St. Louis. This American city has long and deep cultural and historical roots. It served as a hub for trade with Native American tribes, the political capital of the region, and a center of commerce. Steamboats first arrived in St. Louis in 1817, opening the area to the West and morphing St. Louis into a manufacturing city.
Maybe it was because I had seen references to the St. Louis Arch for years. Or that the famous span is included on many a “must-see” list. Whatever the reason, my expectations when I visited the famous structure were high. That may have been why the experience was somewhat of a disappointment.
Not that the landmark isn’t impressive. At 630 feet tall, it’s the highest man-made national monument in the United States. But the trip is made in a cramped tram car. Once there, you peer out of narrow windows for views of the city, and boat traffic making their way on the Mississippi River.
No matter…there is much to love, with the Gateway Arch Museum at the base of the span providing an ample alternative. It focuses upon the history and significance of the arch with exhibits about the westward expansion, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and the role played by St. Louis in the history of the United States.
Among reminders of the Indigenous culture is Sugarloaf Mound. Dozens of these earthen knolls were built within present-day St. Louis by the Native Americans who thrived in the area from about 600 to1300 AD.
Another architectural gem is the Climatron, which houses the Geodesic Dome Conservatory. It incorporates the principles of R. Buckmaster Fuller, the architect, designer, inventor and futurist. It was the first geodesic dome to be used for that purpose and has been named one of the 100 most significant architectural achievements in United States history.
Plantings in the Missouri Botanical Garden include a Japanese Garden, one of the largest in North America, and distinctive sculptures.
Forest Park is an enclave of meadows and trees, prairie wetland, lakes and ponds. Opened in 1876, it has hosted significant events like the1904 World’s Fair. Known as the “Heart of St. Louis,” it’s home to the city zoo, art and history museums, science center and opera theater.
Music lovers are likely to find venues in St. Louis where they may hear their favorite sounds. The city has long been a hopping hub of musical activity, and both local artists and visiting performers have been responsible for that.
When it’s time to dine, the city offers a choice of local specialties. Beginning with breakfast, I quickly came to appreciate an early morning cake fix from a favorite local recipe.
Gooey butter cake is practically a rite of passage. The story about this concoction is that a baker accidentally doubled the butter in a cake recipe, resulting in a deliciously gooey custard atop a coffee cake base, all dusted with powdered sugar.
St. Louis barbecue is renowned: a pork steak seasoned, smoked and slathered in tangy, tomato-based BBQ sauce.
Whether brunching on butter cake or arm deep in barbecue, admiring a soaring arch or strolling among garden sculptures, the choice of things to taste, see and do in St. Louis is likely to fulfill any visitor’s wish list. After experiencing much that the city has to offer, I would suggest: Come for the Arch, stay for the rest.
For more information log onto stlouis-mo.gov.
Victor Block is an award-winning travel journalist focusing on tourism geared to people over the age of 50. He is also a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
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10 Jun 2026
0 Commentsst. louis: not just barbecue
St. Louis. This American city has long and deep cultural and historical roots. It served as a hub for trade with Native American tribes, the political capital of the region, and a center of commerce. Steamboats first arrived in St. Louis in 1817, opening the area to the West and morphing St. Louis into a manufacturing city.
Maybe it was because I had seen references to the St. Louis Arch for years. Or that the famous span is included on many a “must-see” list. Whatever the reason, my expectations when I visited the famous structure were high. That may have been why the experience was somewhat of a disappointment.
Not that the landmark isn’t impressive. At 630 feet tall, it’s the highest man-made national monument in the United States. But the trip is made in a cramped tram car. Once there, you peer out of narrow windows for views of the city, and boat traffic making their way on the Mississippi River.
No matter…there is much to love, with the Gateway Arch Museum at the base of the span providing an ample alternative. It focuses upon the history and significance of the arch with exhibits about the westward expansion, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, and the role played by St. Louis in the history of the United States.
Among reminders of the Indigenous culture is Sugarloaf Mound. Dozens of these earthen knolls were built within present-day St. Louis by the Native Americans who thrived in the area from about 600 to1300 AD.
Another architectural gem is the Climatron, which houses the Geodesic Dome Conservatory. It incorporates the principles of R. Buckmaster Fuller, the architect, designer, inventor and futurist. It was the first geodesic dome to be used for that purpose and has been named one of the 100 most significant architectural achievements in United States history.
Plantings in the Missouri Botanical Garden include a Japanese Garden, one of the largest in North America, and distinctive sculptures.
Forest Park is an enclave of meadows and trees, prairie wetland, lakes and ponds. Opened in 1876, it has hosted significant events like the1904 World’s Fair. Known as the “Heart of St. Louis,” it’s home to the city zoo, art and history museums, science center and opera theater.
Music lovers are likely to find venues in St. Louis where they may hear their favorite sounds. The city has long been a hopping hub of musical activity, and both local artists and visiting performers have been responsible for that.
When it’s time to dine, the city offers a choice of local specialties. Beginning with breakfast, I quickly came to appreciate an early morning cake fix from a favorite local recipe.
Gooey butter cake is practically a rite of passage. The story about this concoction is that a baker accidentally doubled the butter in a cake recipe, resulting in a deliciously gooey custard atop a coffee cake base, all dusted with powdered sugar.
St. Louis barbecue is renowned: a pork steak seasoned, smoked and slathered in tangy, tomato-based BBQ sauce.
Whether brunching on butter cake or arm deep in barbecue, admiring a soaring arch or strolling among garden sculptures, the choice of things to taste, see and do in St. Louis is likely to fulfill any visitor’s wish list. After experiencing much that the city has to offer, I would suggest: Come for the Arch, stay for the rest.
For more information log onto stlouis-mo.gov.