St. Louis offers three standout self-guided options for independent travelers. The Katy Trail tour stands as Missouri’s crown jewel – a 240-mile rails-to-trails route perfect for cyclists and hikers, earning nearly universal praise from past adventurers. The Interstate 55 driving tour provides excellent audio commentary and reliable offline navigation, ideal for those who prefer exploring by car. For urban discoveries, the St. Louis Delights scavenger hunt cleverly connects major downtown attractions while letting you set the pace.
I especially love the Katy Trail for its well-maintained paths and historical markers, while the driving tour’s clear narration makes navigation a breeze. Both deliver solid value for independent travelers.
Let’s look at each of these tours in detail.
Key Points
- The KATY Self-Guided Tour along Missouri’s Katy Trail is a highly rated (4.8/5) 6-day, 240-mile cycling adventure with accommodations and assistance.
- The Interstate 55 Driving Tour from St. Louis to Springfield, IL, offers audio guidance and offline maps for a flexible, self-guided car journey.
- The St. Louis Delights scavenger hunt, accessible through the Let’s Roam app, provides an interactive and educational exploration of the city’s attractions.
- The KATY Self-Guided Tour is suitable for moderately fit travelers, but not recommended for those with certain medical conditions or back problems.
- The scavenger hunt offers digital photos of the experience, but participants should ensure their device is fully charged and check app functionality beforehand.
KATY Self-Guided Tours 6-Days From Clinton to St. Charles. #1 Tour on the KATY
On your 6-day KATY Self-Guided Tour, you’ll embark on a 240-mile journey along Missouri’s Katy Trail, the nation’s longest rail-trail. This highly-rated tour, with a 4.8 rating based on 41 reviews and a 98% traveler recommendation, allows you to experience rural scenes, winery towns, and nature at your own pace.
You’ll start your tour in St. Charles, where you’ll be shuttled to the trailhead in Clinton. Your 5-night accommodations in BnBs or small inns near the trail include daily complimentary breakfasts.
The tour provides you with an itinerary, maps, and dining suggestions, as well as the option to bring your own bike or rent one, including e-bikes.
While on the trail, you’ll have the assistance of a tour guide. However, the tour isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Parking is available in St. Charles, and the tour is near public transportation.
Read our full review: KATY Self-Guided Tours 6-Days From Clinton to St. Charles. #1 Tour on the KATY Review
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Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
Embark on an enlightening journey along Interstate 55 from St. Louis, Missouri, to Springfield, Illinois with this self-guided driving tour. For just $6.99 per group of up to 15 people, you’ll have lifetime access to the tour’s VoiceMap application, providing audio guidance and offline access to maps and geodata.
Start your adventure at a gas station on Chouteau Avenue in St. Louis, then cruise through the countryside to the Rail Splitter Rest Area Northbound in Springfield. Along the way, enjoy the flexibility to start, pause, and restart the tour at your convenience.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, and service animals are welcome.
Keep in mind that this tour is non-refundable, and you should confirm the start time with the local provider in advance. Although reviews are mixed, with some users reporting issues with activation emails, the host has made efforts to provide instructions via SMS and email.
Embark on this self-guided driving tour to explore the scenic landscapes along Interstate 55 at your own pace.
Read our full review: Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour Review
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Self Guided Scavenger Hunt: St. Louis Delights
Looking to explore St. Louis in a fun and interactive way? Consider the Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: St. Louis Delights. This adventure, accessible through the Let’s Roam app, offers a self-guided tour with individual roles like Brainiac, Photographer, and Mapper.
The hunt starts and ends at City Hall, with no reservations required. Operating 7 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week, the activity covers transportation and attraction fees, though food and drinks aren’t included.
While the overall rating is 3.2 based on 5 reviews, participants praise the experience as fun, interactive, and educational. However, some have encountered issues with app access and customer service.
To ensure a smooth experience, be sure your device is fully charged and allot ample time for the hunt. Regardless, this scavenger hunt provides an engaging way to discover the city’s sights, with digital copies of your adventure photos included.
Read our full review: Self Guided Scavenger Hunt: St. Louis Delights Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed on the KATY Trail Self-Guided Tours?
You’re welcome to bring your pet on the Katy Trail self-guided tours, but they must be leashed at all times. Be sure to clean up after your furry friend to keep the trail clean for other visitors.
Can I Start the Interstate 55 Self-Guided Driving Tour From Any Location?
Yes, you can start the Interstate 55 self-guided driving tour from any location along the route. The tour is designed to be flexible, allowing you to explore the highlights at your own pace and starting point.
What Are the Age Restrictions for the St. Louis Delights Scavenger Hunt?
The St. Louis Delights Scavenger Hunt doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s open to participants of all ages, so you can enjoy the adventure with family and friends. Just be ready to explore the city and uncover its delightful surprises!
Is There a Recommended Duration for the KATY Trail Self-Guided Tours?
The recommended duration for the Katy Trail self-guided tours is flexible, as you can explore the trail at your own pace. Most visitors spend between 2-4 hours on the trail, but you’re free to go for as long or as short a time as you’d like.
Can I Take the Interstate 55 Self-Guided Tour in the Winter Season?
You can absolutely take the Interstate 55 self-guided tour in the winter season. The route is open year-round, and the cooler temperatures can actually make for a more pleasant sightseeing experience. Just be sure to dress warmly and bring any necessary supplies.
Recap
You’ve got plenty of options for self-guided tours in St. Louis. Whether you want to explore the KATY Trail, drive along Interstate 55, or embark on a scavenger hunt, there’s something to suit your interests. These tours offer a flexible and cost-effective way to discover the city at your own pace. So why not plan your perfect St. Louis adventure today?