Located in the heart of the Midwest, St. Louis is a vibrant city with a rich history, cultural attractions, and a blend of urban and natural landscapes. While St. Louis itself is a treasure trove of exciting places to visit, there are many more hidden gems waiting to be explored just a short drive away. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the top places to visit near St. Louis, from historic towns to scenic parks, and from museums to theme parks.
Why Visit Places Near St. Louis?
St. Louis is a great base for exploring the surrounding region, which offers a diverse range of attractions and activities that cater to different interests and ages. Visiting places near St. Louis can be a great way to experience the local culture, history, and natural beauty without venturing too far from the city. Additionally, many of these destinations are easily accessible by car, making it a convenient and affordable day trip or weekend getaway.
Top Places to Visit Near St. Louis
In this article, we’ll cover the top places to visit near St. Louis, including:
- Historic towns like Hannibal and Galena
- Scenic parks and nature reserves like Mark Twain National Forest and Shawnee National Forest
- Museums like the City Museum and the Gateway Arch Museum
- Theme parks like Six Flags St. Louis and World’s Fair ZOO-adventures
Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a thrill-seeker, there’s something for everyone near St. Louis. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the best of the Midwest!
Places To Visit Near St Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. There are plenty of exciting places to visit near St. Louis, making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike. Here are some of the top places to visit near St. Louis:
Historical Landmarks
St. Louis has a rich history, and there are several historical landmarks that are worth visiting. Some of the top historical landmarks near St. Louis include:
- Gateway Arch: This iconic 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument is a must-visit attraction in St. Louis. You can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city.
- Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site: This historic site preserves the home and farm of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. You can take a guided tour of the house and explore the surrounding grounds.
- City Museum: This unique museum is made up of reclaimed materials like old airplanes, school buses, and construction equipment. It’s a great place to explore with kids and learn about art, history, and science.
Natural Wonders
St. Louis is surrounded by natural beauty, with several parks and natural wonders that are worth visiting. Some of the top natural wonders near St. Louis include:
- Forest Park: This 1,371-acre park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It’s home to several lakes, walking trails, and several museums and attractions.
- Castlewood State Park: This park is located just outside of St. Louis and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Mississippi River.
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park: This park is located about an hour and a half outside of St. Louis and features hiking trails, caves, and stunning views of the Lake of the Ozarks.
Day Trips
Places To Visit Near St Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. There are plenty of exciting places to visit near St. Louis, making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike. Here are some of the top places to visit near St. Louis: (See Also: Best Places To Visit Near Mysore)
Historical Landmarks
St. Louis has a rich history, and there are several historical landmarks that are worth visiting. Some of the top historical landmarks near St. Louis include:
- Gateway Arch: This iconic 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument is a must-visit attraction in St. Louis. You can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city.
- Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site: This historic site preserves the home and farm of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. You can take a guided tour of the house and explore the surrounding grounds.
- City Museum: This unique museum is made up of reclaimed materials like old airplanes, school buses, and construction equipment. It’s a great place to explore with kids and learn about art, history, and science.
Natural Wonders
St. Louis is surrounded by natural beauty, with several parks and natural wonders that are worth visiting. Some of the top natural wonders near St. Louis include:
- Forest Park: This 1,371-acre park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It’s home to several lakes, walking trails, and several museums and attractions.
- Castlewood State Park: This park is located just outside of St. Louis and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Mississippi River.
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park: This park is located about an hour and a half outside of St. Louis and features hiking trails, caves, and stunning views of the Lake of the Ozarks.
Day Trips
If you’re looking for a quick getaway from St. Louis, there are several day trip options to consider. Some of the top day trip destinations near St. Louis include:
- Springfield, Illinois: This charming city is located about two hours outside of St. Louis and features a rich history, beautiful parks, and a vibrant downtown area.
- St. Charles, Missouri: This historic town is located about 30 minutes outside of St. Louis and features charming shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks like the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center.
- Mark Twain National Forest: This beautiful forest is located about an hour and a half outside of St. Louis and features hiking trails, camping sites, and stunning views of the Ozark Mountains.
Wine Country
Places To Visit Near St Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. There are plenty of exciting places to visit near St. Louis, making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike. Here are some of the top places to visit near St. Louis:
Historical Landmarks
St. Louis has a rich history, and there are several historical landmarks that are worth visiting. Some of the top historical landmarks near St. Louis include:
- Gateway Arch: This iconic 630-foot-tall stainless steel monument is a must-visit attraction in St. Louis. You can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city.
- Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site: This historic site preserves the home and farm of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. You can take a guided tour of the house and explore the surrounding grounds.
- City Museum: This unique museum is made up of reclaimed materials like old airplanes, school buses, and construction equipment. It’s a great place to explore with kids and learn about art, history, and science.
Natural Wonders
St. Louis is surrounded by natural beauty, with several parks and natural wonders that are worth visiting. Some of the top natural wonders near St. Louis include:
- Forest Park: This 1,371-acre park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It’s home to several lakes, walking trails, and several museums and attractions.
- Castlewood State Park: This park is located just outside of St. Louis and features hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Mississippi River.
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park: This park is located about an hour and a half outside of St. Louis and features hiking trails, caves, and stunning views of the Lake of the Ozarks.
Wine Country
St. Louis is also surrounded by wine country, with several wineries and vineyards that offer wine tastings and tours. Some of the top wine country destinations near St. Louis include: (See Also: Places To Visit Near Noida)
- August A Busch Wildlife Area: This wildlife area is home to several wineries and vineyards, including the Augusta Winery and the Montelle Winery.
- St. James Winery: This winery is located in St. James, Missouri, and offers wine tastings and tours. It’s one of the oldest wineries in Missouri.
- Montelle Winery: This winery is located in Augusta, Missouri, and offers wine tastings and tours. It’s known for its award-winning wines.
Day Trips
If you’re looking for a quick getaway from St. Louis, there are several day trip options to consider. Some of the top day trip destinations near St. Louis include:
- Springfield, Illinois: This charming city is located about two hours outside of St. Louis and features a rich history, beautiful parks, and a vibrant downtown area.
- St. Charles, Missouri: This historic town is located about 30 minutes outside of St. Louis and features charming shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks like the Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center.
- Mark Twain National Forest: This beautiful forest is located about an hour and a half outside of St. Louis and features hiking trails, camping sites, and stunning views of the Ozark Mountains.
Conclusion
St. Louis is a city with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. There are plenty of exciting places to visit near St. Louis, making it an ideal destination for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or wine, there’s something for everyone near St. Louis.
As we conclude our article on “Places to Visit Near St. Louis”, we hope that you have gained a wealth of knowledge on the numerous exciting destinations that await you just a short drive from the city.
In this article, we explored the rich history and natural beauty of the region, highlighting must-visit attractions such as the Gateway Arch, City Museum, and Forest Park. We also delved into the charming towns and cities that surround St. Louis, including Hannibal, Missouri, and Springfield, Illinois.
We emphasized the importance of exploring the region’s vibrant arts and culture scene, which is reflected in its many museums, galleries, and performance venues. From the St. Louis Art Museum to the Fox Theatre, there’s no shortage of opportunities to experience the best of the city’s creative spirit.
We also touched on the region’s rich history, from the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or simply looking for a unique experience, there’s something for everyone in the places to visit near St. Louis.
In conclusion, the places to visit near St. Louis offer a wealth of exciting opportunities for exploration and discovery. From the iconic landmarks to the charming towns and cities, there’s no shortage of reasons to plan a trip to this incredible region. So why wait? Start planning your adventure today and experience all that the places to visit near St. Louis have to offer!
Here are five FAQs related to “Places To Visit Near St Louis”: (See Also: Best Places To Visit Near Zadar)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular national parks near St Louis?
There are several national parks near St Louis that are worth visiting. Some popular options include Gateway Arch National Park, which is located in St Louis itself, and Mark Twain National Forest, which is about an hour and a half west of the city. You can also visit the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which is about a two-hour drive south of St Louis.
What are some fun things to do in Hannibal, Missouri?
Hannibal, Missouri is a charming town that is famous for being the childhood home of Mark Twain. Visitors can explore the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum, which features a collection of Twain’s personal belongings and memorabilia. You can also take a stroll along the Mississippi River, visit the Mark Twain Cave, or attend one of the many festivals and events held in the town throughout the year.
Are there any good wineries near St Louis?
Yes, there are several wineries near St Louis that offer wine tastings and tours. Some popular options include Augusta Winery, which is located about 30 minutes southwest of the city, and Montelle Winery, which is about an hour southwest of St Louis. You can also visit the Sainte Genevieve County Wineries, which are located about an hour and a half south of the city.
What are some good hiking trails near St Louis?
There are several hiking trails near St Louis that offer beautiful scenery and a chance to get some exercise. Some popular options include the Katy Trail, which is a 240-mile trail that runs from St Charles to Clinton, Missouri, and the Ozark Trail, which is a 230-mile trail that runs from St Louis to the Arkansas border. You can also visit the Castlewood State Park, which has several hiking trails and offers stunning views of the Mississippi River.
Are there any good museums near St Louis?
Yes, there are several good museums near St Louis that offer a range of exhibits and collections. Some popular options include the City Museum, which is a one-of-a-kind museum made from reclaimed materials, and the Missouri History Museum, which features exhibits on the history of Missouri and the Mississippi River. You can also visit the Saint Louis Art Museum, which has a collection of over 33,000 works of art, or the National Blues Museum, which celebrates the history and legacy of blues music.