Oakland MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Oakland, Missouri.
1. The Gateway Arch
AMERICA'S TALLEST MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a modernist triumph designed by Eero Saarinen that commemorates America's westward expansion at an impressive height of 630 feet. Visitors can explore over 91 acres of urban green space in Gateway Arch National Park, featuring reflection ponds, gardens, and paved paths. The attraction offers various experiences including tram rides to the top, museum exhibits, and stunning views of the Mississippi River.
2. Oakland House Museum
HISTORIC PIONEER MANSION
Oakland House Museum is the completely restored country home of pioneer banker Louis A. Benoist. Tucked away in Affton, this historic mansion offers visitors a glimpse into Missouri's past through preserved architecture and period furnishings. The museum provides educational tours that highlight the significance of this property in local history.
3. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS AND CULTURE
Forest Park is a magnificent 1,300-acre urban park that hosted the 1904 World's Fair and continues to serve as one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The park houses numerous cultural institutions including the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Zoo, and the Saint Louis Science Center. Visitors can enjoy beautiful landscapes, recreational activities, and seasonal events throughout the year.
4. Titanic Museum
IMMERSIVE HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
The Titanic Museum in Branson offers visitors a chance to experience the legendary ship's maiden voyage through interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts. Upon entering, guests receive boarding passes of actual passengers and crew members, creating a personal connection to the historic tragedy. The museum features meticulously recreated rooms, including the Grand Staircase and exhibits honoring the 2,208 passengers and crew.
5. Grant's Farm
HISTORIC ESTATE AND WILDLIFE
Grant's Farm is a 281-acre historic farm once owned by Ulysses S. Grant and later acquired by the Busch family of Anheuser-Busch fame. Visitors can observe hundreds of animals representing more than 100 species, including the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. The attraction offers tram tours, animal encounters, and a chance to explore the historic Hardscrabble cabin built by Grant himself.
6. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
MOSAIC MASTERPIECE CHURCH
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis houses one of the largest mosaic collections in the Western Hemisphere, with over 41.5 million glass pieces covering 83,000 square feet. Completed in 1914, this magnificent Romanesque and Byzantine-style cathedral features a museum in the basement that details the creation of the mosaics. Visitors are welcome to attend mass or take guided tours to appreciate the architectural and artistic splendor.
7. World's Fair Pavilion
HISTORIC OPEN-AIR SHELTER
The World's Fair Pavilion has been one of Forest Park's most popular and impressive attractions since it was built in 1909 with proceeds from the 1904 World's Fair. This magnificent open-air shelter offers breathtaking views of the surrounding park and serves as a venue for special events and weddings. The pavilion stands as a testament to the architectural grandeur of the early 20th century and the legacy of the World's Fair in St. Louis.
8. The Jewel Box
ART DECO GREENHOUSE
The Jewel Box is an exceptional Art Deco greenhouse in Forest Park with unconventional, cantilevered, vertical glass walls rising majestically 50 feet high. Opened in 1936 to national acclaim, this architectural gem houses seasonal floral displays and tropical plants year-round. The venue serves as a popular location for special events and weddings, combining natural beauty with historic elegance.
9. Cabanne House
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER FARMHOUSE
Cabanne House holds the distinction of being the first brick farmhouse built west of the Mississippi River, constructed in 1819. Located in Forest Park, this historic structure represents an important piece of Missouri's early architectural history. The house serves as a tangible link to St. Louis's frontier past and the early development of the region.
10. Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center
FOREST PARK INFORMATION HUB
The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center serves as the central information hub for Forest Park, providing maps, event schedules, and educational resources. Located in a beautifully renovated building, the center offers exhibits about the park's history and ecological significance. Visitors can also enjoy amenities including a café, gift shop, and rental facilities for various recreational activities in the park.
11. Missouri Botanical Garden
HISTORIC BOTANICAL PARADISE
The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States, founded in 1859 by Henry Shaw. Spanning 79 acres, the garden features numerous themed areas including a Japanese garden, Chinese garden, Ottoman garden, and the iconic Climatron geodesic dome conservatory. Visitors can enjoy seasonal displays, educational programs, and research collections that include more than 7 million preserved plant specimens.
12. Saint Louis Zoo
WORLD-CLASS FREE ZOO
The Saint Louis Zoo is consistently ranked among the top zoos in the nation and offers free admission to its 16,000+ animals representing 600+ species. Located in Forest Park, the zoo is divided into themed zones including River's Edge, The Wild, Discovery Corner, Historic Hill, Red Rocks, and Lakeside Crossing. Visitors can enjoy special experiences such as the Zooline Railroad, Sea Lion Show, and various animal encounters throughout the 90-acre facility.
13. City Museum
ARTISTIC URBAN PLAYGROUND
City Museum is a one-of-a-kind attraction housed in a repurposed 10-story shoe factory, featuring an eclectic mixture of children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel. Created by artist Bob Cassilly, the museum contains repurposed architectural and industrial objects including miles of tunnels, slides, bridges, and a rooftop Ferris wheel. Visitors of all ages can climb, slide, and explore the ever-evolving collection of artistic installations and interactive exhibits.
14. Lone Elk Park
WILDLIFE VIEWING AREA
Lone Elk Park is a 546-acre wildlife management area where visitors can drive through to observe bison, elk, deer, and other wildlife in a natural setting. Originally a county park that became a munitions storage area during World War II, it was later repopulated with wildlife and reopened to the public in 1966. The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities at White Bison Lake.
15. The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum
INTERACTIVE LEARNING CENTER
The Magic House is an interactive children's museum housed in a Victorian mansion with over 55,000 square feet of exhibit space designed to engage young visitors in hands-on learning experiences. Since opening in 1979, the museum has expanded to include hundreds of interactive exhibits focusing on creativity, science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts. Popular attractions include the three-story slide, the electrostatic generator that makes visitors' hair stand on end, and themed areas such as the Children's Village and Wonder Works.