Edition: Great Outdoors
Going Public
Author: Jennifer R. Rolf
Visitors to St. Louis who arrive without their own modes of transportation this summer need not worry. Metro - the company that operates St. Louis's public transportation system - offers service to many of the area's most popular attractions. MetroLink is a light rail system with one line that carries passengers to multiple stops in Missouri and Illinois. MetroBus operates service throughout the St. Louis metroplitan area. During the summer tourist season, the Forest Park Circulator offers front door service to 10 attractions in Forest Park.
Metro's Links
With hundreds of places of interest in St. Louis, it could take several days to see all of the sights. Fortunately, many of these sights are conveniently accessible via MetroLink:
Busch Stadium - the newly constructed roost for the St. Louis Cardinals - will no doubt be among the most popular draws to our area this year. Whether you're traveling with family or friends, you can take MetroLink with your companions to the Stadium stop across from the ballpark to enjoy an action-packed, Cardinals-style baseball game. Afterward, stay for dinner and more fun downtown where it's never difficult to find an establishment that will please your palate or wet your whistle.
The Union Station stop near the west side of downtown, drops you right at historic Union Station, where you can shop for yourself or buy a gift for that special someone, grab a bite to eat at a sit-down restaurant or in the food court, and even ride paddle boats outisde on the lake. Don't forget to pick up a souvenir that will remind you or others of your stay in St. Louis!
A few blocks from the Central West End stop is where you can find one of the city's most charming neighborhoods of the same name. Traverse along Euclid Avenue and nearby streets to find everything from elegant eateries and chic nightlife to antique stores and quaint boutiques. On June 10-11, don't miss the 12th Annual Central West End Art Fair & Taste, where you can view the artwork of hundreds of local and regional artists, sample dishes from area restaurants and vendors, and enjoy live entertainment. Children are sure to have a good time in the Kid's Zone.
During the summer Forest Park is a hotbed of activity for locals and tourists alike, as it features some of the city's most popular attractions. MetroLink's Forest Park-DeBaliviere stop drops you off on the north side of the park not far from the Missouri History Museum. From Memorial Day to Labor Day you can wait at this stop for the Forest Park Circulator, a special shuttle that takes you to all of the park's main attractions, including the world-famous St. Louis Zoo, the Art Museum, the Science Center, the Muny, and the Jewel Box.
Whether or not this is your first time here, you have not truly experienced St. Louis until you visit the landmark that helps define our city - the Gateway Arch. Marvel at the sight of the immense structure from ground level, then journey 630 feet to the top to see breathtaking views of the city and the mighty Mississippi River. The Arch is not far from the MetroLink's Laclede's Landing stop. Named for Pierre Laclede - the French fur trapper who helped found our city - the "Landing" is also the locale of many restaurants and a hot spot for nightlife. After dinner, if dancing at one of the clubs isn't your thing, take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the cobblestone streets or try your luck at the nearby President Casino on the riverfront.
Taking MetroLink to the Delmar Loop stop will transport you to an inviting array of unique clothing, jewelry and music shops, the cuisines of many cultures, music venues, a movie theater, and much mroe along a stretch of Delmar Boulevard. Here you can also take a stroll down the boulevard to experience the St. Louis Walk of Fame, which is represented by brass stars accompanying bronze plaques on the ground with information about famous St. Louisans who have gained national recognition, enriched our cultural heritage, and at one time called St. Louis their home (or still do).
Heading eastbound on MetroLink will take you across the Mississippi River into Illinois, where additional attractions can be discovered. The East Riverfront stop is the location of the Casino Queen, where one can roll the dice and also get a good view of the Arch and St. Louis from a slightly different perspective. During weekdays take the MetroLink to the Emerson park stop and catch the MetroBus connection to Cahokia Mounds, where you will see archaeological remnants and learn about a prehistoric culture that is thought to have first inhabited the area more than 1,000 years ago. Other places to see in Illinois accessible through Metro transportation include the Gateway International Raceway, Our Lady of the Snows Shrine, and St. Clair Square.
MetroBus
MetroBus stops are located throughout the city, including along the MetroLink route, and can help you reach the places not directly accessible through MetroLink. Some attractions you can check out using MetroBus include the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Anheuser-Busche Brewery Tour (free!), or the eclectic, hands-on City Museum.
Zip2 Your Destination
A special Zip2 pass lets you experience St. Louis via MetroLink and/or MetroBus for a day, connecting you to destinations all around town. Zip2 day passes can be purchased for $4.25 at the MetroRide and area Schnucks supermarkets. MetroRide, lcoated in the America's Center/Convention Complex (7th and Washington in downtown St. Louis), is a customer service center where you can purchase Metro tickets and passes, as well as obtain schedules and assistance in planning the route you will take to reach all of the fun spots during your stay.
St. Louis Union Station
1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103
St. Louis's grand old train station, Union Station is a National Historic Landmark and has been restored and refurbished to become a one-of-a-kind shopping center, with an attached Hyatt Hotel, and hosting national brands and stores found only in St. Louis alike.
Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112
The Missouri History Museum is a thorough look at St. Louis history and culture, from the time it was just a village up until its present day glory.
Saint Louis Zoo
1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
The St. Louis Zoo is located within Forest Park, and free to the public.
St. Louis Art Museum
1 Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
Originally constructed as the Palace of Fine Arts for the 1904 World's Fair, the Saint Louis Art Museum's elegant stone exterior has and always will bear the motto “Dedicated to Art and Free to All.”
Saint Louis Science Center & Planetarium
5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
The Saint Louis Science Center is a hands-on educational paradise that is both fun and free!
The Muny
Municipal Theatre Association of St. Louis, The Muny, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63112
For a Broadway experience under the stars, visit The Muny, America's largest and oldest outdoor musical theater. Open nightly, mid June-mid August, the Muny usually runs about 7 week-long productions of some of Broadway's most successful shows and often attracts stars of stage and screen. Like so many Forest Park attractions, the Muny truly appreciates its patrons, and as a token of that appreciation, offers 1,620 free seats for every performance. The free seats are in the back of the amphitheater and are given away on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 7 p.m. For more information on the Muny, call For a Broadway experience under the stars, visit The Muny, America's largest and oldest outdoor musical theater. Open nightly, mid June-mid August, the Muny usually runs about 7 week-long productions of some of Broadway's most successful shows and often attracts stars of stage and screen. Like so many Forest Park attractions, the Muny truly appreciates its patrons, and as a token of that appreciation, offers 1,620 free seats for every performance. The free seats are in the back of the amphitheater and are given away on a first come, first serve basis beginning at 7 p.m. For more information on the Muny, call 314-361-1900 or visit www.muny.org. or visit www.muny.org.
Jewel Box
Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63110
Commune with the blossoms at an Art Deco floral conservatory with hundreds of flowers.
Gateway Arch
707 N. First St., St. Louis, MO 63102
Located on the edge of the Mississippi River in downtown St. Louis, the Gateway arch is the areas most popular attraction. Since 1965, when construction workers placed the final piece of steel at the apex of the Gateway Arch, over 25 million sightseers have journeyed to its top. Also known as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Arch stands as the 630-foot tall gatekeeper to the Midwest, making it the tallest national monument in the U.S. , and the 4 th most-visited tourist attraction in the world. Its juxtaposition between the Mississippi River and the historical city of St. Louis provides sightseers with much more than a bit of vertigo at journey's end. Whether you pop into a museum, patronize one of the unique eateries at river's edge, or indulge in souvenirs, a visit to the Gateway Arch grounds offers anyone and everyone a memorable experience and a bit of American history.
The Loop/University City
6504 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63130
Located in the heart of the St. Louis metropolitan area, this restaurant, shopping, arts & entertainment district is 20 minutes from Lambert International Airport, five minutes from Clayton and within walking distance of Washington University. The Loop is centrally located with easy access to highways 40 (I-64), I-170, I-70, I-44, and the Delmar Loop MetroLink Station.
The area's diverse selection of specialty shops, award-winning restaurants, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame attracts people of all ages. A major portion of the area is designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. The Loop has large, well-lighted parking lots, a parking garage with a uniformed attendant and plentiful street parking.
Call 314-727-8000 for a free copy of The Loop Brochure.
Casino Queen
200 S. Front St., East St. Louis, IL 62201
Newly renovated hotel and casino on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River.
Cahokia Mounds
30 Ramey St., Collinsville, IL 62234
The mounds were part of a pre-Columbian city - the largest situated north of Mexico. Stand atop Monk's Mound and tour an indoor replica of the ancient city.
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows & The Shrine Hotel
442 S. Demazenod Dr., Belleville, IL 62223
Founded by the Oblates Catholic order in 1958, The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows is a facility with multiple purposes: a quiet place to bask in nature, a serene escape to consider existence, or just a nice stop on a tour of St. Louis.
St. Clair Square
I-64 & Hwy. 159, Fairview Heights, IL 62208
More than 140 stores including Dillard's, Macy's, Sears and JC Penney.
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.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery
2800 S 12th St, St Louis, MO 63118
The famous Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis is the company's world headquarters and the largest of its 12 breweries.
City Museum
701 N 15th St., St Louis, MO 63103
The City Museum is a zany, fun-filled place where imagination and surprises know no bounds, and inspiration blossoms where inner child and inner artist meet. Baffling architectural attractions are made of salvaged materials—including old chimneys, pieces of bridges, and construction cranes—that were gathered from all over St. Louis. This fun and funky museum invites visitors to explore caves, walk through a life-size whale, be in a circus, zoom down a 3-story slide, or climb through giant slinkies.
