The Best St. Louis Motorcycle Touring Routes
If you own a touring motorcycle, especially one made by Harley-Davidson®, then you know how fun it is to get out of the city and explore the roads less traveled. Touring bikes make it comfortable and easy to go on a weekend adventure or a long, winding ride over the course of a full day.
Here in the Show-Me State, we’ve certainly got plenty of places worth the ride! Between our majestic rivers, our resplendent wine country and the beauty of the bluffs, there’s so much to see on a touring trip in Missouri.
Doc’s Harley-Davidson has been serving the Kirkwood community since 1955, so we know a thing or two about Harley-Davidson® touring motorcycles and where to ride them. Here are some of our favorite routes near St. Louis that you can explore.
River Kings Row
This route starts in Mehlville, south of St. Louis, where you’ll take Highway 61 for over a hundred miles. This route will allow you to admire the Mississippi River to your left. There are twists and turns aplenty to keep the route interesting and there are lots of small towns you can visit as well.
One interesting little stop you can make is at Sikeston, Missouri, where a local diner has been in business since 1942. Lambert’s Cafe calls itself the “Home of the Throwed Rolls,” advertising their lunchtime custom of tossing piping-hot dinner rolls to hungry patrons. Have some of their Southern-inspired cooking before you head up Highway 61 or take Interstate 55 north to St. Louis.
Missouri Wine Country
This simple route will take you straight through the heart of wine country. You’ll get to follow the Missouri River and admire the view from the bluffs, which tower as much as 400 feet above the river valley.
Follow State Route 94 west from St. Charles until you reach Hermann after approximately 60 miles. This town was established in 1837 by German immigrants who sought to preserve their culture. The area is loaded with history as a result, and you’ll be able to explore a number of interesting wineries along the way. Just be responsible about your tastings!
Illinois Bluffs & Mining Country Loop
This 200-mile-long route will give you a whole day’s worth of riding if you want to stretch it out. Head east across the Poplar Street Bridge from St. Louis proper into Illinois and follow the I-255 loop east, then south before you take Exit 6 for Columbia, IL. Follow route 3 until it’s time to turn right onto Palmer Road, which will change to Bluff Road later on.
Ride south on Bluff Road and enjoy the gorgeous views to the west of the Mississippi River for miles upon miles. Don’t forget to stop and get a photo for Instagram at a scenic viewpoint! As you ride, you’ll pass through Fountain and Fults before reaching historic Fort de Chartres, an old French fort established way back in 1720, long before Illinois became a state. The powder magazine is the only standing structure from this era and it’s considered to be the oldest building in Illinois, so make sure you stop to check it out.
From Fort de Chartres, you'll head east to Prairie Du Rocher on IL-155 before you take a right at Lisa’s Bar & Restaurant onto Market Street, which leads you back to Bluff Road. Follow the road all the way to Modoc, where you can take the Modoc Ferry Road southwest to the ferry. The Ste. Genevieve-Modoc ferry charges a small fee to take you back across the Mississippi River into Missouri.
Explore Ste. Genevieve to your heart’s content. When you want to head back to the loop, you can take Market Street west from the welcome center, then turn left on S. 4th Street and follow this route until it turns into Center Drive. From there, you can access Missouri Route 32, which will take you through a number of small and picturesque towns. Catch Missouri Route 21 north when you’re ready to head back to STL.
Seeking Harley touring motorcycles for sale near STL? Browse our website to see the fine selection of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale, including the latest touring bike models, at our dealership in Kirkwood, MO. Talk to our staff about our financing options to help fund your purchase. Doc’s Harley-Davidson proudly serves the greater St. Louis metropolitan area, including the city of St. Charles, MO.