Greendale MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Greendale, Missouri.
1. The Gateway Arch
ICONIC ST. LOUIS MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot stainless steel monument that serves as the centerpiece of Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. The arch symbolizes St. Louis' role as the gateway to the American West and is surrounded by 91 acres of urban green space with reflection ponds, gardens, and paved paths.
2. Old Courthouse
HISTORIC LEGAL LANDMARK
The Old Courthouse in St. Louis offers visitors a free journey into America's judicial past. The historic building was the site of the pivotal Dred & Harriet Scott trials, which played a significant role in American history. Visitors can learn about African American life in St. Louis and the evolution of American judicial processes through various exhibits.
3. Saint Louis Zoo
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL PARK
The Saint Louis Zoo is one of the top attractions around Greendale, offering visitors an opportunity to observe thousands of animals from around the world. The zoo is renowned for its conservation efforts and innovative habitats that mimic natural environments. Admission is free, making it an accessible and educational experience for families and animal enthusiasts alike.
4. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS RECREATION
Forest Park stands as one of the largest urban parks in the United States, spanning 1,326 acres of green space near Greendale. The park houses several cultural institutions including the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Science Center. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as boating, golfing, tennis, and miles of scenic walking and biking trails.
5. Titanic Museum
HISTORIC MARITIME EXPERIENCE
The Titanic Museum in Missouri presents visitors with an immersive experience of the famous ocean liner's ill-fated maiden voyage. The museum features over 400 artifacts and full-scale recreations of the ship's grand staircase, cabins, and other areas. Visitors receive boarding passes of actual Titanic passengers and discover their fate in the memorial room at the end of the tour.
6. Grant's Farm
HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL ESTATE
Grant's Farm is a 281-acre historic farm and animal preserve that was once owned by Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. The estate now houses hundreds of animals representing more than 100 different species, including the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Visitors can enjoy tram tours, animal shows, and historical exhibits about the property's presidential connections.
7. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
MAGNIFICENT MOSAIC TREASURY
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is renowned for housing one of the largest mosaic collections in the western hemisphere, with 41.5 million pieces of glass tessera covering 83,000 square feet. The cathedral's Byzantine and Romanesque architectural style features a 227-foot dome, copper-clad towers, and a granite exterior. Visitors can explore the ornate interior, museum, and crypt during guided or self-guided tours.
8. Friedrich Ludwig Jahn Memorial
HISTORIC GERMAN MONUMENT
The Friedrich Ludwig Jahn Memorial honors the German educator and nationalist who is considered the father of gymnastics. The monument reflects St. Louis' strong German heritage and cultural influences throughout the city's history. Visitors can appreciate the artistic craftsmanship of this historical landmark while learning about German-American contributions to the region.
9. Jefferson Lake
SCENIC NATURAL RECREATION
Jefferson Lake provides a tranquil natural retreat for residents and visitors of Greendale, Missouri. The lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking along its scenic shores. Nature enthusiasts can observe local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from urban hustle.
10. Cuivre River State Park
WILDERNESS NEAR CITY
Cuivre River State Park offers a wilderness experience just a short drive from Greendale, with rugged terrain unusual for northern Missouri. The park features more than 6,000 acres of forest, prairies, and savannas for hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Visitors can explore the park's diverse ecosystems, which include limestone bluffs, hardwood forests, and native prairie remnants.
11. Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site
UNIQUE CLIFF-TOP MANSION
Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site preserves an extraordinary 12,000-square-foot mansion built atop a bluff between 1897 and 1928 by lawyer John Homer Bothwell. The 31-room lodge was constructed in four phases and incorporates natural rock formations into its distinctive architecture. Visitors can tour the eccentric mansion, explore the surrounding 247-acre park, and hike scenic trails with panoramic views.
12. Echo Bluff State Park
MODERN OZARKS RETREAT
Echo Bluff State Park showcases the natural beauty of the Ozarks with its namesake towering bluff overlooking Sinking Creek. The park features modern amenities including a lodge, cabins, and campgrounds, while offering access to pristine streams, hiking trails, and natural playgrounds. Visitors can enjoy floating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and stargazing in this scenic outdoor destination.
13. Confederate Memorial State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR HERITAGE
Confederate Memorial State Historic Site preserves the former home for Confederate veterans and their spouses that operated from 1891 to 1950. The site includes a chapel, cemetery, and 135 acres of forested grounds that offer insight into post-Civil War reconciliation efforts. Visitors can tour the historic cemetery with over 800 graves and explore exhibits that document this chapter of Missouri's history.
14. Elephant Rocks State Park
GIANT GRANITE FORMATIONS
Elephant Rocks State Park features massive billion-year-old pink granite boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. The park offers a one-mile interpretive Braille trail that winds among the elephant-shaped rocks, some of which stand 25 feet tall. Visitors can climb on the ancient formations, explore the old quarry, and enjoy picnicking in this unique geological wonder.
15. Current River State Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Current River State Park encompasses the former Alton Club Lodge complex along the pristine Current River, offering visitors access to one of America's cleanest and most scenic rivers. The park preserves historic buildings from the 1930s that once served as a corporate retreat for the Alton Box Board Company. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, bird watching, and exploring the natural and cultural history of this Ozark riverway.