This article is about best things to do in St Louis. St. Louis is the biggest city in Missouri. It lies beneath the intersection of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. It forms the border between Missouri and Illinois. From the ancient times, the City has been known as the “Gateway to the West”. This is so because from here only the Europeans were able to enter in the West. It houses St. Louis University. It is the oldest university in the west of the Mississippi. It was started in 1818. The city’s association with Scott Joplin, the “father” of ragtime, guarantee its fame as a music city. Read the article below to know about different things to do in St. Louis.
Best Things to do in St. Louis:
1.) Missouri Botanical Garden
This attractive Missouri Botanical Garden is also recognized as the Shaw Garden. Because the capitalist and botanist Henry Shaw built it in 1859. The gardens include a beautiful rose garden, the rather strange Climatron, built in 1960 for humid plants, a Japanese Garden, an “aqua-tunnel” beneath a water-lily pool, and an herbarium. The Children Garden is planned with youngsters in mind, with an objective towards teaching and raising children in the area of horticulture. Within the garden, the major tourist attractions are caves, a plain village, and a tree house. Special displays consist of the “Cave Experience” which is an artificial cave and a swamp area that includes a steamboat.
2.) Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park
The major tourist center of St. Louis is the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. It is built on a location which was previously engaged by an old division of the town. It stands for the name of President Thomas Jefferson. Visiting this park is one of the best things to do in St. Louis. The place is an amazing one for the family outing and you are going to love this place for sure. You can also go with your friends as well. Do not forget to take your camera with you. The place will surely give you some of the best shots.
3.) Old Courthouse
Old Courthouse is a huge arched structure situated on the right side of Market Street. It is a division of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. It was constructed in the mid of 1800. It has been the site of several significant trials, including the speech of Dred Scott for independence from slavery and Suffragist Virginia Louisa Minor for the right to vote. The courthouse now showcases chronological displays.
4.) Gateway Arch
In the middle of Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park is the Gateway Arch. It is a symbol of the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West”. This parabolic curve of stainless steel is 625 ft high, was rigid in 1959-65 to the plan of Eero Saarinen. The building was based on an unfinished mission by Adalberto Libera for the access to the exposition university DI Roma of 1942. The Tourist can go up to the observation platform through elevators. Next to gateway is the Tourist Center and the Museum of Westward Expansion. Exploring this place is one of the best things to do in St. Louis.
5.) Laumeier Sculpture Park
The Laumeier Sculpture Park hosts an open-air set of sculptures. The park is planned to showcase the modern art in a natural environment. Trees and natural forest with hiking tracks enclose the sculptures. The park features dynamic and static displays. It also has an indoor gallery with varying exhibits. It is indeed one of the best things to do in St. Louis with your family.
6.) City Museum
The City Museum is situated in the area which was earlier a shoe factory. It is a major tourist attraction in St. Louis. The museum is now house to a number of exhibitions. The place is amazing for kids. It has a playground as well. The museum features a giant aquarium. It also organizes frequent art events. The architecture of this place is really beautiful. It proves itself to be one of the most amazing things to do in St. Louis.
7.) Market Street, St. Louis
Market Street holds significant buildings. Starting with St Louis Memorial Plaza. On the left-hand side, there is a huge gate of the Busch Stadium. It has a seating capacity of 50,000 audiences. St. Louis Cardinals is home to the city’s baseball team. The olden times of the team are recognized in the St. Louis Cardinal’s Hall of Fame. The adjacent National Bowling Hall of Fame does the same for bowling. Visiting this place is one of the most wonderful things to do in St. Louis.
8.) Campbell House Museum
Campbell House Museum was constructed in 1851. This three story house has been precisely restored with its wagon house. The house also has a rose garden. The exhibition area of the place is also worth praising. The house features the original furniture that was used previously. The museum, antiques includes traditional Rococo-Revival Victorian furniture, pictures, textiles, silver, gold frames and cornices. Exploring this museum is one of the best things to do in St. Louis.
9.) Forest Park
Forest Park is an open park situated in the western part of the city of St. Louis. It is a famous civic center. The park was opened in 1876 for locals and tourist. It has hosted numerous important events, as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of 1904 and the famous 1904 Summer Olympics. This park is surrounded by Skinker Boulevard, Lindell Boulevard, Kingshighway Boulevard, and Oakland Avenue. The park is recognized as the “heart of St. Louis”. It hosts a number of tourist attractions, including the famous St. Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the St. Louis Science Center.
10.) Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoological Park, popularly known as the St. Louis Zoo, is located in Forest Park in St. Louis. It is renowned as a leading zoo in the animal research, protection, education, and organization. The zoo is certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Entry is free based on a public funding from a cultural tax department, the Metropolitan Zoological Park, and Museum District. But fees are charged for some particular tourist attractions. The other major tourist attractions are Lakeside Crossing, River’s Edge, Discovery Corner and the Wild. Visiting this zoo with your family is one of the best things to do in St. Louis.