
Weird & Unusual Attractions in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
1. City Museum
A creative playground featuring massive, whimsical exhibits including a school bus suspended from the ceiling and an old construction crane.
- Interactive Art: Encourages visitors to climb, explore, and engage with unique art installations.
- Unusual Architecture: Incorporates various architectural styles, creating a one-of-a-kind structure.
- Adventure Playground: Offers an exciting and adventurous play experience for both children and adults alike.
2. The Bootheel Car Museum
A collection of over 100 antique cars showcasing American automotive history from the early 1900s.
- Rare Vehicles: Features numerous rare and unique automobiles, including models never before seen by the public.
- Historical Context: Provides insight into the evolution of car design and technology over time.
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows visitors to get up close and personal with vintage vehicles, learning about their history and mechanics.
3. Bob Cassilly's Whale
A 60-foot fiberglass whale sculpture located near Forest Park.
- Iconic Landmark: Serves as a popular photo opportunity and symbol of the city.
- Community Initiative: Was created by local artist Bob Cassilly, who aimed to bring art and joy to the community.
- Public Art: Offers an unusual and interactive form of public art for visitors to appreciate.
4. The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum
A modern and contemporary art museum located on the campus of Washington University.
- Renowned Collection: Houses an extensive collection of works by renowned artists, including Warhol and Pollock.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops, lectures, and tours for visitors to learn about modern and contemporary art.
- Architectural Marvel: Designed by the renowned architect Gunnar Birkerts, it stands as an architectural landmark in St. Louis.
5. The Museum of Westward Expansion
A National Park Service museum located at the Gateway Arch, telling the story of westward expansion in America.
- Historical Significance: Provides insight into the Westward Expansion period and its impact on American history.
- Immersive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and replicas that bring the era to life.
- Gateway Arch Connection: Complements a visit to the iconic Gateway Arch by deepening understanding of its historical context.
6. The Magic House Children's Museum
An innovative children's museum with numerous interactive exhibits and activities.
- Educational Play: Encourages children to learn through play, fostering creativity and critical thinking skills.
- Hands-On Experiences: Provides numerous hands-on exhibits that allow children to engage with different topics in a fun way.
- Temporary Exhibits: Offers rotating temporary exhibitions, ensuring there's always something new for visitors to explore.
7. The Foamhenge Replica
A replica of the Stonehenge monument made entirely out of Styrofoam.
- Popular Attraction: Serves as a unique and popular tourist destination.
- Artistic Statement: Represents an artistic interpretation of the original Stonehenge, raising questions about the role of art and replication in society.
- Interesting History: Offers a unique perspective on the history and mysteries surrounding Stonehenge.
8. The Crypt at St. Boniface Church
A unique subterranean chapel located beneath St. Boniface Church.
- Historical Chapel: Serves as a historical and religious site, offering a glimpse into the past.
- Underground Experience: Provides visitors with an unusual and captivating experience below ground level.
- Religious Significance: Offers a place for quiet reflection and contemplation in a unique setting.
9. The World's Largest Catsup Bottle
A tall, cat-shaped bottle built to promote the local Catsup (ketchup) brand.
- Iconic Landmark: Serves as a popular photo opportunity and symbol of the city.
- Marketing Strategy: Represents a successful marketing campaign that has endured over time.
- Kitschy Attraction: Offers a fun and unusual experience for visitors, showcasing the quirky side of St. Louis.
10. The Wooly Hollow Wild Animal Park
A unique wild animal park featuring rescued and rehabilitated animals in a naturalistic setting.
- Animal Rescue: Provides sanctuary and care for rescued animals, offering visitors a chance to learn about conservation efforts.
- Up-Close Encounters: Allows visitors to observe and interact with the animals in a safe and respectful manner.
- Natural Habitats: Offers spacious habitats designed to mimic the natural environments of the rescued animals.
11. The Gateway Arch National Park
An iconic monument and national park featuring the tallest man-made monument in the United States.
- Historical Significance: Symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States and serves as a memorial to Lewis & Clark.
- Architectural Marvel: Designed by Eero Saarinen, it stands as an impressive example of modern architecture.
- Innovative Tram Ride: Offers visitors a unique experience to ride in a tram through the arch for stunning views of St. Louis.
12. The Museum of Transportation
A museum featuring an extensive collection of historic transportation vehicles.
- Rare Vehicles: Features numerous rare and unique vehicles, including trains, planes, automobiles, and boats.
- Educational Programs: Offers workshops, lectures, and tours for visitors to learn about transportation history and technology.
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows visitors to explore and learn in a hands-on way, immersing themselves in the world of transportation.
13. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's (NGA) Campus
A high-security facility responsible for mapping the world's geography and producing intelligence for the United States government.
- Top-Secret Facility: Serves as a hub for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating vital geospatial information.
- Architectural Landmark: Features an impressive architectural design, representing cutting-edge technology and innovation in the field of intelligence gathering.
- Intelligence Operations: Operates as a central hub for global geospatial intelligence operations, shaping national security policies and strategies.
14. The Gravois Bluffs
A unique neighborhood located on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
- Scenic Views: Offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River and surrounding area.
- Historic Homes: Features a variety of historic homes dating back to the early 20th century.
- Community Spirit: Boasts a close-knit community with a rich cultural heritage, offering a unique glimpse into St. Louis life.
15. The St. Louis Carousel
A beautiful carousel featuring intricately carved animals and artwork.
- Historical Artifact: Represents a piece of St. Louis history, with origins dating back to the early 1900s.
- Artistic Masterpiece: Showcases intricate carvings and artwork, offering visitors a chance to appreciate artistic craftsmanship.
- Family-Friendly Attraction: Offers a fun, family-friendly experience for visitors of all ages.