Exciting Midwest Road Trip: Philadelphia to St. Louis, Six Flags, Indianapolis, and Back

Day 1: Travel to St. Louis

Philadelphia, PA to St. Louis, MO on July 21, 2025

1:00pm

Depart Philadelphia

Begin the road trip westward to St. Louis, MO. The drive is approximately 12 hours, so plan for rest and fueling stops along the way.
USD0, 12h0m

7:00pm

Dinner Stop

Stop for dinner at a popular halfway point such as Columbus, OH. Try a local diner like The Refectory for American cuisine and a hearty meal to keep energy up.
USD15, 1h0m

Day 2: Six Flags Day

St. Louis, MO on July 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Rooster

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Rooster in St. Louis, known for delicious eggs and southern-inspired brunch fare. Opens at 8:00am.
USD20, 1h0m

10:00am

Six Flags St. Louis

Spend the day at Six Flags St. Louis enjoying thrilling rollercoasters, water rides, and entertaining shows. The park is open 10:30am to 10:00pm.
USD70, 9h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Salt + Smoke

After a fun day at Six Flags, indulge in delicious barbecue at Salt + Smoke, a top-rated local spot with extended evening hours till 9:00pm.
USD30, 1h0m

Day 3: Drive to Indianapolis

St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN on July 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Half & Half

Start your day with a morning meal at Half & Half in St. Louis featuring creative brunch dishes. Opens at 7:30am.
USD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Indianapolis

Head northeast to Indianapolis, a roughly 4.5-hour scenic drive through the Midwest.
USD0, 4h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at Bluebeard

Enjoy lunch at Bluebeard in Indianapolis, a stylish place serving inventive American dishes with local ingredients. Open 11:30am-2pm on weekdays.
USD25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Stroll or bike along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail to see public art, urban parks, and neighborhoods showcasing the city's vibrant culture and history. Open all day, free entrance.
USD0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Milktooth

Dine at Milktooth, a popular brunch-turned-dinner spot in Indianapolis known for creative and locally sourced dishes. Open till 9pm.
USD30, 1h0m

Day 4: Explore Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN on July 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Patachou

Begin with a wholesome breakfast at Café Patachou, famous for fresh, made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch. Opens 7am.
USD18, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Discover the history of the iconic Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Open 9am-5pm, tickets $15.
USD15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shapiro’s Delicatessen

Enjoy classic Jewish deli fare including pastrami sandwiches at Shapiro’s Delicatessen, a beloved Indianapolis institution. Open 10am-3pm.
USD18, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit White River State Park

Relax or walk through White River State Park featuring gardens, museums, and riverfront trails. Open daily, free.
USD0, 3h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at St. Elmo Steak House

Dine at iconic St. Elmo Steak House offering historic atmosphere and classic steaks. Open till 9pm.
USD50, 1h30m

Day 5: Return Home

Indianapolis, IN to Philadelphia, PA on July 25, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Yolk

Quick breakfast at Yolk to fuel your long drive back, known for fresh breakfast options and great coffee. Opens 7am.
USD15, 0h45m

7:45am

Drive back to Philadelphia

Drive east back to Philadelphia, approximately a 10-hour trip. Plan breaks as needed for meals and rest.
USD0, 10h0m

12:00pm

Lunch on the Road

Stop for lunch around Pittsburgh, PA at a local spot such as Primanti Bros., famous for sandwiches with fries and slaw. Opens 11am-9pm.
USD15, 1h0m

Day 6: Rest Day

Philadelphia, PA on July 26, 2025

Anytime

Rest and Recover

Relax and recover from the trip at home or explore Philadelphia’s local attractions and dining at your leisure.
USD0, All day