1 
AAA Destination Guide: Official AAA maps,
travel information and top picks
AAA Destination Guide: St. Louis includes trip-planning information
covering AAA recommended attractions and restaurants, exclusive
member discounts, maps and more.  
Home of the instantly recognizable Gateway Arch, St. Louis epitomizes
the American spirit of exploration and expansion in all sorts of ways.
Geographically, it was the door to Lewis and Clark’s groundbreaking
westward journey. Charles Lindbergh’s milestone solo flight across the
Atlantic in the “Spirit of St. Louis” reflected mechanical achievement. And
cultural adventure powered the 1904 World’s Fair and Scott Joplin’s
ragtime music. With its prime location near the Mississippi and Missouri
rivers and because it was visited by so many people headed West, St.
Louis has welcomed diverse groups of people and cultures—including
French-Canadians, New Orleanians, Germans, Irish and Italians—and
ultimately has given back a soulful blend of music, sports, industry and
ethnic traditions.
Because of the city’s vital role in westward expansion, history is
cherished. Memorials and museums inform visitors of St. Louis’s past, but
if you’re not a history buff, fear not. Art galleries; gardens; three
professional sports teams; an array of theaters; a zoo; the St. Louis
Symphony; and many shopping possibilities, including the exquisite
Romanesque-inspired Union Station, provide satisfying substitutes. Your
visit to St. Louis will remind you the city was a gateway to pioneers
headed West with dreams of success, and it will become your gateway to
exploring the past of an American city with one of the most vibrant of
histories. Along the way, you’ll discover it’s also your gateway to a mighty
good time.

Essentials
Ride the tram to the legendary top of The Gateway Arch for a panoramic
view of St. Louis.

Wander the halls of the Missouri History Museum to learn about the
history of St. Louis through a variety of galleries.

Attend a performance by one of America’s
oldest symphony orchestras, the St. Louis
Symphony. North Grand Boulevard’s Powell
Symphony Hall, the former 1925 St. Louis
Theatre, has been the home of the symphony
since 1968. The foyer’s design is inspired by
the royal chapel at Versailles; red, gold and
cream dominate the classical décor’s color
palette.


Spend some time inside the Catholic
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis where you’ll discover impressive religious
imagery that was created with more than 41 million individual pieces of
glass, marble and stone.

Go on a shopping spree—small or large—at Union Station. Trains no
longer are the main draw, but specialty shops amid the backdrop of
Romanesque-inspired architecture, including Tiffany stained glass and a
barrel-vaulted ceiling, definitely are.


Destination Guide: St. Louis 
2 
Essentials Map
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Essentials Details - Get additional information on AAA.com
- GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members

- Exclusive AAA member discounts available
1. The Gateway Arch
Memorial Dr & Market St
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 655-1700


2. Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63112
Phone: (314) 746-4599



3. Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
4431 Lindell Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone: (314) 373-8200

4. Laclede's Landing
801 N 2nd St
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 241-5875

5. Scott Joplin House
State Historic Site
2658A Delmar Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 340-5790

Pick up a self-guiding walking tour brochure from the St. Louis Visitor
Center and explore Laclede’s Landing to get a feel for old St. Louis. This
nine-block historic district marks St. Louis founder Pierre Laclede’s
original settlement. You’ll marvel at the wonderfully preserved mid-19th-
to early 20th-century warehouses that now hold bars, nightclubs,
restaurants and offices. Cobblestone streets enhance the nostalgic
charm.

Take a jaunt along the sidewalks of the University City Loop where the
St. Louis Walk of Fame provides an entertaining and educational footing
in nearby University City. Brass stars and biographical bronze plaques
preserve information about noteworthy individuals with connections to the
St. Louis area. Artist Charles Russell, actor Vincent Price, singer Tina
Turner and U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant comprise four of the more
than 100 stars.

Celebrate St. Louis’s legendary musical past on a trip to the Scott Joplin
House State Historic Site, be sure to watch the player piano as it belts out
tunes from the ragtime era.

With three well-loved professional sports teams in town, you’d be remiss
not to get tickets to see baseball’s Cardinals, football’s Rams or hockey’s
Blues.

Stroll through Soulard Farmers Market at 7th Street and Lafayette
Avenue, open Wednesdays through Saturdays, and participate in a
tradition with origins dating back to 1838. This is reputedly the oldest
farmers market west of the Mississippi River, and with that little historical
tidbit, you’ll treasure your purchases even more.




Destination Guide: St. Louis 
3 
St. Louis in 3 Days
Three days is barely enough time to get to know any major destination.
But AAA travel editors suggest these activities to make the most of your
time in St. Louis.

Day 1: Morning and Afternoon
Spend your first day in St. Louis at Jefferson National Expansion
Memorial, home to the nation’s tallest monument—The Gateway Arch.
The memorial also includes the Old Courthouse and the Museum of
Westward Expansion. Try to arrive at The Gateway Arch soon after it
opens.

Two gripping films related to the memorial and the history of the West are
shown throughout the day, and tram rides take awestruck visitors to the
top of the arch for a magnificent view of the city. Decide which films you
want to watch, and then plan the order of your activities around those and
the time you’ve been issued for your tram ride. While you wait, peruse the
Museum of Westward Expansion, where exhibits and artifacts showcase
Western history, including pioneer tales, American Indian life and Lewis
and Clark’s trailblazing adventures.

Note: Summer is the busiest season at the popular Jefferson National
Expansion Memorial, but it is also when extended evening hours are
offered at The Gateway Arch and Museum of Westward Expansion, so if
you’ll be in St. Louis between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you will have
some added flexibility in scheduling your day’s plans. In addition you can
purchase your tickets to the memorial and timed tickets for a tram ride to
the top of the arch before you arrive in the city, and this is wise especially
if you’ll be there in summer. By purchasing tickets ahead of time, you
may also have more say in choosing the time of your tram ride. Allow at
least 30 minutes for the line at the security checkpoint at The Gateway
Arch.


A good place for lunch is in nearby historic Laclede’s Landing. Try
Hannegan’s, which offers a casual setting with American fare, including
the toasted ravioli appetizer, a St. Louis culinary tradition and an item
you’ll see on a lot of restaurant menus.

After lunch visit the third component of the memorial, the Old Courthouse.
It’s quite a sight with its stunning copper dome, designed in an Italian
Renaissance style and patterned after the one at Rome’s St. Peter’s
Basilica. The first courthouse on this site was an 1828 brick Federal
building that had to be expanded in 1839 due to the increasing
population. Further construction in 1851 necessitated the demolition of
the original brick portion, and within 11 years, the courthouse you see
today was completed. This locale witnessed many important cases, one
of which is profiled in “Slavery on Trial: The Dred Scott Decision”—a film
chronicling the important mid-19th century case that began here and
culminated with an 1857 U.S. Supreme Court decision that fueled
opposing Northern and Southern viewpoints regarding slavery. Two
courtrooms have been restored; one reflects the mid-19th century and
the other reveals an early 20th-century appearance. Brush up on some
history with the exhibits chronicling St. Louis since the 1760s.

Afterward stop at the Old Cathedral for a look at the 1830s structure and
the Catholic artifacts housed in its museum.

Evening
Join St. Louis sports fans for a night with the Cardinals at the new Busch
Stadium. Let dinner at Mike Shannon’s Steaks & Seafood set the mood
before the game, or go later for the post-game action. Either way, you’ll
be immersed in St. Louis Cardinals culture. Mike is a former third
baseman for St. Louis and has been a team broadcaster since 1972.
Hundreds of photographs and pieces of memorabilia are displayed
throughout the space, and plenty of televisions tuned in to the game
assure diners they won’t miss any of the action if they don’t have tickets
or if the team is out of town. The ideal time to visit is after a Friday home
game, when Mike does a live sports talk show.
Destination Guide: St. Louis 
4 
St. Louis in 3 Days – Day 1 Map
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Day 2: Morning
Begin the day with a trip to Soulard Farmers Market. The historic venue
at 7th Street and Lafayette Avenue is said to be the oldest farmers
market west of the Mississippi River. Stroll along the vendors’ stalls and
see what catches your eye for breakfast and for a souvenir or two. The
market is open Wednesday through Saturday, but not all of the vendors
open up each day. Saturday is the best time to visit because the majority
of stalls are open for business.
Day 1 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds
- GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members
1. Jefferson National
Expansion Memorial
Memorial Dr & LK Sullivan Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 655-1700

2. The Gateway Arch
Memorial Dr & Market St
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 655-1700


3. Museum of Westward Expansion
Memorial Dr & Market St
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 655-1700

4. Laclede's Landing
801 N 2nd St
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 241-5875
5. Hannegan's

719 N 2nd St
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 241-8877

6. Old Courthouse
11 N 4th St
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 655-1700

7. Old Cathedral
209 Walnut St
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 231-3250

8. Mike Shannon's
Steaks & Seafood

620 Market St
St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: (314) 421-1540

Morning and Afternoon
Devote the rest of the morning and afternoon to Forest Park, site of the
1904 World’s Fair. To better appreciate the vast offerings on the
extensive grounds, pick up a self-guiding audio tour player from the
Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center at 5595 Grand Drive.
Along with a variety of recreational opportunities, there are five
attractions: Jewel Box, Missouri History Museum, St. Louis Art Museum,
Saint Louis Science Center and Saint Louis Zoo. If you are traveling with
children, the science center and zoo are good choices. Otherwise, be
sure to visit the art and history museums. During the summer, a shuttle
bus runs between these five attractions and several other stops.

Have lunch at Boathouse Forest Park amid the scenery of Post-Dispatch
Lake or at Imo’s Pizza just outside the park, where the slices of St. Louis-
style pizza are characteristically cut into squares.

Destination Guide: St. Louis 
5 
Evening
Broadway-style musicals are performed in Forest Park at the Muny, an
outdoor amphitheater, from mid-June to mid-August each summer. If your
vacation coincides with those dates, plan on seeing a show for your
evening entertainment. Roughly 1,500 free seats at the top of the house
are reserved for each performance, so if you’re willing to wait in line (first-
come, first-served) you might be able to get in for an unbeatable price.

St. Louis in 3 Days – Day 2 Map
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After the show, have a late supper in the Central West End (just
northeast of Forest Park). Dressel’s Pub is adorned with pictures of
authors and musicians and features live music nightly (guitar Monday
through Thursday and piano Friday through Sunday). It often attracts
theatergoers and is one possibility among several blocks with dining
options.
If the Muny plan doesn’t work out, opt for a different kind of evening
altogether. Make reservations and don your semi-formal evening wear for
a dinner at Tony’s or An American Place, which is in Renaissance Grand
& Suites Hotel St. Louis. Both are excellent options for an upscale dining

Day 2 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com; 
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds 
- GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members

- Exclusive AAA member discounts available
1. Forest Park
5600 Clayton Ave
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 289-5300


2. Jewel Box
5600 Clayton Ave
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 531-0080

3. Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63112
Phone: (314) 746-4599



4. St. Louis Art Museum
1 Fine Arts Dr
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 721-4807


5. Saint Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Ave
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (800) 456-7572



6. Saint Louis Zoo
1 Government Dr
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 781-0900
7. Boathouse Forest Park

6101 Government Dr
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 367-2224

8. Imo's Pizza

1000 Hampton Ave
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 644-5480

9. Dressel's Pub

419 N Euclid Ave
St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone: (314) 361-1060

10. Tony's

410 Market St
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 231-7007

11. An American Place

822 Washington Ave
St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: (314) 418-5800

12. Renaissance Grand
& Suites Hotel St. Louis

800 Washington Ave
St. Louis, MO
Phone: (314) 621-9600



Destination Guide: St. Louis 
6 
experience. Get tickets if the St. Louis Symphony is performing at Powell
Symphony Hall, and if it’s not, see what’s going on nearby at Sheldon
Concert Hall. Fox Theatre and Grandel Theatre are in the neighborhood
as well.

St. Louis in 3 Days – Day 3 Map

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Day 3: Morning
Enjoy breakfast at Station Grille at the St. Louis Union Station Marriott,
which is housed in the Romanesque-inspired confines of Union Station.
This 1894 structure—adorned with mosaics, gold leaf and faux marble
ornamentation, and a Tiffany stained glass window above the main
entrance in the Grand Hall—was once a bustling rail passenger terminal
that is now an entertainment, shopping and dining destination.

Head over to Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, the simple home of
the ragtime composer and his wife, Belle, during the very early 1900s.
Their former residence is furnished in a turn of the 20th century style, and
a museum inside is dedicated to the musician’s accomplishments.
Tour the magnificently extravagant Samuel Cupples House at St. Louis
University next. This late 19th-century 42-room Romanesque estate looks
like a castle, and it features many Arts and Crafts interior elements,
including quartersawn oak floors. The house also serves as display
space for a collection of European and American paintings and art glass.

Day 3 Details - Get additional information on AAA.com; 
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds 
FYI - Provided as an information only service; has not yet been evaluated
- GEM Attraction offers a Great Experience for Members

- Exclusive AAA member discounts available
1. Station Grille

1 St. Louis Union Station
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 802-3460

2. St. Louis Union
Station Marriott

1 St. Louis Union Station
St. Louis, MO
Phone: (314) 621-5262

3. Scott Joplin House
State Historic Site
2658A Delmar Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 340-5790

4. Samuel Cupples House
at St. Louis University
Lindell Blvd & Spring Ave
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 977-3575

5. Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
4431 Lindell Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone: (314) 373-8200

6. Kopperman's Delicatessen (FYI)
386 N Euclid Ave
St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone: (314) 361-0100

7. Bar Italia Ristorante-Caffe

13 Maryland Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone: (314) 361-7010

8. Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 577-9400



9. Dominic's

5101 Wilson Ave
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 771-1632

10. Giovanni's on the Hill

5201 Shaw Ave
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 772-5958

11. Bartolino's Osteria

2103 Sulphur Ave
St. Louis, MO 63139
Phone: (314) 644-2266

Destination Guide: St. Louis 
7 
Afternoon
Either on your way to a lunch spot or after your meal, stop at Cathedral
Basilica of St. Louis. You’ve never seen mosaics like the ones that adorn
the inside of this structure. More than 41.5 million individual pieces of
glass, marble and stones have been meticulously arranged to create
beautiful religious imagery as well as local historical scenes.

Even if you had dinner in the Central West End last evening, there are
still plenty of options there for lunch, including Kopperman’s Delicatessen
and Bar Italia Ristorante-Caffe. Afterward, explore the fashionable
neighborhood and all the shopping possibilities—antique shops, art
galleries, bookstores and boutiques—it has to offer along Euclid Avenue,
Maryland Plaza and McPherson Street.

To complete your afternoon sightseeing, visit the many themed gardens
showcased at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Climatron, a
conservatory housed in a massive geodesic dome, is definitely dressed
to impress with its tropical plants, animal inhabitants, pools and
waterfalls. Garden founder Henry Shaw’s 1849 Victorian house also is
open to the public.

Evening
Finish off the day in The Hill, the city’s Italian neighborhood and the place
where former major leaguers Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola grew up.
You’ll find the community between Kingshighway and Hampton Avenue,
but the numerous Italian restaurants, specialty markets and tri-colored
fire hydrants sporting green, white and red paint are enough to give away
the location. A statue outside St. Ambrose Catholic Church, on Wilson
Avenue between Marconi Avenue and Hereford Street, depicts Italian
immigrants. Tableside preparations are staples at Dominic’s and
Giovanni’s on the Hill, but if you don’t want such a formal experience,
scope out the other neighborhood establishments to see what catches
your eye for a good place to enjoy Italian fare. Bartolino’s Osteria is well
established and offers classic Italian dishes.

Restaurants
The following downtown restaurants are three of the city’s popular dining
locales. Ask anyone in St. Louis to name the “best” restaurant, and the
likely answer will be Tony’s. At the sight of the formally attired valet and
doorman, it’s clear that a very special occasion is about to begin. Owner
Vincent J. Bommarito strives to make his formal, sophisticated and
legendary restaurant the best. Filet mignon in a
Chianti sauce and linguine with lobster and
shrimp are two entrée highlights.

Several blocks north you’ll find An American
Place, where the cuisine is of exceedingly high
quality. The menu frequently changes to offer
selections with the freshest ingredients
available. This former hotel lobby has been
elegantly restored and is listed on the National
Register of Historic Places. Many original
elements of the 1917 structure, such as the
ornate ceiling, polished marble walls, large
columns, elegant draperies and strategically
placed potted palms, create a one-of-a kind atmosphere.

Venture beyond downtown’s borders to visit the next batch of restaurant
selections. Crown Candy Kitchen lies just north of downtown and often
has a line winding out the door and down the sidewalk; it is very popular
during the lunch hour and on weekends. The soda fountain has been a
tradition since it opened in 1913, making it one of the oldest soda
fountains in the country. The establishment makes all its own ice cream
and still practices the confectionery art. The lunch menu is simple fare but
hits the spot. Sandwiches, soups, hot dogs and chili are among the
choices and range from $4-$7 for lunch and dinner entrées.

Destination Guide: St. Louis 
8 
Restaurants Map
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The southern portion of St. Louis claims Hodak’s Restaurant & Bar,
considered to have the best fried chicken in the city. Its famous four-piece
chicken platter, fries and coleslaw are a great value. Weekday luncheon
specials offer very reasonable prices for everything from a quarter-pound
hot dog to a rib eye steak. The dinner menu offers a generous selection
of steaks, chicken, pork chops, seafood and BBQ ribs. On Fridays
catfish, Iceland Cod and Jack Salmon are served with slaw, potato salad
and alternating spaghetti or macaroni and cheese. Numerous appetizers
are offered, including toasted ravioli, a St. Louis favorite. Road and city
development has moved this establishment to its third city corner location
since 1962. Apparently it does not matter where Hodak’s is located;
they’ve got it cornered!

Also in the southern section of the city is Imo’s Pizza, where the original
St. Louis-style pizza began. Ed Imo’s unique recipe set the standard with
square-cut pieces of thin, crispy crust; tomato sauce and provolone
cheese. There’s nothing fancy here, just good pizza. Their own slogan is,
“The square beyond compare.”

Restaurants Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds
1. Tony's

410 Market St
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 231-7007

2. An American Place

822 Washington Ave
St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: (314) 418-5800

3. Crown Candy Kitchen

1401 St. Louis Ave
St. Louis, MO 63106
Phone: (314) 621-9650

4. Hodak's Restaurant & Bar

2100 Gravois Rd
St. Louis, MO 63104
Phone: (314) 776-7292
5. Imo's Pizza

1000 Hampton Ave
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 644-5480

6. Dominic's

5101 Wilson Ave
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 771-1632

7. Boathouse Forest Park

6101 Government Dr
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 367-2224

8. Dressel's Pub

419 N Euclid Ave
St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone: (314) 361-1060

Ted Drewe’s Frozen Custard, with its two locations in the city’s southern
quadrant, has been a local tradition since 1931. St. Louisans stand in line
for specialty custard treats no matter what the season. Limited parking
and standing room only are just a part of the experience. Prices range
from 50 cents for a cone to $5 for a large specialty item.

Southern St. Louis also is home to The Hill, the city’s Italian
neighborhood. This is where you’ll find Dominic’s. Sophisticated service
and an extensive wine list help create an elegant dining experience. Old
World décor and exquisite cuisine are hallmarks here.

Head north to discover Boathouse Forest Park. In warm weather, enjoy
lakeside patio dining, cold drinks, live music and beautiful sunsets. Dogs
are always welcome (outside dining only) and are given their own water
bowl and treats. In cold weather, relax and enjoy indoor dining by the
large stone fireplace. The menu’s variety includes hot dogs, chili, angus
burgers, hand-tossed pizzas, salads and house-made soups and stews.

Destination Guide: St. Louis 
9 
Flank steak, rarebit and salmon BLTs are signature dishes. It’s wise to
make reservations and to be prepared to wait for seating at this very
popular spot!

Restaurants Map
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Restaurants Details - Get additional information on AAA.com;
AAA Diamond Rating information available on AAA.com/Diamonds
9. Ted Drewe's Frozen Custard

6726 Chippewa St
St. Louis, MO 63109
Phone: (314) 481-2652

10. Blueberry Hill

6504 Delmar Blvd
University City, MO 63130
Phone: (314) 727-4444

11. Portabella

15 N Central Ave
Clayton, MO 63105
Phone: (314) 725-6588
12. Frank Papa's Ristorante

2241 S Brentwood Blvd
Brentwood, MO 63144
Phone: (314) 961-3344

13. Annie Gunn's

16806 Chesterfield Airport Rd
Chesterfield, MO 63005
Phone: (636) 532-7684

Nearby at Dressel’s Pub you’ll often find after-theater crowds, students
and literary minds. The lively pub serves traditional Welsh dishes as well
as a variety of sandwiches, soups and salads. The homemade deep-fried
potato chips are perfect with some malt vinegar sprinkled on top. A
sidewalk café is offered in season.

Just beyond St. Louis city limits lies a fine selection of additional dining
opportunities. Often voted “Best Hamburgers,” Blueberry Hill in University
City is a landmark filled with pop culture memorabilia and draws a lively,
fun-loving crowd. Local and national touring bands perform, and Chuck
Berry still gives the occasional performance. Hear them in the “Duck
Room!”

Located in the heart of Clayton’s busy government district, Portabella is
one of St. Louis’s favorite dining spots. For business or special
occasions, the atmosphere is understated sophistication, and the service
is warm and attentive. This widely acclaimed restaurant has enhanced its
traditional menu with creativity and is known for its extensive wine list.

At the family-operated Frank Papa’s Ristorante in Brentwood, candlelight
and white tablecloths welcome casual diners as well as those celebrating
special occasions. The menu offers dishes showcasing a range of
Northern to Southern Italian flavors combined with an American flare.
Generous portions at reasonable prices and a casual yet sincere staff
make you feel right at home.

Travel farther west to Chesterfield to experience Annie Gunn’s.
Established in 1937, this restaurant began long before the surrounding
area was developed. Tucked in among rapid growth, this upscale pub is a
relaxing establishment offering traditional barbecue with gourmet
touches. Favorites include smoked pork chops grilled with barbecue
glaze and bread pudding for dessert. The atmosphere accommodates
casual get-togethers as well as business meals. This popular restaurant
is often very busy, and you may have to wait for a table.

Destination Guide: St. Louis 
10 
Attractions
In a city with dozens of attractions, you may have trouble deciding where
to spend your time. Here are the highlights for this destination, as chosen
by AAA editors. GEMs are “Great Experiences for Members.”

Nostalgic, history-infused attractions make up a large part of St. Louis’s
appeal. The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, with its three major
sites, embodies just such attributes. The Gateway Arch, a AAA GEM
attraction, symbolizes the role St. Louis played in the pioneers’ journeys
Westward. The arch was completed in 1965, and with installation of the
tram system, visitors began riding to the top of architect Eero Saarinen’s
masterpiece for gorgeous panoramic views of the area. Exhibits relating
to the construction of the arch and the history of St. Louis help pass the
time as you wait to catch a tram. Beneath the arch lies the Museum of
Westward Expansion. Here you’ll discover a vast array of topics covering
the history of the West. American Indians, explorers, Lewis and Clark’s
journey, buffalo hunters, miners and transportation are a selection of the
stories told through artifacts and exhibits. Also on the grounds is the Old
Courthouse, which holds a prominent place in American legal history as
the site of the Dred Scott slavery trial and Virginia Minor’s suffrage trial.
Exhibits, dioramas and old courtrooms reflect a previous era in St. Louis.

Although the Louisiana Purchase Exposition took place more than 100
years ago, it is still very much on the minds of locals and tourists. Better
known as the 1904 World’s Fair, the exposition was held inside Forest
Park, a AAA GEM attraction, and welcomed 20 million people in its 7-
month run. Today you can enjoy recreational activities as well as several
attractions on the park grounds. One of these is the Jewel Box, a 50-foot
tall conservatory in an Art Deco style, which radiates excitement with its
magnificent floral displays. The exterior glass walls act as natural
spotlights, showering the botanical arrangements with sunlight.

If you’re looking for AAA GEM attractions, Forest Park offers four on its
expansive grounds. Having served as the fine arts pavilion during the
1904 World’s Fair, the St. Louis Art Museum remains a tribute to the
exposition. The galleries include works by such artists as Edgar Degas,
Hans Holbein, Claude Monet, Henry Moore, Jackson Pollock and Titian.
The museum also preserves a large collection of pieces from ancient
cultures. The Saint Louis Zoo is home to more than 9,000 animals. The
Flight Cage, a walk-through bird cage provided by the Smithsonian
Institution as a 1904 fair exhibit, is a popular stop in the Historic Hill
section. The Missouri History Museum houses an extraordinary amount
of history items, including a permanent exhibit showcasing St. Louisans
since the city’s early days. You’ll also find a replica of Charles
Lindbergh’s “Spirit of St. Louis.” The Saint Louis Science Center lets you
explore exciting science topics, including architecture, airplanes and
space travel. Interactive exhibits allow you to
participate in practically a laboratory full of
science experiments and demonstrations
that teach the science concepts shaping our
world.

For a musical peek into the past, take a tour
of the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
to learn about one of ragtime music’s
legends. Joplin moved into this house in
1900 and composed some of his pieces during his several years here.
Exhibits tell his story and that of St. Louis when he was a resident. You
may be thinking that you don’t know any of Joplin’s music, but if you
remember the theme song to “The Sting,” the 1973 classic starring Paul
Newman and Robert Redford, then you’ve heard Joplin’s “The
Entertainer.” Listen to the player piano in the house to hear other ragtime
tunes.

A trip to Missouri Botanical Garden, a AAA GEM attraction, is sure to
impress even non-botanists with its variety of exhibits and buildings.
Garden founder Henry Shaw opened his garden, designed with both
beauty and educational purposes in mind, in 1859. You can tour Shaw’s
Tower Grove House along with a variety of themed gardens. Climatron, a