Is there anything more St. Louis? Designed by Eero Saarinen in 1947 and officially opened in 1967, it remains the largest arch in the world at 630 feet tall (and wide!). It's run by the National Park Service and includes the Arch itself (you can ride to the top in an egg-shaped tram car), as well as a museum about westward expansion of the United States. The museum and Arch grounds are free, but you do need to buy tickets to go all the way to the top. Just...please don't have a Percy Jackson-esque fight at the top. We like it the way it is.

You can also purchase tickets for riverboat cruises on the same site to purchase tickets to the observation deck of the Arch.

If you love zoos, you have to see this one. It's one of the top zoos in the country AND IT'S FREE. Kaki and Mike had one of their first dates here, obvi. Not only is the zoo a fun place to visit, but it's at the forefront of research and conservation, especially when it comes to local species.

It is mostly outdoors, so bundle up if you go. But, that just means the sea lions, seals, and polar bear will all be super active.

If you love architecture, please be sure to check out the 1927 Herpetarium on Historic Hill for the coolest, most ornate architecture you have ever seen at a zoo.

We seriously cannot recommend this place enough. We love it and all the great work they do for Midwestern species!

Another great, FREE attraction in St. Louis. Located in Forest Park, SLAM has an amazing core collection and great special exhibitions.

The main building was designed by Cass Gilbert for the 1904 Worlds' Fair and it's a beauty! Kaki interned here one summer in college, so feel free to ask her about her favorite pieces. The statue out front is the Apotheosis of St. Louis, aka Louis IX of France, the namesake of our city.

Since they're giant nerds, Mike & Kaki obviously love this place. It's a FREE non-profit science museum that teaches kids (and adults!) about all areas of science with interactive and hands-on experiences. They also have an indoor-outdoor agricultural pavilion, the McDonnell Planetarium (pictured above), and a four-story OMNIMAX Theatre that shows various educational films.

Kaki's nephews love this place. Kaki also loves this place. There are otters. And petting pools. And sharks. And fish that eat the dead skin cells off your hands. And fish that spit water at you. And a bunch of other creatures that the aquarium has offered sanctuary to so people can learn about them (Kaki loves their armadillo, Chico). Did we mention the otters?

If you're staying at the Union Station Hotel, be sure the ask the front desk about discounts!

If you have ever been at a bar with Kaki, you are well aware that St. Louis is the home of Budweiser. Head over to the Soulard* neighborhood to view the brewery opened by Adolphus Busch in 1852. It not only houses the Brew House itself, but also one of the oldest school houses in St. Louis, as well as the beautiful carriage house with some of the Clydesdales.

You might be saying, "but I've been on a brewery tour before". Yeah, you probably have been. But this one has multi-story chandeliers that are made to look like hop vines. The photo above is just the Carriage House, so imagine what the rest looks like. It was designated a US Historic Landmark. Plus, you get a free drink out of it. And Clydesdales, guys, Clydesdales!

*Check out this history of Soulard. The natural underground caves in the area were perfect for brewers to store beer during the summer, so the area was home to more than 50 breweries in the mid-nineteenth century.

St. Louis Public Library’s Central Library boasts some of the finest examples of Beaux-Arts and Neo-Classical Architecture in the United States. Like the St. Louis Art Museum, it was designed by architect Cass Gilbert. Completed in 1912, the structure is a gorgeous historic treasure.

Call ahead to book a private tour or show up for their scheduled, walk-in tours for up to 10 people:

Tour Hours

Mondays: 11 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

Saturdays: 11 a.m, Noon and 1 p.m.

Kiddos need to burn off some energy? Check out the delightfully weird City Museum. It's an artist-built playground with super cool spaces to explore. We can't really explain it - you just have to see if for yourself!