You’ve heard it before: We’re in “unprecedented times.” It seems like every possible on-campus activity is either virtual or postponed until times are once again normal. When you don’t have a car, finding a way to occupy yourself is even more difficult. Here’s a list of five (not overrated) places to see within walking distance from campus. It’s important to remember that there is still an incredible and vibrant city outside of campus to explore.

But remember: We impact the surrounding community whether we’re aware of it or not. Make sure to safely socially distance yourself and wear a mask when visiting any attractions!

The Saint Louis Art Museum

Curran Neenan | Student Life

You’ve probably heard of the Saint Louis Art Museum, but seriously, it’s impressive. Also known as “SLAM,” it is completely free and home to artists like van Gogh, Matisse, Gauguin and more. Current exhibitions include The Shape of Abstraction, Javanese Batik Textiles and The Monochrome Mode in East Asian Art. A quick walk through Forest Park will take you straight to the museum’s entrance. After your visit, you can sit on Art Hill overlooking the park––one of the most serene (and best sledding) locations in all of St. Louis.

Walking time from Brookings: 20 minutes

Oak Knoll Park

Curran Neenan | Student Life

Need a little pit stop on your grocery runs to Schnucks? Consider taking a break at Oak Knoll Park. It’s not nearly as big as Forest Park, but Oak Knoll––named after its 150-year-old post oak trees––still boasts 14.5 acres of greenery to enjoy. There’s a pond with a fountain, magnolia trees, multiple gardens and a half-mile walking path. If you take a seat near the pond, you may even see some turtles waddle out. Despite being bookended by a pair of busy intersections (namely that of Big Bend Boulevard and Clayton Road), the park still manages to feel peaceful––a nice place to do work outside and take a break from campus.

Walking time from Brookings: 25 minutes

Jewel Box in Forest Park

Curran Neenan | Student Life

Located near the further end of Forest Park, Jewel Box is an art deco-style greenhouse complete with hundreds of flowers and a large reflecting pool. Not only is the space and surrounding land beautiful, but the walk there will allow you to explore some of the less familiar parts of Forest Park.

Walking time from Brookings: 40 minutes

Third Degree Glass Factory

Curran Neenan | Student Life

Third Degree Glass Factory is a local glass blowing gallery and studio. Normally, you can schedule an appointment to create your own glass art, but unfortunately with COVID-19, that’s not a possibility at the moment. For now, you can stop by the gallery on your stroll through the Loop and see what their artists-in-residence have created. Expect a psychedelic range of colors and glass shapes you didn’t even know were possible. Stay up-to-date on their calendar, too––this weekend they are hosting Pumpkin Patch Saturday, an outdoor event where they will showcase an array of glass pumpkins.

Walking time from Brookings: 45 minutes

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Curran Neenan | Student Life

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, also known as the Saint Louis Cathedral, is located about two miles from campus. The over 100-year-old cathedral is popular for its burial crypts, “Angel of Harmony” sculpture in the church’s garden and the largest mosaic in the Western Hemisphere. The Roman Catholic cathedral is nearly impossible to miss, taking up an entire city block in the Central West End. It’s a bit of a walk, but it’s worth taking a fall Saturday afternoon to visit the cathedral, along with one of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods –– home to nearly 25 restaurants, countless scenic streets and the World Chess Hall of Fame.

Walking time from Brookings: 1 hour