No matter your age, interests or budget, you’ll find something fun to do in St. Louis this weekend.
Looking to experience the things that are uniquely St. Louis? Check out this list of highlights to guide your trip.
The monument that gave St. Louis the nickname “The Gateway City”, the Gateway Arch is a must see for anyone visiting. Built as a tribute to Thomas Jefferson and his idea of a unified continental nation, the arch is 630 feet tall and is made of 900 tons of steel. You can ride a tram to the top of the monument and take in stunning views of the Mississippi River and Downtown St. Louis. The grounds around the Gateway Arch are also a part of the national park. It is considered the smallest national park in the United States, with only 91 acres.
Explore the history of the blues at the National Blues Museum. Learn how the blues became the grandfather of Rock ‘n Roll and how the blues are still influencing music today. The museum hosts several interactive displays, including stations where you can compose your own, unique song. You can even stop in and hear live music every Thursday and Saturday night.
City Museum is an eclectic collection of recycled and repurposed materials turned into a one-of-a-kind museum. Featuring man-made caves, a ten-story slide, a circus troupe, and so much more, the City Museum creates memorable experience for kids and adults of all ages. The building itself was once used as a shoe factory and warehouse before being transformed into the space it is today. The City Museum is always expanding and creating new exhibits. There is something new to see every time you visit.
Stop by one of the many bakeries and coffee shops in the city to pick up a slice of gooey butter cake, a St. Louis staple. Believed to have been made by accident in a St. Louis bakery, gooey butter cake is a flat, dense cake that is dusted with powdered sugar. It is a must try for anyone visiting St. Louis for the first or hundredth time.
Considered to be one of the largest cathedrals in the city, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is an important piece of history for the city. The cathedral hosts one of the largest mosaic collections in the world outside of Russia, drawing tourists from all over the world. The religious art depictions are made up of 41 million mosaics, featuring 8,000 shades of color. Styled after the Byzantine and Romanesque architecture, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is a must-see when visiting St. Louis.
Marked by the world’s largest chess piece, the World Chess Hall of Fame intrigues visitors with the chess-related artifacts in its permanent collection as well as temporary exhibits that highlight famous players, how chess relates to the world and the rich history of the studious game. Check out the St. Louis Chess Club on the third floor to learn more about the inductees of the Chess Hall of Fame and you can even play a few rounds of chess with your travel companions.
Site of the 1904 World’s Fair, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. At 1,371 acres, Forest Park is about 500 acres larger than New York City’s Central Park. Explore over 30 miles of paths and trails and over 2.5 miles of waterways. Be sure to check out some of the free attractions within Forest Park, such as the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Science Center, the Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Art Museum. Catch a show at America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, the Municipal Theater, lovingly called the Muny among St. Louisans.
A tasty treat made by breading ravioli and deep-frying it, Toasted Ravioli is an iconic food in St. Louis. With its origin stemmed from two different restaurants on The Hill, this St. Louis favorite is a must-try when visiting the Gateway City. You can try toasted ravioli at any number of restaurants in the city, but the Hill, St. Louis’ Italian neighborhood, is one of the best places to go and try this St. Louis original.
Home to the St. Louis Cardinals, Busch Stadium is a staple of St. Louis. It has played host to World Series games, major concerts and even the NHL Winter Classic. The stadium sees on average 42,000 fans per game. Busch Stadium has two tours to offer fans interested in learning more about the stadium’s rich history. The Cardinals Hall of Fame is located right next door at Ballpark Village, a state-of-the-art multi-use complex. Stop into the museum and learn all about St. Louis’ beloved sports team or catch a game and see the famed St. Louis Cardinals in action for yourself.
Anheuser-Busch is one of the largest beer distributors in the United States. The company was founded in the 1850s and has been a staple of St. Louis ever since. You can explore the fabled American brewery complex − including the historic stables of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales and free tasting room.
Learn about the history and evolution of the telephone at the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum. One of the only telecommunication museums in the United States, Jefferson Barracks contains hundreds of pieces of telephone-related artifacts, featuring telephones manufactured from the late 1800s all the way to the 2000s.
Selling custard for over 80 years, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has become synonymous with St. Louis treats. With over 30 toppings to choose from, you can customize your own sundae or concrete or you can pick one from the list of popular favorites. Find your new favorite sweet treat at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard!
