Best Train Station & Airport Layover Destinations in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
1. City Museum
A unique, immersive art museum featuring unusual and captivating exhibits in a historic building. Great for families or anyone seeking an unconventional cultural experience.
- Interactive Experience: Offers various interactive installations, inviting visitors to engage with art.
- Historic Building: Located in a former shoe factory, it showcases architectural elements from the early 20th century.
- Unusual Exhibits: Features exhibits like a school bus suspended from the ceiling and a giant penguin made of keys.
2. Science Center at Jefferson Laboratory
A hands-on science museum offering numerous interactive exhibits on topics like physics, astronomy, and dinosaurs. Perfect for inquisitive minds of all ages.
- Hands-On Exhibits: Provides numerous hands-on exhibits that let visitors explore scientific concepts.
- Planetarium Shows: Offers daily planetarium shows, immersing visitors in an awe-inspiring cosmic journey.
- Dinosaur Exhibit: Features a dinosaur exhibit with fossils and interactive activities, including a simulated dig site.
3. Forest Park
A sprawling urban park offering attractions like the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and History Museum. A great destination for nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
- Multiple Attractions: Boasts numerous attractions within its boundaries, catering to diverse interests.
- Large Area for Outdoor Activities: Features vast spaces for picnicking, walking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
- Historic Attractions: Includes historic landmarks like the World's Fair Pavilion from the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition.
4. St. Louis Zoo
A free, world-class zoo with a focus on conservation and education, featuring over 19,000 animals across various habitats.
- Free Admission: Admission is completely free, making it an accessible destination for all.
- Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to conservation efforts and educational programs focused on the animals and their habitats.
- Habitat Stroll Zoo District: Features a 'Habitat Stroll' layout, allowing visitors to walk through various wildlife habitats.
5. St. Louis Art Museum
A world-renowned art museum with an extensive collection spanning over 5,000 years of art history.
- Global Collection: Boasts a diverse collection, showcasing art from various cultures and time periods.
- Free Admission: Admission is free to the permanent collection daily.
- Special Exhibits: Offers rotating special exhibitions featuring notable artists and themes.
6. Missouri History Museum
A museum dedicated to exploring the history and culture of Missouri and St. Louis, featuring interactive exhibits and artifacts.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers various interactive exhibits that engage visitors in learning about Missouri's past.
- Local History Focus: Dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of St. Louis and Missouri.
- Artifact Collection: Features a vast collection of artifacts, including those from notable figures like Mark Twain and Lewis & Clark.
7. Gateway Arch
A iconic, stainless steel monument and museum complex dedicated to the history of westward expansion.
- Iconic Structure: One of the most recognizable landmarks in St. Louis and the United States.
- Museum Complex: Includes a museum with interactive exhibits on the history of westward expansion.
- Observation Deck: Offers an observation deck at the top, providing stunning views of St. Louis.
8. Busch Stadium
Home of the St. Louis Cardinals, offering tours, a museum, and the chance to see a game (depending on schedule).
- Home of the Cardinals: Offers fans the opportunity to visit the home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.
- Cardinals Museum: Includes a museum dedicated to the history and achievements of the Cardinals.
- Tours and Games (depending on schedule): Offers stadium tours and the chance to attend a game during the regular season.
9. The Magic House
An interactive children's museum with numerous exhibits designed to educate and entertain young visitors.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features various interactive exhibits aimed at engaging young minds.
- Educational Focus: Dedicated to educating children through play and exploration.
- Temporary Exhibits: Offers temporary exhibitions focused on various topics, like art and science.
10. Six Flags St. Louis
A thrilling amusement park offering roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly attractions.
- Roller Coasters: Boasts numerous roller coasters, including the BATMAN The Ride.
- Water Rides: Features water rides like White Water Safari and Roaring Rapids.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Offers family-friendly attractions, like the Looney Tunes National Forest.
11. The Muny
America's largest outdoor musical theatre, offering a variety of shows throughout the summer.
- Outdoor Theatre: A unique open-air setting for enjoying live performances.
- Variety of Shows: Offers a diverse lineup of musicals, from classic Broadway shows to contemporary hits.
- Affordable Tickets: Tickets are reasonably priced, making it an accessible entertainment option.
12. Laumeier Sculpture Park
An outdoor museum showcasing over 60 contemporary sculptures across a park-like setting.
- Outdoor Museum: A unique open-air setting for enjoying contemporary art.
- Rotating Sculptures: Offers a changing display of over 60 contemporary sculptures.
- Park-Like Setting: Located within a park, providing a peaceful and scenic backdrop for the sculptures.
13. Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour
A tour of the historic Anheuser-Busch brewery, including a chance to sample Budweiser beer.
- Historic Building: Takes place in a historic brewery building with over a century of history.
- Beer Tasting: Includes a beer tasting, allowing visitors to sample Budweiser and other beers.
- Historic Brewing Process Demonstration: Demonstrates the historic brewing process used at Anheuser-Busch.
14. The Fabulous Fox Theatre
A beautiful, historic theatre offering a variety of performances, including Broadway shows and concerts.
- Historic Building: A stunning example of Baroque and Moorish Revival architecture.
- Variety of Shows: Offers a diverse lineup of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and special events.
- Stunning Interior Design: Features an ornate interior design with intricate detailing and gilded accents.
15. St. Louis Botanical Garden
A sprawling garden featuring over 50 distinctive gardens showcasing plants from around the world.
- Variety of Gardens: Features over 50 distinct gardens, each with its unique plant collection.
- Horticultural Library and Research Center: Boasts a library and research center dedicated to the study of horticulture.
- Seasonal Events: Offers seasonal events, like the Butterfly House and Holiday Lights display.