Article

Scenic Drives on Highway 94

See Photo Location
Credit: Jefferson City CVB
Credit: Defiance Ridge Vineyards

Report this Image

If there is a copyright/decency issue with this image and you wish to report it, please complete the form below and a representative will review your case.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Set out on a scenic drive across northeastern and central Missouri. Taking Highway 94, the route runs parallel to the Missouri River, and the trip’s length is perfect for a day trip. Spanning about 115 miles, the drive begins in St. Charles and ends in the capital city, Jefferson City. Look forward to sweeping vineyards and towering bluffs as you drive through the state’s wine region and Missouri River Valley. Sprinkled with charming small towns and gently curving roads, the trip will reveal local history, a number of wineries and incredible views. 

St. Charles Area

Sights to See

  • Frontier Park – Located in the historic district, Frontier Park is a peaceful setting with benches that face the water. It’s the perfect place to take a moment and relax. Additionally, the Lewis and Clark monument sits on the property – the 15-foot bronze memorial features the explorers and the dog that journeyed with them for the entire expedition.
  • Moto Museum – Before setting out on your scenic drive, see a private, unique collection of motorcycles at the Moto Musuem. Featuring almost 100 years of motorcycle history and obtained from over 20 countries from around the globe, these displays spotlight the form, function, evolution and elegance of the motorcycle.
Motorcycles that have had their fair share of scenic drives from over the years are on display at The Moto Museum, with some on the ground and some towering above in wall displays.
Get your motor running and head over to the Moto Museum and learn how motorcycle riders rode in the past.

Places to Eat

A table is covered with a wonderful variety of smoked meat dishes.
Savor the delicious, smoky taste of barbecue at Salt + Smoke.
  • Salt + Smoke – Missouri barbecue just hits different, and Salt + Smoke lives up to the reputation. From award-winning brisket and “Trashed Ribs” to a variety of unique sandwiches like cherry smoked salmon, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Moreover, be sure to try the White Cheddar Cracker Mac – it’s a crowd-favorite!
  • Big A’s on the Riverfront – Big A’s serves up traditional fare in a casual, laid back atmosphere with a wide selection of wine, beer and spirits. Start your meal with award-winning wings and finish it off with Big A’s juicy 8-ounce burger. You’ll leave wholly satisfied and ready for the road.

Defiance and Augusta Area

Sights to See

  • Klondike Park – Located in Augusta, Klondike Park is a beautiful property with miles of natural surface and paved trails. It includes a centralized lake that is surrounded by forested hillsides and white sand beaches. Find a park bench near the water and take in all the tranquil beauty the park has to offer. It’s the ideal stop when taking a break from your scenic drive.

Places to Eat

  • Defiance Ridge Vineyards – The sweeping Missouri River valley surrounds Defiance Ridge Vineyards, a 42-acre property with stunning views of the Missouri River Valley. Enjoy the calming atmosphere while relishing the delightful tastes the kitchen has to offer – pair a Missouri white wine with a Farmer’s Board (a sampling of local meats and cheeses and other finger-food offerings) or a Missouri red wine with an 8-ounce strip steak sandwich. If wine isn’t quite to your taste, the restaurant also offers a variety of beer and liquor options.
People sit on a patio, taking a break from their scenic drive to eat and drink. There are fields and hills in the backdrop with a greyish blue sky overhead.
Enjoy views of the Missouri hills while sipping on one of the Missouri wines at Defiance Ridge. Credit: Defiance Ridge Vineyards
  • Good News Brewing Company – Good News Brewing Company is about making friends, having fun and serving craft beers with delicious wood-fired pizza. Covered patio seating allows guests to enjoy the breeze and views while sharing good news with your friends.
  • Montelle Winery and Klondike Café – Montelle Winery, a local favorite for more than 50 years, overlooks the astounding Missouri River Basin. The winery has an onsite restaurant, Klondike Café, and its menu features sandwiches, wraps, pizzas and salads (the Montelle House Salad is very popular). Sit on the deck, sip on a specialty wine and admire miles of views.

Jefferson City Area

Sights to See

  • Joe Wilson’s Serenity Point at Noren Access – Spend some time at Joe Wilson’s Serenity Point and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature as you look upon the flowing Missouri River, the city’s iconic bridge and the beautiful skyline of the Missouri State Capitol. In addition to this lookout point, venture to the nearby Missouri River Pedestrian/Bike Bridge which includes scenic overlooks with breathtaking views of the Capitol and the Jefferson City Riverfront.
  • Bicentennial Bridge to Adrian’s Island – Walk the 12-foot-wide bridge that connects the Missouri State Capitol Complex to the Deborah Cooper 30-acre Park north of the Union Pacific Railroad. The bridge spans the railroad, providing wonderful views of the Missouri River and the Capitol dome. This park is known as having some of the best views in town, especially during sunset as the sun falls behind the Capitol. Furthermore, the park includes paths and nature trails, public art and various areas with benches and viewing opportunities.
An elevated viewpoint shows a park to stop at while on a scenic drive, and it has paved trails, a Missouri-shaped sculpture, and park benches. The Missouri River is in the background and the sky is blue with white, wispy clouds.
Take a break from your scenic drive and stretch your legs at this beautiful park. Credit: Jefferson City CVB

Places to Eat

  • Oscar’s Classic Diner – End your scenic drive with award-winning, served-all-day breakfast items at Oscar’s Classic Diner. Serving country fried steaks and jumbo omelets, plus a lunch menu with sizzling steaks and charbroiled burgers, Oscar’s knows how to indulge its guests in the feel-good era of the original steakhouse diner.
  • Arris’ Pizza – Arris’ is one of the first Greek-style pizza houses in the Midwest, proudly serving guests since 1961. The menu features pizzas inspired by mythological characters (try the Venus, which is topped with gyro meat) appetizers, pastas and more. Boasting a welcoming environment and buffet options, you’ll walk away full and satisfied.