Lakeshire MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lakeshire, Missouri.
1. The Gateway Arch
ICONIC ST. LOUIS LANDMARK
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot tall stainless steel monument located next to the Mississippi River, serving as the iconic symbol of St. Louis. This architectural marvel was designed by architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1965 to commemorate the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of the city and the river.
2. Titanic Museum
HISTORICAL MARITIME EXPERIENCE
The Titanic Museum in Branson is an interactive attraction housed in a half-scale replica of the ill-fated ocean liner. Visitors receive boarding passes of actual passengers and crew members, allowing them to follow these individuals' journeys throughout the exhibit. The museum features over 400 authentic artifacts and meticulously recreated rooms that tell the story of the Titanic's maiden voyage and tragic sinking.
3. Grant's Farm
HISTORIC ESTATE WILDLIFE
Grant's Farm is a historic 281-acre estate that was once owned by Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. The property now serves as a wildlife preserve home to more than 900 animals representing over 100 different species, including the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Visitors can enjoy tram tours, animal encounters, and historical exhibits that showcase both the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
4. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
MAJESTIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is renowned for housing one of the largest mosaic collections in the world, with over 41 million pieces of glass tile covering 83,000 square feet. Its Byzantine and Romanesque architecture features a 150-foot dome, elaborate marble work, and stunning stained glass windows. The cathedral was completed in 1914 and continues to serve as both an active place of worship and a major architectural landmark in Missouri.
5. City Museum
PLAYFUL URBAN WONDERLAND
City Museum is a unique attraction housed in a repurposed 10-story shoe factory, featuring an eclectic mix of architectural salvage, industrial objects, and imaginative play spaces. This unconventional museum contains caves, slides, tunnels, a rooftop Ferris wheel, and even a school bus suspended from the roof. Designed by artist Bob Cassilly, the museum encourages exploration and physical interaction with its ever-evolving collection of repurposed urban artifacts.
6. Elephant Rocks State Park
GIANT GRANITE FORMATIONS
Elephant Rocks State Park features massive granite boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants, some reaching heights of over 20 feet. The billion-year-old rocks were formed from ancient volcanic activity and have been shaped by weathering into their distinctive rounded forms. Visitors can explore the area via the Braille Trail, a paved pathway that makes this natural wonder accessible to people with visual or physical disabilities.
7. Anheuser-Busch Brewery
HISTORIC BEER PRODUCTION
The Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis is a National Historic Landmark that has been producing beer since 1852. Visitors can tour the facility to observe the brewing process, visit the Clydesdale stables, and explore the historic Brew House with its ornate chandeliers and stained glass. The brewery tour culminates with complimentary tastings where guests can sample the company's various beer products.
8. Busch Stadium
CARDINALS BASEBALL HOME
Busch Stadium is the home field of the St. Louis Cardinals, one of baseball's most storied franchises with 11 World Series championships. The current stadium, which opened in 2006, offers views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline from its seating areas. Beyond baseball games, the venue hosts concerts, special events, and offers tours that allow fans to visit areas including the Cardinals dugout, broadcast booth, and Champions Club.
9. Deutschheim State Historic Site
GERMAN HERITAGE PRESERVED
Deutschheim State Historic Site preserves the German heritage of Missouri through two historic homes dating back to the 1840s. The site showcases the culture, traditions, and daily life of German immigrants who settled in the Missouri River Valley. Visitors can explore period-furnished homes, gardens with heirloom plants, and exhibits highlighting traditional crafts and agricultural practices of the early German settlers.
10. Finger Lakes State Park
RECLAIMED MINING LAND
Finger Lakes State Park was created from a former coal mining operation, with the mining pits now transformed into a series of long, narrow lakes resembling fingers. The park offers 70 miles of trails for off-road vehicles, making it a premier destination for ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts. Water activities including swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are popular in the park's unique aquatic landscape.
11. Old St. Louis Union Station
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION HUB
Old St. Louis Union Station, once one of the world's largest and busiest passenger rail terminals, has been transformed into an entertainment complex featuring an aquarium, Ferris wheel, and hotel. The Grand Hall, with its spectacular barrel-vaulted ceiling, gold leaf detailing, and stained glass windows, hosts a dazzling light show projected onto the 65-foot ceiling. This National Historic Landmark combines Romanesque and Victorian architecture with modern attractions to create a unique destination in downtown St. Louis.
12. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS RECREATION
Forest Park is a magnificent 1,300-acre urban park that hosted the 1904 World's Fair and remains one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The park houses several major cultural institutions including the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, and the Missouri History Museum, all offering free admission. Visitors can enjoy paddleboat rides on the park's waterways, play golf, attend outdoor concerts, or simply explore the numerous trails winding through woodlands, meadows, and gardens.
13. Saint Louis Zoo
FREE WORLD-CLASS ZOO
The Saint Louis Zoo, located in Forest Park, is consistently ranked among the top zoos in the nation and offers free admission to all visitors. Home to more than 12,000 animals representing 500 species, the zoo features immersive habitats including the Penguin & Puffin Coast, River's Edge, and the Wild Wonder Outpost. The zoo combines conservation efforts, education programs, and engaging exhibits to create a world-class experience for animal enthusiasts of all ages.
14. Arrow Rock State Historic Site
19TH CENTURY RIVER TOWN
Arrow Rock State Historic Site preserves a once-thriving 19th-century Missouri River town that played a significant role in westward expansion and the Santa Fe Trail. The site features the J. Huston Tavern, built in 1834 and claimed to be the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi. Visitors can explore numerous historic structures, including the George Caleb Bingham House, named for the famous Missouri artist who once lived there.
15. Laclede's Landing
HISTORIC RIVERFRONT DISTRICT
Laclede's Landing is a nine-block historic district along the Mississippi River featuring cobblestone streets and century-old buildings that once housed warehouses and shipping companies. Named after Pierre Laclède, who founded St. Louis in 1764, this district has been transformed into an entertainment area with restaurants, bars, shops, and nightlife venues. Visitors can enjoy river views, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the district's proximity to the Gateway Arch and other downtown attractions.