City Museum
#6 in Best Things To Do in St. Louis
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2 of 2Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 4.0Value
- 4.0Facilities
- 4.5Atmosphere
Downtown West's City Museum is hard to describe, so maybe we should use its own words: "an eclectic mixture of children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects." Attractions include "Toddler Town," an exhibit with tunnels and a ball pit for tots, and "Enchanted Caves," where visitors can explore tooth-like stalactites and deep caverns.
In fact, the City Museum appeals to so many children of all ages that several recent travelers described this attraction as a must-see museum worthy of multiple visits.
Tickets cost $15 (plus tax) for patrons 3 years and older; visitors 2 and younger enter for free. Admission costs $13 (plus tax) on Friday and Saturday nights after 5 p.m. Additional fees apply for on-site parking and to visit the seasonal rooftop. Other property amenities include restrooms, a gift shop and multiple casual eateries.
To get to the City Museum, drive or use public transportation. Several bus routes make stops nearby, and the Union Station, Civic Center and Convention Center MetroLink stations sit within walking distance. The museum is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit the City Museum's website.
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2 of 13#1 Gateway Arch
This monument to the country's westward expansion is also an engineering marvel, which St. Louisans remain proud of more than 50 years after its construction. The stainless steel Gateway Arch, which was designed and submitted by Eero Saarinen during a national competition, rises 630 feet into the air and spans 630 feet from leg to leg. Visitors can learn more about the history of the arch at the Museum of Westward Expansion and the Gateway Arch Visitors Center. Opened in July 2018, the building sits below the arch and includes six new galleries that detail the history of the West. What's more, the park now boasts more than 5 miles of walking and biking paths.
Although it's free to enjoy on the ground, many former travelers suggest paying the $10 to $13 fee to ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, citing its incredible aerial views. For another stunning vantage point during the warmer months, consider buying a one-hour sightseeing cruise ticket, which costs $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 3 to 15. Tickets for both activities can be purchased in advance on the Gateway Arch ticket portal.
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