy of Great River Road Illinois
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