Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in St. Louis, Missouri, United States

St. Louis, United States, St. Louis, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations

Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in St. Louis, Missouri, United States

1. Forest Park

A sprawling urban park with a zoo, art museum, and historical sites. Offers bike rentals, picnic areas, and eco-friendly tours.
  • Eco-Friendly Tours: Guided tours emphasize park's ecosystem and wildlife.
  • Bike Rentals: Promotes eco-friendly transportation within the park.
  • Historical Sites: Provides insights into St. Louis's history and cultural heritage.

2. Citygarden

A modern sculpture garden featuring various interactive water features and eco-friendly design elements.
  • Interactive Water Features: Encourages visitor engagement with the natural environment.
  • Modern Sculptures: Showcases contemporary art in a serene outdoor setting.
  • Eco-Friendly Design: Uses sustainable materials and water management systems.

3. Missouri Botanical Garden

One of the oldest botanical gardens in the U.S., featuring a variety of exotic plants and sustainable practices.
  • Exotic Plant Species: Offers unique plant species not commonly found in North America.
  • Sustainable Practices: Employs water-saving techniques and promotes conservation efforts.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational opportunities about plants, their ecosystems, and sustainability.

4. Laumeier Sculpture Park

An outdoor museum showcasing contemporary sculptures amidst natural landscapes. Offers educational programs and eco-friendly features.
  • Contemporary Sculptures: Showcases cutting-edge art in a tranquil, wooded setting.
  • Educational Programs: Provides insights into contemporary art and its role in society.
  • Eco-Friendly Features: Features native plants, rain gardens, and recycling stations for visitors.

5. Confluence Kayaks

Rent kayaks or join guided tours to explore the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
  • Guided Tours: Led by knowledgeable guides who share river ecology insights.
  • River Ecology Insights: Offers unique perspectives on the region's aquatic ecosystem.
  • Sustainable Transportation: Promotes eco-friendly transportation on the waterways.

6. Gateway Arch National Park

Visit the iconic Gateway Arch and learn about the history of westward expansion in the U.S.
  • Iconic Architecture: Experience the famous Gateway Arch, a symbol of St. Louis.
  • Westward Expansion History: Gain insights into the history and culture of westward expansion.
  • Sustainable Practices: Employs energy-efficient technologies and environmentally friendly practices.

7. Cedar Creek Golf Course

An eco-friendly golf course designed to minimize its environmental impact.
  • Minimal Environmental Impact: Uses natural landscaping and water conservation techniques.
  • Golf Lessons: Offers instruction for players of all skill levels.
  • Scenic Views: Enjoys beautiful views of the surrounding natural landscape.

8. Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Explore the pristine rivers and caves of the Ozarks, offering opportunities for canoeing, hiking, and camping.
  • Canoeing Opportunities: Allows visitors to explore the scenic rivers by canoe.
  • Hiking and Camping: Provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
  • Pristine Natural Beauty: Showcases the untouched beauty of the Ozark region.

9. Hawn State Park and Sylvan Springs

Enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in this picturesque state park with a natural spring.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels.
  • Camping: Provides campsites for overnight stays.
  • Natural Spring: Features a crystal-clear natural spring and surrounding wetlands.

10. Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum

A historic cemetery and arboretum featuring over 2,500 species of trees.
  • Historic Gravesites: Offers a unique glimpse into St. Louis's history through notable burials.
  • Arboretum: Showcases over 2,500 tree species and offers educational opportunities.
  • Sustainable Landscape Management: Uses sustainable landscape management practices and eco-friendly gardening techniques.

11. St. Louis Zoo

A world-class zoo with a strong commitment to conservation and sustainable practices.
  • Conservation Efforts: Supports species survival plans, breeding programs, and habitat restoration.
  • Sustainable Practices: Employs energy-efficient technologies and water conservation techniques.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that educate visitors about wildlife and conservation issues.

12. Tyson Research Center

A biological field station focused on researching and preserving the Midwest's ecosystems.
  • Scientific Research: Conducts scientific studies on the region's ecosystems.
  • Ecosystem Preservation: Works to preserve and restore the Midwest's ecosystems.
  • Public Tours and Education: Provides tours, educational programs, and opportunities for citizen science.

13. Great River Road

Follow the scenic Great River Road along the Mississippi River, enjoying views, historic sites, and eco-friendly tour options.
  • Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of the Mississippi River and its surroundings.
  • Historic Sites: Features historic sites that tell the story of the river's impact on the region.
  • Eco-Friendly Tour Options: Offers eco-friendly transportation and tour options for a sustainable experience.

14. Pere Marquette State Park

Experience the pristine beauty of Pere Marquette State Park, offering hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels.
  • Camping: Provides campsites for overnight stays.
  • Scenic River Valley: Showcases the scenic beauty of the Illinois River valley.

15. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Visit the largest pre-Columbian Native American site in North America and learn about its rich history and culture.
  • Pre-Columbian Culture: Offers insights into the lives of Native Americans who lived here centuries ago.
  • Historic Sites: Features ancient mounds, plazas, and other archaeological sites.
  • Sustainable Practices: Employs eco-friendly practices in preserving this important historical site.