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St. Louis is uniquely situated between the Eastern and Western United States. The town, at the edge of the Mississippi River, played a big role in the country’s development as the last “civilized city” before heading west. Today, St. Louis is a vibrant and dynamic city, with a host of attractions for visitors and residents alike. Among these are:

• The Gateway Arch – The Symbol of St. Louis, this 630-foot tall structure is the tallest monument in the United States and commemorates the Louisiana Purchase, the expansion into the west, and the debate over slavery fueled by the Dred Scott case. Finished in 1965, the Arch sits on 91 acres of park land and features a visitors’ center at the base and an observation deck at the top. A tram takes you to the top; no need to walk the 1000+ steps.

• Anheuser-Busch Brewery – The manufacturer of Budweiser and Bud Light beers has been creating beer in St. Louis since 1852. Visitors over 21 may take a tour of the historic facility and see the brewhouse, aging cellars, and packaging operation. At the end of the tour, complimentary samples and snacks are offered.

• St. Louis Union Station – Opened in 1894, this once-grand train station fell into disuse in the mid-20th century. Today, the site is reborn as a shopping, restaurant, and entertainment mecca, yet retains glimpses of its 19th century charm.

• St. Louis Zoo – Consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the country (behind San Diego), the St. Louis Zoo sits on 90 acres and is home to over 17,900 exotic animals. What’s more: admission is free to all.

^{(photo credit: istockphoto)}

This entry was posted on Friday, August 3rd, 2007 and is filed under Thirty Dates in Thirty States, United States.