Meet Me In St. Louis: An Exciting Travel Guide to Unconventional Destinations in Missouri’s 2nd Largest City

It’s summer road trip time, and we’re heading to the 2nd largest city in Missouri, just 5 hours drive from Classic Auto Group.  What do you say, wanna meet me in St Louis?  Well, then, hop in your new car from Classic Auto Group and let’s get this party started.  From Barbecue to Blues to History and Adventure, there’s lots to see in this iconic city where Lewis and Clark began their westward journey exploring America!  Check out our picks for unconventional and exciting stops to see when visiting this lively metropolis.

The City Museum is unmatched in ingenuity and artistic creativity, consisting of four incredible floors of unique art and architecture.  Perfect fun for the whole entire family,  no matter how old you are!  Explore the museum’s many tunnels, the cave system, more than 30 slides, an outdoor climbing space, exhibits made from repurposed and recycled materials, the Museum of Mayhem Mirth and Mystery, a circus, a rooftop Ferris Wheel, and a gravity-defying bus which hangs off the roof.  It’s unparalleled entertainment, and hard to describe, so you’ll have to see it for yourself!

Grant’s Farm has been open to the public with free admission for more than 60 years. Once the home of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, it’s now owned by the Busch Family and operated as a 280+ acre historic farm and landmark.  You can enjoy a historic home tour, a visit with the animals, take aride around the park on the Tram, enjoy a spin on the carousel, and so much more!  It’s a must-see destination.

Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum is a charming, kitschy venue located in an 1880s warehouse converted to an art museum.  For just $10 a person you can observe and take pictures with more than 200 lifelike wax sculptures of celebrities, characters, and important historical figures.

The Magic House is perfect for families, and especially for those with younger children.  This not-for-profit museum is located in Kirkwood just outside the St Louis city limits.  Kids can explore hands-on exhibits, explore STEAM activities, and even a miniature village where they can enjoy some play-acting in different careers and hobbies.  PBS has also just opened an exhibit centering around “Molly of Denali” where you can learn about Alaska and Alaskan Native life!

Citygarden Sculpture Park will be perfect to explore on a bright sunny day, and a fun way to pass the time without breaking the bank.  This nearly 3 acre sculpture garden is open to the public and full of quirky, unusual sculptures, beautiful water features, and expertly landscaped grounds. It’s a photo op that will be one for the memory books, so be sure to snap lots of pics!

The National Museum of Transportation houses one of the largest and most diverse collections of transportation vehicles in the world, with over 190 exhibits!  Set just outside of the city in Kirkwood, this 42 acre facility features iconic cars, vehicles, planes, trolleys, trains and so much more.  It’s a larger than life stop-off for the gearheads and history nerds.

Laumeier Sculpture Park is another budget friendly option with free admission and plenty of outdoor activities and interesting things to see.  Another great attraction to explore in Kirkwood, it’s home to more than 70 large-scale outdoor sculptures, and is a gorgeous 105 acre open-air 

museum.  It’s also home to several special events each year, including the Laumeier Art Fair!

The Pulitzer Arts Foundation provides special exhibitions and public programs to connect the public with art history and contemporary artwork and architecture.  It’s free to explore and housed in a building designed by internationally recognized architect Tadao Ando.  And it’s only 15 minutes west of the illustrious St Louis Arch.

The Chess Hall of Fame is a nonprofit facility highlighting the history, art, and culture of this beloved game.  It’s purpose is to highlight the historical significance of chess, and its impact on arts and culture.  You’ll find monthly events catered to adults such as their Monthly music series, Sip & Sketch classes, Composer Spotlight Series, and more.  Families will enjoy special Toddler Tuesdays and Saturday Family Day geared just towards kids each week, and unique shows and programs perfect for all ages including the novice through expert.

Other incredible places to see include: The St Louis Zoo, The St Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, The St. Louis Auto Show (January), Lone Elk Park, Forest Park, Municipal Theatre Association, Tower Grove Park, The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog, Lemp Mansion, Weldon Spring Site & Interpretive Center, Venice Cafe, Turtle Playground, Missouri Botanical Garden, Miniature Museum of Greater St Louis, the National Blues Museum and so, so much more.

Check out these great videos on YouTube to plan out even more of your itinerary!

Expedia’s Guide to St Louis Vacation

St. Louis Travel Guide 2022:

21 Things to Do in St Louis

Top 8 House Museums of St Louis

The Mural Mile Graffiti Art Tour of St Louis

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