St. Louis Weekend Getaway

St. Louis Getaway Attractions, the Gateway Arch.

As a Midwesterner, and particularly an Illinoisan, I have always found it strange how often people overlook St. Louis in favor of bigger surrounding cities, or head across the country.  Where are you going for the weekend?  Chicago, Indianapolis, Memphis, Kansas City… Well, they are all fabulous cities, but a weekend in St. Louis, or any 3 days in St. Louis for that matter, can top them all.  In fact, there are so many things to do in St. Louis that we think a St. Louis weekend getaway is such a great option that we presented it as our very first weekend getaway option!

After all, where in the US can you find a culture diverse enough to celebrate the country’s second largest Mardi Gras festival, a lively Cinco de Mayo, and a raucous Oktoberfest?  Don’t forget an Annual Pow Wow, an elaborate St. Patrick’s Day parade, a three-day Blues Festival, and a huge Pride Festival. Shoot, just those festivals could call for 7 different weekends in St. Louis.  The city has been multicultural since its founding back in the 1700s.   

And, St. Louis also has more free activities than any other US city except the Washington DC!  This makes the city an ideal destination for those with a tight budget.  We were able to take our young family to St. Louis with little more than a tank of gas and a cooler full of sandwiches, and have a great day, back in the days when we really struggled with money.  (By the way, we mean trailer park struggling.)  Our family was enriched so much by these options, that we wrote an entire article on 35 free things to do in St. Louis!

It’s about time to give you a long list of the many fabulous things to do in St. Louis, and some great places to eat, so you can start planning your getaway.  But first, we gotta give you a bit of history.

St. Louis, A Bit of History

St Louis has an interesting history, founded by the French as a fur trading fort, it is named for King Louis the IX and the XV.  It was temporarily owned by the Spanish, and later purchased by the fledgling United States as a part of the Louisiana Purchase. The city became the base for westward expansion. For a period it was commonly referred to as Mound City, because of the density of Native American Earthworks in the surrounding areas.  Soon after that, the location on the Mississippi River, enabled the city to develop into a large  and prosperous port city.  It was also a central crossing point for those moving west, which also brought increasing industry to the area.

At one time St. Louis was America’s fourth city, and the biggest to the west of the Mississippi, but throughout its history, it has been a city of biggests and firsts.  It was the first US city to host an Olympics, and a World Fair.  It can boast the first university and cathedral west of the Mississippi, the first arched steel truss bridge, the first steel dome capital, the world’s first skyscraper, the first interstate highway, and the US first kindergarten.  It is the home of Budweiser Beer, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, toasted ravioli, and it is the home that made ice cream cone, iced tea, 7Up, and Dr. Pepper popular.  

A multitude of famous names also reign from St. Louis.  Many have impacted and even changed the world, and most have left their mark upon the city.  TS Eliot, Maya Angelou, Scott Joplin, Joseph Pulitzer, Chuck Berry, Tina Turner, Vincent Price, Betty Grable, Josephine Baker, Nelly, Redd Foxx, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Kevin Kline, Rusty Wallace, John Goodman, Ozzie Smith, Sheryl Crowe, Yogi Berra and Jack Dorsey, all call(ed) St. Louis home.  All have left their traces.  

The historic Fox Theater, one of the great places to see in St. Louis.
The historic Fox Theatre has drawn crowds in St. Louis for decades.


Why We Love St. Louis Weekend Getaways

Despite all of that significance, since it’s heyday, residents of the city proper have declined, leaving it’s population at a meager 350,000.  Since locals have swarmed to the suburbs, this makes the city even more attractive for visitors.  There is an abundance of things to do in St. Louis, without a lot of traffic. When there are no festivals, or downtown baseball games, it’s an almost small town crowd.  The streets are easy to navigate, and there is plenty of parking.  

All of the amenities of a metropolis are available in St. Louis:  a Symphony Orchestra, an Opera House, and fabulous theaters, such as the Fox Theater, art galleries and museums. You can also find all of the modern tourist type attractions, such as escape rooms, and wax museums, and of course, 6 Flags over Mid-America.  We won’t even delve into all of these.  Our goal is to give you some of the more unique, city specific sites, because some of them cannot be seen anywhere else in the world!

So, if you are ready, let’s look at some of the awesome things that can fill your entire 3 days in St. Louis.  Our list is NOT comprehensive, but it gives enough activities to fill 3 or 4 weekends in St. Louis!

Things to Do in St. Louis

The Big Attractions

The Gateway Arch National Park sign at the Old Courthouse, a key spot when visiting Gateway Arch National Park.
The Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch are part of the newly designated Gateway Arch National Park.
  • Gateway Arch National Park – one of the US newest national parks, and the one thing new visitors to St. Louis must see!  We tell you everything there is to know about the new park in our article Pioneer Gateway National Park.  The complete package includes a visit to the Old Courthouse, known for being the location of the Dred Scott trial, along with museums, steamboat rides and helicopter rides.  Going to the top of the Arch is essential, and we do tell you what it is like.  (Yes, it does sway, as it was built specifically to do so!)  As a National Park, there are educational activities, and a junior ranger program. 
St. Louis Weekend getaway, Busch Stadium.
Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, one of the winningest teams in ML Baseball.
  • Busch Stadium is home to one of the winningest teams in baseball history.  Visitors can get an inside look at America’s national pastime by taking a tour of the stadium, which is offered 3 times a day during the summer.  See the dugouts, the broadcasters booth, and the field.  While there, a visit to the Hall of Fame Museum showcases the Cardinals winning history, and is a must for any fan.
Inside Anheuser Busch Brewery, a place to see on your weekend in St. Louis.
Inside Anheuser Busch Brewery, By Bev Sykes via Wikimedia Commons
  • The Anhueser-Busch Brewery is a symbol of the American success story, and a national landmark.  Opened in 1852 by Adolphus Busch after his immigration from Germany, it has grown from a small local company to an international corporation employing thousands.  Beer is still brewed on site, and free tours of the facility are offered daily for those who are of legal age.  Each tour includes a trip to the Biergarten, and two complimentary glasses of beer.
Play areas of City Museum one of the coolest things to do in St. Louis.
Part of the outdoor play area at City Museum.
  • City Museum has become one of the top family attractions in the world.  Designed and built by artists, literally from repurposed junk, it is something you must see to understand, because a description that does justice is impossible.  
  • Lumiere Place, St. Louis downtown casinos, is a popular venue for those wanting to try their luck at gaming.  The resort features fine dining options, theater, and upscale rooms, just as would be expected at any upscale gaming resort.

World Class Family Attractions

St Louis Weekend Getaway Attractions, Budweiser Clydesdale Team.
The Clysdesdales, at Grant’s Farm, By Freekee via Wikimedia Commons
  • Grants Farm, located 10 miles from the city center, features a petting zoo, wild animals, tram rides, and the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales.  General admission is free, although there is a charge for certain activities, such as riding the carousel.  A replica of a German farmstead serves traditional fare such as brats and pretzels.  
A rhino at St. Louis zoo, one of the free things to do in St. Louis.
St. Louis zoo is known for its excellent habitats.
  • The St. Louis Zoo located in Forest Park, is one of the US premier zoos, and visiting is entirely free.  Periodic special attractions do have a charge, for fundraising purposes.  The zoo features small and large animals from all continents, including primates and big cats.  
  • The St. Louis Science Center located in Forest Park, is a world-class science discovery center, where hands on exhibits make learning fun.  There are more than 700 activities, covering everything from space travel to ecology .  A planetarium and OMNIMAX theater are also onsite, for a fee.  

  • St. Louis History Museum, also located in Forest Park, features a number of exhibits that outline the unique role the city has played in the American landscape, from the early days as a French outpost, to 1904 Olympics and World Fare, and the civil rights movements.  Entrance is free, with occasional fees for special exhibits
  • Purina Farms, located west of the city, is a pet lovers haven.  It features a number of pet related areas and displays, as well as farm activities including wagon rides, cow milking demonstrations, and a hayloft play area.  Canine performances are particularly popular.  Admission is free and a snack bar is available.  
St. Louis Weekend Getaway Attractions, the National Transportation Museum, the Frisco and the Zephyr.
  • The National Museum of Transportation, located about 1 miles from the city center, features exhibits and activities highlighting anything related to land transportation as we know it.  The Smithsonian states that the Museum has “one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the world.”  There are extensive displays, and a number of activities including trolley and train rides.  This was a new find for us at Gypsy!
  • The Magic House is a teacher advocated museum, where experimentation and play are combined to create a fun learning experience.  Activities are developed so that all types of learners, from visual and auditory, to kinesthetic and social, can find something that appeals to them.  The Bubble Room is one that is talked about for years after the experience.
  • Myseum is a newer science discovery center for families, with hands on exhibits and play rooms.  Featured areas include an interactive video wall, and magnetic wall and a dino dig.  
  • Healthworks is a unique museum/theater/experiences, that helps children learn the importance of good health, and what they can do to maintain it.   Activities include using Beam Technology to play on floor video games, using age progression software to see your future self, and dental theater.

More Unique and Magnificent Museums

St. Louis Weekend Getaway Attractions, the National Blues Museum.
The National Blues Museum entrance, in downtown St. Louis, By LittleT889 via Wikimedia Commons
  • The National Blues Museums tells the story of the most heartfelt of musics. Stemming from African roots and traditions, the blues as we know them originated in the deep south as means of expression the sadness and despair of conditions.  Over the decades it has evolved and influenced nearly every aspect of American music culture.  The museum tells the story of this evolution, and the influences of geography on blues music. There are also live performances on weekends.
  • Soldiers Memorial Military has recently undergone extensive renovations.  The site features a memorial to all lost in war, and our veterans, as well as a museum that will explore the history of the military through both artifacts and state of the art exhibits.  
  • The Holocaust Museum and Learning Center, presented by the Jewish Federation of St. Louis presents interactive exhibits that detail the timeline of the Holocaust, and the factors which played a role.  Racism and bigotry is confronted head on.  Survivor stories make the experience personal and real.  Entrance is free.  
  • Inside the Economy Museum is presented by the Federal Reserve Bank, in one of its historic buildings.  This unique museum uses interactive exhibits to aid visitors in understanding the economy, and the role that they play.  Entrance is free.
  • The Griot Museum of Black History and Culture depicts 5000 years of black history with an emphasis on the influence of prominent black citizens in the St Louis area, including Dred Scott and George Washington Carver.  The exhibits and collections include artifacts, documents and wax figures, including a life-sized depiction of a slave transport ship.  

Outstanding Outdoor Areas

One of pools in Forest Park, as seen from Art Hill.
  • Forest Park is noted as one of the finest urban parks in the US.  Established for the 1904 World’s Fair, the park provides more urban green space than Central Park in New York City.  Home to many of the other attractions featured in our lists, as well as a winter ice rink, and a summer theater, it also has picnic and sporting areas, pavilions, lakes, and   a hiking trails, and hosts a number of festivals and events each year.   Entrance is free.
  • Cahokia Mounds, located across the river in Illinois, is the largest earthworks north of Mexico, and left behind by what was once one of the largest and most sophisticated cities in the world.  Cahokia protects the land and heritage of the people who once lived there.  It has the honor of being a protected UNESCO world heritage site.  An interpretive center is on site, and both guided and self-guided tours are available.   Entrance is free, but donations welcomed.
  • Laumeier Sculpture Park features 72 acres of outstanding outdoor artwork.  Short trails traverse the park, including the .75 mile Art Trek, which encompasses all of the 60+ pieces of art in the park.  A sighted and sound track is available as a free download, for those who wish to experience a musical interpretation of each piece, as suggested by the artist.   Entrance is free.
St. Louis Weekend Getaway Attractions, Missouri Botanical Gardens, Hedge Maze.
Visitors wander the hedge maze at the Missouri Botanical Gardens.
  • The Missouri Botanical Garden was founded in 1859, and is the oldest botanical garden in the US, in continuous operation.  Today the Garden is a center for education and conservation, providing general ecology classes, and master gardener classes.  Favorite areas include the Climatron Greenhouse, the Japanese Garden, and the Victorian Garden and Labyrinth.  
  • Tower Grove Park, adjacent to the Botanical Gardens, features another astounding 300 acres of green outdoor space in the midst of the city.  Tower Grove is geared more towards community events, with sports fields, numerous pavilions, and a bandstand.  It is well-known as a bird-watching area during the spring and fall migration periods.   Entrance is free.

Sporting Venues and Events that speak for themselves

Busch Stadium and the Cardinals, one of the best things to see during 3 days in St. Louis.

Local Secrets that are Not So Secret Anymore

St. Louis Weekend Getaway Attractions, Schlafly Bottleworks
Schlafly Bottleworks is said to have the best brewery tour in the Midwest, By Marcus Qwertyus via Wikimedia Commons
  • Schlafly Bottleworks is a local brewery in the Maplewood neighborhood, with a growing reputation.  On weekends brew classes, tasting sessions, and brewery tours are offered.
  • International Photography Hall of Fame, featuring cameras and prints from throughout the history of photography, as well as a Hall of Fame exhibit hall.  
  • The World Chess Hall of Fame, highlighting everything chess, including competitions, displays on the masters, and the world’s largest chess piece, and board.  Entrance is free, but donations welcomed.
  • The Moto Museum features a collection of rare and vintage motorcycles from over 20 countries, and as far back as 1900.   Entrance is free.
  • Trapeze St Louis provides trapeze instruction for would be performers of all ages.  It is an experience unlike any other!
  • The World Bird Sanctuary provides a safe haven for injured and endangered species.  Guided tours through the safe zones are available, or visitors can hike the trails to make their own discoveries.  Seasonal demonstrations and performances are offered.  Entrance is free, but donations welcomed.
  • The Endangered Wolf Center, founded by wildlife expert and star of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, protects endangered wolf species from around the world.  Visitors can get close up experiences with the pack, and learn how they can help protect them from extinction.

Historic Homes and Buildings Worth Seeing

St. Louis Weekend Getaway Attractions, Ulysses S. Grant Home.
Ulysses S. Grant Home National Monument.
  • The Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site, maintained and operated by the National Park Service, features tours of the former president’s home, and historical exhibits about plantation life of that era.  A Junior Ranger Program is available for children.   Entrance is free.
Colorful mosaics line the wall of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.
The small but stately Eugene Field house can’t be missed, in what seems like a strange location in modern times.
  • The Eugene Field House and Museum, childhood home of poet Eugene Field, and his father Roswell Martin Field, who was the attorney representing Dred Scott in his suit for freedom.  The historic home also features exhibits from the diverse lives of both men, and an extensive toy and doll collection.  
  • Frank Lloyd Wright Ebsworth Park home, known for being one of the few remaining that are still furnished with the original designs and accessories designed by Wright himself.  
  • The Scott Joplin House, home of the creator of the all American ragtime musical style, Scott Joplin, who was largely influenced by his childhood in St. Louis.  The home is period furnished, and still lit by gaslight, giving insight into the times that inspired some of the country’s most iconic music.
  • Campbell House, the 1851 mansion of wealthy fur trader and entrepreneur Robert Campbell.

Neighborhoods That Must be Experienced!

Laclede’s Landing on an overcast day, By Paul Sableman via Wikimedia Commons.
  • Laclede’s Landing – The oldest neighborhood in the city, with cobblestone streets and 19th century warehouses.  Today, these historic buildings have been upgraded and revamped into an intriguing collection of restaurants, breweries, and nightclubs.
  • Soulards – Historic red brick homes built by brewery workers who worked nearby, the area has long been a haven for immigrants.  It features local shops and boutiques, and restaurants with outdoor dining patios.  Wednesday through Saturday the renowned Farmers Market is the neighborhood focal point.  
  • The Hill – The iconic Italian neighborhood features the bright red and green of the Italian flag in every conceivable way.  It is bright and colorful, with an attitude to match.  Streets are lined with numerous family run restaurants featuring classic Italian fare, and of course, the dish that originated here, toasted ravioli.
  • The Loop – In essence, it is the campus town of St. Louis, with all of the associated hipster options.  Vintage shops, coffee shops, record parlors, bookstores and tattoo parlors line the streets.  Don’t miss the St. Louis Walk of Fame, featuring many of the famous we named above, and the photo-op murals.
  • Cherokee Street and Antique Row – Numerous blocks of boutiques, shops, and galleries, are intermingled with Mexican cafes.  All are independently owned, giving the area a feeling of entrepreneurship and pride.    Cherokee celebrates its heritage, with historic mansions tours and antique shops, but it’s Latino heritage as well.  Cinco de Mayo is a two-day event in the neighborhood.  

Excellent Eateries – There are dozens, but these are some of our favorites for local fare.

An after game crowd begins at Broadway Oyster Bar.
  • Park Avenue Coffee – Try fresh roasted coffee and St. Louis specialty, Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.
  • Ted Drewes Frozen Custard – A Route 66 classic that still draws the locals.
  • Imo’s Pizza – featuring classic St. Louis style thin crust pizza, with the local Provel cheese.  
  • Blueberry Hill – Regular cafe style food, in a funky and fun atmosphere, where Chuck Berry performed until his last years.
  • Pappys Smokehouse – The best of the world-famous St. Louis BBQ.
  • Gus’ Fried Chicken – They say it is the best there is, anywhere, but you can find them in Memphis too.
  • Broadway Oyster Bar – The best Cajun food outside of NOLA.  
  • 360 – An upscale twist on pub food and tapas, featuring a rooftop bar with the best views of the city.  
For more fabulous food choices, check out St. Louis Eats!

Lodging Options

Every popular lodging option is available in the city, including all major chain hotels, and all price ranges.  There will be no problem finding a place to stay, unless it is a huge festival event, such as the Big Muddy Blues Festival, on Labor Day weekend.  

One of my favorites is the Union Station Hotel, part of the Hilton Curio Collection. I have stayed there several times, and enjoy the historic atmosphere. It is close enough to all the action, but away from the noise of downtown traffic. You can reserve a room at the Union Station Hotel now.

If you prefer to stay in the suburbs, for a more away from the city feeling, the Lodge at Grant’s Trail is a great choice. It has whimsical rooms with a rustic feeling, and it is still close to many top attractions such as the Botanical Gardens, Grant’s Farm and the Magic House. You can reserve a room at the Lodge at Grant’s Trail now.

There are some other types of lodging options though.

  • Camping:  St. Louis RV Park offers plots for campers and RVs right in the city.  There is also a KOA Campground to the north of the city, in St. Charles.
  • Hostel:  Huckleberry Finn Youth Hostel has dormitory rooms, and is located near the Soulard neighborhood.  
  • Inn:  If you fancy the idea of a historic home converted to an inn, try Napoleon’s Retreat, or the Lemp House Inn.
  • Bed and Breakfast:  For a luxury stay, try the Park Avenue Mansion, or the Fleur de Lys Mansion.
The St. Louis Arch against a stunning dusk sky, with the city lights glowing seen on a weekend in St. Louis.

Ready for a St. Louis Weekend Getaway?

We hope we have shared enough things to do in St. Louis to bring you to our favorite city in the Midwest.  A St. Louis weekend getaway can be fun, educational, exciting, and darn near free. It can be pretty much whatever you want it to be, and you will be glad you made the visit!  

Several different interstates cross through St. Louis. With its central location it makes it easily accessible from all directions, and an easy drive from a Several different states.  And, if you happen to be making a Route 66 Road Trip, St. Louis is a great place to stop for a few days! 

Check out our other St. Louis stories for more detailed information when planning your trip:
If you are planning to spend more than 3 days in St. Louis, there will be plenty to do!  But, you may feel pulled to head out for a day trip in the surrounding area, some great options would be:
Or check out our other US Destinations.

You won’t want to forget all of these great things to do in St. Louis, so Pin it!

Roxanna Keyes with the Superman Statue in Metropolis, Illinois.

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.

7 thoughts on “St. Louis Weekend Getaway

    1. I hope you enjoy! We visited again this last weekend, and have a bit more of an in depth look at some fun activities coming up.

  1. welp I can just plan on St Louis for vacation this year (again) because this post above has a few gems I have missed in this wonderful city, my all time favorite. I grew up in Springfield and when time and budget were a concern ( when are they not ) this cosmopolitan city offered a playground only 90 minutes from home. What a place to take a date, my schtick was to pack an expensive cooler lunch – roses included (duh) champagne in crystal flutes, classical music , high $ olives and crackers, cheese and chocolates etc I am sure you get the picture, break it all out on a soft blanket in Forest Park and have a couple bucks for the panhandler, the repast for after a few hours at the Zoo. Magic, most of the time 🙂 St Louis is easy to navigate. I think it offers more for kids than Chicago does. Have not been to the Lloyd home mentioned here, that will be next with a trip to Schlafly and also that maze in the Botanical Gardens must be new ? Come on Spring.

    1. Sounds like a lovely, romantic date! I also have had many picnics in Forest Park, only of the family sort. My children, and now grandchildren, loved it there. On our FB page, one of the comments was that I missed Ted Drewes for frozen custard. Something I have not had, and am now compelled to try!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *