Road Trip from Brownsville to St. Louis: Routes and Driving Times

Are you ready for an adventure? If you're planning a road trip from Brownsville, Kentucky to St. Louis, Missouri, you'll have some decisions to make. There are a few different routes you can choose from, each with its own pros and cons. Here's a breakdown of your options.

Route 1: The Direct Route

Distance: 314 miles Driving Time: 5.5 hours

If you want to get to St. Louis as quickly as possible, the direct route is the way to go. You'll start out on I-65 North and stay on it until you reach I-64 West. From there, it's a straight shot to St. Louis. This route is the fastest option, but it can get pretty boring after a while. If you're traveling with kids or just want to break up the monotony, consider stopping at Mammoth Cave National Park, which is only about 30 minutes away from Brownsville.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

Distance: 376 miles Driving Time: 6.5 hours

If you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking US-31E North instead of I-65. This will take you through some of Kentucky's most picturesque small towns and rolling hills. You'll eventually connect to I-64, which will take you all the way to St. Louis. Along the way, there are plenty of charming small towns to explore, like Bardstown, Danville, and Lexington. You might also want to stop at the Kentucky Horse Park or the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.

Route 3: The Bourbon Trail Route

Distance: 404 miles Driving Time: 7 hours

For a trip that's a little more indulgent, take the Bourbon Trail Route. This will take you through some of Kentucky's most famous bourbon distilleries, like Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, and Four Roses. The route is a little longer than the other options, but if you're a bourbon lover, it's definitely worth it. You'll also get to see some beautiful countryside along the way. When you get to St. Louis, be sure to check out some of the city's great craft breweries, like Urban Chestnut and Schlafly.

Route 4: The River Route

Distance: 443 miles Driving Time: 7.5 hours

Finally, if you're looking for a route that follows a major waterway, take the River Route. This will take you along the Ohio River and through some of Kentucky's river towns, like Paducah and Henderson. You'll eventually connect to I-64, which will take you to St. Louis. Along the way, you might want to stop at the National Quilt Museum or the Harrah's Metropolis Casino.

No matter which route you choose, there are plenty of great places to stop and explore along the way. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or just good food and drink, there's something for everyone. Just be sure to pack plenty of snacks and take plenty of breaks, because the drive can get long. Happy travels!