What to do and see in Downtown, Missouri (MO): The Best Historic Sites

September 28, 2021 Marissa Gamble

The history of St. Louis has been heavily influenced by Westward expansion and blues music. The big "must-see" in this region is the Gateway Arch, while other important sites include the Museum of Westward Expansion, the St. Louis Cathedral and the Anheuser-Busch factory tour. The city offers plenty for the whole family. Children will enjoy the local zoo and the Magic House, while family members will also want to unwind at Forest Park, home to the World's Fair almost a century ago.
Restaurants in Saint Louis

1. Campbell House Museum

1508 Locust St, Saint Louis, MO 63103-1816 +1 314-421-0325 [email protected] http://www.campbellhousemuseum.org
Excellent
85%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 152 reviews

Campbell House Museum

Since opening on February 6, 1943, the Campbell House Museum has served the greater St. Louis area as one of America's premier historic property museums. The Museum not only preserves the Campbell's house, but also their collection of original furniture, fixtures, paintings, objects and thousands of pages of family documents. Included in these documents is a unique album of 60 photographs of the interior of the house taken in about 1885. In 2005 the Museum completed a meticulous five-year restoration that returned the building to its opulent 1880s appearance, when the house was one of the centers of St. Louis society.

Reviewed By stlflygirl99

I just love the elegance and charm of this Victorian mansion. All of the rooms are renovated and decorated in the period. Also, love the garden area. A lot of history, a must see.

2. Old Courthouse

11 N 4th St, Saint Louis, MO 63102-1810 +1 314-655-1700 [email protected] http://www.gatewayarch.com/experience/#old-courthouse
Excellent
52%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,047 reviews

Old Courthouse

Walk the halls where ordinary Americans made civil rights history. Built in 1839, the Old Courthouse is a prime example of mid-19th century federal architecture. But it is two landmark cases that secure its place in history. Beginning in 1847, the enslaved Dred Scott twice sued for his and his wife Harriet’s freedom. But, the U.S. Supreme Court decided against them, ruling that African-Americans were not citizens and had no right to sue. In 1873, St. Louis suffragette Virginia Minor and her husband filed a civil suit arguing for women’s right to vote. Although their suit was denied, they brought great attention to the fight for voting rights for all U.S. citizens.

Reviewed By julie1653217 - Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, United Kingdom

Lovely to wander around a see all the paintings high up in the dome and around the courthouse beautiful building. Interesting history some rooms set up with artefacts from 1800's court rooms up on 3rd floor set up as the were in the day

3. Gateway Arch National Park

11 N 4th St, Saint Louis, MO 63102-1810 +1 314-655-1600 http://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htm
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 442 reviews

Gateway Arch National Park

Reviewed By JeffBreedlove

A national treasure and architectural masterpiece. This one of the iconic treasures of America. Allow time to go to the top and explore the museum. It’s fun to walk around and see the monument from different angles - there are several awesome photo angles. This is real history. Parking is a challenge but it’s worth the effort. Go enjoy!

4. Old Cathedral

209 Walnut St St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63102-2499 +1 314-231-3250 http://www.oldcathedralstl.org
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 127 reviews

Old Cathedral

Reviewed By bryen2 - Phoenix, United States

Minutes from the modern marvel of the Gateway Arch is this elegant cathedral, the oldest one west of the Mississippi River. Entering it brings peace. It is exquisitely maintained and elegant in its simplicity and grace.

5. The Old Post Office and Custom House

800 Olive St # 900, Saint Louis, MO 63101-1524 +1 314-436-4999 http://oldpostofficestl.com
Excellent
53%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 17 reviews

The Old Post Office and Custom House

6. St. Louis Union Station

1820 Market St, Saint Louis, MO 63103-2274 +1 314-421-6655 [email protected] http://www.stlouisunionstation.com
Excellent
20%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
21%
Terrible
14%
Overall Ratings

3.0 based on 602 reviews

St. Louis Union Station

St. Louis Union Station combines historic elegance with modern and stunning detail. Luxury hotel rooms, breathtaking wedding venues as well as an expansive and modern conference areas, leave nothing to be desired. Union Station is and will be a future top tier family friendly destination boasting a one of a kind aquarium, a 200 foot Ferris wheel and many other unforgettable family attractions.

Reviewed By pholmes0525 - Saint Louis, United States

What a great treasure we found when we went to see the new Ferris Wheel at Union Station. This machine is magnificent to see and the ride and the view was spectacular! The movement was so smooth that even those who might be intimated by the height of the Wheel don’t have to worry. It feels very safe. We plan to return sometime in the evening to see the city lights. It is a must see!

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