Discover Missouri’s Most Scenic Highways and Drives: A Complete Guide from Sunset Hills Subaru

Missouri offers some of the most breathtaking and diverse driving experiences in the nation, from winding mountain roads to riverside byways. Whether you’re a local resident from Maryland Heights, Glendale, or Richmond Heights, or planning a road trip through the scenic heartland, this comprehensive guide will help you explore Missouri’s best highways and scenic drives. At Sunset Hills Subaru, located at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127, we understand the joy of driving and want to help you discover routes that combine natural beauty, history, and adventure.

Explore our extensive inventory of new and used Subaru vehicles—including models perfect for scenic drives like the Subaru Outback and Forester—at New Subaru Inventory and Used Vehicle Inventory. For any maintenance needs after your road trip, don’t forget to Schedule Service and Diagnostics with our expert team. Ready to upgrade? Find out how much your current vehicle is worth at Get your value trade.

Table of Contents

• The Most Scenic Highway in Missouri: A Journey Through Natural Beauty
  Explore the top scenic highways in Missouri, highlighting routes filled with stunning landscapes, including the Ozark foothills and river vistas.

  
  

• The Prettiest Highways Across the United States: Inspirations for Missouri Drivers
  Discover some of America’s most beautiful roads and how Missouri’s drives compare, with insights into national scenic byways and iconic routes.

  
  

• Missouri’s Bloodiest Highway: Safety Insights and Road Conditions
  Learn about U.S. Route 63, Missouri’s most dangerous highway, and safety recommendations for drivers in the St. Louis and Chesterfield areas.

  
  

• Missouri Route 5: The Longest Drive Across the State
  Details on Missouri’s longest highway, stretching over 350 miles and connecting diverse communities from Ozark County to the Iowa border.

  
  

• Route 66 and St. Louis: Missouri’s Largest City on the Mother Road
  An exploration of Route 66’s path through Missouri’s largest city, St. Louis, featuring historic landmarks and must-see stops.

  
  

• Missouri’s Newest Highway Projects: Improvements on Interstate 70
  Updates on the Improve I-70 project, a transformative expansion connecting Blue Springs to Wentzville and enhancing travel efficiency.

  
  

• Best Places for Fall Foliage in Missouri: Scenic Drives to Catch Autumn Colors
  Highlighting top routes and parks for viewing vibrant fall colors near Webster Groves, Ladue, and Valley Park.

  
  

• Scenic Byways Along the Missouri River: Cultural and Natural Wonders
  A look at byways tracing the Missouri River and showcasing Native American heritage and stunning river landscapes.

  
  

• The Missouri Byways Program: Preserving and Promoting Scenic Routes
  An overview of Missouri’s state byway program and how it enhances recreational and educational experiences.

  
  

• Driving Through the Ozarks: The Pig Trail and More
  Discover scenic routes winding through the Ozark National Forest, perfect for adventurous drives near Creve Coeur and Twin Oaks.

  
  

• Highway 1: Scenic Drives Beyond Missouri
  Comparing Missouri’s scenic routes with California’s iconic Highway 1, known for spectacular coastal views.

  
  

• Speed Limits on Missouri Highways: What Drivers Need to Know
  Understanding minimum and maximum speed limits on Missouri’s interstates to ensure safe and legal driving.

  
  

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The Most Scenic Highway in Missouri: A Journey Through Natural Beauty

Missouri’s landscapes offer a rich tapestry of rolling hills, dense forests, winding rivers, and charming small towns, making its scenic highways some of the most captivating drives in the Midwest. One of the most acclaimed scenic routes is the Glade Top Trail Scenic Drive, which runs from Ava to Longrun, offering panoramic views of the Ozarks. This route is prized for its elevation, allowing drivers to see expansive forests and rugged terrain that change colors dramatically with the seasons.

Other notable drives include the Roaring River Scenic Drive stretching from Cassville to Eagle Rock, where limestone bluffs and sparkling streams provide a tranquil backdrop. The Sugar Camp Scenic Byway near Fenton offers a blend of natural beauty and historical points of interest, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

For those near Sunset Hills, the Cliff Drive Scenic Bypass near Crestwood offers quick access to spectacular views and connects to several parks and nature trails. These highways are not just about driving but about experiencing Missouri’s ecological diversity and cultural heritage.

Local drivers from places like Maryland Heights and Sappington take advantage of these routes for weekend getaways, while travelers from farther afield often combine scenic drives with stops in towns like Richmond Heights or Glendale for dining and entertainment.

For the best experience, consider a Subaru Outback or Forester, available at our New Subaru Inventory, both equipped with advanced all-wheel-drive systems ideal for Missouri’s varied terrain.

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The Prettiest Highways Across the United States: Inspirations for Missouri Drivers

While Missouri boasts remarkable scenic drives, it’s instructive to look at some of the prettiest highways in the United States to understand what makes a drive truly unforgettable. Roads like the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West offer turquoise ocean vistas and tropical landscapes, while the Beartooth Highway in Montana winds through alpine tundra and pristine mountain lakes.

Closer to Missouri’s style, the Cades Cove Loop in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides a serene forest setting with abundant wildlife sightings, paralleling Missouri’s Ozark scenic byways in their natural charm.

Missouri’s own scenic byways, such as the Lewis & Clark Scenic Byway, reflect the state’s rich history and natural beauty, often weaving through rolling river valleys and historic towns. These drives offer a more intimate experience compared to the grandeur of coastal or mountainous highways but are no less beautiful.

Whether you’re exploring the Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park or Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks loop, the key is a vehicle that delivers comfort and control. Subaru’s lineup, including the sporty New Subaru WRX Inventory and the versatile New Subaru Crosstrek Inventory, provides excellent options for such journeys.

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Missouri’s Bloodiest Highway: Safety Insights and Road Conditions

While scenic drives are enjoyable, safety is paramount. According to recent data, U.S. Route 63 holds the unfortunate distinction of being Missouri’s deadliest highway, averaging 18 fatalities annually. This route traverses regions around St. Louis, Chesterfield, and other key areas, linking rural and urban traffic.

The dangers on this highway stem from a combination of high traffic volume, challenging road conditions, and limited passing zones. Drivers in areas like Ladue and Crestwood are advised to exercise caution, especially during peak travel hours and adverse weather.

Sunset Hills Subaru encourages all drivers to stay current with vehicle maintenance to ensure safety on Missouri roads. Schedule your vehicle’s next checkup today at Schedule Service and Diagnostics, and keep your Subaru equipped with genuine parts from our Parts Department.

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Missouri Route 5: The Longest Drive Across the State

Stretching over 350 miles, Missouri Route 5 is the state’s longest highway, running from the Arkansas border in Ozark County to the Iowa border in the north. This route offers drivers a diverse experience, passing through the Ozark Mountains near Ava and winding through agricultural heartlands closer to St. Charles and Richmond Heights.

Route 5 intersects with major highways including I-44 near Lebanon and I-70 near Boonville, making it a vital corridor for commerce and tourism. The highway’s mostly two-lane layout invites travelers to slow down and enjoy Missouri’s small towns and natural attractions.

Residents of Valley Park and Webster Groves often use Route 5 for regional travel, appreciating its scenic qualities and connection to local landmarks. For long-distance drives like this, a Subaru Ascent or Outback from our New Subaru Inventory offers ample space and comfort.

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Route 66 and St. Louis: Missouri’s Largest City on the Mother Road

Known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 carries a special place in Missouri’s history and culture. The largest city along this iconic highway is St. Louis, home to the Gateway Arch—a symbol of westward expansion—and legendary stops like Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

Explorers traveling from Ladue or Maplewood to St. Louis can enjoy murals in Cuba, Missouri, or visit historic Meramec Caverns along the route. The journey offers a mix of Americana nostalgia and natural beauty, making it a must-drive corridor for road-trippers.

Sunset Hills Subaru invites you to experience this historic route with confidence by exploring our New Subaru Legacy Inventory, perfect for comfortable cruising through Missouri’s urban and rural landscapes.

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Missouri’s Newest Highway Projects: Improvements on Interstate 70

Interstate 70 is Missouri’s economic backbone, connecting Kansas City, Columbia, St. Louis, and the growing suburbs like Blue Springs and Wentzville. The Improve I-70 project is a multi-billion-dollar initiative upgrading nearly 200 miles of this vital corridor.

This ambitious project includes adding a third lane in both directions, modernizing pavement and bridges, and enhancing freight efficiency. The work is divided into eight segments with contracts awarded through 2029, aiming for completion by 2030.

Drivers near Fenton and Chesterfield will see improved traffic flow and safer interchanges, making daily commutes and long-distance travel smoother. For those seeking a vehicle optimized for highway driving, consider our New Subaru Impreza Inventory, balancing fuel efficiency and performance.

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Best Places for Fall Foliage in Missouri: Scenic Drives to Catch Autumn Colors

Autumn in Missouri transforms the landscape into a mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows. Top spots for fall foliage viewing include the Highway 79 corridor from Hannibal to St. Louis, where the Mississippi River and natural bluffs create stunning vistas.

The Lake of the Ozarks loop spanning Highway 5, Highway 54, and Highway 52 offers dramatic shoreline views, especially near the Hurricane Deck Bridge. Areas around Webster Groves and Ladue also feature parks like Forest Park and Missouri Botanical Garden showcasing vibrant fall colors.

For a getaway, consider the Table Rock Lake loop near Branson and Hollister, with plenty of hiking and lakeside views. After your drive, relax in a Subaru Outback or Forester from our New Subaru Outback Inventory.

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Scenic Byways Along the Missouri River: Cultural and Natural Wonders

Missouri’s Missouri River corridor hosts several designated scenic byways that highlight cultural history and natural beauty. While the Native American Scenic Byway primarily runs through South Dakota, Missouri’s Great River Road parallels the Missouri River and offers access to historic sites and river views.

Travelers from Creve Coeur or Twin Oaks can explore sections featuring river bluffs, wildlife refuges, and charming river towns like St. Charles. This route aligns with Missouri’s commitment to preserving heritage and promoting tourism through the Missouri Byways Program.

If you want to explore further, our dealership’s broad selection of Subaru vehicles, including the rugged New Subaru Solterra Inventory, is ideal for all-terrain adventures.

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The Missouri Byways Program: Preserving and Promoting Scenic Routes

The Missouri Byways Program is a statewide initiative dedicated to identifying and enhancing roads that offer cultural, historical, archaeological, natural, scenic, and recreational value. The program partners with local communities to improve infrastructure and promote tourism.

This designation helps preserve the character of routes like the Sugar Camp Scenic Byway and the Ozark Run Scenic Byway, ensuring travelers from Lakeshire, Maplewood, and Concord enjoy well-maintained and informative experiences.

For those interested in exploring these byways in a reliable and efficient Subaru, browse our Current New Car Specials to find your perfect match.

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Driving Through the Ozarks: The Pig Trail and More

The Pig Trail Scenic Byway in Arkansas’s Ozark National Forest is a winding drive famous for its hairpin turns and lush forest views, illustrating the type of scenic driving Missouri’s Ozarks also offer.

In Missouri, highways like Route 5 and the Glade Top Trail traverse similar terrain, combining steep hills, dense woods, and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

Residents of nearby communities such as Valley Park and Oakland can easily access these routes for recreational day trips. For rugged terrain, Subaru’s AWD vehicles like the New Subaru Forester Inventory provide enhanced control and safety.

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Highway 1: Scenic Drives Beyond Missouri

California’s Highway 1, or the Pacific Coast Highway, is often considered the nation’s most scenic coastal drive, stretching over 650 miles with stunning ocean views, redwoods, and iconic bridges like Bixby Bridge.

While Missouri’s drives differ in geography, the principles of scenic route enjoyment remain the same: safe, comfortable vehicles paired with thoughtfully designed highways and abundant natural beauty.

Missouri drivers can enjoy similar satisfaction with Subaru’s lineup, including the sporty New Subaru BRZ Inventory, perfect for winding roads and city cruising alike.

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Speed Limits on Missouri Highways: What Drivers Need to Know

Safety and adherence to traffic laws are crucial on all Missouri highways. The minimum speed limit on Missouri interstates is 55 mph, ensuring traffic flows smoothly and reduces hazards caused by slow-moving vehicles.

The maximum speed limit is typically 75 mph on these roads, balancing efficient travel with safety. Drivers should always watch for posted speed limits, especially near urban areas like St. Louis, Concord, and Chesterfield.

For vehicle safety and performance optimization, schedule regular maintenance at Sunset Hills Subaru’s service center by clicking Schedule Service and Diagnostics.

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Begin Your Scenic Missouri Adventure with Sunset Hills Subaru

Exploring Missouri’s scenic highways is a rewarding experience that combines nature, history, and adventure. Whether you’re navigating the iconic Route 66 through St. Louis, cruising the longest drive on Route 5, or enjoying fall colors along the Missouri River, having the right vehicle enhances every mile.

Sunset Hills Subaru offers a comprehensive selection of new and used vehicles tailored for Missouri’s diverse driving conditions. Explore our New Subaru Inventory or Used Vehicle Inventory today. If you need parts or accessories for your Subaru, visit our Parts Department.

Contact us at (314) 476-9638 or visit us at 10100 Watson Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127 to start your journey in a vehicle designed for adventure and comfort.

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