Brunching in the Central West End; (c) Soul Of America
St. Louis General Attractions
Gateway Arch
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1965, at 630 feet tall by 630 feet wide, it is the nation’s tallest man-made monument. Ride the Journey to the Top tram from its base to its highest point. On its south leg visit the “When Riverboats Ruled” exhibit to get a brief sense of boating lifestyles along the river in the 1800s. African-Americans played significant roles in the founding of the American West and Black settlers were among those killed defending St. Louis from the British in the Revolutionary War Battle of Fort San Carlos. A major battle took place on what is now the Gateway Arch grounds. The arch is a monument to all those who made the westward journey and helped create a nation from coast-to-coast.
ADMISSION: Adults: $10, Ages 3-15 $5
DAYS & HOURS: Winter 9:20a-5:10p, Summer 8:20a-9:10p
ADDRESS: Gateway Arch at the Riverfront, St. Louis, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Metrolink Arch-LaCledes Landing Station
PARKING: $4 parking in St. Louis Public garage
PHONE: 877-982-1410
WEBSITE: http://www.gatewayarch.com
LaCledes Landing
DESCRIPTION: One of the most historic parts of the city, now a collection of pubs and restaurants. You can also catch a romantic horse buggy ride from the Arch to here and back. The clubs often stay open late. If you like the feel of sports bars, you’ll love it, otherwise can seem rowdy after football and baseball games.
DAYS & HOURS: daily
ADDRESS: LaCledes Landing, St. Louis, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Metrolink Arch-LaCledes Landing Station
PARKING: $6 parking in St. Louis Public garage
PHONE: 314-241-5875 merchants association
WEBSITE: http://www.lacledeslanding.org
Eads Bridge
DESCRIPTION: Walk or bike across the Mississippi River on this All-pedestrian bridge; take in magnificent views of the mighty river, the Arch and Downtown skyline. US Route 66 State Park begins here and features miles of hiking, bicycling, horseback riding trails and Route 66 exhibits.
ADDRESS: Eads Bridge, St. Louis, MO MAP
PHONE: 314- 937-3697
Lewis & Clark Monument
DESCRIPTION: After 2 years, 4 months and 9 days exploring the wild west on 23 September 1806, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, which included the slave-guide York. It ended on the St. Louis riverfront, after a journey along the Missouri River to a passage in the Rocky Mountains on path to the Columbia River and the Pacific Coast. They returned by the same route.
ADDRESS: St. Louis side of Eads Bridge, St. Louis, MO MAP
Lumiere Place
DESCRIPTION: This two hotel-casino complex is a stunner. Taking a page from St. Louis’ French explorer heritage, Lumiere means “light” in French, and the 24-story luxury hotel tower has instantly became an illuminating new icon on the skyline. The all-suite hotels total nearly 500 rooms. $7 million of original art graces the walls and it has a 10,000-square-foot spa. Its 75,000-square-foot casino is abuzz with gaming tables, machines and a dedicated poker room; one expects to see several casual restaurants and fine dining restaurants with a celebrity chef – no surprises there, but a pleasant surprise is the 4-story waterfall.
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: 24/7
ADDRESS: 999 North 2nd Street, St. Louis, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Metrolink Arch-LaCledes Landing Station
PARKING: Lumière Place Parking Garage
PHONE: 314-450-5000
WEBSITE: http://www.lumiereplace.com
President Casino
DESCRIPTION: Dockside casino with slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, live poker, and a Wheel of Fortune. The President’s Buffet is arguably the best among casinos in the area, with excellent prices; Presidents Buffet is close to the gaming areas too.
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: 24/7
ADDRESS: 1000 North Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd, St. Louis, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Metrolink Arch-LaCledes Landing Station
PARKING: Parking lots and garage dockside; casino patrons receive parking validation
PHONE: 314-622-3000 or 800-772-3647
WEBSITE: http://www.presidentcasino.com/stlouis
Museum of Western Expansion
DESCRIPTION: Located near the Gateway Arch, this somewhat austere museum chronicles and preserves some of the rarest artifacts from the days of Lewis and Clark, as as well as the lives of pioneers who followed them going west during America’s formative years. Via numerous exhibits, you can explore the world of the American Indians and the 19th century pioneers who helped shape the history of the American West. The venue includes a display on the Buffalo Soldiers and other black pioneers who helped settled the western plains. There are plenty of kid-pleasing animatronic figures as well, that educate and entertain.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: 9a-6p, 8a-10p
ADDRESS: 200 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Metrolink Arch-Lacledes Landing Station
PARKING: St. Louis Public garage
PHONE: 314-982-1410
WEBSITE: http://www.gatewayarch.com
Missouri History Museum
DESCRIPTION: For a comprehensive look at history in these parts check out “Seeking St. Louis,” a exhibition spanning two interactive galleries. The museum represents a fun educational for the whole family, including history programs for kids. This is a great place to learn more about the importance of the Dred Scott Supreme Court Decision. Dancer-choreographer-anthropologist Katherine Dunham donated many archival materials to the museum. The museum also features an inspiring George Washington Carver exhibition. To round out the visit, dine at the museum restaurant and visit the museum store.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: Wed-Mon 10a-5p, Tue 10a-8p
ADDRESS: 5700 Lindell Blvd in Forest Park, St. Louis, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Metrolink Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 314-746-4599
WEBSITE:http://www.mohistory.org
Museum of Transportation
DESCRIPTION: St. Louis has a proud transportation heritage on display with more than 300 steam, diesel and electric-powered locomotives, passenger and freight cars, automobiles, streetcars, buses and aircraft on view. Guided tours are on Tuesday-Saturday at 10a and Sunday 1p. They also present specialty car shows.
ADMISSION: Adults $6, Ages 5-12, Seniors and Military w/ID $4, Ages 4 and under enter Free
DAYS & HOURS: Labor Day – April 30: Tue-Sat 9a-4p; Sun 11a-4p; May 1-Labor Day: Mon-Wed 9a-5p; Thu 9a-7p, Fri- Sat 9a-5p, Sun 11a-5p
ADDRESS: 3015 Barrett Station Road, St. Louis, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: none
PARKING: on premises
PHONE: 314-965-6885
WEBSITE: http://www.museumoftransport.org
Union Station
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1894 and once the world’s busiest train station; the Jet Age and freeways slowly triggered its demise as a train terminal by 1978. Fortunately, the grand Victorian architecture of the station lives on, morphing into its current popular role as home to more than 100 stores, restaurants and nightclubs and an indoor lake. Many of these establishments are unique to St. Louis, so it’s a great destination to sample the local ‘lava. Most establishments stay open late, especially after sporting events and concerts downtown, which is most of the time; 22 exhibits mounted on railings throughout the station gradually explain how it became a National Historic Landmark decorated – makes for a nice self-guided tour.
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 10a-9p, Sun 10a-6p
ADDRESS: 1820 Market Street, St. Louis, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Metrolink Union Station
PARKING: Garage and lots on premises
PHONE: 314-421-6655
WEBSITE: http://www.stlouisunionstation.com
Grand Center District
DESCRIPTION: Its where art marries life and home to 30 performing arts organizations and major live performing art venues. Anyplace that attracts patrons of the arts also attracts restaurants and nightclubs, Grand Center fits the profile in abundance; come and replenish the spirits. The focal point is across the street from the Fox Theatre.
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: daily and nightly
ADDRESS: 400-800 North Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Metrolink Union Station
PARKING: Garage and lots on premises
PHONE: 314-533-1884
WEBSITE: http://www.grandcenter.org
Lemp Mansion Dinner Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Built in the 1860s, this large historic mansion was owned by a former Beer baron, John Adam Lemp. It now serves as a dinner theatre, restaurant and inn. The dinner theatre attracts patrons to schedule of murder-mystery plays. They also host Sunday Family Style dining; a large gazebo is in the back.
ADMISSION: $49 per person, includes dinner and a glass of wine
DAYS & HOURS: check website
ADDRESS: 3322 DeMenil Place, St. Louis, MO http://www.lempmansion.com
Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour
DESCRIPTION: Take a Complimentary tour with a small sample of beer at the end; in case you were wondering – no standing in line twice in the same day. The Beermaster Tour is a unique opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing of Budweiser. Beermaster Tour includes a visit to the historic Brew House, Lager Cellars, Bevo Packaging Facility, Finishing Cellars, including a sample directly from a Finishing Tank, and the Budweiser Clydesdale Stable and Tack Room. To commemorate your experience, a variety of gifts are provided for each guest. The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses, known for their size, strength and precision, can also be seen in their stables. The tour contains a considerable amount of walking indoor and outdoor.
ADMISSION: Free walk-in Complimentary Tour; Brewmaster Tour $25 Age 21+ and must be scheduled in advance
DAYS & HOURS: Mon- Sat 9a-5p, Sun 11:30a-5p
ADDRESS: 12th Street at Lynch Street, St. Louis, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: none
PARKING: Free on premises
PHONE: 314-577-2626
WEBSITE: http://www.budweisertours.com
Missouri Botanical Garden
DESCRIPTION: The park is renown for the beauty and variety of its gardens, particularly the rose garden, geodesic domed greenhouse and Japanese garden. It hosts an annual Kwanzaa Festival. The Climatron Geodesic dome recreates a rain forest.
Admission: $5 Adults, $3 Children
ADDRESS: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO MAP
PHONE: 314-577-5100
WEBSITE: http://www.mobot.org
Laumeier Sculpture Park
DESCRIPTION: This 116-acre contemporary sculpture park and art museum contains hiking trails and picnic areas. Try out the new iPod tours of the park, which includes more than 80 contemporary figures throughout the lush 105-acres. Open year-round and only a 25 minute drive from downtown.
ADDRESS: 12580 Rott Road, St. Louis, MO MAP
PHONE: 314-821-1209
WEBSITE: http:// www.laumeier.com
Loop District
DESCRIPTION: An exciting 6-block collection of of more than 120 boutiques, eclectic restaurants and live entertainment. The district includes the St. Louis Walk of Fame, Tivoli Theatre and Pageant Concert Nightclub. Although most of the district is in University City, it overlaps into the western edge of St. Louis.
ADDRESS: 6100-6600 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Metrolink Skinker Station
PARKING: garage and nearby lots
PHONE: varies by establishment
WEBSITE: http://ucityloop.com/map.htm
St. Louis Walk Of Fame
DESCRIPTION: Similar to the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, this start-studded sidewalk in front of the Tivoli Theatre features the biographies of St Louis’ current and former famous residents; celebrities having stars include Maya Angelou, Josephine Baker, Negro League baseball star James “Cool Papa” Bell, Chuck Berry, Vincent Price, John Goodman, Grace Bumbry, Miles Davis, Katherine Dunham and Tina Turner.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: daily and nightly
ADDRESS: 6350 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO MAP
RAPID TRANSIT: Metrolink Skinker Station
PARKING: garage and nearby lot
PHONE: 314-725-4466
WEBSITE: http://www.stlouiswalkoffame.org
Casino Queen
DESCRIPTION: The casino bills itself as home of the loosest slots in the Midwest. 11 riverboat cruises depart daily from 9a-7a. It features three dining restaurants and one buffet restaurant on board, plus overnight baseball game packages.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: 24/7
ADDRESS: 200 South Front Street, East St. Louis, IL MAP
TRANSIT: 24-hour shuttle service to Casino Queen from Metrolink East Riverfront Station
PARKING: Free on premises; RVs pay $30-$37 for overnight
PHONE: 618-874-5000 or 800-777-0777
WEBSITE: http://www.casinoqueen.com
River City Casino
DESCRIPTION: Located on 56 acres, the gaming floor includes more than 2,000 slot machines and more than 50 table games. Dining options include a 300-seat steakhouse, a buffet with seating for more than 350, 100-seat tavern, a 100-seat contemporary café, and a classic burger joint.
DAYS & HOURS: daily
ADDRESS: Bounded by Broadway, River des Peres, Mississippi River and Hoffmeister Avenue, Lemay, MO MAP
Harrah’s St. Louis Casino and Hotel
DESCRIPTION: Two elaborate casinos, featuring Island and Mardi Gras themes; dining options are the Range Steakhouse, Voodoo Café, Moby’s Fish Tales, Lucky Noodle Bar and Jesters Deli. Missouri gaming regulations limit all patrons to a $500 buy-in per gaming session every two hours. For this reason, all visitors must present a valid Total Rewards card and be at least 21 years of age for admission to the casinos.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: 24/7
ADDRESS: 777 Casino Center Drive, Maryland Heights, MO MAP
PHONE: 314-770-8100 or 800-HARRAHS
PARKING: Free on premises
WEBSITE: http://www.harrahs.com
Ameristar Casino St. Charles
DESCRIPTION: Slots, video poker, craps, blackjack, roulette, live poker, video keno and dining; dining options include: 47 Port Street, Amerisports Bar with a really giant screen, King Cat Club, Bottleneck Blues Bar, Falcon Diner, and Landmark Buffet and Pearl Oyster Bar.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: 24/7
ADDRESS: One Ameristar Blvd, St. Charles, MO MAP
PARKING: Free on premises
PHONE: 636-940-4300 or 800-325-7777
WEBSITE: http://www.ameristar.com/stcharles
Cahokia Mounds World Heritage Site
DESCRIPTION: Earthen pyramid-like mounds by the Cahokia, which was the largest early Indian American city north of Mexico. These remarkable people demonstrated an advanced knowledge of solar calendars and their culture flourished here from 700 to 1300 AD. Many historians consider their merit to be on par with the Great Pyramids of Egypt. This UNESCO site includes an interpretive center.
ADDRESS: 7850 Collinsville Road, St. Clair County, IL MAP
PHONE: 618-344-9221 Museum Society
WEBSITE: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/198
