The Ultimate Monroe County Day Trip: Unique Things to Do Near St. Louis

Looking for unique things to do near St. Louis?

You don't have to travel far to discover one of southern Illinois' most charming destinations - in and around Monroe County.

JFP Equine has called Monroe County home for years now, and when friends or family come to visit, these are the places we often recommend.

Some are well known. Others are hidden gems. Together, they tell the story of why we love calling this corner of southern Illinois home.

Just 35 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Monroe County offers rolling countryside, historic small towns, scenic hiking trails, championship golf, handcrafted spirits, great local restaurants, and unforgettable experiences you simply won't find anywhere else.

So if you're looking for a memorable day trip—or maybe even a weekend getaway—here's how we'd spend the day.

1. Meet a Clydesdale Up Close at JFP Equine

If you've ever admired the iconic Clydesdale breed, here's your chance to experience these incredible horses in a way very few people ever do.

Located just outside historic Waterloo, Illinois, JFP Equine offers the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience — a two-hour, hands-on experiences where guests don't just watch Clydesdales from behind a fence… they become part of the experience.

Brush a Clydesdale. Feed them. Learn their personalities. Hear fascinating stories from a family whose roots in the Clydesdale industry span generations. Capture unforgettable photos and create memories you'll be talking about long after your visit.

Whether you're an animal lover, photographer, family, couple, or simply looking for something completely different to do near St. Louis, it's an experience unlike anything else in the Midwest.

Pre-registration is required and the Ultimate Clydesdale Experience is offered in small groups of no more than four at a time.

Perfect For: Couples • Families • Animal Lovers • Birthday Gifts • Visitors to St. Louis

JFP Tip: If after your Ultimate Clydesdale Experience you’ve worked up a thirst, check out The Silo, one of our favorite spots to grab a beverage and a quick bite… approx. 1 mile from the barn!

➡️ Learn more about our Ultimate Clydesdale Experience.

2. Explore Historic Downtown Waterloo

If we were showing someone around Monroe County, downtown Waterloo would almost always be our next stop.

Filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, breweries, and beautifully preserved historic buildings, it's the kind of downtown that encourages you to slow down instead of rushing to the next attraction.

If we're grabbing a beverage after chores, Stubborn German Brewing Company or Hopskeller Brewing Company are great choices.

Looking for a glass of wine? We love spending an evening at Vintage Wine Bar.

And don’t forget the Happy Hour Sports Bar… it’s one of our favorites.

These businesses—and many others—are a big part of what makes Waterloo feel welcoming.

Depending on when you visit, you may also catch one of Waterloo's festivals — like PumpkinFest, concerts, car shows, farmers markets, or holiday celebrations that keep the downtown district buzzing throughout the year.

3. Play a Round at Annbriar Golf Course

Need another excuse to spend a few extra hours in Monroe County? Bring your clubs.

Annbriar Golf Course has earned a reputation as one of the finest public golf courses in the St. Louis region thanks to its outstanding course conditions, scenic layout, and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you're squeezing in a morning round before visiting JFP Equine or making golf the centerpiece of your trip, Annbriar is one of Monroe County's true treasures.

4. Hike the Scenic Trails at Salt Lick Point

Need to stretch your legs after meeting the horses?

Salt Lick Point Land & Water Reserve near Valmeyer is one of Monroe County's favorite outdoor destinations.

Its trails wind through forests, limestone bluffs, native prairie, and some of the most beautiful scenery in southern Illinois. Along the way you'll discover peaceful overlooks, abundant wildlife, and spectacular views across the Mississippi River valley.

It's easy to forget you're less than an hour from downtown St. Louis.

JFP Tip: Bring your camera. You'll probably use it more than you expect.

5. Step Back in Time in Historic Maeystown

If Norman Rockwell had designed a small town in southern Illinois, it might look a lot like Maeystown.

Founded by German immigrants in the 1800s, this picturesque village is filled with beautifully preserved stone buildings, quiet streets, and timeless charm.

It's the perfect place to slow down, wander without a plan, and appreciate a different pace of life.

If you're planning to spend the night, there’s the Corner George Inn Bed & Breakfast. Located in the heart of Maeystsown, it's a wonderful place to experience the town's hospitality and makes the perfect home base for exploring Monroe County—including a visit to JFP Equine.

There’s also Hank & Lilly’s Creekside… a restaurant and pub with old school charm.

Photo Tip: Maeystown is one of the most photogenic communities in southern Illinois, so don't leave your camera in the car.

6. Sip Local Spirits at Old Monroe Distilling Co.

Every good Monroe County adventure deserves a proper toast.

Located in Columbia, Old Monroe Distilling Co. crafts award-winning, grain-to-glass spirits using grains grown on the Stumpf family's eighth-generation farm.

Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, tastings, live music, tours, and a beautiful cocktail lounge overlooking the rolling hills of Monroe County.

Longtime locals may remember Stumpy's Spirits, the original distillery just a few minutes away. Today, both locations remain part of the same family operation, giving visitors two great ways to experience one of Monroe County's most unique locally owned businesses.

7. Take the Scenic Route Along Bluff Road

If there's one piece of advice we'd give anyone visiting Monroe County, it's this:

Don't be in a hurry.

Bluff Road, part of the Illinois Great River Road, winds through the Mississippi River bluffs near Columbia, Valmeyer, Fults, and beyond. It's one of those drives where the destination almost becomes secondary.

Roll the windows down. Slow through the curves. Pull over when a view catches your eye.

You'll pass rolling farmland, towering limestone bluffs, wooded hillsides, century-old farms, and some of the prettiest countryside anywhere near St. Louis.

Around here, the scenic route isn't the long way.

It's the right way.

We Can't Wait to Welcome You

Some of the best travel experiences aren't found in the biggest cities… they're discovered just beyond them.

For us, Monroe County isn't just where our horses like to live.

It's home. And it’s where we like to spend our free time.

Whether you come for the Clydesdales, the golf, the hiking, the historic towns, or simply to escape the city for a day, we hope you'll leave with great memories and a reason to come back.

We'd love to welcome you to JFP Equine and introduce you to the incredible Clydesdales we're proud to call family.

Ready to meet the Clydesdales?

Book your Ultimate Clydesdale Experience today.