Known for its iconic Gateway Arch and passionate professional sports fandom, St. Louis is like nowhere else in the U.S. From brewing icons to massive parks and niche museums, there’s something for everyone to feel right at home in St. Louis.
Whether you’re exploring the sites of the 1904 Summer Olympics or catching a game at Busch Stadium, there’s never a dull moment in the city.
Let’s take a few minutes to explore ten of the top attractions in the Gateway to the West and learn why so many people are looking to find a place in St. Louis.
1. Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is a true architectural feat. Beyond that, it’s a symbol of St. Louis’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” Standing at 630 feet, it is the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Visitors can ride to the top of this stainless steel marvel for a stunning view of the city and the Mississippi River. The Arch isn’t only a sight to behold from afar but also has an interactive museum that details the area’s fascinating history.
2. Anheuser-Busch
Anheuser-Busch has been a cornerstone of St. Louis since its establishment in 1852. This brewery is famous for producing America’s best-selling beer, Budweiser, and its role in the ongoing craft beer movement in the U.S. Tours of the brewery are popular, giving visitors a peek into the brewery’s massive operations and ending with samples of their iconic beverages.
3. Cardinals
Thanks to the St. Louis Cardinals, baseball is almost synonymous with St. Louis. As one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball, the Cardinals have a fiercely loyal fan base. Watching a game at Busch Stadium is definitely a must-do in St. Louis.
4. National Blues Museum
The National Blues Museum celebrates St. Louis’s profound impact on blues music. This museum showcases the history of the blues and its influence on modern music. It’s a hotspot for music lovers and historians alike, providing deep insights into the sounds that shaped America.
5. Forest Park
Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, larger than Central Park in New York City. Forest Park is home to many of St. Louis’s major attractions, including the Art Museum, the Science Center, and the Zoo. With its picturesque landscapes and manicured walking paths, Forest Park is where you’ll find a lot of locals on a sunny day in St. Louis.
6. Home of the 1904 Summer Olympics
St. Louis made history by hosting the 1904 Summer Olympics, the first ever held in the United States. This event was held at Washington University and significantly impacted the city’s development and global reputation.
7. Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden is an oasis covering 79 acres. The garden is renowned for its pioneering research in plant science. It has a geodesic dome called the Climatron as well as Japanese and Chinese gardens. The garden is a tranquil escape and a center for botanical research and conservation.
8. St. Louis Science Center
The St. Louis Science Center is one of the few free nonprofit science museums in the country. It covers everything from technology and engineering to biology and astronomy. The Science Center bridges the gap between fun and learning, making science accessible to all ages.
9. Old Courthouse
The Old Courthouse in St. Louis is the site of the pivotal Dred Scott case in 1857. The beautifully restored building is now a museum that provides a rare look into this storied past and the events that shaped civil rights in America.
10. Soulard Market
Soulard Market is the oldest farmer’s market west of the Mississippi River and remains a focal point of life in St. Louis. With vendors selling everything from fresh produce to exotic spices, and local meats to artisanal cheeses, the market encapsulates the community spirit of St. Louis.