St Louis, Missouri - Do & See

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St Louis, Missouri

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North America United States St Louis, Missouri Do & See

Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2021-04-30

St. Louis boasts more major free visitor attractions than anywhere in the U.S. outside of the nation’s capital. The Saint Louis Art Museum, Science Center, and Zoo, History Museum, Museum of Westward Expansion, Anheuser-Busch Brewery, Laumeier Sculpture Park, Citygarden and many other sites are open free of charge.

The Saint Louis Zoo, considered one of the finest in the world, was a pioneer in the use of open enclosures, placing animals in natural environments without bars. Marlin Perkins was the Zoo’s most famous curator.

The Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales were originally a gift from August Busch to his father marking the end of prohibition. He presented his father with an eight-horse Clydesdale Hitch and a Budweiser beer wagon in April 1933. The team was sent to Washington, D.C. to deliver the first case of Budweiser beer brewed after prohibition to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Gateway Arch

Gateway Arch

Don’t miss the one-of-a-kind experience of taking an unusual elevator ride to the top of the arch where the view can’t be beat. The visit includes the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Museum of Westward Expansion and exhibits at the Historic Old Courthouse. There are plenty shopping opportunities including Levee Mercantile, a vintage store circa the 1870s that offers commercial products that were once available on the St. Louis riverfront in the 19th century,

Old St. Louis County Courthouse

Old St. Louis County Courthouse

The courthouse takes one on a journey through the history of St. Louis, Missouri and the United States. A number of cases tried here eventually led to events that changed the course of American and world history, most notably the Dred Scott case, which ruled that slaves and their descendants were not protected by the US Constitution -- this later fuelled abolishing slavery altogether.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery

Anheuser-Busch Brewery

The Anheuser-Busch Brewery offers complimentary tours to visitors of all ages for an in-depth look at how some of their beers are crafted. Since its founding in 1852 in St. Louis, Anheuser-Busch has been perfecting this process one batch at a time. Those who are 21 and older will have the opportunity to taste some of their products in the Hospitality room at the conclusion of the tour. The tour includes a stop to see and learn about the World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Their size and strength will amaze you, and their historic stables makes for a great photo opportunity.

Citygarden Sculpture Park

Citygarden Sculpture Park

Citygarden is an oasis in the heart of downtown St. Louis: a vibrant and serene blending of lush plants and internationally renowned sculptures with delights of water, stone, architecture and design. Surrounded by no fences or gates, Citygarden is completely open and accessible to the public 365 days a year. It is located between Eighth, Tenth, Market, and Chestnut streets, in the city's "Gateway Mall" area. Free to the public.

Saint Louis Zoo

Saint Louis Zoo

This world class zoo features 18,000 animals from 700 different species on 90 acres, including an Insectarium, Children's Zoo, Penguin & Puffin Coast and a Zooline Railroad. Set in the rolling hills, lakes and glades of Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo is a family favorite. Free to the public.

Saint Louis Science Center

Saint Louis Science Center

Explore 700+ exhibits, the OMNIMAX® Theater, the planetarium, special traveling exhibitions and a lot more at Saint Louis Science Center. Situated at the southeastern corner of Forest Park, the establishment is a favorite among tourists and families in particular, offering an interesting insight into natural history, paleontology and geology.

St. Louis Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals

Catch exciting Major League Baseball actions and cheer enthusiastically for the St. Louis Cardinals, 11-fold World Series Champions. The best way to fully enjoy the atmosphere, is to soak up the joy and tension of the supporters during a match, but tours are also available.

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

The National Park Service interprets the life and family of Ulysses S. Grant at this 10-acre site. Grant is known as the victorious Civil War general that saved the Union and the 18th President of the United States. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Free to the public.

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

An authentic player piano fills the air with Scott Joplin melodies as you walk through the modest flat on Delmar Boulevard that Joplin and his wife Belle lived in during their time in St. Louis. Lit by gaslight, the home is furnished as it would have been in 1902 when Joplin was composing songs that would make him a national phenomenon. Scott Joplin House State Historic Site also includes museum exhibits that interpret Joplin’s life. This National Historic Landmark is open for tours daily on the hour.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation's oldest botanical garden, having been established in 1859. The National Historic Landmark is 79 acres of horticultural wonders, research and science education, with a 14-acre Japanese garden and Henry Shaw's original 1850 estate. Off campus, the Missouri Botanical Garden features the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and the 2400-acre Shaw Nature Reserve.

Municipal Theatre Association

Municipal Theatre Association

As the nation's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, The Municipal Theatre, or "Muny," has been awing crowds since the early 1900s. Locally produced, Broadway-style musicals take to the stage. The Muny is highly accessible with its scenic Forest Park location, and the productions are memorable for a lifetime.

Forest Park

Forest Park

Forest Park is a St. Louis mainstay for indulging the area's natural beauty. Conceived after the Civil War's ending, Forest Park is often referred to as "the soul of St. Louis." The community uses the park as a gathering place for cultural interests and recreation, indulging in the placid land.

Powell Symphony Hall

Powell Symphony Hall

Presenting Classical orchestral pieces since 1880, the Powell Symphony Hall is an internationally acclaimed concert hall. Its tradition is excellence, spanning a multitude of musical performances all lead by world-class conductors and stellar musicians.

The Magic House

The Magic House

The Magic House is also the St. Louis Children's Museum. Exhibits and programs center around expanding the minds and imaginations of children and their families. As an inclusive organization, the Magic House is an educational resource for all of St. Louis, providing tangible, hands-on activities that support education.

Lumière Place

Lumière Place

Lumière Place is a pulsing entertainment hotspot in St. Louis. With hotels, a casino and myriads of fine dining options, Lumière Place is the quintessential getaway for those seeking mature fun. There are bars and nightlife venues that draw crowds through the moonlight hours, making Lumière Place one of the nation's premier gaming destinations.

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