Top 10 Things to In St . Louis

St. Louis

The St. Louis area is home to world-class cultural attractions, historic sites, beautiful parks, and plenty of options to get outside and explore the great outdoors. The rolling waters of the mighty Mississippi river make for a particularly scenic backdrop to this vibrant region. Being only 60 miles south of Litchfield  check out our list of 10 Things To Do In St. Louis. 

1. Take a Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch.

St. Louis Arch in Downtown St. Louis

Standing at 630-feet tall, the Gateway Arch (formerly known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial) in St. Louis is the world’s tallest arch. Built as a monument to the westward expansion of the United States and dedicated to the people of America, the Gateway Arch is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Take a tram ride to the top, visit the underground visitor center, and admire the views from the observation deck

2. Find your favorite species at the St. Louis Zoo.

People walking past St. Louis Zoo entrance signVoted America’s top free attraction, the St. Louis Zoo is a must (and did we mention it’s free?). Set in beautiful Forest Park, the zoo has six specific zones and is home to more than 600 species of animals. You’ll find grizzly bears, meerkats, elephants, monkeys and even stingrays as you wander this celebrated Midwest favorite. Activities and programs are available for all ages!

3. Marvel at a Masterpiece at the St. Louis Art Museum.

Sculpture of man on horse in front of St. Louis Art MuseumThe St. Louis Art Museum is home to paintings, sculptures, artifacts and ancient masterpieces from all corners of the world. Founded in 1879, the Museum’s collection boasts works by Matisse, Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Max Beckmann and Chuck Close. You’ll also find Egyptian mummies, some of the finest hand woven Turkish rugs in the world and extensive collections of Oceanic and Mesoamerican art. Best of all, you can soak up all this culture for free!

4. Exercise Your Brain at the St. Louis Science Center.

Planetarium at St. Louis Science Center

With over 700 interactive exhibits, including: permanent galleries, live science demonstrations, an OMNIMAX Theater, a planetarium, and rotating special exhibits, visitors will be immersed in all things science. General admission to the St. Louis Science Center is free; check the website to see what is included. People of all ages are invited to investigate, explore, engage, and learn!

5. Embrace the Child within at the City Museum.

St. Louis City Museum
Voted #1 Family Attraction in the World by Trip.com, the City Museum is home to an eclectic collection of architectural and industrial objects constructed in the form of a giant, functional playground. Brainchild of the acclaimed artist Bob Cassilly, the museum features a life-size Bowhead Whale, a giant hollowed out tree, reclaimed items from St. Louis and a range of other oddball exhibits. But the best part? Visitors can crawl and climb their way through tunnels, caves and the famous Shoe Shafts running through the center of the Museum. In short, it’s a playground the whole family can enjoy.

6. Stop and Smell the Roses at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Missouri Botanical Gardens

Being the nation’s oldest continuously operated botanical garden, founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a must see on your trip. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, a rare orchid collection, and a butterfly house. Special exhibitions are also a commonplace here so make sure to check their calendar of events!

9. View the Mosaics at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

Mosaics at Cathedral Basillica in St. Louis

Home to one of the largest collections of mosaics in the Western Hemisphere the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is a hidden gem. Literally; it shimmers. Guided tours are available, as well as self guided tours. All are welcome. Since this is still a functioning church it is recommended to call ahead of time to ensure the church will be available for touring.

8. Immerse Yourself in Cardinals Nation at the Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum.

Cardinals Museum in Ballpark Village

Located in Ballpark Village, across from Busch Stadium, the Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum features stadiums, players, and championship moments of the St. Louis Cardinals. This museum boasts one of the largest team-specific collections of artifacts and memorabilia in the world. While you are here, you may want to take a tour of Busch Stadium or have lunch at one of the restaurants located in Ballpark Village.

9. Take A Brewery Tour.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery

Feel like “hopping” around town? Ok, yes that is a pretty terrible pun, but St. Louis is home to many breweries. Some of that may ring a bell are: Anheuser-Busch (founded in 1852) and Schlafly. Both of these offer free brewery tours, and you know how we like free.

10. Be Fabulous at the Fox Theatre.

Fox Theater

You do not have to go far for live theater with the Fabulous Fox Theatre right down the road. Opened in 1929 and completely restored in 1982, this iconic St. Louis gem takes grandeur to a new level. Visitors can watch everything from Broadway hits to pop start sensations in this location. Public tours are also available.

Did you enjoy our Top 10 Things To Do In St. Louis? Check out our other trip ideas:

Litchfield: Top 10 Things To Do

Springfield: Top 10 Things To Do

Top 10 Things To Do Near Litchfield