20 St. Louis Tourist Attractions That Are Actually Worth a Visit

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
(38°39?14?N 90°3?52?W; Collinsville, IL; 618-346-5160)

You might've heard that Cahokia Mounds is one of the most important historic sites in the St. Louis area, but the view from the top of Monks Mound also offers one of the best views of the city. Located just across the river in Illinois, the Native American mounds are the largest prehistoric earthen construction in the Americas north of Mexico and are a designated National Historic Landmark.

Photo credit: Aaron Plewke / Flickr

Crown Candy Kitchen
(1401 St. Louis Avenue; 314-621-9650)

Crown Candy Kitchen's old-timey frozen malts and shakes are legendary, but there is so much more here to put a smile on your face. If the cozy booths, the variety of chilis and the bacon-heavy "Heart Stopping BLT" don't satisfy, this soda fountain that has been open since 1913 also sells some of the best sweets in the city out of their Willy Wonka-worthy candy counter.

Photo credit: Ryan Gines

Cherokee Street Antique Row
(1900-2300 Cherokee Street; CherokeeAntiqueRow.com)

If you're looking for something special, Antique Row on Cherokee Street really does have everything. If you need a souvenir or a fantastic gift, these cute antique shops have you covered. And if antiques aren't your bag, just roll north of Jefferson Avenue on Cherokee where a variety of modern goodies are available, too.

Photo credit: Ryan Gines

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
(4431 Lindell Boulevard; 314-373-8200)

Yes, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is legendarily gorgeous. But you can't appreciate just how gorgeous it is until you see it in person. This Roman Catholic cathedral is breathtakingly, achingly beautiful. Its soaring ceilings and incredibly detailed mosaics are stunning enough to make any visitor a believer.

Photo credit: Jon Dickson / Flickr

The Griot Museum of Black History
(2505 St. Louis Avenue; 314-241-7057)

Black history is St. Louis history. And to discover more about black history in the Gateway to the West, the best place to stop in is the Griot Museum. The museum collects and shares the stories of black lives in the region — using displays, memorabilia, gallery talks and presentations to illustrate these important (and essential) histories.

Photo credit: Ryan Gines

Forest Park
(5595 Grand Drive; ForestParkForever.org)

This 1,371 acre park is easily one of the most impressive things we have to offer in St. Louis. And we're right to brag about it. It's gone from being the location of the 1904 World's Fair to being the center of everyday life in St. Louis. The park hosts the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum and wide expanses of green that offer city-dwellers a refreshing dose of nature.

Photo credit: Chris Collins / Flickr

The Museum of Westward Expansion at the Gateway Arch
(11 N. 4th Street; 314-655-1614)

Don't assume that the Gateway Arch — St. Louis' majestic and sexy symbol to the world — is overrated just because it is famous. This mid-century marvel has been impressing visitors since it first opened up in 1067. And trips to this monument recently got even more extraordinary recently with the unveiling of the Museum of Westward Expansion. Located beneath our beautiful boomerang, this subterranean exhibit features displays about St. Louis' past as a trading post, its riverboat heyday and the construction of the Arch itself.

Photo credit: Daniel Hill

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
(3750 Washington Boulevard; 314, 535-4660)

We're blessed with not one but two distinguished art museums here in St. Louis. The Contemporary Art Museum is like the cool cousin of the St. Louis Art Museum. It's much smaller and generally just a bit more hip. Stop in here to see anything from a hot cultural happening to an exhibit of Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Photo credit: Paul Sableman / Flickr

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site
(2658 Delmar Boulevard; 314-340-5790)

Located just west of downtown St. Louis, the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site is a must-see for fans of St. Louis history, music history or black history. This beautifully preserved building was once the hope of Scott Joplin, the legendary ragtime performer famous for writing "The Entertainer." But Joplin was much more than just a performer and this museum helps to put his big, impressive life into context.

Photo credit: Matthew Black / Flickr

The Delmar Loop
(approximately Delmar Boulevard & N. Skinker Boulevard; VisitTheLoop.com)

This shopping, entertainment and dining hub has maintained much of its cool-factor despite being decades into its growth. This small stretch of commerce along Delmar Boulevard is still one of the best places in town to stop in for a concert or a tattoo or to buy some records. There's also no shortage of restaurants, resale shops and plenty to do to keep a tourist entertained and delighted.

Photo credit: Paul Sableman / Flickr

Missouri Botanical Garden
(4344 Shaw Boulevard; 314-577-5100)

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a wonderland. Even if you don't care about flowers at all it is still totally worth a visit. Exploring the calming gardens will make you feel like you've transported to another place and time. You'll feel like royalty surveying your land. The Japanese strolling garden and the Climatron conservatory (located in a geodesic dome) are particularly impressive.

Photo credit: Chris M Morris / Flickr

National Blues Museum
(615 Washington Avenue; 314-925-0016)

This is a relatively new attraction in St. Louis but it's quickly become a favorite. Opened in 2016, the National Blues Museum is a celebration of the style of music that put St. Louis on the map. The museum tells the story of the impact of the blues and the cultural history attached. They have some choice relics on display, including vintage records, instruments and clothing.

Photo credit: Paul Sableman / Flickr

Saint Louis Art Museum
(1 Fine Arts Drive; 314-721-0072)

The St. Louis Art Museum a major source of pride for people from St. Louis. It hosts major collections and owns a huge selection of world-class art that ranges from current time all the way back to the time before Christ. It's peaceful and spacious and — most importantly — it's free.

Photo credit: Ryan Gines

Saint Louis Zoo
(Government Drive; 314-781-0900)

Yes, it's free. And yes, it's awesome. One of the best ways to spend an afternoon in St. Louis is to gather up your crew and hit the zoo. Everybody else knows this, too, so be patient with crowds and parking. Once you get inside, it will all be worth it. It's a real treat to see such exotic (and adorable) animals just hanging out in the middle of the city.

Photo credit: Amy / Flickr

St. Louis Central Public Library
(1301 Olive Street; 314-241-2288)

In most cities a library is not a tourist attraction... but most cities don't have libraries as beautiful as St. Louis' Central Public Library. The granite building was built in 1912 and is somehow even more impressive inside than outside. With its huge ceilings, large rooms and impeccable design, it feels more like a place or worship than a place of knowledge. It's totally stunning from top to bottom.

Photo credit: Ryan Gines

St. Louis Science Center
(5050 Oakland Avenue; 314-289-4400)

You could spend all day in the St. Louis Science Center and never get bored. Heck, you could stay all week. It's a museum stuffed full of wonders and learning opportunities. The multiple-building set-up even features a planetarium and a walkway that runs over the highway where excited kids can wave at passing cars and hope they honk their hellos.

Photo credit: Ryan Gines

The Soulard Neighborhood
(approximately Russell Boulevard & Menard Streett; Soulard.org)

The Soulard neighborhood is St. Louis' party central. If you're looking to get in trouble, Soulard is the place to go. In addition to being the site of our annual wild Mardi Gras celebration, this bar-heavy area offers all kinds of fun, with frequent parades and street parties common. It's also a beautiful and history-filled area — making it a hotspot for people looking to see some classic St. Louis architecture.

Photo credit: Paul Sableman / Flickr

The Butterfly House
(15193 Olive Boulevard; 314-577-0888)

Entering the Butterfly House is like stepping onto another planet. You probably already know that the site features a big tropical room where guests can mingle with thousands of beautiful butterflies, but what you might not know is that the site also hosts some of the coolest nature attractions. From giant beetles to hairy tarantulas, there are lots of exciting habitat exhibits just inside the front door.

Photo credit: Jessie Hodge / Flickr

City Museum
(750 N 16th Street; 314-231-2489)

This place truly must be seen to be believed. It's often described as a playground for both children and adults, but it's really an ever-changing art installation that visitors can interact with an experience on a personal level. Nothing here is simple or plain or ordinary. Every inch of the City Museum is magical and it should be at the very top of your list of places to visit in St. Louis.

Photo credit: Paul Sableman / Flickr

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
(two locations including 6726 Chippewa Street; 314-481-2652)

It really is good, guys. Once you've tried the frozen custard at Ted Drewes, you'll never want to go back to regular ol' ice cream. It's so creamy and thick that employees will often flip your order upside down before handing it to you just to illustrate that you're in for something unique. Both locations can get crowded on summer nights, but that's part of the fun. Kick back, eat your treat and watch St. Louis roll past.

Photo credit: Jaime Lees