Major attractions in st louis

Gateway Arch & Museum of Westward Expansion

• The Gateway Arch, standing 630 feet tall, is the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. It symbolizes St. Louis’ role as the “Gateway to the West.”
• Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River.
• The Museum of Westward Expansion (located beneath the Arch) features exhibits about Lewis and Clark, pioneer life, and Native American history.
• The Arch is part of the Gateway Arch National Park, which also includes the Old Courthouse.

Missouri History Museum

• Located in Forest Park, this museum highlights the rich history of St. Louis.
• Key exhibits include the 1904 World’s Fair, the Civil Rights Movement in St. Louis, and Charles Lindbergh’s flight across the Atlantic.
• It frequently hosts traveling exhibitions and free events for the community.

Old Courthouse

• A historic courthouse where the Dred Scott case was heard, making it a key site in the fight for civil rights.
• Features exhibits on 19th-century law, slavery, and civil rights in the United States.
• The dome and architecture make it a stunning place to visit.

Campbell House Museum

• A restored 1850s mansion that gives insight into Victorian-era life in St. Louis.
• It belonged to Robert Campbell, a prominent businessman, and has preserved original furniture, clothing, and decor.
• Guided tours provide an intimate look into the luxurious lifestyle of St. Louis’ elite in the 19th century.

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

• Dedicated to Scott Joplin, the “King of Ragtime” who lived in St. Louis during the early 1900s.
• Showcases period furnishings, a player piano playing Joplin’s compositions, and exhibits on his life and music.
• Visitors can learn about the development of ragtime and its influence on modern music.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery

• One of the oldest and most famous breweries in the U.S., dating back to 1852.
• Tours show the brewing process, historic brew kettles, and the company’s role in American beer history.
• Visitors can see the Clydesdale horses, an iconic part of Anheuser-Busch’s legacy.
• Beer tastings are included in many tours.

The Hill Neighborhood

• A historic Italian-American district, home to the city’s best Italian restaurants, bakeries, and shops.
• The neighborhood has a rich immigrant history and is the birthplace of famous baseball players Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola.
• Must-visit spots include Charlie Gitto’s, Zia’s, and Volpi Foods for authentic Italian cuisine.

National Blues Museum

• A modern museum dedicated to the history of blues music, which played a vital role in St. Louis culture.
• Features interactive exhibits, historic recordings, and artifacts from legendary blues musicians.
• Visitors can even create their own blues song in one of the interactive displays.

Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

• A tribute to U.S. military veterans, focusing on St. Louis’ contributions to major wars.
• Contains artifacts, letters, and uniforms from World War I, World War II, and beyond.
• Recently renovated with state-of-the-art exhibits and educational programs.

Eugene Field House & St. Louis Toy Museum

• Home of Eugene Field, a famous children’s poet known for “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod.”
• Features a collection of 19th and early 20th-century toys, offering a nostalgic look at childhood in that era.
• A small but charming museum perfect for literature lovers and toy enthusiasts.

Outdoor & Nature Attractions

Forest Park

• One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., even bigger than Central Park in New York.
• Features miles of walking trails, lakes, forests, and scenic spots.
• Home to major attractions like the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, and Missouri History Museum.

Missouri Botanical Garden

• A world-renowned botanical garden founded in 1859.

• Highlights include:

• The Japanese Garden (one of the largest in North America).

• The Climatron, a stunning glass-domed tropical rainforest conservatory.

• A Victorian-era English Garden.

• Offers seasonal festivals, educational programs, and plant conservation initiatives.

3. Laumeier Sculpture Park

• A unique outdoor art museum with large-scale sculptures spread across 105 acres.

• Features hiking trails and picnic areas, making it a perfect blend of art and nature.

• Free to visit and hosts art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.

4. Tower Grove Park

• A Victorian-style park with ornate pavilions, fountains, and beautiful landscaping.

• A popular spot for picnics, yoga classes, and weekend farmers markets.

• Features a rich collection of trees and plants, including rare species.

5. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving the remains of an ancient Native American city.

• Visitors can explore mounds, an interpretive center, and reconstructed village areas.

• Monks Mound, the largest earthen mound in North America, offers stunning views.

6. Castlewood State Park

• A scenic park along the Meramec River, known for hiking, biking, and fishing.

• Offers cliffside trails with beautiful panoramic views.

• Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure near St. Louis.

7. Shaw Nature Reserve

• A peaceful getaway about 30 miles west of St. Louis, perfect for hiking and birdwatching.

• Features wildflower fields, prairies, and a large arboretum.

8. Great Rivers Greenway

• A network of bike and walking trails along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

• Provides stunning views of the riverfront, historic bridges, and wildlife.

9. Lone Elk Park

• A wildlife park where visitors can see elk, bison, deer, and wild turkeys.

• A drive-through park, allowing visitors to safely observe wildlife from their cars.

10. Mississippi River Overlook & Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park

• One of the best viewpoints of the St. Louis skyline.

• Features a 30-foot viewing platform that offers panoramic views of the Gateway Arch and downtown.