Top Things to do in Saint Louis
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Things to do in Saint Louis, Missouri (MO): The Best Historic Sites
The history of St. Louis has been heavily influenced by Westward expansion and blues music. The big "must-see" in this region is the Gateway Arch, while other important sites include the Museum of Westward Expansion, the St. Louis Cathedral and the Anheuser-Busch factory tour. The city offers plenty for the whole family. Children will enjoy the local zoo and the Magic House, while family members will also want to unwind at Forest Park, home to the World's Fair almost a century ago.
Restaurants in Saint Louis
1. Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By WP1016
We love visiting historic homes and this tour didn't disappoint. Our tour guides were excellent and we really enjoyed our tour of this home.
2. Campbell House Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 152 reviews
Since opening on February 6, 1943, the Campbell House Museum has served the greater St. Louis area as one of America's premier historic property museums. The Museum not only preserves the Campbell's house, but also their collection of original furniture, fixtures, paintings, objects and thousands of pages of family documents. Included in these documents is a unique album of 60 photographs of the interior of the house taken in about 1885. In 2005 the Museum completed a meticulous five-year restoration that returned the building to its opulent 1880s appearance, when the house was one of the centers of St. Louis society.
Reviewed By stlflygirl99
I just love the elegance and charm of this Victorian mansion. All of the rooms are renovated and decorated in the period. Also, love the garden area. A lot of history, a must see.
3. Fort Belle Fontaine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Cryptic_Tourist - Saint Louis, United States
My friend and I came here for the hiking trail and were very surprised at how cool it was! We knew there would be spooky ruins but didn’t know we would see white water rushing by us from the Missouri River! The trail is rated as moderate, but there’s barely any elevation gain and I think most people could do this trail. If you do decide to go up the grand staircase, that could be difficult because it has multiple flights of stairs. But that’s really the hardest part. The trail is mostly gravel and even after a rainy day, it was pretty stable and not washed out. We would love to hike this trail again and can’t recommend it enough!
4. Old Courthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,047 reviews
Walk the halls where ordinary Americans made civil rights history. Built in 1839, the Old Courthouse is a prime example of mid-19th century federal architecture. But it is two landmark cases that secure its place in history. Beginning in 1847, the enslaved Dred Scott twice sued for his and his wife Harriet’s freedom. But, the U.S. Supreme Court decided against them, ruling that African-Americans were not citizens and had no right to sue. In 1873, St. Louis suffragette Virginia Minor and her husband filed a civil suit arguing for women’s right to vote. Although their suit was denied, they brought great attention to the fight for voting rights for all U.S. citizens.
Reviewed By julie1653217 - Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, United Kingdom
Lovely to wander around a see all the paintings high up in the dome and around the courthouse beautiful building. Interesting history some rooms set up with artefacts from 1800's court rooms up on 3rd floor set up as the were in the day
5. Jefferson Barracks Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
When established in 1826, this was the largest military base in the U.S., which serves today as a national cemetery.
Reviewed By davidsT4683VQ - Saint Louis, United States
If visiting Jefferson Barracks Historical Park area you need to plan to visit the Cemetery which has soldiers from every American Conflict - I'll leave this up to you to figure out. Additionally there are three small museums, Missouri Civil War, POW/MIA, telephone and one other small museum. If you stop by the cemetery front desk they can provide you a handout that will provide many very interesting facts about the grounds. If you have some extra time and want to take a walk, there is also a county park of which the land used to be part of Jefferson Barracks. I promise you if you are there in the early or late part of the day you will see deer roaming the park.
6. Gateway Arch National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
Reviewed By JeffBreedlove
A national treasure and architectural masterpiece. This one of the iconic treasures of America. Allow time to go to the top and explore the museum. It’s fun to walk around and see the monument from different angles - there are several awesome photo angles. This is real history. Parking is a challenge but it’s worth the effort. Go enjoy!
7. Samuel Cupples House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By Bernie22363376 - Saint Peters, United States
Had no idea this house existed! What beautiful woodwork throughout the home! It is self guided so you can go at your own pace which is nice. However, on the other hand it would be nice if they had guided tours so we could have learned more. The home is in really good shape except where water has gotten in around the windows. The glass exhibit was wonderful but do wish there was information on the different pieces as we had no idea what some items were used for. I would highly recommend taking some time and going through it.
8. Old Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By bryen2 - Phoenix, United States
Minutes from the modern marvel of the Gateway Arch is this elegant cathedral, the oldest one west of the Mississippi River. Entering it brings peace. It is exquisitely maintained and elegant in its simplicity and grace.
9. The Tivoli Theater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By TeamWard - Nottingham, United Kingdom
In the Delmar Loop area of St Louis was so pleased to find a classic cinema still in operation the Tivoli Theater, just like they use to make them bold design, nice interior, thank you for keeping it going.
10. The Old Post Office and Custom House
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