Your First Weekend as a St. Louis Home Owner
Moving to a new city can be overwhelming, but once you’ve closed on your new house and the furniture has been delivered, it can also be exciting — especially if you’re now calling St. Louis home! Take a break from unpacking and get out and enjoy all of the sights, sounds, and tastes the city has to offer. There are so many things to do in St. Louis, you’re sure to find something to please everyone in your household.
Top 15 Things to Do in St. Louis
While it’s impossible to see everything in one weekend, we’ve compiled a list of some favorite attractions, broken down by area. Spend your first weekend in one neighborhood, then move on to the next the following week. Before you know it, you’ll know your way around and have taken in all of the must-sees in St. Louis!
Downtown
Just across from Illinois at the intersection of highways 44 and 70, downtown is home to a variety of corporate headquarters. However, it also offers plenty of fun things to see and do.
Gateway Arch
Officially called “Gateway to the West,” locals simply call the 630’ (tall and wide) “The Arch”. Located along the riverfront, it can be seen for miles from both the east and west sides of the Mississippi. Visitors can buy tickets to ride a tram to the top, where they can take in amazing views of the river on one side, and the city on the other. Enter along Fourth Street to find the entrance to the arch ride as well as to the free museum featuring exhibits that tell the story of the founding of St. Louis.
The Old Cathedral
One of the most historic buildings in St. Louis, this Catholic church (formally known as the Basilica of St.Louis, King of France) is near the Arch grounds. It has roots dating back to 1764. St. Louis founders Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau dedicated the land it stands on for religious purposes, and the present building is the fourth church erected on the site, completed in 1834. If you love architecture, you’ll appreciate the stone facade, columns, and coffered details that make this a prominent example of Greek Revival.
City Museum
Kids and adults of all ages will have a blast in this 600,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor/underground playground. Formerly a shoe company, the architectural marvel is filled with slides, caves, and all kinds of things to climb on. It’s often referred to as “weird and wonderful,” and a must-see in St. Louis. Find it at 750 N. 16th St.
Union Station
What was once the busiest train station in the world is now a beautiful hotel and entertainment complex. Indoors, you’ll find a fun mirror maze, a 3-story ropes course, and the St. Louis Aquarium which houses a large variety of river and ocean species. Outside, there is a 200’ high climate-controlled Ferris wheel as well as an 18-hole mini golf course and carnival-style games. If you’re hungry, there are plenty of dining options within the Union Station campus, including the ‘50s style Soda Fountain diner, and The Train Shed with rotating beers and cocktails.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery
St. Louis is home to some of the best beers in the country, and much of it is made here at the Anheuser-Busch headquarters. Take a tour of the brewery and see how fan favorites such as Michelob Ultra and Budweiser are made. Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch and cold beverages in their Biergarten.
Forest Park
Located about 5 miles west of downtown and north of Interstate 64, this 1,300-acre park is a favorite destination for outdoor recreation as well as cultural enthusiasts. Some of the attractions there that you must see in St. Louis include:
St. Louis Zoo
Home to over 500 species, this free zoo has been consistently ranked as one of the top 10 in the nation. Its newest exhibits include SeaLion Sound in which you can come face to face with sea lions via an underwater tunnel, Primate Canopy Trails which puts you in the treetops with monkeys and lemurs, and Polar Bear Point where you can watch Kali from Alaska swim and play. Whether you choose to ride the train or walk the beautiful grounds, the zoo is sure to become one of your favorite things to do in St. Louis.
St. Louis Zoo
Home to over 500 species, this free zoo has been consistently ranked as one of the top 10 in the nation. Its newest exhibits include SeaLion Sound in which you can come face to face with sea lions via an underwater tunnel, Primate Canopy Trails which puts you in the treetops with monkeys and lemurs, and Polar Bear Point where you can watch Kali from Alaska swim and play. Whether you choose to ride the train or walk the beautiful grounds, the zoo is sure to become one of your favorite things to do in St. Louis.
St. Louis Science Center
Curious minds will love all of the interactive exhibits at the Science Center. From astronomy to paleontology, physics to chemistry, and everything in between, there are hundreds of ways to dream, build, and explore throughout the 300,000 square-foot space. General admission is always free, but special events like planetarium shows, OMNIMAX films, and flight simulators cost extra.
St. Louis Art Museum
Love paintings, sculptures, and cultural masterpieces? Check out all of the amazing collections at this favorite area attraction that opened in 1904. Georgia O’Keefe and Pablo Picasso are always on display, but so are rotating exhibitions from around the world. Best of all, admission to the main museum is free every day, and exhibition entrance is free on Fridays.
Boathouse
There’s a good reason music enthusiasts flock to Delmar Blvd each week, and it’s impossible to rank one above the other. The Pageant features national performers and has a flexible capacity for up to 2,000 people. Just next door is Delmar Hall, where crowds of up to 750 gather for tribute bands and local artists. And a block down the street is The Duck Room, an intimate music club on the bottom floor of Blueberry Hill restaurant, where icons such as Chuck Berry, Ed Sheeran, and Nelly have performed.
Share This Post
| Next Post |