Standing on the banks of the Mississippi River, you can look up at the towering Gateway Arch, a massive steel monument that serves as a symbolic gateway to the West. The scale of the structure is immense, and from its peak, a unique tram ride offers views stretching for dozens of miles across both Missouri and Illinois.
Iconic Landmarks and History
- Gateway Arch: This world's tallest national monument sits right on the riverbank. Beyond the "Journey to the Top" tram experience, you can visit the gift shop or watch the film "Monument to the Dream," which chronicles how this vision was made tangible.
- Old Cathedral (Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France): This is the first cathedral built west of the Mississippi River. It remains an active Roman Catholic basilica and was the only building spared during the construction of the nearby park.
- Old Courthouse: Located near the arch, this site hosted the historic Dred Scott slavery case. You can find exhibits here from the former Museum of Westward Expansion.
Arts, Science, and Exploration
- City Museum: If you are looking for a unique experience, this five-story playground built in an old warehouse uses architectural artifacts to create a maze of tunnels, obstacle courses, and even a Ferris wheel on the roof.
- Saint Louis Art Museum: Located on a hill within Forest Park, this is one of the nation's leading comprehensive art museums.
- Saint Louis Science Center: Situated just south of Forest Park, this hands-on center features an IMAX Dome theater and a planetarium (the latter located within the park).
- Missouri History Museum: This site houses a life-size replica of Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and explores the history of music in the region.
- National Museum of Transportation: Located in Kirkwood, this museum features over 190 exhibits including steam locomotives, rail collections, and road and air travel displays.
Nature and Public Spaces
- Forest Park: Spanning over 1,200 acres at the heart of the city, this park offers space for everything from bicycling and boating to fishing. It is also home to the Saint Louis Zoo and the Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Saint Louis Zoo: Recognized as one of the top five zoos in the nation, it features both indoor and outdoor exhibits across several centers of learning.
- Missouri Botanical Garden: A major botanical destination located within the sprawling grounds of Forest Park.
- Citygarden: Located on Market Street near the Arch, this award-winning garden provides a place to relax in the city with sculptures and fountains.
Crafts and Culture
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery: Tour one of the world's largest breweries housed in red-brick buildings. The tour includes seeing the Clydesdale horses and the brewing facilities, followed by a visit to the nearby beer garden.
- Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis: Located in the Central West End, this basilica contains over 83,000 square feet of mosaic art featuring more than 41 million tiles.
From the towering heights of the Arch to the sprawling greenery of Forest Park, St. Louis offers a deep dive into American history and local culture. Start your journey by securing your tickets for the Gateway Arch to experience the scale of this Mississippi River landmark.