Edition: Best Places to Go
Get Out While the Gettin's Good
Author: Amy S. Debrecht
The city offers a variety of outdoor diversions.
The St. Louis climate is beautiful in late spring and early summer. Take advantage of these great outdoor sites while the weather is fine.
Opened to the public in 1859 by St. Louis businessman and humanitarian Henry Shaw, the Missouri Botanical Garden (4344 Shaw Blvd., 314-577-5100) continues to thrive. In addition to hosting flower shows (such as orchid) and cultural festivals (such as Japanese and Chinese), the Garden is dedicated to its mission of research and education. The Garden is especially lush and inviting at this time of year. Wander the shrub maze and herb garden in the Victorian area. Stroll through the English woodland, Japanese, Chinese, and Boxwood gardens. Duck in to the Climatron to experience the tropical atmosphere, and visit the Linnean House, the oldest continuously operating greenhouse conservatory in the country. Adult admission is $8; children 12 and under are free.
Since Forest Park’s founding in 1876, boating has been a popular pastime. In honor of that tradition, The Boathouse (314-367-2224) has been renovated as a year-round restaurant, bar, and boat rental facility. The restaurant offers a family friendly lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch menu. Live bands grace the patio when weather permits on weekends from April to September, and of course, paddle and rowboats are available for rental at $15/hour. While boating, don’t be surprised to encounter ducks, herons, kingfishers, turtles, and more.
Ranked the 7th best family attraction in the nation by U.S. Family Travel Guide Zagat Survey, Grant’s Farm (10510 Gravois Rd., 314-843-1700) is an educational and fun site for visitors of all ages. In the 1850s, Ulysses S. Grant founded and farmed part of the 281 acres that is now owned and operated by Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Take a tram ride through Deer Park, where deer, antelope, and zebra roam free, or visit the Budweiser Clydesdales. Elephants Bud and Mickey perform in the Tier Garten amphitheater, where parrot, mammal, and reptile shows are also held. Admission is free to the park, but there is a parking fee.
Channel your inner speed demon at NASCAR SpeedPark (St. Louis Mills, 314-227-5600) in North St. Louis County. There are four tracks for various skill levels and ages. The Family 500 track is a long road course, and SlideWayz challenges drivers with a slippery track featuring tight turns. Two tracks are indoor: the Champions is a two-story figure eight-shaped track, and the Qualifier is a starter track just for kids. In addition to the tracks, other activities include bumper boats and mini golf, a rock climbing wall, lazer tag, an arcade, and a playground. All-day wristbands are $30; individual tickets are $3.
If you like to feel your stomach drop to your knees, or if getting thoroughly soaked is your thing, Six Flags St. Louis (Eureka, 636-938-4800) is the place for you. Newer rides, such as Superman Tower of Power and Xcalibur, and classics like the Screamin’ Eagle will satisfy thrill-seekers. The water park Hurricane Harbor, free with your admission to the theme park, will please the Pisces babies; Bugs Bunny National Park, the newest section of the park, is designed with both kids and their parents in mind. General daily admission is $44.99 (there is an “online special” for $39.99). About 45 miles southwest of St. Louis is a unique site for both animalenthusiasts, and champion dogs and their handlers. At Purina Farms (Gray Summit, 314-982-3232) visitors can observe a cow-milking demonstration, pet a baby bunny, and learn about the history of humans’ relationship with dogs in the Barn and Play Area. The Pet Center houses many dogs and cats, with special features like a 20-foot-tall cat house and a display that allows humans to get a sense of what a dog can smell while walking through a field. Over 60 dog events are held in the professional dog facilities each year, including herding competitions, lure coursing, and more.
Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110
Since first opening in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden has acquired contributions from artists, architects, and scientists. Now, secluded oases and photo-ops abound within its 79 acres of natural and architectural splendor. Whether visitors come to brush up on their gardening techniques or simply indulge in personal reflection, the Botanical Garden – also known as Shaw's Garden, after its founder – offers a refreshing natural refuge in the midst of the city.
Boathouse Cafe
6101 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Trek around the intrepid waters of Forest Park in a paddle boat, and enjoy dining, nightlife, and a leisurely stroll around the lake.
Grant's Farm
10501 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123
Treat your family to a fun-filled day of animals and history when you visit Grant's Farm, where President Ulysses S. Grant built and lived in a log cabin. The 281-acre farm includes wild animals, animal edutainment (it's educational and entertaining), and a peek into the past.
Six Flags St. Louis
P.O. Box 60, Eureka, MO 63025
Amusement park with rides and a large water park for thrill seekers of all ages.
Purina Farms
200 Checkerboard Dr, Gray Summit, MO 63039
Purina Farms is a great stop for pet-lover and companion alike, with obedience classes, rustic farm activities, and a canine competition center.
Annbriar Golf Course
1524 Birdie Ln, Waterloo, IL 62298
Rated the 7th best course in Illinois. One of Golfweek Magazine's top ten courses in Illinois. Also rated one of Top 100 courses by Golf for Women magazine. $59 weekdays and $69 weekends, includes cart.>
