Completed in October 1965 the Gateway Arch was designed to last 1,000 years. The Arch was built to represent Thomas Jefferson's dream of a United States that stretched from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast. At a spectacular 630 feet (192 meters), the monumental structure features a stainless steel facade that represents the city's legacy as the Gateway to the West. A tram zips to the top of the monument and one can see 360-degree views for 30 miles (48 kilometers) around the city. The Arch stands within the larger Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and is a testament to American engineering at its finest.
Located in a former shoe-manufacturing warehouse, this eccentric museum and adventure park has something for both the young and the young-at-heart. With multiple floors of fascinating, educational and fun-filled rooms, it is one of the best downtown attractions. The museum is run by a group of artists and professionals who have done a splendid job of curating an awe-inspiring array of exhibits. Using repurposed pieces of old cities, the makers have built exhilarating slides and grand castles. Feel the authenticity of the multilevel enchanted caves, the architectural museum, a giant aquarium and so much more at the unique City Museum.
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.
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.
This brewery is one of the most famous in the whole world, and certainly in the United States. Since 1855, the brewery has been producing America's favorite Budweiser beer along with other Anheuser-Busch brews, and also houses the renowned Budweiser Clydesdales. Tours leave around every 15 minutes to see the process of how this domestic brew is made.
An inviting destination for children and adults alike, the Magic House in St. Louis combines entertainment and learning. Founded in 1975 by Jody Newman and Barbie Freund, the interactive museum is set within an alluring Victorian mansion. The award-winning museum aims to educate learners of all ages by incorporating elements of creativity and curiosity. The yearlong family STEAM nights and scout programs, coupled with the summer camps, provide a fertile environment where learning becomes fun. The Electro-Static Generator, Jack and the Beanstalk Climber, Mizzou Training Center and the Backyard Magic are some of the museum's most popular exhibits, attracting locals and tourists alike.
For the past 25 years, Shirley Schwartz has dedicated her life to the love of art and sharing beauty with others. Barucci Gallery is nationally known as one of the premier contemporary art galleries. The gallery offers artistic consulting as well as framing for private collections and is the official framer for the St. Louis Art Fair. The gallery includes pieces by select award-winning contemporary artists and incorporates original paintings, glasswork, ceramics, and jewelry. The selection is quite eclectic, with pieces from all over the United States. Even if purchasing art isn’t in the stars, the gallery is a great place to spend the afternoon browsing. - Cathryn D. Blue
This three-story, 42-room estate cost half a million dollars when it was built by successful St. Louis businessman Samuel Cupples in 1889. The purple sandstone mansion features elaborate Romanesque architecture and boasts 22 fireplaces, five centuries of fine art, finely curved woodwork and some of the home's original furniture. Tours of the historic Samuel Cupples House, which was donated to St. Louis University in 1942, are conducted Tuesday through Saturday. Special tours in foreign languages and for the hearing or sight impaired can be prearranged by telephone. The mansion is closed during the month of January.
If downtown is the heart of St. Louis, then Citygarden is the thrumming beat of the city. This urban sculpture park offers a respite from the concrete jungle with water features, lush green grass and foliage, gorgeously maintained themed gardens, and a dining venue. Finished and presented to the community in 2009, Citygarden occupies two square city blocks and serves as a retreat for the denizens of St. Louis. The park is home to 24 sculptures, some interactive, giving guests the chance to walk-through and climb atop these modern marvels. The water features are popular during the hot summer months when children can be found playing on the spray plaza, wading pool and waterfall stepping stones.
A 30-plus-year veteran of the art world, this store's owner has pulled together the largest gallery exhibit in the Midwestern United States, featuring works from such renowned artists as Picasso, Miro and Jasper Johns. The Kodner Gallery is now larger than ever, having recently moved into a new 6,000 sq foot location. Local artists are well represented as well, with featured works from Jason Dowd, Joseph Orr and Billyo. Art lovers will find 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th-century landscapes; works by the great French and American Impressionists and more. Appraisals, restoration, conservation, art location services, framing and lighting services are all offered and verbal appraisals are 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.
The Endangered Wolf Center is 60-plus wooded acres, home to swift foxes, red wolves, and the most endangered of all the wolves, the Mexican Gray Wolf. It offers program/tour and tour-only packages year-round, except for during breeding and pup-rearing season (May). The program/tour consists of an indoor film and slide show, a lecture, followed by a one-half mile walk to view the wolves. Alternatively, you can opt just for the walk.