Shrewsbury MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shrewsbury, Missouri.
1. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
LIVE PROFESSIONAL THEATER
The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is a highly-rated performing arts venue with a 4.6 rating from visitors. It offers professional theatrical productions throughout the year, showcasing both classic and contemporary plays. Visitors can enjoy high-quality performances in an intimate setting that has become a cultural cornerstone of the Shrewsbury area.
2. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
WORLD-CLASS OPERA PERFORMANCES
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis provides exceptional operatic performances to the Shrewsbury community. The venue is known for its festival season featuring both classic and contemporary opera productions. Visitors can experience world-class performances in an intimate setting with productions sung in English.
3. Shrewsbury Aquatic Center
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER RECREATION
Shrewsbury Aquatic Center offers refreshing aquatic recreation for residents and visitors alike. The center features various water attractions suitable for all ages, making it a popular destination during warm weather. Families can enjoy swimming, splashing, and relaxing in this well-maintained community facility.
4. Shrewsbury City Parks
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS
Shrewsbury City Parks system encompasses four parks with a total of 43 acres of parkland for public enjoyment. These parks feature various amenities including ball fields, playgrounds, and tennis courts for active recreation. Visitors can enjoy these green spaces year-round for sports, picnics, and outdoor relaxation.
5. Route 66 Museum
HISTORIC HIGHWAY MEMORABILIA
The Route 66 Museum preserves the rich history of America's most famous highway which runs near Shrewsbury. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring vintage photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66. The museum offers a nostalgic journey through an important part of American cultural and transportation history.
6. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS NEARBY
Forest Park is one of America's greatest urban parks, located just a short drive from Shrewsbury. At 1,300 acres, it houses several major cultural institutions including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History Museum. The park hosted the 1904 World's Fair and continues to be a beloved recreational destination with lakes, trails, and open spaces.
7. The Jewel Box
ART DECO GREENHOUSE
The Jewel Box is an impressive Art Deco greenhouse featuring soaring vertical glass walls rising 50 feet high. Since its opening in 1936, this architectural gem has received national acclaim and serves as a popular venue for special events and weddings. Visitors can admire both the stunning building design and its collection of beautiful plants and flowers throughout the year.
8. World's Fair Pavilion
HISTORIC OPEN-AIR STRUCTURE
The World's Fair Pavilion is a magnificent open-air shelter built in 1909 using proceeds from the 1904 World's Fair. This impressive structure offers spectacular views of Forest Park and has been one of the area's most popular attractions for over a century. Today, it serves as a venue for events and gatherings while remaining accessible to park visitors.
9. Cabanne House
HISTORIC BRICK FARMHOUSE
The Cabanne House holds the distinction of being the first brick farmhouse built west of the Mississippi River, dating back to 1819. This historic landmark provides visitors with a glimpse into the early settlement period of the St. Louis region. Its preservation allows modern visitors to connect with the architectural and cultural heritage of Missouri's territorial days.
10. Saint Louis Zoo
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL PARK
The Saint Louis Zoo is consistently ranked among the top zoos in the nation and is located near Shrewsbury in Forest Park. Home to over 12,000 animals representing 500 species, the zoo offers immersive exhibits including Big Cat Country, River's Edge, and the Penguin & Puffin Coast. Remarkably, this world-class attraction offers free admission, making it accessible to all visitors.
11. Saint Louis Art Museum
FINE ARTS COLLECTION
The Saint Louis Art Museum houses an encyclopedic collection of art spanning five millennia and six continents. Located in a grand Beaux-Arts building remaining from the 1904 World's Fair, the museum features over 34,000 works including masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso. Visitors can enjoy the extensive permanent collection and special exhibitions for free, with only select special exhibitions requiring tickets.
12. Missouri History Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE EXHIBITS
The Missouri History Museum explores the rich and diverse history of St. Louis and the surrounding region. Permanent exhibits highlight significant events like the 1904 World's Fair, Charles Lindbergh's historic flight, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The museum offers engaging programming for visitors of all ages, making history accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.
13. 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 near Shrewsbury. The center provides maps, event information, and educational resources about the park's attractions and natural features. Visitors can also enjoy exhibits about the park's history and ecology, making it an excellent first stop for exploring the area.
14. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
NATURAL WATER RECREATION
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park protects 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, creating a natural playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy floating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in the crystal-clear spring-fed waters. The park also features caves, springs, historic mills, and over 300 miles of hiking trails through the picturesque Ozark landscape.
15. Beyond The Lens! Branson
INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE
Beyond The Lens! Branson offers a modern, technology-driven entertainment experience with interactive exhibits for all ages. Visitors can explore immersive environments, virtual reality experiences, and photo opportunities designed for social media sharing. The attraction combines education and entertainment in a unique format that appeals to today's digitally-connected travelers.