I will personally provide a world class STL chaperoned tour of the best places to see. Art museum, zoo, city Museum, Italian on the hill top of the arch plus many more.
I used to drive an hour to work and I consider an hour drive not a big deal at all. I wouldn't do more than that. Though I do know a couple people that drive two hours for work. That's four hours in a car every day 😬
That's a hell of a detour since you live the other direction. Picking you up would make it a 15.5 hour drive 😂 If you come here, I'll drive the rest of the way.