If you’re on the prowl for a new destination to visit, consider the hotspot of St. Louis, Missouri. Located along the western bank of the Mississippi River, St. Louis offers a number of attractions to keep the family entertained. If you’re tired of perusing indoor museums, art galleries, and shops, rejoice: Discover the following six best outdoor activities that will keep you active during your stay.
Saint Louis Zoo
Image via Flickr by paparutzi
Creatures and crawlers of all types abound at the Saint Louis Zoo. You can catch a ride on the Emerson Zooline Railroad to receive a guided tour of the zoo’s largest exhibits. Kids will particularly love exploring the Penguin and Puffin Coast, Big Cat Country, and the Interactive Stingray Pool. Best of all, you don’t need to pay an entrance fee to get in, although you’ll need to pay to experience several attractions within the zoo itself.
Gateway Arch
Image via Flickr by Francisco Diez
How can you miss this iconic piece of St. Louis history? You can take a ride to the top of the 630-foot tall monument to get spectacular panoramic views of the city. When you’re done here, check out the nearby Jefferson National Expansion Memorial or take a trip on a paddle-wheel boat to get a glimpse of the Gateway Arch from the Mississippi River.
Castlewood State Park
Image via Flickr by Heath Cajandig
More than a century ago, Castlewood State Park used to be a retreat for wealthy St. Louis residents. Today, this park is a beautiful nature retreat located along the winding Meramec River. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring the park’s numerous hiking and biking trails.
Grant’s Farm
Image via Flickr by ata Kath
Regardless of your opinions on beer, you’ll have to check out Grant’s Farm, which is the ancestral home of the Busch family. While visiting, you can meet the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses, explore a log cabin built in 1855, or take a ride on the farm carousel. The farm is also home to a number of goats and buffalo, which could make for fun photo ops.
Forest Park
Image via Flickr by Brick Haus Photography
As the site of the 1904 World’s Fair, Forest Park is steeped in history. Today, the park functions as one of the largest urban parks in the country and has a number of biking and walking trails. While visiting, check out the Jewel Box greenhouse and the World’s Fair Pavilion.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Image via Flickr by aarongunnar
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a massive 79-acre complex containing a number of greenhouses, gardens, and conservatories. Visitors can discover lush and vibrant collections of various plants beautifully maintained in cultured landscapes. One extremely stunning exhibit is the Climatron, which features a real rainforest with waterfalls.
After solidifying your itinerary, make sure you have an affordable place to stay. Compare St. Louis hotel prices to get the best deals. Keep in mind that the more money you save on accommodations, the more you can spend on dining, drinking, shopping, and adventuring. With your hotel booked, you’ll be ready to take on St. Louis and all the outdoor experiences the city has to offer.
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