There’s no doubt that there are some unique things to do in St. Louis that are quirky, historical, fun, and delicious! Bordering the Mississippi River in Missouri, St. Louis is full of destinations worthy of a visit, as you’ll find a variety of museums, intriguing architectural marvels, and beloved animals.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, coming with friends, or visiting St Louis with family, you’ll find plenty of cool and unique things to do in St. Louis on this list that you won’t be able to wait to check out.
Try a True Crime Walking Tour in One of the Most Vibrant Neighborhoods
Calling all true crime lovers! One of the most unique tours in all of St Louis is actually a true crime tour through the Soulard neighborhood. Why here? This area is home to the city’s Mardi Gras, and has a deep history rooted in the prohibition era.
It may still feel like the roaring 20s as you pass by buzzing bars and hole-in-the-wall pizza joints, but the fascinating stories on the tour will take you straight back to that time. Grab a drink as you walk, and learn true stories about gangsters, bank robberies, and riots that took place here throughout history.
Learn the Roots of Blues Music at the National Blues Museum
Nestled in the heart of downtown, the National Blues Museum is another iconic museum in St. Louis. The exhibits at the museum will take you through time, starting from the early days of the blues all the way to today.
The whole thing will help you gain an appreciation for the music genre that influenced music in the US as we know it. In addition to the exhibits, the museum hosts live concerts, so if you want to immerse yourself in the blues experience even more, check out their schedule and support the scene!
Uncover the Haunted Side of Saint Louis at the Lemp Mansion
The Lemp Mansion is recognized as one of the most haunted destinations in the United States. To keep the story simple, the Lemp family, who built the mansion and owned other local businesses, experienced many tragedies, and to this day, members of the family are said to haunt the mansion.
Today, you can experience a visit to the mansion in many ways, including staying there for a night, enjoying a meal at the restaurant, or going on a haunted ghost tour to uncover the in-depth history of this place. Take your experience a step further and go on a haunted tour of the whole Lemp neighborhood!
Check Out the Miniature Museum of Greater Saint Louis
On the city’s Southern side lies a big space full of small things: It’s the Miniature Museum of Greater Saint Louis! If you’re a museum lover, this is a must-visit place to add to your list of unique museum visits.
View various collections from mini-mansions, mini gardens, and, of course, dolls. In fact, there’s a whole culture and hobby around mini-figures, so come and not only check out their extensive collection but learn about a passion many people have!
Explore the City’s BBQ and Beer with a Local
One of the most unique things to do in St Louis, MO for food lovers is a tour run by a local man named Wayne. These tours are private only, so it depends on how many people are in your group. And it’s a perfect group activity!
There are many varieties of BBQ in St Louis, so generally, he will get the vibe of your group, ask a few questions, and decide on a route that combines amazing varieties of BBQ with breweries and beer that are right for you. Sounds like a dream? Dive in below!
Wander the Abandoned Cotton Belt Freight Depo
If you love abandoned places and mural art, this is one of the most unique things to do in St Louis — pay a visit to the Cotton Belt Freight Depo. The warehouse depot served as a stop along the cotton trade in the early 1900s.
On the outside, a mural coats the length of the building, and one can explore the first floor and admire the unique architecture that’s fancier than your typical warehouse. It’s a great spot for urban explorers, but be sure to respect the residents that live nearby and come with friends (& during the day!)
Get to Know the Residents of Lone Elk Park
Located about a half hour from downtown, a visit to Lone Elk Park is one of the most unique things to do in St Louis. The park is home to elk, bison, deer, and more. It’s truly an amazing experience to witness these animals in their natural environment, so if you’ve never seen them before, here’s your chance!
Most people choose to drive through the park, but you can also get out and picnic, so you can take your time and enjoy the outdoors while spotting these fascinating animals. The best part is that visiting this park is totally free!
Wander the Halls of Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum
Laclede’s Wax Museum certainly shows just how much of a polarizing attraction it is, based on its Google reviews. Some visitors are charmed by its eerie ambiance, and that’s even before they venture into the monster section!
The exhibits display a range of wax figures, including celebrities, movie characters, and presidents, but the basement is the real place to go if you love a good scare! You’ll thank me later.
Take the Kids to The Magic House of the Saint Louis Children’s Museum
Add The Magic House to your to-do list if you’re coming to St. Louis with kids! The museum features a variety of interactive exhibitions, including an outdoor nature zone, a bubble room, and a construction zone — so kids can experience various activities, learn through play, and find a new interest or make new friends.
Learn About Historic Civilization at the Cahokia Mounds
Located just across the river in Illinois is a historical site you’ve probably never heard of — the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Known as “the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico,” it’s a must-visit visit for those who love historical sites and want to learn the history of the land far before colonization. Plus, with its outdoor location, you can enjoy the scenery while you learn and explore!
Take a Unique Trip through Time at the Telephone Museum
Another one of the most unique things to do in St Louis is pay a visit to the telephone museum. After all, this invention has changed communication as we know it all around the globe, so why not learn its roots?
The museum houses telephones through time, including old switchboards and rotary dial phones. While we may take our phones for granted today, this stroll down memory lane will make you realize how far we’ve come!
Hunt Down the World’s Largest Things, including the Largest Amaco Sign and Catsup Bottle
While some cities are great for hunting down murals, Saint Louis is great for hunting down some of the world’s largest…. things? Starting off with the world’s largest Amaco sign (where you might as well fill up your tank while you’re at it!), St. Louis is also home to the world’s largest Catsup Bottle, largest underwear, largest pecan, largest toilet paper, and largest rocking chair.
Indulge in a Fancy Rootbeer Float at Fitz’s
With two locations in St Louis (one at the Loop, which we’ll cover later), Fitz’s encompasses the all-American diner experience. But aside from all the food, the main stars of the menu are the rootbeer floats! As they brew their own craft sodas, the diner serves a variety of floats, such as the original root beer float, and other exciting flavor takes, such as s’mores and peanut butter cup floats!
Check Out the Massive National Museum of Transportation Exhibit
Transportation: we all use and benefit from it, but how often do we think about the history behind it and how it works? At the National Museum of Transportation, you can get into the nitty-gritty of the US transportation systems, featuring over 190 exhibits. On display, you’ll find trains, carriages, cars, wagons, and more, so you can relive unique aspects of US history through your imagination.
Picnic at the Laumeier Sculpture Park
A visit to the Laumeier Sculpture Park is the ideal way to enjoy both the outdoors and the arts of St. Louis. The 105-acre park features more than 70 sculpture works and hiking trails to guide you through the park. The park is free to visit and even hosts workshops and special after-dark events — check their schedule to see what’s coming up!
Drink, Dine, and Shop at The Loop
The Delmar Loop is your one-stop shop for everything fun and lively in St. Louis. With live music venues, boutique shops, dispensaries, and a variety of restaurants, you could easily spend a few hours here! There’s also a variety of events, such as festivals and farmers’ markets, so check out their schedule and you might encounter a unique local experience!
Tour the Iconic Budweiser Factory
Before all the craft brews, there was Budweiser, one of the most famous beers in the US, whether you enjoy it or not! The Anheuser-Busch brewery hosts a variety of tours where you can get an insider view of the brewery behind Budweiser, and you can even meet the famous Clydesdale Horses. There’s also an onsite Biergarten where you can sit back and enjoy some of the freshest beers from the brewery.
Have a Drink at the Venice Cafe
While ‘cafe’ is in the name, the Venice Cafe is actually a cash-only bar, and if you enjoy visiting unique local bars when traveling, then this is the one to call! The decor is eclectic and colorful, inviting you to discover new photos and creative peices at each glance.
The menu serves up cocktails and beers, while the stage serves guests with open mics and live music. It’s surely one of the coolest venues and most unique things to do in St Louis.
Visit the Animals at Grant’s Farm
Grant’s Farm in St. Louis is a historic farm and long-time family attraction that’s free of charge. Enjoy a tram ride through the expansive wildlife preserve, encountering a variety of animals such as deer, zebras, and bison. In addition to the farm experience, historical architecture graces the property, and those who are over 21 can sample beers fresh from the Anheuser-Busch brewery!
Challenge Yourself to a Unique Escape Room
Whether you’re an avid escape room fan touring the best spots nationwide or a complete newbie to the game, St. Louis has got you covered! St. Louis is home to some highly rated escape room experiences. With a variety of options such as runaway train, Area 51, and bank heist themes, you’re bound to find a unique and thrilling escape room experience in this city!
Get Creative at the Wacky & Fun City Museum
Is it a playground or a museum? We argue it’s a blend of both! The City Museum, which is great fun for both adults and children, immerses guests in a wacky, fun, and creative art installation playground to climb, slide, and enjoy the view.
Tailored for adventurous spirits, this unique space allows you to whiz down a 10-story spiral slide, gawk at the world’s largest underpants, and even pick up some circus arts skills!
Visit the Missouri History Museum
In this list, we’ve journeyed through some of St. Louis’s most intriguing museums, from those dedicated to transportation and wax figures, to the fascinating world of miniatures. Now let’s take a step back and keep it simple with the Missouri History Museum.
After all, if we’re visiting St. Louis, we ought to learn about the area! With no admission fee, it stands as an essential stop for those eager to delve into the history of both the state and the city of St. Louis (and one of the free things to do in St Louis). The exhibits shed light on Missouri’s legacy through evocative art and invaluable historical artifacts.
Get Mesmerised by the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is an architectural marvel that will wow any guest. Colorful, detailed, and downright majestic in every regard, whether or not you’re religious, it’s a must-visit to see the ingenuity created by architects and artists of the 20th century. In addition to admiring the features of this Cathedral, there’s an onsite museum so you can complement the incredible view with its in-depth story.
Check Out the World’s Largest Chess Piece at the World Chess Hall of Fame
I’ll admit it, I don’t know much about chess except that there are pieces like queens and knights… and that’s about it. Oh yes, and there’s the term “checkmate”! So, whether you’re like me with limited chess knowledge or perhaps you’re an enthusiast, a trip to the World Chess Hall of Fame is a must.
It’s not only a chance to learn about a game that dates back over a millennium, but also to see the world’s largest chess piece and admire some cool chess sets. With free admission, there’s no reason not to make a stop here!
Whisper into the Whispering Arch & Watch the Light Show at Union Station
Get a two-for-one experience at St. Louis’ Union Station. First up is the Whispering Arch by the Grand Staircase. This ornate archway boasts an almost magical ability — well, it’s not exactly magic but fascinating sound science! One person stands at one end of the arch and another at the opposite end; despite the distance, they can converse through the arch!
Next, marvel at another acoustic wonder during the vibrant light show that illuminates the 65-foot ceiling of the Union Station Grand Hall. With shows running every hour from 5 – 10 PM nightly, you’ll have plenty of time to plan it into your itinerary!
Meet the Birds at the World Bird Sanctuary
Located right next to Lone Elk Park is another nature preserve, the World Bird Sanctuary, home to a variety of birds, including eagles, vultures, parrots, and owls. They offer close encounter experiences and tours, but you can also simply come and wander around the grounds. There are even a couple of hiking trails!
Visit the Old Courthouse
The Old Courthouse, built in the 1800s, is a testament to the history of St. Louis, from famous court cases to the grande architecture. Located in Gateway Arch Park, inside the Courthouse, are galleries to explore St. Louis history, including the African American experience and the building’s architecture. So, if you want a greater look into St. Louis history, stop by when you undoubtedly visit the Gateway Arch Park.
Stroll Citygarden Sculpture Park in Downtown Saint Louis
A visit to Citygarden Sculpture Park is the perfect way to enjoy a laid-back stroll in downtown St. Louis. Spread over three acres, this urban gem boasts over 20 sculptures, rain installations, and greenery! If you’re interested in a tour, there’s even a special number you can dial to call in famous St Louis names to take you on an audio tour through the park.
Wander the Immense Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the most fun things to do in St. Louis for those looking for an escape into the serene and green. There’s a variety of gardens, including a Japanese garden, children’s garden, and a unique dome called the Climatron®, which hosts a jungle climate!
You read that right, there’s a tropical jungle in St. Louis! What we love most is there’s a tram tour, so you can visit more of the gardens without having to walk through them all. During the holidays, there’s even an after-dark experience when the gardens light up, making for an extra unique visit.
Enjoy the Free Unique Attractions at Forest Park
Known as one of the most beautiful city parks in the world, Forest Park is one of the most cool things to do in St. Louis that’s free of charge! Filled with trees, gardens, animal life, and hiking trails, it’s a must-visit in St. Louis. Bring along a picnic and make an afternoon of it, exploring the winding trails and beautiful scenery. There’s even a free zoo and a couple of museums to visit!
Well, that’s plenty of unique things to do in St Louis! Let us know in the comments which ones you picked, or what we should add to the list next.
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