St Louis is a city located in the US state of Missouri. The city has a population of over 319,000 people and is situated on the banks of the Mississippi River.
St Louis is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States and is known for its many attractions, including the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, and Union Station.
St Louis was founded in 1764 by Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau and named after Louis IX of France.
The city became an important hub for trade and transportation due to its location on the Mississippi River.
In the 19th century, St Louis became a leading industrial city thanks to its many manufacturing plants. The city also played an important role in the westward expansion of the United States, serving as a starting point for many settlers heading west.
Today, St Louis is a vibrant city with a thriving economy. The city is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and is a major center for finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation.
St Louis is also a major cultural center, with several museums, art galleries, and theaters. The city is home to two professional sports teams, the St Louis Blues (NHL) and the St Louis Cardinals (MLB).
Things To Do In St Louis
1. Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a world-renowned center for botanical research and education. Founded in 1859, the Garden is home to more than 6,000 species of plants, making it one of the largest collections in the world.
The Garden’s 79 acres of horticultural display gardens are open to the public year-round, with something always in bloom.
Visitors can also enjoy the 12,000-square-foot Climatron® geodesic dome greenhouse, which houses more than 1,500 plant species from around the world.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a designated National Historic Landscape.
The Garden is an accredited member of the American Association of Museums and a participant in the Center for Plant Conservation’s National Collection of Endangered Plants.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a private, non-profit institution that relies on both public and private funding sources for its operations and programs.
The Garden is funded through an endowment, annual giving by individuals, corporations and foundations, membership dues, admissions fees, program fees, and earned income from the Shop at the Garden and other revenue-generating ventures.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Admission is free to members and Saint Louis City residents with proof of residency; otherwise, there is a small fee for adults and children over the age of 12.
Address: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110
2. St. Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is one of the best zoos in the United States and is free to the public.
The zoo is located in Forest Park and covers 79 acres. The zoo is home to more than 18,000 animals, representing more than 700 species.
The Saint Louis Zoo is a leader in animal conservation and has been involved in saving endangered species since its founding in 1910.
The zoo’s Animal Welfare and Conservation Education programs teach visitors about the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.
The zoo also operates the Riverbanks Zoological Park in Columbia, South Carolina, which is home to more than 2,000 animals.
The Saint Louis Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is free for all visitors.
Address: St. Louis Zoo, 1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
3. Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the United States and the iconic symbol of St Louis.
The arch is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in downtown St Louis.
The arch stands 630 feet tall and is made of steel and concrete.
The Gateway Arch was built as a monument to westward expansion and is the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park.
Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city.
The Gateway Arch is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission to the park is free, but there is a fee for the tram ride to the top of the arch.
Address: Gateway Arch, 11 N 4th St., St. Louis, MO 63102
4. City Museum
The City Museum is a unique museum located in downtown St Louis.
The museum is housed in an old shoe factory and has repurposed materials to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
The museum has 10 acres of exhibits, including an aquarium, a cave, and a Ferris wheel.
The City Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission is free for members and children under the age of 3; otherwise, there is a small fee for adults and children over the age of 3.
Address: City Museum, 701 N 15th St., St. Louis, MO 63103
5. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in downtown St Louis.
The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of St Louis and is the mother church of the Archdiocese of St Louis.
The cathedral was designed by architect William S. Eames and completed in 1914. The Cathedral Basilica is home to the world’s largest collection of mosaics, with over 83,000 square feet of mosaic art.
The cathedral is also notable for its large stained glass windows, which were designed by Emma Stebbins and completed in 1888.
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is one of the most visited tourist destinations in St Louis, with over 1.5 million visitors annually.
Address: Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108
6. Grant’s Farm
Grant’s Farm is a historic farm and wildlife preserve in St. Louis, Missouri.
The farm is named for Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, who owned the land from 1854 to 1862. Today, the farm is owned by Anheuser-Busch and open to the public for tours and educational programs.
The farm features a variety of animals, including bison, elk, deer, goats, and peacocks.
Visitors can also tour the Grant Cabin, which was built in 1854 and is the oldest structure on the property. The cabin was restored in 1962 and is open to the public for tours.
The farm also features a variety of educational programs, including a beekeeping program, a gardening program, and an environmental education program.
The beekeeping program offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the process of beekeeping and honey production.
The gardening program teaches visitors about organic gardening and sustainable farming practices. The environmental education program provides information about the importance of preserving the environment.
Grant’s Farm is open to the public for tours and educational programs from April through October. Admission to the farm is free for all visitors.
Address: Grant’s Farm, 10501 Gravois Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123
7. Saint Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum is an contemporary art museum located in Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri.
The museum houses a collection of over 30,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs.
The museum also has an extensive collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts.
The Saint Louis Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.
Address: Saint Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
8. Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum is a history museum located in Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri.
The museum houses a collection of over 60,000 artifacts, including documents, photographs, and objects.
The museum also has an extensive library with over 275,000 items, including books, newspapers, and manuscripts.
The Missouri History Museum is one of the largest history museums in the United States and is a member of the American Association for State and Local History.
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.
Address: Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112
9. Busch Stadium
Busch Stadium is a baseball stadium located in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.
The stadium is the home of the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball.
The stadium first opened in 2006 and has a capacity of over 45,000 people.
The stadium features a number of unique features, including a retractable roof, which allows games to be played in any weather conditions.
Busch Stadium is also one of the only stadiums in Major League Baseball with a moat, which surrounds the field and provides protection from foul balls.
The stadium is open year-round for tours and special events. Tours of the stadium are available Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the stadium is free for all visitors.
Address: Busch Stadium, 700 Clark Ave., St. Louis, MO 63102
10. Forest Park
Forest Park covers over 1,300 acres and is one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
The park features a number of amenities, including a zoo, an art museum, a history museum, and a golf course.
The park also has a number of trails for hiking, biking, and walking.
Forest Park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission to the park is free for all visitors.
Address: Forest Park, 5595 Grand Dr., St. Louis, MO 63112
11. The Magic House
The Magic House is a children’s museum located in St. Louis, Missouri.
The museum features over 250 hands-on exhibits, including a grocery store, a post office, and a bank.
The museum also has a number of educational programs, including classes on science, art, and math.
The Magic House is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the museum is $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 12.
Address: The Magic House, 516 S Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122
12. Lone Elk Park
Lone Elk Park is a public park that covers over 1,000 acres and is home to a number of animals, including bison, elk, deer, and bald eagles.
The park also has a number of hiking trails and a visitor center with educational exhibits.
Lone Elk Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Admission to the park is free for all visitors.
Address: Lone Elk Park, 1 Lone Elk Park Rd., St. Louis, MO 63121
13. Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center is a science museum located in St. Louis, Missouri.
The museum features over 700 hands-on exhibits, including a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
The museum also has a number of educational programs, including classes on science, technology, and engineering.
The Saint Louis Science Center is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the museum is free for all visitors.
Address: Saint Louis Science Center, 5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
14. The National Museum of Transportation
The National Museum of Transportation features over 300 exhibits, including trains, cars, and planes.
The museum also has a number of educational programs, including classes on science, technology, and engineering.
The National Museum of Transportation is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3 to 12.
Address: The National Museum of Transportation, 2933 Barrett Station Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122
15. Old Courthouse
The Old Courthouse is a historic courthouse.
The courthouse was built in 1828 and is one of the oldest courthouses in the United States.
The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission to the courthouse is free for all visitors.
Address: Old Courthouse, 11 N 4th St., St. Louis, MO 63102
16. Campbell House Museum
The Campbell House Museum, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a historic house museum that tells the story of its former occupants, the Campbell family.
The museum is open to the public for tours and special events.
The Campbell House was built in 1851 by Robert Campbell, a successful businessman from Kentucky.
The house was designed in the Italianate style and is one of the finest examples of this type of architecture in the United States. The house remained in the Campbell family until 1938 when it was donated to the Missouri Historical Society.
In 1963, the house was restored to its original appearance and opened to the public as a museum.
Today, the Campbell House Museum is furnished with many original items from the Campbell family, including furniture, paintings, and personal belongings.
The museum also features temporary exhibitions that showcase other aspects of Victorian life.
The Campbell House Museum is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of St. Louis and the Campbell family, a visit to the Campbell House Museum is a must!
Address: 1508 Locust St, Saint Louis, MO 63103-1816
17. World Chess Hall of Fame Museum
The World Chess Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to the game of chess and its history. It is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
The museum opened its doors to the public on September 9, 2011.
The facility houses a collection of chess artifacts and memorabilia, as well as a library and research center. Visitors can also view exhibitions on the game and participate in chess-related activities.
The World Chess Hall of Fame was founded by Rex Sinquefield, a businessman and philanthropist who is also a passionate chess player. He donated $3 million to the cause, which helped to get the project off the ground.
Since its opening, the World Chess Hall of Fame has welcomed over 100,000 visitors from all over the world. It has also played host to a number of prestigious events, including the 2012 U.S. Chess Championships and the 2013 Sinquefield Cup.
The World Chess Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit organization that is supported by donations and sponsorships. If you would like to support the museum, you can do so by making a donation or becoming a member.
Membership starts at just $50 per year and comes with a number of benefits, such as free admission to the museum and invitations to special events.
Address: 4652 Maryland Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63108-1913
18. Pulitzer Arts Foundation
The Pulitzer Arts Foundation is a non-profit arts organization in St. Louis, Missouri, founded in 1977 by Emily Rauh Pulitzer.
The foundation is dedicated to promoting the visual and performing arts, and hosts exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year.
The Pulitzer Arts Foundation also operates an art research library and sponsors artist residencies.
In 1977, Emily Rauh Pulitzer founded the Pulitzer Arts Foundation with a mission to promote the visual and performing arts in St. Louis.
The foundation sponsors exhibitions, educational programs, and artist residencies.
It also operates an art research library that is open to the public.
The Pulitzer Arts Foundation has presented exhibitions by many renowned artists, including Louise Bourgeois, Thomas Hirschhorn, Bruce Nauman, Richard Serra, and Andy Warhol.
The foundation also hosts performances, lectures, and concerts throughout the year.
Address: 3716 Washington Blvd, Saint Louis, MO 63108-3612
19. St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1880, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is one of the nation’s oldest and most revered orchestras.
For more than a century, the Symphony has been an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric, providing world-class musical experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Today, the St. Louis Symphony is widely regarded as one of the best orchestras in the world.
Under the direction of maestro David Robertson, the Symphony has won numerous prestigious awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Orchestral Performance and multiple ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming.
The Orchestra regularly performs at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and its recordings can be heard on major classical music labels.
In addition to its stellar artistry, the St. Louis Symphony is also known for its commitment to community engagement.
The Orchestra’s education and outreach programs serve tens of thousands of children and adults each year, providing them with opportunities to learn about and experience music firsthand.
The Symphony also provides free concerts and events throughout the year, making classical music accessible to all.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to classical music, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra offers something for everyone.
Address: 718 N Grand Blvd Powell Symphony Hall, Saint Louis, MO 63103-1011
FAQ
What food is famous in St. Louis?
St. Louis is most famous for its toasted ravioli, a dish of breaded and fried ravioli filled with meat or cheese. The city is also known for its barbecue, Italian food, and frozen custard.
Is downtown St Louis safe?
Downtown St. Louis is generally safe, although visitors should take caution in certain areas after dark. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department offers a free phone app, SLMPD Mobile, which provides real-time crime information and allows users to submit tips anonymously.
Is St. Louis a walkable city?
St. Louis is a very walkable city, especially in the downtown area. The city has a number of pedestrian-friendly features, including wide sidewalks, plenty of crosswalks, and interesting architecture. Downtown St. Louis is also home to a number of parks, making it a great place to get some fresh air and exercise.
How can I spend 2 days in St. Louis?
There are a number of ways to spend two days in St. Louis. Some popular options include exploring the city’s many parks and museums, taking a riverboat cruise, or enjoying a game at Busch Stadium. Visitors can also get a taste of the city’s unique food scene by trying some of its signature dishes, such as toasted ravioli or frozen custard.
Can you go in the St. Louis Arch?
Yes, you can go inside the St. Louis Arch! Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch, where they will be treated to incredible views of the city. The arch is also a popular spot for climbing, and there are a number of stairs that visitors can use to climb to the top.
How long is the tram ride to the top of the Arch?
The tram ride to the top of the Arch takes about 4 minutes. The journey is smooth and relaxing, and visitors will have plenty of time to enjoy the views from the top of the arch.
