The most rewarding self-guided experiences in St. Louis won’t drain your wallet or lock you into rigid schedules.
My top pick is the KATY Trail cycling tour, a 6-day pedal from Clinton to St. Charles that consistently earns rave reviews from fellow travelers – and for good reason. The well-maintained path offers scenic views and plenty of historic stops.
For drivers, the Interstate 55 audio tour hits all the right notes, allowing you to explore at your own pace with informative narration.
History buffs will appreciate the Route 66 app tour, which combines architectural highlights with family-friendly stops along the Mother Road.
Let’s explore these standout tours in detail.
Key Points
- The KATY self-guided cycling tour from Clinton to St. Charles offers a highly recommended 6-day cycling adventure, with comfortable accommodations and shuttle service.
- The Interstate 55 self-guided driving tour provides a flexible and budget-friendly way to explore various points of interest along the route from St. Louis to Springfield, Illinois.
- The Route 66 self-guided app tour in St. Louis offers an immersive experience highlighting historic landmarks, including the Gateway Arch and Cathedral Basilica, with kid-friendly activities.
- The Route 66 self-guided tour also features the Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Ghost Tour and guided architecture tours, allowing visitors to skip lines and explore at their own pace.
- The self-guided tours in St. Louis cater to a range of interests, from cycling enthusiasts to families, and offer a hassle-free way to discover the city’s top attractions.
KATY Self-Guided Tours 6-Days From Clinton to St. Charles. #1 Tour on the KATY
The KATY Self-Guided Tours offer a remarkable 6-day cycling adventure from Clinton to St. Charles. Ranked as the #1 tour on the KATY, this self-guided experience has earned a staggering 98% traveler recommendation based on 41 reviews.
Priced from $2,200 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate journey.
Travelers can look forward to comfortable nights in bed and breakfasts or small inns, accompanied by warm, fully cooked breakfasts. Lunch and dinner suggestions are provided, and a shuttle service transports guests from St. Charles to the tour’s starting point.
Detailed maps, route directions, and a suggested packing list ensure a seamless experience. Participants also receive a Crossroads Bike Tour t-shirt and patch, as well as access to a tour guide on the trail.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and located near public transportation.
However, it isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Read our full review: KATY Self-Guided Tours 6-Days From Clinton to St. Charles. #1 Tour on the KATY Review
Book now: Check availability
Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour
Embark on an immersive self-guided driving tour along Interstate 55, where the VoiceMap audio guide brings the journey to life. Rated 3.0/5 based on 3 reviews, this budget-friendly experience offers a flexible route with the ability to stop at various points of interest.
With lifetime access through the VoiceMap app, you’ll hear fascinating stories and historical facts as you drive from St. Louis to Springfield, Illinois.
The tour starts at a gas station in St. Louis and ends at the Rail Splitter Rest Area in Springfield, allowing you to complete the experience at your own pace. The app provides offline access to the audio, maps, and geodata, making it easy to navigate.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly, and service animals are allowed. At just $6.99 per group of up to 15 people, this self-guided tour offers an affordable way to explore the scenic route along Interstate 55.
Read our full review: Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
App Self-Guided Route 66 Visit to St Louis
Although self-guided tours offer flexibility, the App Self-Guided Route 66 Visit to St Louis promises an immersive experience that brings this iconic road to life.
Featuring 10 hours of content, the app guides users through the historic Route 66, highlighting the city’s top attractions. From the Gateway Arch to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, the app provides rich narratives and curated itineraries to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
For families, the app includes kid-friendly activities, making it a great option for those traveling with children.
Those interested in the city’s haunted past can explore the Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Ghost Tour, while architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the guided tours of iconic landmarks.
With the ability to skip lines and explore at your own pace, this app-based tour offers an unparalleled way to experience the best of St. Louis.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, the App Self-Guided Route 66 Visit to St Louis is a must-try for an immersive, hassle-free adventure.
Read our full review: App Self-Guided Route 66 Visit to St Louis Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
St. Louis offers a variety of self-guided tours, from exploring the KATY trail over 6 days to a driving tour along Interstate 55 and a Route 66 visit using a mobile app. These options provide flexibility and allow visitors to discover the city’s history, architecture, and natural scenery at their own pace. Whether a multi-day adventure or a day trip, these self-guided tours are excellent ways to experience the best of St. Louis.