Take a Trip to Caledonia, Missouri

Located just three hours northeast of Springfield, the teeny town of Caledonia is a hidden gem that’s worth the drive for a long day trip or a weekend getaway. While Caledonia has all the allure of a small town with charming and quaint shops and eateries, it is also located within a short distance from great outdoors adventures. Less than 10 miles in either direction are treasures like Elephant Rocks State Park and Hughes Mountain Natural Area, both offering beautiful rock formations. Make the trip this month to attend their annual Pumpkin Fest that includes a parade, hayrides and a pie-eating contest. 

Things to Do Indoors in Caledonia, Missouri

Open since 1909, The Old Village Mercantile candy and handcrafted ice cream shop has all kinds of sweets and treats. This historically registered mercantile has everything from antiques on the second floor to award-winning artisan ice cream on the first. The recently added coffee bar is a must for a pick-me-up. The store has more than 600 kinds of candy and fudge spread out across the main floor. Once you’re done at the mercantile, Caledonia Vintage and Gifts is a shop that has treasures for all ages. They have a collection of cute clothes and seasonal items for every occasion that will give you something to remember your village getaway. Whether you love shopping or Caledonia as a whole, this will become your day-trip haven. In addition to Caledonia Vintage and Gifts, A Boy’s Dream Hobby Shop is every card collector’s paradise. 

Things to Do Outdoors in Caledonia, Missouri

About 7 miles south of Caledonia is Elephant Rocks State Park. This area is home to massive pink granite boulders that inspired the park’s name. There is a paved Braille Trail, specially designed for visitors with physical and visual disabilities, so everyone can have the opportunity to travel the path and learn about the history and landscape of the area. You can travel the trail to hidden gems, like the ruins of an old depot building or the water-filled site of the original quarry. But the main attraction is climbing around and over the famous rocks or gazing out over the gorgeous view from the top of the trail. 

If you travel the other direction from Caledonia (about 7 miles north), you’ll find another geological wonder: cc. The trail takes you through a wooded area in the St. Francois Mountains and ends at an expansive lookout where the view is vast and the ground is covered in honeycomb-shaped rhyolite rock formations.

Want to stay in town instead? No problem! Every second Saturday in October the village of Caledonia hosts its Pumpkin Fest. The event begins with a parade in the morning and hosts other activities throughout the rest of the day until the late afternoon. Partake in family activities such as pumpkin bowling and hayrides to a pumpkin patch. Entertainment can be found anywhere you go; you can stop to watch the bull riding or the annual pie-eating contest.

Where to Eat and Stay in Caledonia, Missouri

If you’re feeling peckish on your trip to Caledonia stop by Old Tyme Diner. It combines good homemade food with a hometown feel. Try the Old Tyme Cinnamon Rolls made from scratch if you’re in the mood for something sweet. A great dish for a savory morning is the Old Tyme Diner Breakfast that allows you to have your pick of two eggs, two pancakes, a meat choice and toast. In addition to their breakfast food, the diner is open for lunch and has even won an award from America’s Best Restaurants for their “Awesome Club.” When you’ve had your fun exploring Caledonia and need a place to sleep, the Old Caledonia Bed and Breakfast is the ideal place to stay when visiting the village. This adorable home offers organic meals for your breakfast such as locally sourced eggs and fresh produce. Relish the wellness and spa area where you can choose to wind down in the sauna and hot tub or practice yoga in the converted studio on the top floor. Celebrating a special occasion? Book the tea room 48 hours in advance to savor snacks and your selection of tea for the afternoon. With so many ways to relax at the Old Caledonia Bed and Breakfast, you will leave your trip feeling refreshed.