Edition: St. Louis Hosts U.S. Figure Skating Championships
St. Louis On Ice
Author: Beth M. Custer / Caitlin Custer
The best skaters in America meet in St. Louis to compete in figure skating's toughest competition. Plus, don't miss out on the seeing the American Bald Eagles as they migrate to the bluffs along the Mississippi River, just minutes away!
St. Louis On Ice
The U.S. Figure Skating Championships -- the premier skating competition in the country -- will take place right here in the Gateway City, January 8th-15th, at Savvis Center (314-421-4400, M2;C2, ww.stlouis2006 for tickets). Popular favorites Michelle Kwan, Sasha Cohen, and Johnny Weir, along with more than 250 of the nation's best skaters, will compete to represent the U.S. at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. Watch novice events and practice sessions at The Family Arena (636-896-4200, St. Charles, M5;A1), where skaters will attempt to glide, spin, and double axel their way to the senior levels. If you're inspired to try figure skating for yourself, you can give it a whirl at Steinberg Ice Skating Rink (314-367-RINK, Forest Park, M4;B4) or IceZONE (314-227-5288, St. Louis Mills Mall, M5;A2), the official practice facility of the St. Louis Blues.
- Beth M. Custer
Eagle Expeditions
Winters in St. Louis are nearly always cold and dry, but don't hibernate inside and risk cabin fever -- there's plenty of excitement outdoors. Every January, hundreds of American Bald Eagles migrate to the bluffs along the Mississippi River to hunt for food and reclaim winter nests. The Alton Visitor's Center (1-800-ALTON-IL, M1;A4), in conjunction with the World Bird Sanctuary, offers live eagle demonstrations every Saturday in January. Catch a glimpse of eagles on the river through the viewing scopes at the National Great Rivers Museum (618-462-6979, Alton, M1;A5), where eagle activity and programs are presented. Bluff City Tours (618-466-8693, M1;A4) conducts eagle tours during January and February which include a professional guide, transportation, a day of adventuring and spotting as well as breakfast and lunch. However, if you feel like flying solo, as Bald Eagles often do, try an observational drive through Pere Marquette State Park (618-786-3323, M1;A3). Be sure to bring the binoculars.
- Caitlin Custer
Steinberg Ice Skating Rink
400 Jefferson Dr,, St. Louis, MO 63110
For more than 45 years St. Louisans and visitors alike have swooshed their way around the Steinberg Ice Skating Rink. Due to a $1.4 million renovation, the Rink is at its best with a new rink surface, sound system, and landscaping. Located on the east side of Forest Park, the Rink is open from November-March, when it turns into two lit, regulation size sand volleyball courts. In the winter adults skate for $6, children 12 & under for $5, while all can rent skates for an additional $2. For more information, call 314-361-0613 or visit www.steinbergskatingrink.com
Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau
200 Piasa Street, Alton, IL 62002
Alton is a historic old river town that is home to scads of antiques stores, miles of hiking and biking trails, and multiple historic sites.
National Great Rivers Museum
#2 Lock and Dam Way, Alton, IL 62002
A museum dedicated to the St. Louis area's major rivers.
