St. Louis is the second-largest city in the state of Missouri. The city sits on the western bank of the Missouri River, near the intersection of the Missouri River and the Mississippi River. Settled by the Europeans in 1764, this city has been an integral part of America forever and is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a small-town vibe in a big city.
Whether you are looking for a taste of history, museums, an immersive culinary experience, sports or to have some fun with your kids, St. Louis has got you covered. Here is a list of some of the must-visit places on your next trip to the "Gateway to the West".
Gateway Arch
This engineering marvel is without a doubt synonymous with the identity of St. Louis. Designed by Eero Saarinen as part of a national competition, the Gateway Arch is built of stainless steel and stands 630 feet high and 630 feet wide. This iconic landmark is the tallest accessible building in St. Louis and overlooks the Old Courthouse. While you can be awestruck with some of the most beautiful views of this magnificent monument, you must take a tram to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
Forest Park
Forest Park spans a massive 1300 acres and is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. From recreational sports to museums to cultural institutions to tennis courts, you will find a little bit of everything at Forest Park. Over 500 acres larger than New York City's Central Park, this place has been opened since 1876 and also hosted the 1904 World's Fair
Forest Park houses some of the most popular tourist attractions in St. Louis. The Saint Louis Zoo was voted the number one Zoo in the US in 2018 and contains over 17,000 animals. Saint Louis Art Museum covers over 34,000 artifacts covering 5,000 years of history. Some of the other popular tourist attractions inside Forest Park are the Cabanne House - the first brick farmhouse built west of the Mississippi, the Jewel Box, a beautiful greenhouse filled with magnificent floral displays, the St. Louis Science Center, and the World's Fair Pavilion.
Delmar Loop
As a tourist, I like to soak in the culture of the city and there is no better way to learn about the culture of St. Louis than to stroll around the Delmar Loop. Spanning 8 blocks, the Delmar Loop has more than 140 shops, eateries, and art galleries. Labeled as one of the best streets in America, the Loop is a place where you can spend the whole day without getting bored. You can visit places like the St. Louis Walk of Fame, sample local treats, wander through quirky art galleries, or sing your heart out at one of the luxury karaoke lounges. If you are there in January, you should attend the crazy Ice Carnival Festival.
City Museum
One of the most unique museums I have seen, St. Louis City Museum is a must-visit whether you are with kids or not. The museum is set in a century-old warehouse that contains a collection of repurposed architectural and industrial objects. This place is home to some of the most unique architectural marvels made out of the found objects. At City Museum you will find a bus hanging off the rooftop, some of the most quirky bridges, and a 10 story spiral slide. The place is appealing to kids of all ages and the imaginative exhibits are fun for adults as well. Some of the most popular attractions include "Toddler Town," an exhibit with tunnels and a ball pit for tots, and "Enchanted Caves," where visitors can explore tooth-like stalactites and deep caverns.
Missouri Botanical Garden
A national landmark, the Missouri Botanical Garden has over 79 acres of manicured gardens. The mission of the garden is to educate the public about plants and their environment. The Children's Garden features a limestone cave, a treehouse, and the Spelunker's Slide for kids to enjoy. The beautiful 140-acre Japanese garden contains an impressive collection of rare orchids. One of the most popular attractions includes Climatron, a geodesic dome filled with over 2,800 exotic floras.