The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka promotes the conservation of Mexican wolves and American red wolves.

Eureka

Approximately 28 miles west of downtown St. Louis, we’ve got a destination that will lead to a real Eureka moment for globetrotters.

An expansion city for early settlers, Eureka offers fresh air and outdoor adventure across 164 acres of park and public land, including Route 66 State Park, and four conservation areas. Explore the stunning array of citywide waterways, bike paths and hiking trails, and then kick your trip into high gear on a rip-roaring roller coaster at Six Flags St. Louis.

A stone’s throw from the amusement park, Eureka’s Old Town is booming. With two gift shops, a clothing boutique, a coffee shop and five restaurants – plus, an Irish pub – the one-block district makes Eureka seem like a tourist town, only there aren’t many tourists! Business owners, residents and visitors credit the district’s success to its sense of community.

Up the road, in the historic Business District, old meets new. Pick over antique milk jugs, vintage bike frames and more in one shop, and try on chic clothes and accessories in the next.

Sprinkled throughout Eureka’s event calendar, you’ll also find unique festivals such as the Eureka Scarecrow Festival, which decorates the town with artfully designed scarecrows, and Santa’s Magical Kingdom, which is one of the most popular holiday light displays in the region.