Top 10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Missouri, United States

Saint Mary's of the Barrens Historic District was founded in 1818; the church was started in 1827. The Shrine was built in 1929 to honor our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The church is modeled after the Vincentian Motherhouse chapel in Rome, Monte Citorio. The church is decorated with paintings and has intricate design work on the walls and ceilings. It is a national center for Marian devotion.

The Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1896 building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located in the 426-acre historic Jefferson Barracks Park which is a 15-minute drive south of downtown Saint Louis. The self-guided, accessible museum has many hands-on, how-things-work displays. In addition to the extensive collection of telephones manufactured from the 1800s through 2000s, the museum also contains: • A working Central Office Step Switch. • Operator switchboards. • Military telephones from WWI through the Gulf War. • Hundreds of pieces of telephone-related equipment and tools. • Hundreds of pieces of telephone-related memorabilia from the 1880s through the 2000s. • A large variety of novelty telephones. Admission: $5 Adults, $4 Seniors; $3 Children ages 5 to 12; Free Children ages 4 and under. Free parking is available directly behind the museum.

From the thrilling views to the amazing stories, a visit to the Gateway Arch is an experience that never fails to inspire. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, you’ll find activities to please every member of your party. Attractions include the Tram Ride to the Top of the Gateway Arch, the Museum at the Gateway Arch (opened July 3, 2018), a documentary film about the construction of the Arch, shopping at The Arch Store, a new Arch Cafe, and cruises aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. Tickets sell out early and often - advance purchase strongly recommended. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

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.

Mural depicting 45 famous Missourians.

We are currently operating under WINTER HOURS. Guided tours are only available SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS until March 1st. Due to the ongoing pandemic, guided tours are limited to 6 people at time. Please call for more information. The Historic Daniel Boone Home features the home of the legendary hero Daniel Boone and his family. The four-story, Georgian style home was built in the 1800's overlooking the Femme Osage Valley. The village, is comprised of over a dozen 19th century buildings including the Old Peace Chapel, grist mill, schoolhouse, and carpenter's shop. Together these buildings help visitors understand life on the Missouri frontier. As a county park, visitors are welcome to walk around the grounds at their leisure. Guided tours are available of the Boone Home and/or village. Group tours and school group programs available with reservations. Not all buildings are handicap accessible. The Old Peace Chapel and Grand Pavilion are available to rent for weddings and private services.

One of the most walk-able historic areas in mid-America includes 240 preserved homes and buildings built more than 100 years ago. Self guided walking tours, unique shops and restaurants, 3 museums, and one of the finest liberal arts colleges in America, make the area interesting and entertaining. A spring arts festival, a fall festival and a farmers market that runs from May to October are annual events fun for the entire family. Plan to stay in one of our charming bed and breakfasts and come visit us soon.