USA

St Louis, Missouri

Founded by the French in 1764 as a fur-trading settlement on the west bank of the Mississippi River, St. Louis was destined for immediate success. Settlers came from New Orleans, followed by French-Canadian trappers. Next were the explorers, including the Lewis and Clark expedition. Families traveling to the mysterious western regions of the country passed through, and some settled in St. Louis. Railway workers arrived in the 1850's, among them immigrants from Germany, Ireland, Italy, and other European countries. African-Americans settled there, some still slaves; others freed. Their combined skills and crafts enriched the city and helped to mold its character.

The construction of the 630 foot Gateway Arch in the 1960's was intended to bring recognition to St. Louis as the "Gateway to the West" in those days of pioneer settlement. It accomplished far more than the original intent, however. The Arch helped spark the rebirth of downtown St. Louis, which until then had been abandoned in the rush for the suburbs. What followed was one of the country's largest urban renewal projects and a billion dollar building boom which resulted in the vital and energetic city that is St. Louis today.

St. Louis makes a stunning first visual impression. It has a look that is all its own of red brick, cobblestone streets, terra cotta friezes and stained glass. The Mississippi River laps against a cobblestone levee reflecting towering office buildings, elegant shopping centers, hotels, and apartment complexes, all well maintained, and the visible signs of the city's success.

The historic homes and businesses of St. Louis are beautiful reminders of the community's commitment to restoration. From the old world Anheuser-Busch Brewery, to Federal row houses, Greek Revival mansions and country villas, the styles are stately and their interiors are lovingly preserved.

St. Louis offers attractions of interest to the whole family at a nominal cost. Admission to many of the museums and historic sites is free! There is no charge, for example, to visit the St. Louis Zoo. The public transportation system whisks visitors around the city center easily and efficiently. For visits to the vast outlying areas, a car is preferable.

Visitors can ride a tram to the top of the Arch, and look out and watch the Mississippi River flow by the city below. Follow this with a visit to the museum under the Arch and the nearby Old Cathedral, the oldest church in St. Louis. Just across the street is the Old Courthouse, the site of the Dred Scott trial.

In spring and summer, there is always time to check out a Mark McGwire homerun at a Cardinals baseball game, and then visit the International Bowling Hall of Fame across from the stadium. After the game, take the family to one of the many excellent nearby restaurants for great Italian cuisine. If you prefer French food, that is readily available also. Not far away, the shopping is spectacular at St. Louis Centre, one of the country's largest urban malls, or at the completely restored Union Station.

In Forest Park, visit the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Zoo, the Muny Opera and the Science Center, with life-size animated dinosaurs, hands-on exhibits, and an Omnimax Theater. Nearby is the historic Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, which houses one of the world's largest collections of mosaic art.

For a night on the town, take in Grand Center arts and entertainment. Enjoy a concert by the world class St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Visit the "Fabulous Fox" Theatre and the St. Louis Black Repertory Company. Then head for one of St. Louis's many pubs, microbreweries or a riverboat casino.

Allow time in your schedule for a stroll through St. Louis' historic neighborhoods of Laclede's Landing, Soulard, The Hill and Central West End. All of these are places for good shopping and fine food. Visit the historic Scott Joplin House to get a sense of ragtime music's beginnings. Children will be delighted by Grant's Farm, The Magic House, the City Museum and the Children's Zoo.

Eureka, on I-44, is best known for Six Flags St. Louis, an immense family theme park and the accompanying Hurricane Harbor Water Park.

Father west on I-70 is the old French village of St. Charles with its Lewis & Clark Center, First Missouri State Capitol Building, restored riverfront historic district, an authentic showboat and a casino. About 20 miles southwest of St. Charles on Highways 94 and F (near Defiance) is the Daniel Boone Home, where the Boone family settled in the late 1790s.

Highway 94 then winds west through the river hills to the German towns of Augusta, Dutzow and Berger, with their wonderful wineries.

Within a two-hour drive of downtown St. Louis, you can experience living history in restored towns and villages, visit Mark Twain's boyhood home and Abraham Lincoln's final resting place, explore enormous caves, canoe on clear rivers and sample Missouri's finest wines. This is just a small sample of what makes St. Louis one of America's great vacation destinations!

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tours:
314-577-2626.
Admission Free.
Mon.-Sat. 9-4, Sun. 11:30-4.
Tours include the recently renovated Brewhouse, Clydesdale stables, lager cellar, packaging plant, hospitality room and gift shop. St. Louis is home to the world's largest brewer, maker of Budweiser beer. Tours of the company's world headquarters, in south St. Louis, include the stables where the famous Clydesdale horses are kept. 12th and Lynch Sts.

Anheuser-Busch - St. Louis Conference and Sports Center:
1 Soccer Park Rd., Fenton
343-5347
Daily, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
A 32-acre, multi-use facility; conferences, banquets, sports. Site of youth, collegiate and World Class Soccer events.

Busch Stadium:
111 Stadium Plaza
314-421-3060;
314-421-2400 tickets;
314-231-6340 museum.
Apr.-Oct., daily 9-5; Nov.-Mar., daily 11-4.
South of the Old Courthouse is Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals. On the northeast side of the stadium is the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame, with sports memorabilia and audio and video highlights of the history of St. Louis baseball.

America's Center:
701 Convention Plaza
(314) 342-5036
St. Louis' state-of-the-art convention complex. Group tours of the 70,000 seat Trans World Dome SM at America's Center by reservation only, Mon. - Fri.. Admission fee.

American Kennel Club:
Museum of the Dog
1721 S. Mason Rd.
(314) 821-3647
Displays include paintings and artifacts by artistic masters throughout the ages. Gift shop and library available to visitors.
more info

James "Cool Papa" Bell Memorial:
St. Peters Cemetery
2101 Lucas & Hunt Rd
Free Admission.
Memorial to the Baseball Hall of Famer who played in the Negro National Major League from 1922 to 1950.

Bellefontaine Cemetery:
4947 W. Florissant Ave.
(314) 381-0750
Free.
Grave sites of explorer William Clark, Thomas Hart Benton, James Eads, Adolphus Busch, Poet Sara Teasdale, the Wainwright tomb and many other architecturally significant mausoleums and monuments. Maps and self-guided tours available at cemetery office.

Bigfoot 4x4, Inc.:
6311 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
(314) 731-2822
Free Admission
Home of the original monster truck. World's largest collection of memorabilia tracing the 20-plus year history of the BIGFOOT phenomenon.
more info

General Daniel Bissell House:
10225 Bellefontaine Rd.
(314) 868-0973
Wed. - Sun., noon - 5 p.m. Last tour, 4 p.m.
Admission charged.
Built by the commanding officer of the first American military post west of the Mississippi.

Black Madonna Shrine:
St. Joseph's Hill
(636) 938-5361
Apr. - Oct., 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.;
Nov. and Mar., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.;
Dec. - Feb., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free Admission.
Hwy. 44 west to Eureka exit, left on Hwy. W, right onto Hwy. FF, left onto Hwy. F to St. Joseph's Hill Rd. A collection of magnificent multi-colored rock grottos.
more info

The Black World History Museum:
2505 St. Louis Ave.
(314) 241-7057
Wed. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.;
Sun., Memorial Day through Labor Day, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
$4.50 adults; $3.50 youth, 13-18;
$3.00 seniors; $2 children, 12 and under.
Life-size likenesses of famous African-American Missourians including George Washington Carver, Dred and Harriett Scott, and Clark Terry.

Bonne Terre Mine/West End Diving:
39 Allen St. - Bonne Terre
(314) 731-5003
A National Geographic Top 10 Adventures. Walking, boat or scuba tours of world's largest manmade caverns and lake. Mined for more than 100 years. Dived and filmed by Jacques Cousteau. A bed and breakfast resort also.
more info

Historic Daniel Boone Home & Boonesfield Village:
1868 Hwy. F - Defiance
(636) 798-2005
1810 home where Daniel Boone lived and died; 19th century history village including one-room school, chapel, general store, woodworkers shop, milliners, and potter's shop.
more info

Butterfly House & Education Center:
Faust Park
(636) 530-0076
A cultural and educational attraction. Visitors will see thousands of butterflies in free flight and actually witness the mystery of metamorphosis. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Closed Mon. Summer 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Admission charged.
more info

Cahokia Mounds State Historic:
Site and Interpretive Center
30 Ramey St. - Collinsville, IL
(618) 346-5160
Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission Free.
From I-55/70, Exit 6, IL Rt. 111. The site of the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico. Interpretive center, Woodhenge solar calendar, special events.
more info

Calvary Cemetery:
5239 W. Florissant Ave.
(314) 381-1313
Admission Free.
Grave sites of playwright Tennessee Williams, General William Tecumseh Sherman, Dred Scott. Many architecturally significant tombs and memorials. Historic tour guides available at the office.

Campbell House Museum:
1508 Locust St.
(314) 421-0325
Tue. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun. noon - 4 p.m.
Admission charged.
Due to re-open summer, 2001.
1851 mansion with original Victorian furnishings and memorabilia.
more info

Carondelet Historical Society:
6303 Michigan Ave.
(314) 481-6303
Tue., Wed., Fri., 9:30 a.m. - noon; Sat., 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m
Small Admission charge.
Dedicated to perpetuating the heritage of the Carondelet neighborhood of South St. Louis. The first kindergarten in the nation (1873) has been recreated. Decorative arts from 19th and early 20th centuries are also displayed.

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis:
Lindell Blvd. at Newstead Ave.
(314) 533-0544 l
Open daily. Tours, Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.;
Sun., 1 p.m. tour after Mass.
Tour is free. Mosaic museum, $1.
Extensive collection of mosaic art; museum.
more info

Center for American Archeology:
P.O. Box 366 l - Kampsville, IL
(618) 653-4316
Investigate American prehistory. Archeology tours, workshops, and residential field school opportunities for all age groups. Archeology Day 2001 is open to the public on June 30.
more info

Christ Church Cathedral:
13th & Locust Sts.
(314) 231-3454
Free admission.
The oldest Episcopal congregation west of the Mississippi River. The Cathedral is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark.
more info

City Museum:
701 N. 15th
(314) 231-2489
Wed. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission charged.
Explore the unexpected at this exciting museum for children and adults. Art, science, history and fun weave together in this one-of-a-kind downtown attraction.
more info

Concordia Historical Institute:
801 DeMun Ave.
(314) 505-7900
Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Admission Free.
Museum, archives and historical library with world's largest collection on the history of Lutheranism in America.
more info

Craft Alliance Gallery:
6640 Delmar
(314) 725-1177
Mon. - Wed., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Thur. & Fri., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.;
Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun., noon - 6 p.m.
Free admission.
Fine contemporary crafts in clay, glass, metal, fiber, and wood. Call for current exhibition.
more info

Samuel Cupples House:
Saint Louis University West Pine Mall between Grand & Spring
(314) 977-3025
Tue. - Sat., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission charged.
1888 Gilded Age historic home with opulent interior and Tiffany windows. Fine and decorative art, 1,000-piece antique glass collection.
more info

DeMenil Mansion and Museum:
3352 DeMenil Pl.
(314) 771-5828
Tue. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Last tour at 3:15 p.m.
Admission charged.
Restaurant on site.
An excellent example of Greek Revival architecture and beautiful period furnishings.

Dental Health Theatre:
27 N. First St., Ste. 103
(314) 241-7391
Reservations required.
Admission Free.
The only attraction of its kind in the world, with 16 three-foot-high fiberglass teeth, films, and marionettes.

Deutschheim State Historical Site and Museum:
109 W. Second St. - Hermann
(573) 486-2200 or (800) 334-6946 from Missouri
Open daily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.;
guided tours at 9:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Admission charged.
Museum of 19th century German immigrant and German-American life, folk art, customs, traditions, culture and heritage.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard:
Old Route 66, 6726 Chippewa
(314) 481-2652
Mar. - Jan., opens daily at 11 a.m.
Admission Free.
A St. Louis tradition on Old Route 66 since 1929. Known for specialty "concrete" shakes, so thick you can turn them upside down.
more info

Earthways Home:
3617 Grandel Square
(314) 531-1996
Tours by appointment only.
Promotes environmental awareness in the home and garden.

Eckert's Country Store and Farms:
951 S. Greenmount Rd. - Belleville, IL
(618) 233-0513
Ride the wagons to pick your own fruit in season. Country Store with bakery, restaurant and gift area. Feb. - Dec.; hours vary by season.
more info

Faust Park:
15185 Olive Blvd.
(636) 532-7298
Thornhill tours by appointment.
Admission charged.
1820s estate of Missouri's 2nd Govenor, Faust Historical Village, restored 1920s Dentzel carousel, the Butterfly House and St. Louis Symphony School. Village interprets history of 1840s-1880s. Historical re-enactments, spring through fall.

Eugene Field House and St. Louis Toy Museum:
634 S. Broadway
(314) 421-4689
Childhood home of Eugene Field, the "children's poet," and Roswell Field, lawyer for Dred Scott. Special exhibits and large collection of toys on display all year.

First Missouri State Capitol: (State Historic Site)
200-216 S. Main St. - St. Charles
(636) 940-3322
Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission charged.
State Capitol from 1821 to 1826. Fully restored legislative chambers and interpretive center.
more info

Forest Park:
Bounded by I-64, Kingshighway
Lindell & Skinker
(314) 289-5300
Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. At 1,370 acres, it is approximately 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York City. In 1904, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, the greatest of the World's Fairs, drew more than 19 million visitors from around the world to Forest Park. Contains Art Museum, Science Center, Zoo, Jewel Box greenhouse, History Museum and The Muny theatre, connected by the Shuttle Bug from the Forest Park MetroLink Station. 7.5-mile biking, jogging and skating path, ice skating rink, lakes.
more info

Forest Park Boathouse:
Government Dr. - Forest Park
(314) 367-3423
Seasonal hours, Apr. - Oct., 10 a.m. - sunset.
A popular family spot. Boat rentals, café and Gondola cruises
more info

Gateway Arch Jefferson National Expansion Memorial:
St. Louis Riverfront
(877) 982-1410 (toll free)
Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Buy tickets on-line. Winter hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Summer hours: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. At 630 feet, our nation's tallest manmade monument has plenty of exciting activities. Visit the Arch and see a giant screen movie, a documentary film on the building of the Arch, a museum, shopping and "Journey To The Top" -the tram experience that blasts you to the past before you take the ride to the top.
more info

Gateway International Raceway:
700 Raceway Blvd. - Madison, IL
(618) 482-2400
Major league motorsports events: IRL, NHRA Drag Racing, NASCAR Busch Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series plus SCCA, motorcycle and weekly drag racing events.

Golden Eagle River Museum:
Bee Tree Park
(314) 846-9073 or (314) 725-9467
May - Labor Day, Wed. - Sun., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.; Labor Day - Oct., Sat. and Sun. only. Free Admission.
The history and lore of America's rivers and boats

Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site (White Haven):
7400 Grant Rd.
(314) 842-3298 Visitor Ctr.
(314) 842-1867 Office
Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., year round.
Free Admission.
The National Park Service interprets the life and family of Ulysses S. Grant at this 10-acre site
more info

Grant's Farm:
10501 Gravois
(314) 843-1700
Apr. - Oct. No reservations required. FREE admission. Nominal parking fee.
Compliments of Anheuser-Busch, Inc., this Busch family estate was once owned by Ulysses S. Grant. Animal shows, petting area and a tram ride through the wildlife preserve.
more info

Historic Hanley House:
7600 Westmoreland
(314) 290-8500
Sat., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. $1 adults; $.50 children.
Grounds typify Missouri farms of 1855-1894 restoration period. The building is Greek Revival and furnishings are from 1820-1890.

Historic Christopher Hawken House:
1155 S. Rock Hill Rd.
(314) 968-1857
Sun., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.; Tue. and Thur., 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. or by appointment.
Admission charged.
Historic house built by Christopher Hawken, descendant of Hawken riflesmiths.
more info

Holocaust Museum & Learning Center:
12 Millstone Campus Dr.
(314) 432-0020, ext. 3711
Mon. - Thu., 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Admission Free.
Photographs, artifacts and audio-visual displays. Resource library and Oral History Archives.

International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame,:
Home of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum:
Admission charged.
Across from Busch Stadium
(314) 231-6340
Two great sports museums in one place for one price. 5,000 years of bowling history, more than a century of St. Louis baseball and four free frames of bowling.
more info

Jefferson Barracks Historic Park:
533 Grant Rd. - End of S. Broadway
(314) 544-5714
Tue. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., noon - 4:30 p.m.; Closed Mon. FREE.
Devoted to military history and recreation. Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant served here.
more info

Scott Joplin House: (State Historic Site)
2658 Delmar
(314) 340-5790
Tours daily. Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun., noon - 5 p.m. (6 p.m. in summer).
Admission charged.
Restored post-Civil War structure, once the home of the famous ragtime composer. National Historic Landmark

Lambert - St. Louis International Airport:
(314) 426-8000
Tours, Mon. - Fri
call (314) 890-1316.
Ten major airlines with direct service to more than 180 cities in the U.S. and international destinations. Two MetroLink stations directly link Lambert's terminals to downtown St. Louis businesses and attractions. Aviation murals on exhibit, "Black Americans in Flight" and "Aviation ... An American Triumph." Charles Lindbergh's personal Monocoupe plane on display.

Laclede's Landing Wax Museum:
720 N. St.
(314) 241-1155
Open Fri., Sat., Sun., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Nov. and Dec., weekends only.
$5 adults, $1 children.
More than 180 authentically costumed wax figures from London.

Laumeier Sculpture Park & Museum:
12580 Rott Rd. at Geyer Rd.
(314) 821-1209
Open daily, 7 a.m. to one-half hour past sunset.
Museum hours, Tue. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun., noon - 5 p.m.
Free Admission.
One of the major sculpture parks in the U.S. Special events throughout the year. more info

Lewis & Clark Center:
701 Riverside Dr. l St. Charles
(636) 947-3199
Open daily 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Admission charged.
The Lewis & Clark Center interprets the Expedition through excellent exhibits, literature and educational programs.
more info

The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum:
516 S. Kirkwood Rd.
(314) 822-8900
School year hours: Tue. - Thu., 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Fri., 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.;
Sat., 9:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.; and Sun., 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m Call for summer hours.
Admission charged.
Explore the Children's Village, Fitness Center, Math Path and infant/toddler area. Take a trip down a three-story slide and discover the magic of our world.
more info

Maryland Heights Aquaport:
2344 McKelvey Rd.
(314) 434-1919
Open daily Memorial Day - Labor Day.
Rapid ride, lazy river, zero entry pool, lap lanes, kiddie pool, racer slides
more info

Mastodon State Historic Site:
1050 Museum Dr. - Imperial
(636) 464-2976
Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sun., noon - 4:30 p.m
Admission charged.
Museum of Missouri's Ice Age animals and the Native Americans who hunted them more than 10,000 years ago. Picnic area, trails.

Meramec Caverns:
I-44, Exit 230 - Stanton
(800) 676-6105
Daily, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., as season dictates
Free Admission.
One hour west of St. Louis. Guided tours of natural wonders. Gift shop, restaurant, boat rides, canoe rentals.

Missouri Botanical Garden:
4344 Shaw Blvd.
(314) 577-9400
Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Admission charged.
See the world at the largest traditional Japanese garden in North America, the Kemper Center for Home Gardening, the Climatron rain forest and more.
more info

Missouri History Museum: (Missouri Historical Society)
Forest Park
(314) 746-4599
Watch for special events and traveling exhibitions.
Open daily, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Tue., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Free Admission.
Tour "Seeking St. Louis", a new permanent exhibition spanning three exciting and interactive galleries.
more info

Missouri Labor Art Gallery:
1401 Hampton Ave.
(314) 647-6336
Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free Admission.
Tells the story of the labor movement from the early 1900s through today with paintings, photographs, prints and drawings.

Missouri Valley Conference:
1818 Chouteau
(314) 421-0339
Intercollegiate athletic association comprised of 10 Midwestern universities; men's basketball tournament in March. Earth Grains Classic in November annually at Savvis Center.
more info

Mount Pleasant Winery:
5634 High St. - Augusta
(636) 482-4419
Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Great wine and food and top entertainment at the largest winery in America's first designated wine district. Complimentary wine sampling. Spectacular views. Public tours.
more info

Museum of Contemporary Religious Art:
3700 West Pine Pedestrian Mall
(314) 977-7170
Tue. - Sun., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Admission Free.
World's first museum of interfaith contemporary art, housed in a spacious former chapel. Permanent collection and changing exhibitions.

Museum of Transportation:
3015 Barrett Station Rd.
(314) 965-7998
Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission charged.
More than 300 pieces including locomotives, passenger cars, automobiles, streetcars, buses and aircraft.
more info

Museum of Western Jesuit Missions:
700 Howdershell Rd.
(314) 837-3525
Mid-Mar. to mid-Nov., Sun. open house, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Tours at other times by appointment.
Admission Free.
A museum of mission history from the days of General Clark and Fathers DeSmet and Marquette

John B. Myers House:
180 Dunn Rd.
(314) 837-7661
Mon. - Sat.
Admission Free.
This 1860s Palladian-style house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Craft, quilting, weaving shops and restaurant

National Great Rivers Museum:
Melvin Price Locks and Dam - Alton, IL
(618) 462-6979
Admission Free. Call for information.
Opening in late 2001.
This 12,000 square-foot museum will exhibit state-of-the-art displays on the heritage, legends and lore of the Mississippi River.

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows:
442 S. DeMazenod Dr. - Belleville, IL
(314) 241-3400 or (618) 367-6700
Daily masses. Grounds open 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. year round.
Largest outdoor shrine in North America.. Eight devotional areas.
more info

Old Cathedral (Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France):
209 Walnut St.
(314) 231-3250
Daily mass; Sat. mass, 5:30 p.m.; Sun. masses, 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., noon and 5 p.m. FREE.
St. Louis' earliest church. The present structure is 166 years old and is a national monument. Museum contains countless religious artifacts.
more info

Old Courthouse:
11 N. 4th St.
(314) 655-1600
Daily, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Admission Free.
The scene of the Dred Scott trial. Galleries depict the history of St. Louis from its French and Spanish roots to its role in westward expansion. Trial reenactments, ranger tours.

Portfolio Gallery & Educational Ctr.:
3514 Delmar Blvd.
(314) 533-3323
Mon., Wed. and Fri., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat., 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Tue. and Thu.
Tours by appointment only.
African-American visual arts, lectures, workshops, seminars and classes.

Purina Farms:
200 Checkerboard Dr. - Gray Summit
(314) 982-3232
I-44 to Gray Summit exit, Hwy. 100 to County Rd. MM.
Mid-Mar. to mid-Nov. Reservations required.
Admission Free.
Petting zoo, displays, hands-on activities and animal demonstrations.
more info

Raging Rivers Waterpark:
Grafton, IL
Open Memorial Day - Labor Day.
Admission charged.
(618) 786-2345
Forty minutes from St. Louis on the Great River Road (Rt. 100). Giant wave pool, body flumes, Endless River, Tree House Harbor, a family interactive play area.

The Saint Louis Art Museum:
Forest Park
(314) 721-0072
Tue., 1:30 - 8:30 p.m.; Wed. - Sun., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Free Admission
The Fine Arts Palace of the 1904 World's Fair; among the leading art museums in the country. Collections from ancient to contemporary. Special exhibitions throughout the year.
more info

St. Louis Artists' Guild:
Two Oak Knoll Park
(314) 727-9599
Tue. - Sun., noon -4 p.m.
Admission Free.
St. Louis' oldest and largest visual arts center. Located in a restored 1920's mansion. The guild is recognized for its excellent exhibitions and programs.
more info

St. Louis Car Museum & Sales:
1575 Woodson Rd.
(314) 993-1330
Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission charged.
Collection of 150 vintage autos. Gift shop devoted to car memorabilia and diecast cars.
more info

St. Louis Children's Aquarium:
416 Hanley Industrial Ct.
(314) 647-9594
Open daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m
Admission charged.
Pet a shark and more at this special living museum. Learn about the Mississippi and Amazon Rivers, and the oceans that connect them.
more info

St. Louis Mercantile Library:
University of Missouri - St. Louis
8001 Natural Bridge Rd.
(314) 516-7240
Mon. - Thu., 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m; Sun., 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Admission Free.
Established in 1846; oldest library west of the Mississippi. Collections on Western Expansion, St. Louis history and American river and rail transportation.
more info

St. Louis Public Library:
1301 Olive St.
(314) 241-2288
Mon., 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Tue. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission Free.
Beautiful Italian Renaissance-style building contains more than 1.5 million books and 3 million other resources.
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St. Louis Science Center:
5050 Oakland Ave.
(800) 456-7572
Sat. - Thur., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Closed Christmas; extended summer hours.
Admission Free.
Explore more than 700 free exhibits on environment, aviation, technology and more, life-size dinosaurs, and new space sciences center. Omnimax® theatre and traveling exhibitons for nominal fee. Full-size animated dinosaurs and more.
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St. Louis Union Station:
Market St. between 18th & 20th Sts.
(314) 421-6655
Once the world's largest train station, this National Historic Landmark of unsurpassed beauty is now a shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.

St. Louis Walk of Fame:
6504 Delmar
(314) 727-STAR
Open 24 hours.
Admission Free.
Ninety stars and informative plaques honoring famous St. Louisans are set in the sidewalks of The Loop, an exciting shopping and restaurant district. Stars include John Goodman, Chuck Berry, Bob Costas and Tina Turner.
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Saint Louis Zoo:
Forest Park
(314) 781-0900
Daily except Christmas and New Years Day, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; until 8 p.m. on Tue. in summer.
Admission Free.
World-class zoo with more than 6,000 animals. Recent openings include The River's Edge and the Monsanto Insectarium. Natural habitat areas include Big Cat Country, Jungle of the Apes and the Children's Zoo.
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