Free things to do in the lou

Karin Underwood
Scott Bressler

Whether you’re still hurting from the cost of books, or you just don’t like spending money, don’t let your cost-conscious status keep you from traveling St. Louis. There are plenty of free activities in town that can provide a few hours or even an entire day of entertainment. Here are 14 great places to go around town that will give you a little history and a little fun for no money at all.

The Gateway Classic Walk of Fame

If you venture downtown, make sure to check out the Gateway Classic Walk of Fame. Located at the St. Louis Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, this walk honors the local and national achievements of African-Americans from the St. Louis area. Featured legends include Dick Gregory, Jackie-Joyner Kersee, NAACP leader Roy Wilkins, former Congressman William L. Clay, the 5th Dimensions, and many, many others that you’ll have to see for yourself. Take some time to stroll the Walk and celebrate the diversity of local heritage.

The Saint Louis Zoo

Yes, you’ve heard it before, everything in Forest Park is free, but the Saint Louis Zoo is one costless thing that you definitely can’t pass up. It is just a short walk from Wash. U. to a land of polar bears, elephants and much more, all located in the southwestern corner of Forest Park. With over 800 species from all over the world, this friendly place is an awesome spot to spend an afternoon. Make sure to stop by the penguin exhibit and take a ride on the carousel while you’re there.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Interested in contemporary art? Then you should check out this exciting outdoor art gallery in southwest St. Louis. One of the most famous sculpture parks in the country, the Laumeier features over 80 outdoor pieces, as well as related photography, drawing, glass, painting and ceramic pieces displayed in an indoor gallery. It is one of the most popular attractions in the St. Louis area and definitely worth the trip.

Anheuser-Busch Consumer Hospitality Center

If you’re visiting the Arch, make sure to stop at the nearby Anheuser-Busch Consumer Hospitality Center. This 100-acre brewery is the world headquarters for Anheuser-Busch and features many free tours and exhibits. Tours blend the history of the brew house with explanations of the modern technology that is used to make the company’s popular beers. And if you are 21 and older, you can also sample brews and shop for your favorites in the Anheuser-Busch gift shop.

Bellefontaine Cemetery

If you’re interested in a more ghoulish type of landmark, the Bellefontaine Cemetery might be perfect for you. Located north of St. Louis, the cemetery hosts some notable graves like those of explorer William Clark, Thomas Hart Benton, James Eads, Adolphus Busch and poet Sara Teasdale. You can find maps and guides the Bellefontaine’s graves and monuments at the cemetery office.

Old Cathedral

In the heart of downtown, not far from Busch Stadium, you will find St. Louis’s oldest church. Known informally as the “Old Cathedral,” the Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, was completed in 1834 and still stands tall today. The basilica is now a national monument, and its museum showcases many precious religious artifacts. Come for a daily mass or just to appreciate the history.

Old Courthouse

To experience some real U.S. history right in your backyard, stop by the Old Courthouse and visit the site of the first two Dred Scott trials. Located near Jefferson Park in downtown St. Louis, this historic courthouse features tours and reenactments of the famous trial. There are also galleries displaying the history of St. Louis from its earliest French and Spanish roots. Put it all together, and it is a free piece of history you shouldn’t pass up.

St. Louis Walk of Fame

Make sure to watch where you’re walking next time you’re visiting The Loop, because you could be stepping on the names of St. Louis’s most famous natives. The St. Louis Walk of Fame, embedded in the Loop’s very own sidewalks, features 116 stars and informative plaques. Make sure to keep an eye out for big names like John Goodman, Chuck Berry, Bob Costas and Tina Turner.

Eads Bridge

The Eads Bridge, built in 1874, is a great place to take a stroll or even take a bike ride for a quick trip into Illinois. This unique bridge was the first to cross the Mississippi and the first to use steel truss construction. It is still accessible today, and can give you some great views of the St. Louis skyline.

Holocaust Museum & Learning Center

If you’re willing to make the drive, the Holocaust Museum in Westport is an amazing place to visit. This huge museum gives a chronological history of the Holocaust, intermixed with personal stories of survivors who came to St. Louis. Its multi-media exhibit includes a self-guided tour detailing everything from pre-war Jewish life to the major post-war events. There is even a Garden for Remembrance located outside the museum for personal contemplation.

National Great Rivers Museum

Learn all about the majestic Mississippi River at this free museum created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. There is something for everyone here, whether or not engineering is your passion. You can learn how to steer a barge, discover the plant and animal life of the river, or explore the history of important people and places. Between the exhibits, theater presentations and tours, you will learn all about the history of the Mississippi as well as the modern systems of locks and dams that maintain the river’s flow.

St. Louis Union Station

Although you may think of Union Station as a great place to shop and eat, this converted train terminal also has an interesting history. Inactive since 1978, Union Station provides free guided tours examining the station and its history, which traces back to 1894.

Tower Grove Park

For a relaxing afternoon, visit the Victorian Tower Grove Park. Missouri Botanical Garden founder Henry Shaw commissioned this downtown walking park in 1868. He filled it with statues and ornate pavilions, as well as over 8,000 plant species. Today it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as the home of many Frisbee and soccer games, picnickers and strollers who come to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.

World Bird Sanctuary

Nestled in southwest St. Louis, you will find a lively 130-acre bird park known as the World Bird Sanctuary. The mission of this sanctuary is to preserve the biodiversity of many threatened bird species. Along with the eagles, owls, hawks and other species living here you will also find hiking trails and picnic areas for visitors. Ask any of the knowledgeable naturalists about the birds they are protecting or about the center’s leading role in bird species preservation.

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