For a city its size, St. Louis sure has a lot of history. The Gateway to the West has been a point of entry for immigrants, refugees, and couriers of cultures and ideas since the dawn of the Western Hemisphere. Today, the city is a center of commerce and culture, a sports mecca, and an oasis of natural beauty in the heart of the Midwest. That’s why I say that St. Louis is the greatest city you’ve never visited!
Sure, you hear the reports that there’s violence, and, without a doubt, there is. However, St. Louis is so much more than the negative stories you hear and read on the news. And let’s be honest, it’s the perfect place if you love a good underdog story. It’s constantly ranked as one of America’s most underrated cities by CultureTrip and Thrillist but deserves recognition for being home to some of the nation’s best zoos and parks. The metro area is home to vibrant neighborhoods, respected educational institutions, a booming downtown, and some of the best medical systems in the country. So, what’s not to love?
Let me begin by saying that if you have never visited St. Louis, Missouri, you are really missing out on an exciting city! Allow me to explain why you should visit St. Louis at least once in your life.
Affordable Family Fun
St. Louis is an excellent place for families. Regardless of the season, there’s no shortage of family activities; from Grant’s Farm and Union Station to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, Forest Park, and Magic House, there’s something for everyone!
And the best part is that St. Louis is home to many free activities, such as the Zoo and the Science Center. Both places are open to the public with no entry fees; the only requirement is that you pay for parking. But where else in America can you visit the zoo with your family for less than $20?
It’s A City of Firsts
Did you know that many popular food and drink items originated in St. Louis? Indeed! But the STL did more than just create iced tea, peanut butter, and 7-up. It was in this city that the first modern Olympics were hosted, kindergarten began, the first interstate highway was built, and the world’s tallest man was born.
The Arch
Seeing America’s tallest man-made monument is breathtaking and should not be missed. And even if you don’t like the idea of being loaded into a tiny elevator and ascending to the top, just being up close to it is an amazing experience. Just don’t forget to bring your camera!
University City
Have you dreamed of going to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame one day? If you find yourself in St. Louis, be sure to check out the city’s own Walk of Fame in the University City “Delmar” Loop. You’ll find over 150 stars for local icons such as Cedric the Entertainer, Nelly, Maya Angelou, Yogi Berra, Ozzie Smith, Tina Turner, and many more. And did I mention that U City is also home to many local shops and restaurants?
The Scenery
The best part about St. Louis is that the city’s beauty is everywhere you look. From the skyline to the gardens to the architecture, the natural beauty of St. Louis is something to behold. The city is a must-see for any architecture enthusiast, as the city is home to some of the nation’s oldest buildings. From the Gateway Arch to the Cathedral of St. Louis, to the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum, the architecture in St. Louis is unlike anything else.
The scenery in St. Louis is absolutely beautiful. The city is surrounded by a series of bluffs, hills, and mountains that make for some of the best views in the country. The hills, in particular, provide breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding area. You could spend hours just exploring the many parks and hiking around the region.
The Bottom Line
I could keep going, but I think you get the picture. St. Louis is a hidden gem and a special place that is worth the visit. It’s a city with a rich history and an exciting future. It’s a place where families can enjoy affordable family fun and where firsts were made. The city is the best place to visit and the best place to call home. So, if you have never been, you really should add it to your bucket list. I promise you won’t regret it!