A historic city on the Mississippi River, home to the iconic Gateway Arch. Known for its blues music, baseball tradition, and free attractions like the Saint Louis Zoo.
Saint Louis, Missouri, sits along the Mississippi River, with the 630-foot Gateway Arch defining its skyline. In Forest Park, you can visit the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and Science Center. The city is known for its unique foods like toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake. Sports fans can catch a Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium or cheer on the Blues hockey team at Enterprise Center. Saint Louis also has a rich music scene, from symphony performances to blues clubs in the Soulard neighborhood.
Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch, standing at 630 feet, is the tallest human-made structure in the Western Hemisphere. This stainless-steel arch marks Saint Louis' role in the country's westward expansion. You can take a tram ride to the top for views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Forest Park
Forest Park, covering 1,300 acres, is home to several of Saint Louis' major institutions. You can see over 5,000 animals at the Saint Louis Zoo or browse artwork spanning 5,000 years at the Saint Louis Art Museum. The park also includes the Missouri History Museum and the Saint Louis Science Center, each offering interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Local Food
Saint Louis has developed its own unique dishes. Try toasted ravioli, a crispy pasta appetizer served with marinara sauce. For dessert, taste gooey butter cake, a rich, sweet treat. The city also has many craft breweries where you can tour the facilities and sample local beers.
Sports
Sports are an integral part of life in Saint Louis. You can watch the St. Louis Cardinals play baseball at Busch Stadium or see the St. Louis Blues hockey team at Enterprise Center. Both venues are located downtown and offer a lively atmosphere on game days.
Music and Performing Arts
The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1880, performs at Powell Hall. During summer, you can watch outdoor musical productions at The Muny in Forest Park. For blues music, head to the Soulard neighborhood, where you'll find live performances in various bars and clubs.
Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden, established in 1859, covers 79 acres. You can walk through a 14-acre Japanese garden, explore a tropical conservatory, and see various themed gardens. The garden also conducts plant conservation and research programs.
Universities
Saint Louis is home to Washington University in St. Louis and Saint Louis University. Both are research institutions where you can tour the campuses and see interesting architecture. Washington University's Danforth Campus features Collegiate Gothic buildings, while Saint Louis University's campus includes the modern Chaifetz Arena.
Transportation
While many people in Saint Louis use cars, the city also has public transportation options. The MetroLink light rail system connects the airport to downtown and other key areas. In recent years, the city has added more bike lanes, making cycling easier in many neighborhoods.
Weather
Saint Louis has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot, with temperatures often above 90°F (32°C) and high humidity. Winters can be cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall. Spring and fall have milder temperatures, usually between 60-75°F (15-24°C), making outdoor activities more comfortable.
