When we wrote our St. Louis weekend guide, we pointed out that St. Louis has more free things to do than any city in the US outside of the capital city. We still firmly stand behind that statement, and figured it was about time we gave our readers a big list of all the free things to do in St. Louis.
We think there is something for everyone in what was once known as the Gateway to the West, and there is probably something free. Seriously, there are free sites featuring art, animals, religion, history, science, pop culture, presidents, games, and even beer. When we were younger, and money was tight, St. Louis free things helped us give our children some of the cultural experiences they deserved, because they were only a day trip away. Now, my children share these same wonderful experiences with their own families!
Whether you live in the area, or make a day or weekend trip to St. Louis, or you stop along your Route 66 road trip, there is sure to be something free in St. Louis that you will enjoy. You should take advantage of it, because free can be few and far between.
Of course, everything can’t be free. If you are looking for somewhere unique to grab a bite between sites, we have a few suggestions for offbeat eating in St. Louis. Of course if you are truly on a budget, pack a cooler to tide you through the day!
And, if it is your first trip to the city, or the first in a few years, we highly recommend spending some time at one of the US newest national parks, Gateway Arch National Park. It is a must do in ST. Louis, and children truly love the Arch.
35 Free Things to do in St. Louis
Take a ride, or a walk, down Mural Mile.
A modern street art lover’s paradise, the flood walls along the Mississippi River are a city sanctioned 2 mile mural that holds the Guinness record as the longest street art mural in the world. Nowadays the Mural Mile gets a lot of attention, worldwide.
Walk along the riverfront for views of the Gateway Arch.
Some of the absolute best views of the Arch are from below, along the streets and walkways of the riverfront. Some of my favorite Arch photos come from Leonor K Sullivan Boulevard, beside the flood walls. You can also get a fabulous look underneath Ead’s Bridge, the world’s first steel truss bridge, and an engineering marvel in its time. If you are lucky, you might see a train go through!
Cross the river for the best view of the city.
Malcom W Martin Memorial Park, in East St. Louis, is believed by some to host the best possible views of the Gateway Arch, and the St. Louis skyline, on a 5 story observation deck. The location also presents some fun optical illusion photo opportunities. There is also a webcam, so you can log onto the website and see yourself live, with the stunning skyline as your backdrop. You can also see the super huge Gateway Geyser in the park, a fountain centered in a retaining pond that shoots huge spouts into the sky.
Explore the stunning interior and museum of the Old Cathedral.
Officially the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, The Old Cathedral is a Historic Catholic church and parish in downtown on the Mississippi riverfront, where regular services are still held. Built in 1831, it is the oldest building in the city, and stands on land originally dedicated by the citiy founders, Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau.
Learn about the economy at the Inside the Economy Museum.
Located in one of the historic buildings of the Federal Reserve Bank, and provided as a community service to help young people develop an understanding of the economic principles and forces that driver our society. The unique Economy Museum uses interactive exhibits to present economics in an enjoyable way.
Wonder at the world class art of Citygarden Sculpture Park.
Located in the center of the downtown district, Citygarden features the works of over 20 different artists interspersed among floral displays. There are also water features and small pools where children can play.
Pay respects at the Soldier’s Memorial Military Museum.
Playing tribute to military members and their families, with specific focus on the St. Louis area, the Soldier’s Memorial Military Museum was originally opened in 1938. After a multi-million dollar 2 year renovation, it reopened in the fall of 2018, vamped up for new visitors.
Take an architectural tour of the St. Louis Public Library.
See superb examples of Beaux-Arts and Neo-Classical architecture, as well as replicated features from libraries around the world, including the Pantheon, the Vatican, and Michelangelo’s Laurentin Library. Guided tours of the St, Louis Public Library are offered on Mondays and Saturdays.
Take a tour at the Anhueser-Busch Brewery.
Opened as a small local company in 1852 by Adolphus Busch, and now an international corporation employing thousands. Beer is still brewed on site. Several tours are offered daily for those over 21, and some of them are free. Tours includes a trip to the Biergarten, and a complimentary beer. (Bet ya didn’t expect that on a list of free things to do in St. Louis!)
Explore the gardens and bird watch at Tower Grove Park.
The Gaddy Wild Bird Garden and adjacent Savannah Complex are popular bird watching areas of the park, while the Waterlily Pond Complex and the Fountain Pond and Ruins offer stunning floral and fountain displays.
Enjoy rare and vintage motorcycles at the The Moto Museum.
The museum features motorcycles from over 20 countries, and as far back as 1900. “The museum is a celebration of the form, function, evolution, and elegance of the motorcycle.”
Immerse yourself in art at the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts.
The Pulitzer focuses on creating direct experiences with historic and contemporary art, through “unexpected experiences and inspiring new perspectives.” The Pulitzer Foundation is open Thursdays to Sundays.
For modern art, try the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis.
The museum, referred to as CAM, aims to create meaningful engagement with relevant and innovative art, and to challenge the perceptions of different audiences. CAM is opened Wednesday to Sunday.
For a unique integration of religion and modern art, try the Saint Louis University’s Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA).
MOCRA refers to itself as the world’s first interfaith museum of contemporary art. Exhibits at MOCRA engage spiritual dimensions and self discovey while contributing to an interfaith culture.
Take a tour of the oldest basilica west of the Mississippi River, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.
Better yet, attend Mass. Services are held at 08:00 daily, and guided tours are offered after 10:00 daily. The basilica also holds the Mosaic Museum, which houses one of the largest mosaic collections in the western hemisphere.
Get your game on at The World Chess Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame highlights everything chess. See displays on the masters, and the world’s largest chess board and pieces, learn all the rules of competition. You can even test your skills at the classic game of strategy.
Get some fresh air at Forest Park.
One of the best urban parks in the US, it was created for the 1904 World’s Fair. It is home to other attractions featured below, as well as a winter ice rink, and a summer theater. There are picnic and sporting areas, pavilions, lakes, and hiking trails.
Enjoy the beautiful blossoms and fragrances of the Jewel Box.
Maintained by the Flora Conservancy of Forest Park, and located near the center of the park, the seasonal green house displays are free on Mondays and Tuesdays until noon. At other times, admission is only $1.
Contemplate world renowned art at St. Louis Art Museum.
Featuring 5,000 years of works from around the world. Established in 1879 as a local attraction, the museum has grown to hold exhibits of international importance, include my favorite, an impressionist wing. Admission to the museum is always free, although some featured exhibits have a charge. All exhibits are free on Friday.
Explore the past at the St. Louis History Museum.
Also located in Forest Park, the museum features exhibits relaying the role St. Louis has played in American history, from the early days as a French outpost, to 1904 Olympics and World Fair, and today’s world. Entrance is free, with occasional fees for special exhibits
Get hands on at The St. Louis Science Center.
Partially located in Forest Park, is a world-class science discovery center, that makes learning fun. There are hundreds of activities, from ecology to space travel. A planetarium, OMNIMAX theater, and flight simulator are also onsite, for a fee.
Get wild at The St. Louis Zoo.
One of the US finest zoos, and perhaps one of the most well known free things to do in St. Louis. The zoo features small and large animals from all continents, including primates like silverback gorillas, and big cats. Periodic special attractions do have a charge, for fundraising purposes.
Have one more art experience at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.
Featuring modern American and European pieces from the 19th to the 21st century in static and interactive displays. The museum is closed through fall 2019 for a major expansion.
Take a walk on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.
Running along the Delmar Loop, it is similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Covering 6 blocks and over 150 St. Louis celebrities, in a section that has been called one of the 10 best streets in America. How many of the stars can you name?
Come face to face with history at The Holocaust Museum and Learning Center.
Hosted by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis with interactive exhibits and survivor stories that make the experience personal and real. Racism and bigotry is confronted head on.
Come face to face with the animals at Grants Farm.
On land once owned by US President Grant, and now hosted by Anhueser-Busch. One of the highlights is the stunning Budweiser Clydesdales. The farm features a petting zoo and tram rides, as well as a replicated German farmstead. General admission is always free, although special attractions and events sometimes have a charge. And yes, in the spring, you can see Clydesdale foals, free in St. Louis.
Walk in presidential footsteps at The Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site.
The home site is maintained and operated by the National Park Service, and features tours of the president’s home, and historical exhibits about plantation life of that era. A Junior Ranger Program is available for children.
Combine outdoors, art and music into one experience at Laumeier Sculpture Park.
Featuring 72 acres of outstanding outdoor artwork. Try the .75 mile Art Trek, which encompasses all of the 60+ pieces of art in the park, along with the free downloadable soundtrack which includes the musical interpretation of each piece, as suggested by the artist.
Get to know the world of predatory birds at The World Bird Sanctuary.
Just outside the urban sprawl, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for injured and endangered species, including Bald Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and American Barn Owl. Guided tours are available, and visitors can hike the trails to make their own discoveries. Seasonal demonstrations and performances are offered.
See big animals at Lone Elk Park
Right next door to the bird sanctuary, this quiet area is known for stunning lakes, hills and forest. The main attraction though, is a drive through portion, where bison, elk, and deer can be seen up close. The park opens at 7:00, and this is the best time to spot animals
Enjoy pets and farm animals at Purina Farms.
There are numerous pet related areas and displays, as well as farm activities including wagon rides, cow milking demonstrations, and a hayloft play area. Dog shows and performances are regularly scheduled.
See the Memorabilia at Route 66 State Park.
Although bird watching, picnic sites, and trails are the bigger focus of this state park, the visitor’s center is housed in the former Bridgehead Inn, a 1935 roadhouse that sat on the original Route 66. The center is well stocked with near museum-quality Route 66 memorabilia, including photos and vintage signs. (There is a gift shop where historic route souvenirs can be purchased.)
Mingle with the ghosts of St. Louis past at Bellafontaine Cemetery.
The cemetery is the final resting place of some of the biggest names in city history, from William Clark (of Lewis and Clark) and Adolphus Busch among others. The cemetery offers guided tours, and there is a downloadable interactive map available for those who prefer to explore on their own.
Take selfies on the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge.
Once THE bridge across the mighty Mississippi, and a piece of Route 66 heritage, Chain of Rocks Bridge has long been closed to vehicle traffic. Now Chain of Rocks is one of the longest bridges in the world. You can see the power of the Great River, close up, and you can see the glistening Arch, from far off. You also have some fun photo ops for the Route 66 buffs!
Walk in historic footsteps at Lewis and Clark Camp Dubois.
Prior to embarking upon their epic journey of discovery and documentation, Lewis and Clark set base at Camp Dubois. Here they recruited crew members, and made both physical and psychological preparations for their trek. The site features a 14,000 square foot visitor’s center with 6 different exhibit galleries, each with a different focus related to the expedition.
Bonus free thing! See the UNESCO Heritage site at Cahokia Mounds.
Cahokia is the largest earthworks north of Mexico, and what was once one of the largest and most sophisticated cities in the world. An interpretive center is on site, and both guided and self-guided tours are available. Entrance is free, but donations appreciated. This is THE only Unesco site in the Midwest!
So there you have it, a full 35 free things to do in St. Louis.
We think you could spend almost an entire vacation in the city doing nothing but free things, but if not, certainly a couple of weekends. Beyond these 30 things, there are another big batch of “quite inexpensive things to do” as well.
We hope we have given enough to live up to our original statement, that St. Louis has more free things to do than any other city in the US, except the capital city.
We hope you will plan a weekend in St. Louis soon. Start with the Gateway Arch National Park, then move on to the other awesome things the city has to offer, including these amazing free things to do!
You can reserve your hotel at a great price right now!
And, 35 is a lot to remember, so you better PIN IT!
You know me, Roxanna Keyes, sometimes referred to as FoxyRoxyK, the founder of Gypsy With a Day Job. I was 50 before I really began to experience all the world has to offer. I really don’t want you to wait so long!
That is why we share so many stories about so many amazing destinations. We want to help you plan the trips of your dreams, and make your budget. Be sure to check out our destinations pages, to find the places you want to go. You can plan some amazing trips, with LOTS of things to do.
If our stories don’t give you the info that you need, let us know. We will try to get it for you! Help us out and share our stories when you can.
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Great article. We tend to do mostly free stuff when we go away too and I have posts in progress for other States. I find they can be richer in experience that some tourist spots. Thanks for sharing all you tips.