Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
1. Gateway Arch National Park
Iconic St. Louis attraction offering Mississippi River views and access to the historic Gateway Arch.
- Architectural Marvel: A symbol of the city's westward expansion, designed by Eero Saarinen
- Riverfront Access: Offers riverboat cruises and stunning views of the Mississippi River
- Historical Significance: Preserves the city's rich history as a gateway to the west
2. Forest Park
Sprawling park featuring a zoo, museums, golf courses, and walking trails.
- Diverse Attractions: Home to the Saint Louis Zoo, one of the best free zoos in the country
- Natural Beauty: Provides ample opportunities for picnics, boating, and horseback riding
- Rich Cultural Scene: Features museums like the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Muny, America's largest outdoor music theater
3. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Prehistoric Native American city with massive earthen mounds and a visitor center.
- Ancient City Ruins: One of the largest and most complex ancient indigenous civilizations in North America
- Educational Opportunities: Provides insight into the lives of prehistoric Native Americans through exhibits and tours
- Biodiversity: Offers opportunities to observe native plant and animal species in a natural setting
4. Missouri Botanical Garden
Historic 79-acre garden featuring tropical plants, a Japanese garden, and butterfly house.
- Historical Landmark: Established in 1859, it is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States
- Tropical Paradise: Home to a tropical rainforest and climate-controlled glasshouses filled with exotic plants
- Butterfly Haven: The Doris I. Schneider Friedman Butterfly House & Tropical Garden houses thousands of butterflies from around the world
5. St. Louis Zoo
Free zoo showcasing a variety of animals, including giant pandas, penguins, and gorillas.
- Animal Conservation: Participates in global conservation efforts for endangered species
- Innovative Exhibits: Features innovative habitats like the Penguin and Me sea lion show, and the Big Cat Country exhibit
- Interactive Experiences: Offers interactive programs and experiences for visitors of all ages
6. Busch Wildlife Reserve
Private wildlife preserve offering guided tours to see bison, elk, and other North American species.
- Guided Tours: Provides a unique opportunity to get up close with wildlife in a natural setting
- Breeding and Rehabilitation Programs: Participates in conservation programs for endangered species
- Natural Habitat Observation: Allows visitors to observe wildlife living in their natural habitats
7. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Two pristine rivers surrounded by forested bluffs and caves.
- Natural Beauty: Offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and hiking in a breathtaking natural setting
- Cultural History: Preserves the history of the Ozarks, including native American settlements and early European exploration
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to spot wildlife like white-tailed deer, black bears, and bald eagles
8. Katimavik Wetlands
Wildlife sanctuary offering birdwatching opportunities and wetland education.
- Birdwatching Paradise: Hosts a variety of migratory birds, including herons, egrets, and eagles
- Wetland Conservation: Works to preserve and protect wetlands and their diverse ecosystems
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs about the importance of wetland conservation and wildlife
9. Wild Bird Care & Sanctuary
Rehabilitation center for injured birds, offering tours and educational programs.
- Rehabilitation Efforts: Provides care to over 2,000 birds each year
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs about bird conservation and rehabilitation
- Unique Encounters: Provides opportunities to interact with various species of birds, including owls, hawks, and eagles
10. Pemiscot National Wildlife Refuge
Wetland refuge offering birdwatching opportunities, hunting, fishing, and hiking.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Home to a variety of waterfowl, including geese, ducks, and swans
- Hunting and Fishing: Offers hunting and fishing opportunities during specified seasons
- Conservation Efforts: Works to conserve and protect wetland ecosystems and their associated wildlife
11. Finger Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Wetland refuge offering birdwatching opportunities, hiking trails, and photography.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Home to a variety of waterfowl, including geese, ducks, and swans
- Photography Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for nature photography
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails through wetland and wooded areas
12. Jackson Hole Wetlands Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife sanctuary offering birdwatching opportunities, hiking trails, and photography.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Home to a variety of waterfowl, including geese, ducks, and swans
- Photography Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for nature photography
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails through wetland and wooded areas
13. Lake Wappapello Wildlife Area
Wildlife area offering birdwatching opportunities, hunting, fishing, and hiking.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Home to a variety of waterfowl, including geese, ducks, and swans
- Hunting and Fishing: Offers hunting and fishing opportunities during specified seasons
- Conservation Efforts: Works to conserve and protect wetland ecosystems and their associated wildlife
14. Lake Springfield Wildlife Area
Wildlife area offering birdwatching opportunities, hunting, fishing, and hiking.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Home to a variety of waterfowl, including geese, ducks, and swans
- Hunting and Fishing: Offers hunting and fishing opportunities during specified seasons
- Conservation Efforts: Works to conserve and protect wetland ecosystems and their associated wildlife
15. Lake Owego National Wildlife Refuge
Wetland refuge offering birdwatching opportunities, hiking trails, and photography.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Home to a variety of waterfowl, including geese, ducks, and swans
- Photography Opportunities: Provides excellent opportunities for nature photography
- Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails through wetland and wooded areas