St. Louis Attractions

Essentially a huge, urban playhouse, the City Museum is one of the most unique attractions in St. Louis. You can go down a 10-story slide, frolic in colorful ball pits, get lost in the depths of twisting caves, spin in a giant hamster wheel, and more. Originally a shoe factory and warehouse, the museum showcases its industrial history through impressive, artistic decorations created from repurposed machines and factory parts. For less than $15, people of all ages can find hours of activities and entertainment at this site!

Located just across from the medical school, Forest Park is a refreshing respite from the city and from daily life. There, you can enjoy over six miles of walking and running paths, see performances, go ice skating, and visit a variety of free museums, as well as the (also free) Saint Louis Zoo. With something for everyone, Forest Park is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

I remember the first time I saw the majestic Gateway Arch: a black-and-white photograph in my middle school algebra textbook, provided as an example of a catenary curve. That was also the last time I saw the Arch until I drove across the Mississippi River with luggage and furniture in tow, ready to start my adventure in St. Louis. The most iconic structure of the city, the Arch is also the world’s tallest arch and the tallest monument in the country. It was built in the 1960s to commemorate the western expansion of the United States, and I certainly felt its welcoming presence as I neared the end of my 13-hour road trip from the East Coast. The inside of the Arch is an engineering marvel and it’s a fascinating experience to ride the futuristic pods to the peak, where you’ll get a 630-foot bird’s eye view of both sides of the city. You’d better get acquainted with it quickly too — everybody and their mother, including yours, will want to take the 20-minute round trip to the top.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a gem. From free concerts with food trucks in the summer to a grand display of plants and lights during the holidays, the Botanical Garden offers beautiful scenery no matter the season.

If you love history (or you’re bored), go to the history museum in Forest Park.  It’s free admission and has some cool exhibits about the history of St. Louis and the Midwest.  

I consider myself to be a bit of a zoo connoisseur — I’ve been to zoos on three continents — and I have to say that the Saint Louis Zoo, a 10-minute drive or 45-minute walk through scenic Forest Park, is one of the best I’ve ever seen, with beautifully maintained exhibits and an extensive collection of animals. Highlights include the gorgeous new polar bear exhibit, the sea lion tunnel, the penguins, the primate house, and Ginger the baby orangutan! Best of all, entrance is COMPLETELY FREE!

Have you ever wanted to see fully grown men strap knives to their feet, arm themselves with bent quarterstaffs, zip around at breathtaking speed, and occasionally punch each other’s faces in? If so, NHL hockey might be just the thing for you! Playing only a 15-minute ride on the MetroLink away from campus, the St. Louis Blues are always sure to put on a show (unless the Stanley Cup is on the line).

Come to a Cardinals game! St. Louis has one of the best baseball fanbases in the country and the stadium is only a few MetroLink stops from the Central West End.  If they win, go to Ballpark Village to celebrate; if they lose, go to Ballpark Village  to drink your sorrows away.

If your idea of fun consists of letting your mind wander while solely exercising your extraocular muscles, you are not alone. Our local branch of the public library is a cozy place where you’ll find a convenient source of free printing, an alternative study spot, and a nice selection of literature. Tip: Check out their online catalog to place books on hold!