Baldwin Park MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Baldwin Park, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch dominates St. Louis' skyline as both an architectural marvel and a historical emblem of westward expansion. Originally constructed between 1963-1965 at a cost of about $13 million, it serves as a public memorial to those who pioneered America's western expansion. Visitors can ride to the top for dynamic views from more than 600 feet above the city and river below, making it the tallest accessible structure in Missouri and the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.
2. Gateway Arch National Park
HISTORICAL PARK COMPLEX
Gateway Arch National Park encompasses both the iconic arch and the nearby Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott trials were heard. The park features a museum at the base of the arch that is filled with fascinating exhibits about America's evolution, history, and culture. This National Park Service site offers visitors a comprehensive look at the significance of westward expansion in American history.
3. City Museum
ECLECTIC ARTISTIC PLAYGROUND
City Museum is considered one of the most interesting museums in the country, offering a unique experience in St. Louis. The museum is housed in a repurposed warehouse and features an eclectic mix of repurposed architectural and industrial objects formed into tunnels, slides, and climbing structures. Visitors of all ages can explore the museum's ever-evolving collection of exhibits that blur the line between playground, art installation, and architectural marvel.
4. Babler Memorial State Park
NATURAL WOODLAND RETREAT
Babler Memorial State Park offers an affordable and beautiful getaway near the St. Louis metropolitan area. The park features over 2,000 acres of forested hills, scenic hiking trails, and modern camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, and camping while immersed in the natural beauty of Missouri's landscape.
5. Anheuser-Busch Brewery
HISTORIC BEER PRODUCTION
The Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis is a historic landmark that offers tours of its iconic brewing facilities. Visitors can witness the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, learn about the brewing process, and explore the history of one of America's most recognizable beer brands. The brewery complex includes beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings that showcase the rich heritage of beer production in St. Louis.
6. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIC HOME
The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site preserves the home and property once owned by the Civil War general and 18th U.S. President. This historic site, known as White Haven, allows visitors to explore the grounds where Grant lived with his wife Julia before his presidency. The site offers guided tours of the restored home and exhibits that detail Grant's life, military career, and presidency.
7. Old Courthouse
HISTORIC LEGAL LANDMARK
The Old Courthouse in St. Louis was the site of the famous Dred Scott trials, making it a significant landmark in American civil rights history. This beautifully restored 19th-century building features a stunning rotunda and exhibits chronicling the legal history of St. Louis and the nation. As part of the Gateway Arch National Park complex, the courthouse provides visitors with insights into the judicial system's role in shaping American society.
8. Missouri History Museum
STATE HISTORICAL COLLECTION
The Missouri History Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of St. Louis and the state of Missouri. Located in Forest Park, the museum features exhibits on topics ranging from the 1904 World's Fair to Charles Lindbergh's historic flight and the civil rights movement in Missouri. The museum offers visitors an engaging and educational experience that connects local history to national and international events.
9. Forest Park
URBAN RECREATIONAL OASIS
Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, spanning 1,326 acres in the heart of St. Louis. The park was the site of the 1904 World's Fair and now houses many of the city's major cultural institutions, including the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, and History Museum. Visitors can enjoy scenic lakes, walking paths, golf courses, tennis courts, and numerous recreational facilities throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds.
10. St. Louis Zoo
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL COLLECTION
The St. Louis Zoo is consistently ranked among the top zoos in the nation and offers free admission to all visitors. Located in Forest Park, the zoo houses over 16,000 animals representing approximately 600 species in naturalistic habitats. Visitors can explore themed zones including River's Edge, Wild, Discovery Corner, Historic Hill, Red Rocks, and The Wild, each offering unique animal encounters and educational experiences.
11. St. Louis Art Museum
FINE ARTS COLLECTION
The St. Louis Art Museum features an encyclopedic collection of art spanning five millennia and six continents. Housed in a grand Beaux-Arts building that was originally constructed for the 1904 World's Fair, the museum showcases over 34,000 works of art. Visitors can explore galleries containing ancient artifacts, European masterpieces, contemporary art, and specialized collections of African, Asian, and American art.
12. St. Louis Science Center
INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL FACILITY
The St. Louis Science Center is one of the largest science centers in the United States and offers free general admission. The center features over 700 interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and an OMNIMAX theater that provide engaging science education experiences for visitors of all ages. Guests can explore exhibits on space, technology, life sciences, earth sciences, and human perception while participating in hands-on activities and demonstrations.
13. Missouri Botanical Garden
HISTORIC PLANT COLLECTION
The Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation's oldest continuously operating botanical garden and a National Historic Landmark. The 79-acre garden features diverse horticultural displays including a 14-acre Japanese garden, a tropical rainforest inside the Climatron geodesic dome, and numerous themed gardens. Visitors can enjoy seasonal flower shows, educational programs, and the beauty of meticulously maintained plant collections from around the world.
14. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
ANCIENT INDIGENOUS CITY
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves the remains of the largest pre-Columbian Native American city north of Mexico, located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features more than 80 mounds built by the Mississippian culture between 700 and 1400 CE, including Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas. Visitors can explore the interpretive center, climb the massive earthen mounds, and learn about the sophisticated ancient civilization that once thrived in the region.
15. Lone Elk Park
WILDLIFE VIEWING AREA
Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area where visitors can observe bison, elk, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat. The 546-acre park features a driving tour route that allows visitors to view the animals from the safety of their vehicles. In addition to wildlife viewing, the park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities in a beautiful Ozark foothills setting.