From the Gateway to the Ozarks—Missouri SR 100
Missouri might not be on the top of your list when thinking of good places in America to ride your motorcycle, but don’t you knock the Show Me State. The place hosts many great roads—such as SR 100.
For about 120 miles, SR 100 follows the curves of the Missouri River from St. Louis to Linn. Riding this route lets you see Missouri from both an urban and rural perspective.
SR 100 begins in downtown St. Louis, where it’s known as Manchester Ave/Rd. As always with city riding, you should brace yourself for some stop-and-go traffic, but fortunately, SR 100 isn’t one of St. Louis’ busiest roads. On the way, you’ll also pass some interesting sites, like the National Museum of Transportation and the St. Louis Hindu Temple.
If you’d rather not do the city schlep at all, just skip it and start your ride in Wildwood. Past Wildwood, the urban sprawl eases up and the meat and potatoes of SR 100 begins with a stretch that was once part of the world-famous Route 66.
Henceforth, the road is rural riding Nirvana, broken only by short sections skirting smaller cities like Washington that may see increased traffic. SR 100 proceeds through Missouri’s endless farmland, with fields as far as the eye can see.
That doesn’t mean the ride gets boring, though. SR 100 serves up a delightful cavalcade of sweeping turns and rolling hills that offer some elevation changes.
The only entirely flat and straight section you’ll encounter is a roughly four-mile between Morrison and Chamois. But that’s just a good reason to open the throttle and let ‘er rip (within the speed limit, of course) before returning to the hills and the surprising number of turns on the last stretch before Linn.
As you motor through SR 100, you’ll pass many small towns that make for fantastic pit stops with their local eateries and stores. As such, I’d reserve at least half a day for this ride so you don’t miss out on any fun.
Note that pavement conditions on the road can be… Let’s say varied. Parts of SR 100 also lie within the Missouri River flats that are prone to flooding, so it’s a good idea to check the local conditions before you hit the road.
SR 100 is a great, laidback riding experience that takes you past a lot of different things to see and do. It also shows that Missouri is not just the flyover state you might think.
Points of Interest
Gateway Arch
SR 100 starts right by it, so you might as well begin your ride by seeing what’s likely Missouri’s most famous landmark—the Gateway Arch. This 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument is the tallest accessible building in Missouri, the world’s tallest arch, and (depending on how you measure them) in the contest for the tallest man-made structure in the entire Western Hemisphere.
The construction of the Arch began in 1963 and it was completed two years later. It was designed by famed Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, who is also responsible for many other distinctive buildings.
Gateway Arch commemorates the exploratory spirit of the early pioneers, like Lewis and Clarke, who delved into the western frontiers. As such, it makes for a good starting point for your westward journey on SR 100.
National Museum of Transportation
No motor vehicle enthusiast should miss a visit to the National Museum of Transportation on the outskirts of St. Louis. Established in 1944, the museum’s collection features all kinds of significant and rare machines that have rolled, thundered, and flown across the country.
The bulk of the collection is made up of various pieces of railroad equipment, from locomotives to train cars. From steam locomotives to the once-futuristic-looking 1950s Aerotrain, there’s plenty to see for any train fan.
But the museum also houses cars, airplanes, and even a 1957 Cushman Eagle scooter. You’ll also find less mobile exhibits, such as the first railroad tunnel west of the Mississippi.
Zombie Road
Can you hear the moans of the restless undead? You just might if you get off your bike to walk through the Zombie Road in Wildwood.
Officially known as Al Foster Trail, Zombie Road is a roughly two-mile footpath running along the Meramec River. It is a supposedly extremely active paranormal location, with plenty of ghosts and things that go bump in the night.
Zombie Road makes for a nice little walk to stretch your legs during the day, as loitering in the area is officially forbidden after dark for public safety. If you do get to the trail at twilight, though, you might find yourself twisting the throttle extra hard afterward to get away from the unhallowed grounds.
Washington Historical Society Museum
The Washington Historical Society Museum in (unsurprisingly) Washington details the history of the city and the surrounding area. Washington was largely settled by German immigrants in the early 19th century.
These new settlers weren’t on board with the idea of slavery, and Washington became a staunch Union stronghold during the Civil War. Even though Confederate General Sterling Price’s forces rampaged through the town, they were unable to extinguish the locals’ anti-slavery spirit.
At the Washington Historical Society Museum, you’ll get to learn more about this and many other stories from the area. The museum also exhibits the products of Washington’s main industry after tourism—corncob pipes.
Wineries in Hermann
The city of Hermann lies in the heart of Missouri’s wine country. What, you didn’t know Missouri produced some excellent wines?
Well, this is the best possible way to find out! The Hermann American Viticultural Area boasts seven wineries that produce a third of Missouri’s wine.
Of course, you shouldn’t get back in the saddle after sampling all the local varieties. But that’s just an excellent reason to make your SR 100 ride an overnight trip.
Facts & Info
Recommended Lodging: The Cottage Treehouses
If you do decide to stay the night in Hermann for the wineries, The Cottage makes for an unforgettable stay. After all, where else do you get to sleep in a treehouse?
This unique bed-and-breakfast has three treehouses that let you spend your night well off the ground. Parking is available right by the treehouses, the surroundings are gorgeous, and each treehouse features an ever-so-vital coffee maker.
Should you want to keep your feet on the ground, The Cottage also has a cozy single-story cabin. Any of the options makes for a comfortable and fun stay in Hermann.
Best Time to Travel
I recommend hitting SR 100 in the fall for two reasons. The first is the fall foliage that you get to enjoy with still reasonably mild weather.
The second reason is that this road makes for a fantastically spooky Halloween tour at the end of October. In addition to braving Zombie Road, visit the appropriately named town of Frankenstein near Linn, where you’ll find Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, which exudes a suitably Gothic feel.
Spring and summer are also great times to visit Missouri, but they are the height of the tourist season, so prepare for some traffic and higher room rates. Additionally, the area does get hot and muggy during the summer months.