Best Things To Do in St. Louis, Missouri
Visit the Gateway Arch for stunning views and explore the Saint Louis Zoo, one of the best in the country. St. Louis, Missouri, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and entertainment.
The iconic Gateway Arch stands as a symbol of the city and provides breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. Families will enjoy the Saint Louis Zoo, which offers free admission and a wide variety of animals. History enthusiasts can explore the Missouri History Museum and the City Museum, known for its quirky exhibits.
Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, is perfect for outdoor activities. Enjoy vibrant neighborhoods like The Loop and Soulard, known for their eclectic shops and live music scenes. St. Louis is a city with something for everyone.
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Explore The Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is the most iconic symbol of St. Louis. Visiting it is a must for anyone exploring the city. Standing tall at 630 feet, it offers breathtaking views and rich history. Let’s dive into what makes this landmark so special.
Arch History
The Gateway Arch commemorates the westward expansion of the United States. Built between 1963 and 1965, it symbolizes the pioneering spirit. Eero Saarinen, a Finnish-American architect, designed the Arch. His vision was to create a monument that would stand the test of time.
The Arch is made of stainless steel and is the tallest man-made monument in the United States. It was constructed as a part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. This site honors Thomas Jefferson’s Louisiana Purchase and the explorers Lewis and Clark.
Observation Deck
The Gateway Arch features an observation deck at its peak. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top. The ride itself is an adventure, as it ascends the curved interior of the Arch.
Once at the top, you can enjoy stunning views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. On a clear day, you can see up to 30 miles in all directions. The observation deck offers a unique perspective of the city.
Don’t forget to bring your camera. The views from the top are perfect for capturing memories. Whether you visit during the day or at sunset, the experience is unforgettable.
Visit The St. Louis Zoo
One of the best attractions in St. Louis is the St. Louis Zoo. This zoo is perfect for families. It offers a fun and educational experience. You will see many different animals and enjoy various activities.
Animal Exhibits
The St. Louis Zoo has many amazing animal exhibits. You can see lions, tigers, and bears. The zoo also has elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Each exhibit is well-designed. The animals have spacious and natural habitats.
Here are some key exhibits to visit:
- Big Cat Country: See lions, tigers, and leopards.
- River’s Edge: Home to elephants, hippos, and rhinos.
- Penguin & Puffin Coast: Watch penguins and puffins swim.
- Primates House: Meet monkeys and apes.
- Sea Lion Sound: Enjoy sea lion shows and underwater views.
Zoo Activities
The St. Louis Zoo offers many fun activities. You can ride a train around the zoo. The train ride is both fun and relaxing. Kids will love the carousel. It features hand-carved animals to ride.
Here are some popular activities:
- Zooline Railroad: Take a scenic train ride.
- Conservation Carousel: Ride unique animals.
- 4D Theater: Watch immersive short films.
- Children’s Zoo: Interactive area with farm animals.
- Keeper Chats: Learn from zookeepers about animals.
Tour The Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is a must-visit. This historic garden offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Whether you love nature or want a relaxing day out, this garden has something for everyone.
Garden Highlights
The garden boasts many beautiful areas to explore. The Climatron is a tropical rainforest under a dome. You will find exotic plants and a waterfall inside. The Japanese Garden is another highlight. It features serene ponds, bridges, and traditional landscaping. Don’t miss the Rose Garden with its colorful blooms and lovely scents.
| Section | Features |
|---|---|
| Climatron | Tropical plants, waterfall |
| Japanese Garden | Ponds, bridges, landscaping |
| Rose Garden | Colorful blooms, fragrances |
Seasonal Events
The Missouri Botanical Garden hosts many seasonal events throughout the year. During the spring, the Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blooming trees. In the summer, the Garden Party Lights event lights up the garden at night.
The fall season features the Best of Missouri Market, showcasing local goods and crafts. Winter brings the Garden Glow, a stunning holiday light display.
- Spring: Cherry Blossom Festival
- Summer: Garden Party Lights
- Fall: Best of Missouri Market
- Winter: Garden Glow
Experience The Magic House
St. Louis, Missouri is home to many exciting attractions, but the Magic House stands out as a must-visit. This children’s museum offers a world of fun and learning. With hands-on activities and engaging exhibits, every visit is an adventure.
Interactive Exhibits
The Magic House boasts a variety of interactive exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages. Whether it’s building structures, experimenting with water, or creating art, there’s always something to explore. Kids can climb through tunnels, solve puzzles, and even play in a real courtroom.
- Water Play: Experiment with water currents and dams.
- Art Studio: Unleash creativity with various art supplies.
- Construction Zone: Build using giant foam blocks.
- Wonder Works: Engage with science and physics exhibits.
Family-friendly Activities
The Magic House offers a range of family-friendly activities that ensure everyone has a great time. From toddlers to teens, there’s something for everyone. The museum also hosts special events and themed days to keep things exciting.
- Storytime: Enjoy tales read aloud by friendly staff.
- Hands-on Workshops: Participate in crafts and DIY projects.
- Outdoor Play: Explore the beautiful garden and playground.
- Birthday Parties: Celebrate special occasions in a fun setting.
Plan your visit to the Magic House and create lasting memories with your family. From interactive exhibits to family-friendly activities, there’s so much to discover in this magical place.
Discover The City Museum
The City Museum in St. Louis is not your average museum. This unique attraction is a playground for both kids and adults. With its eclectic mix of art, architecture, and fun, it promises an unforgettable experience.
Unique Attractions
The City Museum offers a variety of unique attractions that captivate visitors. One of the most popular is the Enchanted Caves. These caves twist and turn, creating a maze of wonder.
Another highlight is the MonstroCity. This outdoor playground features old planes, fire trucks, and a giant ball pit. It’s a paradise for adventure seekers.
Don’t miss the Everyday Circus, where performers dazzle with their skills. From acrobats to magicians, there’s always a show to enjoy.
Workshops And Events
The City Museum also hosts a variety of workshops and events. These activities cater to all ages and interests. Check out the art workshops. Here, you can create your own masterpiece under the guidance of skilled artists.
For those interested in science, the STEM workshops are a must. These sessions are both educational and fun. They cover topics like robotics, coding, and more.
The museum also organizes seasonal events. Celebrate holidays with themed activities and special performances. Whether it’s Halloween or Christmas, there’s always something exciting happening.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Enchanted Caves | A maze of twisting tunnels and hidden surprises. |
| MonstroCity | Outdoor playground with planes, fire trucks, and a ball pit. |
| Everyday Circus | Live performances featuring acrobats and magicians. |
Plan your visit to the City Museum and experience its wonders. From unique attractions to engaging workshops, there’s something for everyone.
Credit: explorestlouis.com
Enjoy Forest Park
Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is a must-visit. This urban park is one of the largest in the United States. It offers a variety of attractions and activities.
Park Attractions
Forest Park houses several renowned attractions. Each provides unique experiences.
- St. Louis Zoo: Home to over 18,000 animals from 700 species.
- Missouri History Museum: Exhibits on the state’s rich past.
- St. Louis Art Museum: Features over 30,000 works of art.
- The Muny: The largest outdoor musical theater in the country.
Outdoor Activities
Forest Park is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy various activities in the lush green space.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Biking | Over 7 miles of bike trails. |
| Walking & Running | Scenic paths for all fitness levels. |
| Boating | Paddleboats and canoes on the park’s waterways. |
| Golf | Two beautiful golf courses within the park. |
Forest Park also hosts seasonal events and festivals. It’s a lively place all year round. Visit and make unforgettable memories.
Stroll Through Soulard Farmers Market
St. Louis, Missouri, offers a rich tapestry of experiences. One of the best things to do is to stroll through Soulard Farmers Market. This historic market, established in 1779, is a must-visit. It’s a bustling hub of activity every Wednesday through Saturday.
Market Vendors
The Soulard Farmers Market boasts a variety of vendors. You will find everything from fresh produce to unique crafts. Each stall offers something special.
- Butchers – Fresh meat and poultry.
- Bakers – Delicious bread and pastries.
- Craftsmen – Handmade jewelry and art.
- Florists – Beautiful flowers and plants.
Each vendor brings their own flavor to the market. The variety is astounding. You can spend hours exploring each stall.
Local Produce
Local produce is the star of the Soulard Farmers Market. Farmers from the region bring their best crops. The fruits and vegetables are fresh and vibrant.
| Produce | Season |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes | Summer |
| Apples | Fall |
| Greens | Spring |
| Squash | Winter |
Fresh produce makes a difference. The flavors are more intense. The nutritional value is higher. Supporting local farmers is a good practice.
Visiting the Soulard Farmers Market is a delight. It offers a chance to support local vendors and enjoy the best produce. Make it a part of your St. Louis adventure.
Catch A Game At Busch Stadium
Busch Stadium is a must-see in St. Louis, Missouri. This iconic stadium is home to the St. Louis Cardinals. Baseball fans flock here for an unforgettable experience.
Stadium Tour
Take a stadium tour to explore behind the scenes. Guides will show you the dugouts, press box, and more. You’ll learn fun facts about the stadium’s history. It’s a perfect activity for families and fans.
| Tour Type | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Tour | 1 Hour | $20 |
| Deluxe Tour | 1.5 Hours | $30 |
Game Day Experience
Game days at Busch Stadium are thrilling. The atmosphere is electric. Fans cheer loudly for their team. The stadium seats 45,000 people. Each seat offers a great view of the field.
- Arrive early to soak in the atmosphere.
- Grab a hot dog and a drink.
- Join in on the chants and cheers.
Don’t forget to visit the team store. You can buy jerseys, caps, and other memorabilia. It’s a great way to remember your visit.
Credit: travel.usnews.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Top Attractions In St. Louis?
St. Louis offers top attractions like the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and the St. Louis Zoo. Each site provides unique experiences. The city is rich in history and culture. Don’t miss the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Where Can I Find Family-friendly Activities In St. Louis?
Family-friendly activities in St. Louis include visiting the Magic House, St. Louis Science Center, and Grant’s Farm. Each location offers engaging experiences for kids. The whole family will enjoy these attractions.
Are There Free Things To Do In St. Louis?
Yes, St. Louis offers many free activities like visiting the St. Louis Zoo, Forest Park, and the Art Museum. These attractions are perfect for budget-friendly trips.
What Are The Best Places To Eat In St. Louis?
St. Louis has diverse dining options, including Pappy’s Smokehouse, The Hill, and Crown Candy Kitchen. Each offers unique flavors. You can find everything from barbecue to Italian cuisine.
Conclusion
St. Louis offers a variety of exciting activities for every traveler. From historic landmarks to vibrant neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the unique blend of culture, history, and entertainment. Plan your visit today and discover the best things to do in St.
Louis, Missouri. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a desire to return.