Attractions and Places To See around St. Louis - Top 20

St. Louis is home to several iconic landmarks. The most prominent is the Gateway Arch, a 192-meter-tall stainless steel monument symbolizing westward expansion, offering panoramic city views. Nearby, the Old Courthouse is a significant historical site where the Dred Scott freedom suits were first heard. You can also visit the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, known for its vast mosaic collection, or the historic Eads Bridge, the world's first steel bridge.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Forest Park is a must-see, spanning 1,326 acres with forests, lakes, and various cultural institutions. The Missouri Botanical Garden, a National Historic Landmark, features diverse gardens including the iconic Climatron. You can also explore the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, now a pedestrian and cyclist-only bridge over the Mississippi River with a unique 22° bend.

Absolutely! Many attractions in St. Louis cater to families. Forest Park hosts the free Saint Louis Zoo and the Missouri History Museum. The City Museum offers an interactive, whimsical experience with multi-story slides. Grant's Farm provides a blend of history, wildlife, and family fun, including tram rides and the Budweiser Clydesdales. The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum, is also a popular choice for kids.

St. Louis is rich in history. The Old Courthouse is central to the city's legal history, particularly the Dred Scott case. The Gateway Arch National Park commemorates westward expansion. For a deeper dive, the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park chronicles the state's past, including the 1904 World's Fair. You can also visit the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site or the Campbell House Museum for a glimpse into 19th-century life.

St. Louis boasts a vibrant cultural scene. The Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) offers free admission to its vast collection spanning 5,000 years. The National Blues Museum celebrates the legacy of blues music, while the Missouri History Museum provides insights into the region's heritage. The Griot Museum of Black History is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Black people connected to St. Louis.

Yes, several attractions in St. Louis are designed to be wheelchair-accessible. The Gateway Arch and its museum are accessible, as is the connecting Luther Ely Smith Square. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, now a pedestrian and cycling path, is also accessible. Many major institutions within Forest Park, such as the Saint Louis Zoo and Art Museum, offer accessibility features.

The St. Louis area offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on routes like the 'Old Chain of Rocks Bridge – Riverfront Tail trailhead loop' or 'Wheels Path – Forest Park loop'. For running, trails such as 'River des Peres Greenway Trail' and various loops around Forest Park are popular. Explore more options for cycling, running, and road cycling.

Yes, there are numerous trails for hiking and walking. Forest Park itself has extensive walking trails. For longer excursions, Castlewood State Park and Babler Memorial State Park offer scenic hiking and equestrian trails along the Meramec River. Columbia Bottom Conservation Area provides trails with views of the Missouri and Mississippi river confluence. You can find specific running routes like the 'Gateway Arch – Eads Bridge loop' or 'Forest Park loop' in the running guide.

Visitors frequently praise the beauty and accessibility of St. Louis's attractions. Many appreciate the stunning views from the Gateway Arch and the unique experience of cycling across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Forest Park is highly regarded for its beautiful landscapes and the variety of cultural institutions it hosts, making it perfect for relaxation, biking, and exploration.

St. Louis offers several unique spots where art and nature intertwine. Laumeier Sculpture Park features large-scale outdoor sculptures set within a natural landscape. The Missouri Botanical Garden is a living art display with its diverse plant collections and the iconic Climatron greenhouse. Within Forest Park, you'll find the Saint Louis Art Museum, offering a blend of artistic masterpieces amidst a beautiful urban green space.

Yes, St. Louis has a significant brewing history. You can take a tour of the historic Anheuser-Busch Brewery to learn about the brewing process and even meet the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. For a different historical perspective, the Lemp Mansion, once home to a prominent brewing family, is also known for its intriguing history and rumored paranormal activity.