Top Rated Attractions in St. Louis

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.

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!

The Laumeier Sculpture Park provides an excellent artistic avenue for young, budding artists and established ones to exhibit their works. It is a favorite venue for exhibitions of drawing, painting, ceramics, glass and photographic displays. Exhibitions are held around the year, both indoors and outdoors in the surrounding park. The park has an outdoor collection of around 75 sculptures in the midst of natural greenery and woodlands. Classes, workshops and guided tours are conducted to help create a greater understanding and self expression for art. The park offers rental facilities for weddings, picnics, reunions and picnics. The museum shop also offers a good collection of art, children's educational books and their own branded items. The library is a treasure house of art and sculpture books and is open to the public. The doors open at 8a daily.