Exploring countless incredible destinations worldwide has been a privilege, but one city continually draws me back with its vibrant spirit, rich history, and endless attractions—St. Louis, the gateway to the American West. Nestled along the mighty Mississippi River in the heart of the Midwest, St. Louis offers an ultimate bucket list experience, from iconic landmarks to hidden treasures, all waiting to be discovered.
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Soaring to New Heights at the Gateway Arch
Make sure to include the iconic Gateway Arch in your St. Louis itinerary. This stunning stainless steel monument, soaring 630 feet into the sky, offers breathtaking views of the city and the river below. What’s more, each visit promises something new and exciting, making it a must-see attraction every time.
I enjoy meandering through the museum, learning the city’s history and much about Lewis and Clark’s westward expansion travels. Then, I highly encourage you to take the tram ride (it takes four minutes!) to the top for a once-in-a-lifetime ten-minute bird’ s-eye view and experience you’ll never forget.
The photo ops and views are sensational, plus the whole five-person pod experience is unique.
Lastly, visit the well-appointed gift shop and explore the meticulous 91 acres of park grounds around the Gateway Arch and along the Mississippi River.
Fun Fact: A new award-winning Virtual Reality Theater transports guests to the 1850s.
The museum’s accessibility features include tactile scale models, braille reading labels, front access for wheelchairs, and more. Museum admission is free, but riding to the top requires a paid ticket. Book your tickets in advance, as they sell out.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your NPS passport stamps!
World Bird Sanctuary: A Hidden Gem For Sure
Found in a beautiful natural setting, the World Bird Sanctuary rehabilitates and cares for over 600 birds and raptors annually. They have an educational format and conservation initiative at this 305-acre facility, which is apparent when visiting their facility.
Come see bald eagles, vultures, owls, parrots, and more. Around 200 birds and animals represent the list, and the mission is heartfelt. I had not heard of this attraction before, and it ended up being one of my favorites; definitely something to pencil in on your St. Louis bucket list.
Wildly Wonderful: The Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park is an absolute must-see for animal lovers. Home to over 14,000 animals from around the world, this world-class zoo is consistently ranked among the best in the nation — and best of all, admission is free!
Explore at your own pace, but the exhibits you might want to visit are the primates, California sea lions, elephants, hippos, and bears. Ride on the nostalgic Zooline Railroad to level up your zoo visit.
Nature’s Sanctuary: The Shaw Nature Reserve
Shaw Nature Reserve is a 2,400-acre oasis perfect for hiking, picnicking, and reconnecting with nature. It is also an extension of the Missouri Botanical Garden. There are a myriad of hiking trails, and the natural features (plants, flowers, and trees) are well-marked for identification.
Give your senses a vacation overload with the sights, smells, feels, and sounds of this majestic off-the-grid destination.
Pro Tip: Pop into the Visitor Center at the front of the park to pick up a map, souvenirs, and snacks and to see what’s currently blooming.
All Aboard for Fun at Union Station
Next on your list should be Union Station, a historic train station transformed into a dazzling entertainment complex and luxury hotel. Don’t miss the mesmerizing light show in the Grand Hall—it’s a spectacle that will leave you in awe.
There are 18 different shows to see, one of which is set to Queen music.
You can also enjoy cocktails or choose from a long list of tasty appetizers to enhance your visit to the Grand Hall. The cheese and charcuterie board are quite impressive.
Dive into Wonder at the St. Louis Aquarium
This family-friendly attraction at the Union Station begins with a virtual 19th-century train ride to the tech-savvy aquarium. There are 25,000 gallons of water and nearly 15000 animals in the St. Louis Aquarium, a lesser-known gem.
I was shocked by the sheer number of touch tanks here, from sandbar sharks and stingrays to sea stars and urchins.
Other cool things to look for are sea dragons and green sea turtles. To save a few dollars, bundle your admission ticket with the ropes course, mirror maze, carousel, or St. Louis Wheel.
Want more St. Louis adventure? Read about my visit to Anheuser Busch and the Grant National Historic Site in this post.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
If you visit St. Louis during baseball season, catching a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium is an absolute must. The 46,000-seat retro-style downtown ballpark is stunning, and the passion and energy of Cardinals fans are truly infectious!
Busch Stadium is immense and iconic, yet it is manageable to wander around. There are many souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and inviting spots to hang out and enjoy America’s favorite pastime.
Busch Stadium offers accessible parking, seating (with companion spots), captioning (video boards behind centerfield), and assisted listening devices.
Fun Fact: The Cardinals have won 11 World Series championships. They practiced spring baseball at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter and were my favorite team to see during my decade living in Vero Beach, Florida.
More to See and Do: Ballpark Village, right next to Busch Stadium, is a lively entertainment district filled with restaurants, bars, and live music venues.
A Day in Forest Park
No St. Louis bucket list would be complete without including Forest Park, a mammoth offering 500 acres larger than NYC’s Central Park. This popular urban park is a treasure trove of some of the city’s most beloved attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Science Center, all with free admission.
You can enjoy all the excitement of the great outdoors and get educated and versed in fine arts and culture.
Come for live music at The Muny, an outdoor theater with Broadway shows (Waitress, In the Heights, Anything Goes, Disney’s Little Mermaid), or rent paddle boats and kayaks from Emerson Grand Basin. Two festivals you may want to watch out for are the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race and Evolution Festival.
Art Meets Nature at Laumeier Sculpture Park
For a dose of culture, head to the Laumeier Sculpture Park, where you can wander among 70+ larger-than-life sculptures set amidst a beautiful natural 105-acre landscape. This was one of my favorite stops on my last St. Louis visit and an exceptional place for getting off the city grid and being at one with nature.
Leashed dogs are welcome.
If you need a few pieces to get you started on foot, my faves were Ricardo Cat (mosaic piece at the front of the park), Deer, Eye, and The Way, which is currently being refurbished. Kids will adore the Emerson Children’s Sculpture Garden at the far end of the property.
A bonus attraction is the Aronson Fine Arts Center’s Whitaker Foundation Gallery, which has temporary rotating exhibits—fascinating exhibits, I might add.
Laumeier’s public restrooms and some pathways are wheelchair accessible. It is free to visit, a great reason for being on your St. Louis bucket list.
Exploring the City’s Newest Hotspots
City Foundry STL is a repurposed 100-year-old electric company, now a European-style food hall with international eats. Besides a cool and fun place to wander around and soak up the smells, guests can enjoy Alamo Drafthouse and Puttshack, and adults will love City Winery St. Louis.
If you aren’t familiar with Puttshack, the whole family will love this tech-infused indoor mini golf fun spot with fun, neon, music, and pop culture…and it is ADA accessible. They also have excellent food and drinks and a weekend DJ. Try the Korean BBQ Bao Buns and Chorizo & Cheese Empanadas.
The Great Outdoors: St. Louis Style
But perhaps one of my favorite things about St. Louis is the abundance of green spaces and outdoor recreation opportunities. St. Louis has a strong mission to make its city a better place to live, work, and play. They are doing so by creating more urban parks and outdoor spaces and collaborating with the communities.
The Great Rivers Greenway is a network of trails and parks (135 miles) running throughout the city and beyond, offering endless biking, hiking, and exploring opportunities. The heart of the project, Brickline Greenway, is a network of 10 miles of greenways that link to 14 neighborhoods.
Many visitors don’t get to see this side of St. Louis, but trust me—it’s well worth seeking out.
Start Planning Your St. Louis Adventure Today
So there you have it – the ultimate St. Louis bucket list for first-timers and repeat visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, an animal lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a fun and affordable getaway, St. Louis truly has, as cliche as it sounds, something for everyone.
Start planning your Midwest adventure today!
