#Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chesterfield, Missouri and Belleville, Illinois
Chesterfield, Missouri and Belleville, Illinois are small towns located on either side of the Mississippi River, just a short drive from one another. If you're looking for a road trip filled with natural beauty, historical landmarks, and delicious food, this is the trip for you. The halfway point of this journey is Saint Louis, MO, where you can experience the infamous Gateway Arch.
##1. Visit the Gateway Arch
If you're a history buff, the Gateway Arch is a must-see attraction. The Arch is a steel monument standing at 630 feet, built in honor of the westward expansion of the United States. This site has also been designated as a national park. The monument has an elevator that takes visitors to the top for stunning views of the city.
##2. Explore Cahokia Mounds
The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Illinois is one of the most significant Native American archaeological sites in the country. The site boasts impressive earthen mounds that served as a social, religious, and political center more than 1,000 years ago. The largest of these mounds, Monks Mound, is 100 feet high.
##3. Tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery
For those over 21, the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a 75-minute tour. Visitors will learn about the brewing process, the history of the company, and get to taste some of the beer. The brewery itself is also picturesque and features a lush scenic landscape.
##4. Discover the Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri, is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon walk. Not only is the garden home to a vast variety of flowers, plants, and trees, but it is also beautifully arranged and features several species of butterflies during the summer months.
##5. Indulge in a Gooey Butter Cake
No trip to St. Louis would be complete without trying a Gooey Butter Cake. This local delicacy, consisting of a thin layer of cake on the bottom, topped with a gooey mixture of cream cheese, butter, and sugar, is a favorite among locals. Don't leave without trying it at one of the many bakeries in the area.
Not only are these locations worth exploring, but they each have a unique story to tell. For instance, the Gateway Arch is not only the nation's tallest national monument, but it was also built in 1965, and has attracted over 4 million visitors a year. The Cahokia Mounds served as an ancient trade center 800 years before Europeans arrived in Illinois. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery employs over 1,000 people and is responsible for 15% of the beer produced in the United States. The Missouri Botanical Garden is among the top 3 oldest botanical gardens in the United States and represents over 25 demonstration gardens, with over 40 distinctive garden and plant exhibits. Lastly, the Gooey Butter Cake is a recipe conceived in the 1930s and has contributed to St. Louis's culinary history.
In conclusion, those embarking on this road trip are sure to have a great time. The route takes you through beautiful Midwestern scenery, stirring history, and delightful food. Visitors can complete the trip within 2 to 3 days, allowing ample time to explore each location's unique offerings and take in the sights.