St. Louis lives up to its nickname, the Gateway to the West. Centrally located in Missouri along the Mississippi River, the city is a confluence of Southern cuisine, fascinating culture and Midwestern charm. Explore its historic cobblestone streets, pulsing Downtown and multitude of cultural institutions.
The Gateway Arch is impossible to miss. The city’s famous monument rises 630 feet (190 meters) high and is visible from across the city. Take an enclosed tram to the top to see miles in every direction. Try to spot the Busch Stadium to the west and the mighty Mississippi River to the east. Afterward, explore the surrounding Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park, which includes the Museum of Westward Expansion and the Old Courthouse, where in 1847 Dred Scott and his wife famously sued for their freedom from slavery but ultimately lost.
As the hometown of rock-and-roll legend Chuck Berry and jazz pioneer Miles Davis, it’s not surprising that St. Louis has a thriving music scene. Enjoy evenings in Laclede’s Landing or the Delmar Loop, which are home to popular bars and lively restaurants.
See the latest modern art in the unique Pulitzer Arts Foundation, which presents new exhibits every six months. Nearby, relax among the trees and dozens of eye-catching sculptures in Laumeier Sculpture Park. Spend more time outside in the scenic Missouri Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, which is among the oldest botanical gardens in the United States. Explore the award-winning Climatron dome conservatory, which houses a remarkable tropical rain forest.
St. Louis has a fascinating history as a hub of trade and host of the 1904 Summer Olympics and World’s Fair. Learn about its past at the Missouri History Museum. Discover fun for all ages at the quirky City Museum and kids-oriented Magic House. Check out old trains and vintage cars at the Museum of Transportation.
Visit St. Louis any time of year. From children to adults, art lovers to history buffs, music fans to sports aficionados, this city has something for everyone.
