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St. Louis, MO: Why Go

Recommendations & Suggestions

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour
1 Busch Place
Phone: 314.577.2626

St. Louis is synonymous with Anheuser-Busch, the world's largest brewer of beer. The 100-acre brewery tour follows the journey of how beer is created and includes visits to the beech-wood aging cellars, historic Brew House and Bevo packaging plant. A favorite stop along the way is the Hospitality Room, where complimentary tastings of beer and malt beverages are offered to adults 21 years of age and older.

One of the main attractions of the tour is the Clydesdale paddock and stable. Built in 1885 by Adolphus Busch, it is now a National Historic Landmark. Clydesdales were used in the early days of the U.S. brewing industry to deliver beer to local taverns and hotels, and they have become the unmistakable symbol of Anheuser-Busch.

Tours are complimentary and tickets are distributed on a first-come first-served basis. Advance tickets are not available.

Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame
111 Stadium Plaza Drive
Phone: 314.231.6340

Despite the name, this is actually two museums in one building with one admission price. The three-level facility houses the "Cooperstown of Bowling," complete with a historical tour of the 5000 years of bowling and old time lanes that require hand-set pins. In addition. the Hall of Fame for professional bowling is here. The most visited wing of the museum, however, is the one that holds the Cardinals Hall of Fame, where the many years of the St. Louis Cardinal major league baseball franchise are documented, including Stan Musial awards and uniforms, as well as the 1962 Corvette given to Mark McGwire after he hit 71 homeruns. Kids can play bumper bowling and will love the reconstructed 1950's child's bedroom complete with posters and baseball cards of old.

Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children.

The Museum also offers stadium tours of Busch Stadium where the Cardinals play for an additional cost of $3.50/person.

Cunetto House of Pasta
5453 Magnolia Avenue
Phone: 314.781.1135

For many St. Louisans, Cunetto House of Pasta is synonymous with The Hill, the Italian neighborhood where it has been open for business since 1972. The restaurant is popular with just about everyone--couples, families and holiday revelers. The menu includes more than 20 pasta selections, daily specials and--of course--toasted ravioli. It's no wonder Cunetto House of Pasta tops the "Best Restaurants" polls year after year. The portions are gigantic, so arrive with your appetite!

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
11 North 4th Street
Phone: 314.655.1700

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion and St. Louis' Old Courthouse.

During a nation-wide competition in 1947-48, architect Eero Saarinen's inspired design for a 630-foot stainless steel arch was chosen as a perfect monument to the spirit of the western pioneers. Construction of the Arch began in 1963, and was completed on October 28, 1965, for a total cost of less than $15 million. The Arch has foundations sunk 60 feet into the ground, and is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds; it sways up to 1 inch in a 20 mph wind, and is built to sway up to 18 inches. The tram ride to the top of the Arch costs $7, including a $2 National Park entrance fee.

The Museum of Westward Expansion, located below the Arch, is as large as a football field and contains an extensive collection of artifacts, mounted animal specimens, an authentic American Indian tipi, and an overview of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Entrance to the museum is included in the $2 National Park entrance fee.

Located just two blocks west of the Arch, the Old Courthouse is one of the oldest standing buildings in St. Louis, begun in 1839. It was here that the first two trials of the Dred Scott case were held in 1847 and 1850. Today, the building houses a museum charting the history of the city of St. Louis and restored courtrooms. Entrance to the museum is included in the $2 National Park entrance fee.

Mark Twain Cave
South of Hannibal on Highway 79
Phone: 573.221.1656

The story of Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher's adventure underground has probably been responsible for more candles and string being taken into the dark than can ever be counted. Properly called McDougal's Cave, this approximately 2 mile long cave, a maze of crisscrossed passages with five intersections, first gained worldwide fame in 1876, with the publication of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. Today, the cave is equipped with a handrail and electric lighting.

President Casino by the Arch
800 North First Street
Phone: 314.622.1111

President Casino by the Arch is located onboard the Admiral, one of the most celebrated riverboats in America. The Admiral is docked directly below the world famous Gateway Arch on the mighty Mississippi. The casino boasts a wide variety of slot machines, table games, video poker, keno, and live poker.

Take a break from gaming with a trip to the President's Buffet, where unlimited delicacies await around the clock. For a lighter meal, stop by the Four Aces Food Court or relax in the Players Rail Lounge.

Enter the President Casino by the Arch between 8am and 4am weekdays, and round the clock on weekends. There is a $2.00 entry tax for all sessions, which raises millions annually to improve Missouri schools.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
6726 Chippewa
Phone: 314.481.2652

Cool off with a treat from this local legend. You can get your frozen custard kicks right on Route 66, in a uniquely designed structure modeled after an icicle. Don't miss the famed "Concrete." If you're lucky, Ted himself will be behind the counter.