The exhibits at the Old Courthouse, most of which are actual models or historic items rather than mere text or photographs, date back to 1764, at which time the St. Louis region was a French fur trading port. Other exhibits come from eras ranging from colonial times on up to the 20th century. The Old Courthouse served as an actual courthouse from the mid-19th century up until 1930.
Anchored at Shaw Boulevard, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a sublime collection of gardens. This paradisiacal oasis boasts a plethora of themed lawns such as Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden and Children’s Garden. Spread across a sprawling expanse, the verdant haven offers a tranquil getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Some of the alluring features of this majestic destination include Climatron, a geodesic dome conservatory; Linnean House, one of the oldest greenhouses of the premises; and Victorian District, a picturesque area comprising more gardens, the Sachs Museum and the Tower Grove House. Whether you’re looking to bring in a leisurely day amidst scenic beauty or learn more about plant science, there can be no better destination than the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Born in 1879, this park attracts history lovers from around the world. Dubbed as the 'Heart of St. Louis', Forest Park is a stirring nexus of history and nature, where rolling meadows and serene ponds are accentuated by agile streams. Memories abound in this urban park, which hosts reunions and many other events year-round. Within its scenic landscape are remarkable attractions like the St. Louis Science Center, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Muny Amphitheatre and the Missouri History Museum. Another notable attraction of the park is the Saint Louis Zoo which is a treasure trove of wildlife like bears, apes and penguins. Similarly, the charming, pink Cabanne House, which serves as the forest headquarters stands in striking harmony with the other ancient edifices cradled in the park. A marvelous synergy of historical intrigue and natural delight, Forest Park takes a place of pride in St. Louis.
The Missouri History Museum houses the entire past and present of the state in one building. You'll never run out of things to do - independent film screenings, interesting exhibits and concerts that are always going on. Engage in the stimulating programs offered to interact and learn with each other. Don't forget to visit the "Seeking St. Louis," exhibit to travel through two centuries of history in this booming city. Admission is free, so bring your family and friends for an educational and fun day out without breaking the bank.
Explore the outer reaches of space and try your hand at archaeology when you spend a day visiting the St. Louis Science Center. Using interactive displays, life-like exhibits, an IMAX theater and hands-on activities, this center will have your imagination running wild. Kids too can have a fun time, learning about science, astronomy and health, through various camps and workshops organized on site. One of the largest establishments of its kind, the museum is also home to the famed McDonnell Planetarium and an agricultural pavilion. Best of all, admission to this fantastical center is free!
As one of the few remaining free zoos in the United States and the third largest, the St. Louis Zoo is a day full of discovery and exploration. Open year-round, this spacious zoo offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with many of the animals. Some areas of the zoo do require an entrance fee such as the Sea Lion Show, Children's Petting Zoo area, Safari Tours, and Stingray Encounter at Caribbean Cove.
This still functioning cemetery has an amazing history. Founded in 1816, it became a very popular tourist attraction as a result of not only its beauty and history, but also because of the role that it played before the Civil War. The Old Meeting House located on the grounds of the Des Peres Presbyterian Church and Cemetery was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Thousands of slaves found their ways to freedom as a result of the work that abolitionists selflessly engaged in at this site. A marker that commemorates the struggles of the victims of the American slave trade who were buried in the cemetery without grave markers is left for passers by to see. Since the cemetery is a religious site, it is advised that all visitors come with a sense of reverence and respect. Many people visit the cemetery and leave with a sense of connection with the earth and its past. -Cathryn D. Blue
Famous for its rich heritage and past-era brick construction, the Benjamin Stephenson House (also known as The 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House) is an important tourist landmark of much cultural and historical significance in Edwardsville, Illinois. This Federal-style building was built by native craftsmen in 1820 using predominantly bricks and cement. This two-story building has four rooms and elegant interiors that brilliantly reflect how the elite class lived in the beginning of the 19th century in Illinois. Informative and interactive private as well as group tours of the property are provided from Wednesday through Sunday, throughout the year. Admission and tour fees is US$ 6 for adults and US$3 for children (in the age group of 6 – 12 years).
Part of the sprawling Jefferson Barracks Historic District in Lemay, St. Louis County, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum is a famous tourist attraction and popular landmark of the State of Missouri. Housed in a historic 1896 two-story duplex house, this museum has an exhaustive collection of vintage telephones, dating back to the early 1900s to the ones used as recently as the early 21st century. Apart from the telephones, the museum also houses operator switchboards used in the period 1920-60, telephone-associated parts and other memorabilia dating back to early 1880s, novelty telephones, a famous sculpture of Alexander Graham Bell and replicas of the inventor's 1876 Liquid Transmitter and 1877 First Commercial Telephone.
Famous for holding the distinguished title of being the oldest mansion/house in Granite City, the Old Six Mile Museum (earlier known as the Emmert-Zippel House) is a major tourist attraction in the State of Illinois. Located on 3729 Maryville Road, this historic landmark encapsulates the greater Granite City community's rich heritage and legacy. Built in 1837 by William Emmert, the house was sold off to the Zippels in 1884, who resided there until 1984, post which the Old Six Mile Historical Society bought and converted it into a museum. The historic museum features a front hall, living room, summer kitchen, a display room depicting the Great Civil War artifacts, a sewing room, bedrooms, a traveler's room and smokehouse.
Naked mole rats, meerkats, fennec foxes, and Matschie's Tree Kangaroos are only a few of the animals one can watch and love on at the Emerson Children's Zoo. This attraction is one of the few in the zoo that visitors must pay to enter, but it's worth it. Sure, anyone can watch animals from a distance, but at this zoo, visitors can actually play with the animals! For example, the kid goats are particularly frisky and enjoy being fed, but be careful, they will try to eat your shirt! All the animals in this area are the puppy versions, so their ferocity is at a minimum. However, be respectful, since these are still animals with minds of their own. - Cathryn D. Blue
The Living World attraction is the welcoming area at the North Entrance of the famous St. Louis Zoo. Regardless of the entrance one takes, The Living World is a must visit area of the zoo as it features all the information one needs to understand what the zoo holds. Moreover, there is historical information about Missouri and the ecosystem, as well as current explanations of the natural phenomena that one can behold in real time. This futuristically designed building hosts lectures and classes, as well as occasional events. Stop by the visitor's desk to find out everything The Living World has to offer. - Cathryn D. Blue