Between St. Louis And Columbia Is A Midwestern Escape Near Missouri Wine Country With Outdoor Fun And A Museum

Missouri Wine Country is a surprisingly historic destination for those seeking a weekend getaway, with a number of charming towns providing rural escapes. Vineyards aside, you can venture out to nearby destinations to discover more Midwestern cities and their offerings. Warren County's Warrenton is a stone's throw from the Show Me State's wine hotspots, where you'll be spending less time uncorking and more time exploring the outdoors. Its public park spaces span 154 acres, allowing you to meander trails, practice sports on dedicated courts, or simply have a family-friendly picnic.

Having outdoor fun in Warrenton doesn't necessarily mean spending the day at a park. Golfing enthusiasts can book a tee time at the 18-hole Warrenton Golf Course. Those who can't get enough of the rolling greens can schedule another game at the Country Lake Golf Club. The city is less than 10 miles from Reifsnider State Forest as well, where you can spot a variety of birdlife or cast a fishing line. If you prefer swimming over fishing, consider taking a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool at Warrenton Pool Park.

Museum tours can be just as fun, and the Warrenton County Historical Society allows you to get acquainted with local history, research genealogy, and tour a historic property. Featuring interactive exhibits, original artifacts, and a wall honoring key figures, the museum is a great way to change the pace of your visit. Warrenton is not too far from Missouri Wine Country — it's 40 minutes from Augusta and 30 minutes from Hermann. It's also conveniently located between St. Louis and Columbia, and the drive takes about one hour from either city. For accommodation, there are several popular hotel chains available, such as Super 8 by Wyndham, Hampton Inn by Hilton, and Holiday Inn Express.

You can engage in outdoor activities at multiple places in Warrenton, from parks to golf courses to nearby forests and conservation areas. Head to Binkley Woods Park and Spector Lake for low-key recreation like picnicking, hiking, and fishing. Comprising 35 acres of mostly oak forests, this park is ideal for family outings. Everyone can enjoy a walk along the paved trail, which is rated easy. In 0.9 miles, you'll stroll through woods, encounter birding opportunities, and admire the lake. You can also set your rod on the ADA-accessible docks to catch fish.

If you want to test your handicap, the Warrenton Golf Course offers a friendly 18-hole game. As Warren County's favorite golfing spot, this course was originally established in 1971 and expanded in 1978. It boasts features like Zoysia fairways, water obstacles, and numerous doglegs that make for fun challenges. Not only that, but this course doesn't wind through a housing development, giving it a more peaceful feel. Another option is playing at the 18-hole Country Lake Golf Course, which one person said had "decent prices." For those who are serious about their swings, check out the best-reviewed golf courses in the US.

Getting lost in the woods is on the table, too, specifically at Reifsnider State Forest. With 1,389 acres of space, you can hike the 1.3-mile Lizard Rock Trail with lush greenery and an intermittent creek. There are a few fishing ponds at Reifsnider State Forest, where you can reel in black bass, catfish, and sunfish. Hunters, on the other hand, can target deer and turkey during the open season. For hiking and biking adventures, make your way to Katy Trail State Park, America's longest developed rail-trail; its Dutzow trailhead is just 30 minutes south of Warrenton.

When you've had your fill of fresh air, you can pivot to an indoor activity, such as touring a local museum, and the Warren County Historical Society is the place to do so. Founded in 1970, this organization collects and catalogs artifacts, documents, photographs, and records related to the settlement, German roots, and regional development of Warren County. You can tour two main sites here: the museum located on the premises and the nearby Schowengerdt House.

On your museum tour, you'll learn about pioneer Daniel Boone's local connections, view an exhibit on Revolutionary War General Joseph Warren, explore historical communication methods, and see how ferryboats were used as a means of transportation. You'll also come across the People Wall, which depicts prominent Warren County figures spanning various industries that contributed to the area's history. On top of that, no two visits are quite the same — the museum's displays are typically updated with the seasons to complement permanent installations. 

Meanwhile, the Schowengerdt House is a separate building about a 5-minute walk away dating back to 1866. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Victorian home belonged to Ernst and Elesebet Schowengerdt, who were pillars of the business sector and civic community. Self-guided visits for both the museum and the Schowengerdt House are welcome anytime during working hours, but guided tours require advance booking. To discover other unique museums in Missouri, you might enjoy touring St. Louis' City Museum, a former shoe factory that now serves as a surrealistic architectural playground.