Fall 2026
by J.Y. MILLER
Fall has always been my favorite season. The other seasons each have their charms, but fall is the best!
The hot days of summer are just a sweaty memory (It is over 100 degrees in Glasgow while I am writing this) and the welcome cooler days and almost chilly evenings invite us to sit at bonfires, sip cider and enjoy this beautiful state. Fall weather makes for a perfect time to explore the sights of Missouri.
As usual, I have searched for some internet sites that may help you plan some Missouri trips.
One of the best things about fall in Missouri is the colorful and free displays provided by Mother Nature. Almost anywhere in the state, changing fall colors provide a fascinating show along the highways. Seven drives that promise spectacular views can be found at VisitMO.com/articles/fabulous-fall-drives-in-missouri. The site features many photos of what you can see on those drives, making the cyber-trip just as enjoyable.
A trip to St. Louis should include a visit to Forest Park (ExploreStLouis.com/guide/things-to-do-in-forest-park-st-louis/), one of the largest urban parks in the United States. With more than 1,300 aces, it tops New York City’s Central Park by more than 500 aces. With that much space, the park can contain a spectrum of things to do and see. There are more than 30 miles of hiking and bike trails which pass through old growth forests, wetlands, prairies and more. There are also two golf courses, tennis courts and a cricket field.
The Missouri History Museum (MoHistory.org/museum) and the Muny (Muny.org) offer culture, education and fun. Outdoor works of art cattered throughout the park can be previewed online at ForestParkStatues.org.
St. Louis is also the home of the World Chess Hall of Fame (WorldChessHoF.org). I love the game of chess and was once the sponsor of the chess club at Caruthersville High School. The Hall of Fame’s currently their main exhibit explores the connection between chess and the more physical sports. Visitors are able to browse a library and to view some of the museum’s collection of chess sets. My favorite is the Monticello set. It is the classic Staunton design (my favorite) and is made from a tulip poplar that may have been planted by Thomas Jefferson. The tree was 115 feet tall in 2009 when it had to be cut down because it was unstable and a danger to Jefferson’s home. Another interesting set is the Route 66 set that includes pieces made to look like classic cars. The rooks are Jeeps and the kings and queens are hotrods and Cadillac convertibles in hot pink.
The poet Eugene Field was born in St. Louis, and his boyhood home is open as the Eugene Field home and Toy museum (FieldHouseMuseum.org). The home has a big collection of Field’s poetry and other writings. Known as the Children’s Poet, he may be most famous for “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod,” but he also wrote erotic poetry. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. Field’s father, Roswell Field, was the attorney who took the Dred Scott case into federal court.
Wherever you visit in Missouri this fall, you will find much to see and do. Perhaps, you and I will cross paths somewhere, maybe even at Forest Park. Or we could enjoy a game of chess. We Missourians are known for friendly greetings, and it is always good to share our Missouri visits with a friend.
Fall has always been my favorite season. The other seasons each have their charms, but fall is the best!
The hot days of summer are just a sweaty memory (It is over 100 degrees in Glasgow while I am writing this) and the welcome cooler days and almost chilly evenings invite us to sit at bonfires, sip cider and enjoy this beautiful state. Fall weather makes for a perfect time to explore the sights of Missouri.
As usual, I have searched for some internet sites that may help you plan some Missouri trips.
One of the best things about fall in Missouri is the colorful and free displays provided by Mother Nature. Almost anywhere in the state, changing fall colors provide a fascinating show along the highways. Seven drives that promise spectacular views can be found at VisitMO.com/articles/fabulous-fall-drives-in-missouri. The site features many photos of what you can see on those drives, making the cyber-trip just as enjoyable.
A trip to St. Louis should include a visit to Forest Park (ExploreStLouis.com/guide/things-to-do-in-forest-park-st-louis/), one of the largest urban parks in the United States. With more than 1,300 aces, it tops New York City’s Central Park by more than 500 aces. With that much space, the park can contain a spectrum of things to do and see. There are more than 30 miles of hiking and bike trails which pass through old growth forests, wetlands, prairies and more. There are also two golf courses, tennis courts and a cricket field.
The Missouri History Museum (MoHistory.org/museum) and the Muny (Muny.org) offer culture, education and fun. Outdoor works of art cattered throughout the park can be previewed online at ForestParkStatues.org.
St. Louis is also the home of the World Chess Hall of Fame (WorldChessHoF.org). I love the game of chess and was once the sponsor of the chess club at Caruthersville High School. The Hall of Fame’s currently their main exhibit explores the connection between chess and the more physical sports. Visitors are able to browse a library and to view some of the museum’s collection of chess sets. My favorite is the Monticello set. It is the classic Staunton design (my favorite) and is made from a tulip poplar that may have been planted by Thomas Jefferson. The tree was 115 feet tall in 2009 when it had to be cut down because it was unstable and a danger to Jefferson’s home. Another interesting set is the Route 66 set that includes pieces made to look like classic cars. The rooks are Jeeps and the kings and queens are hotrods and Cadillac convertibles in hot pink.
The poet Eugene Field was born in St. Louis, and his boyhood home is open as the Eugene Field home and Toy museum (FieldHouseMuseum.org). The home has a big collection of Field’s poetry and other writings. Known as the Children’s Poet, he may be most famous for “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod,” but he also wrote erotic poetry. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places. Field’s father, Roswell Field, was the attorney who took the Dred Scott case into federal court.
Wherever you visit in Missouri this fall, you will find much to see and do. Perhaps, you and I will cross paths somewhere, maybe even at Forest Park. Or we could enjoy a game of chess. We Missourians are known for friendly greetings, and it is always good to share our Missouri visits with a friend.