STL Hot Spots to Visit for Free
When we say free, we really mean it. Check out some of the multiple locations you can visit at no charge. (And watch for updates, 'cause there's more where these came from.)
Yep, that's FREE.
When we say free, we really mean it. Check out some of the multiple locations you can visit at no charge. (And watch for updates, 'cause there's more where these came from.)
- St. Louis Zoo
- Not only can you visit one of the top rated zoological parks in the
country here in St. Louis, you can do it for free. Don't forget to stop
by the classic bird cage, which we bought from the Smithsonian
following our World's Fair in 1904. Also, watch for a near/onsite major
expansion in the more distant future, and the offsite new North County St. Louis Zoo WildCare Park currently under construction.
Significant Side Rant: There is occasional media chatter about charging people to enter this free zoo. But, as the director once informed us, this actually can't happen. They are not legally allowed to charge an entry fee inside Forest Park, and no one actually wants to pursue a change because if the zoo could charge, all other establishments inside the park could as well. So, rest easy. We remain top rated for a reason, and "free" will remain a permanent feature. - St. Louis Art Museum
- "Dedicated to Art and Free to All." With its main portion built specifically to house and protect priceless art (and lots of it) during the 1904 Fair, the museum itself is a classic piece of architecture. Browse the collections at your leisure, and definitely stroll the modern expansion. On Fridays, even the special exhibits are free, and docent led tours are available at no charge as well. Say hi to French King Louie IX and steed out front, a "temporary" piece made for the Fair, bronzed and moved to his current location atop Art Hill.
- St. Louis Science Center & Planetarium
- Explore and interact with all of the Science Center's general displays for free. Check the speed of motorists along the highway, and try out the earthquake simulator. (Don't worry. If there's a real quake while you're on that thing you won't even notice.) Coupons may be available for special exhibits and shows, such as in the OMNIMAX Theater, and watch for late rates in summer. You may also want to check out the free sci-fi themed "First Fridays" each month. Tell T-Rex I said, "Hey."
- Missouri History Museum
- Ready to step back in time and catch a little history? This is the place. Ongoing displays are free, and there may be charges for special exhibits, though coupons may be available. I naturally tend to spend most of my time in the 1904 World's Fair Exhibit. Just can't get enough of the second to last turn of the century.
- The World Bird Sanctuary
- One of our favorite places. Even spent some time volunteering with them back in high school, well before they moved to this great location by Lone Elk Park. (Once found myself surrounded by baby emus. True and adorable story. So many beaks!) Observe hawks, owls, eagles and more up close; stroll past rows of flight cages housing various bird species and enjoy educational shows to learn more about these beautiful creatures. There are also trails here to explore, and some unexpected areas to discover down by the Meramec River.
- Grant's Farm
- Sit back and take a ride through history, and lots of animals. A
tram will take you through the Deer Park, and past the former cabin home
of Ulysses S. Grant, surrounded by several species of critters roaming
the land. At the Tier Garten you'll be treated to petting and feeding
areas and animal shows. A few shows and displays may feature nominal
costs. (But we find it worth the buck to play in a cage full of
budgies.) On the way out, if you're 21+, stop by The Bauernhof for a
gratis brew or two. Oh, and did I mention the famous Budweiser
clydesdales? Cameras recommended. If you park in their lot there is a
cost per car (check for coupons), but if you walk or bike up along Grant's Trail, general admission is free outside special events.
- Anheuser-Busch / Budweiser Brewery
- Just smell those hops. (I'm not a fan, but they sure left a vivid childhood memory.) Take a free tour to see how they brew it, and try a free sample at the end. You can also get a free ride to and from the Budweiser Brew House at Ballpark Village to take the tour. Just know, this place has been around long enough to inspire the 1903 sing-along song at the bottom of this page. (Have a Bud-wise with me? Under the Anheuser Bush? What? Clearly they were not inebriated during the time of its writing.)
- Schlafly Bottleworks
- The comparatively youthful brewery that's caused quite a stir over the years. Tour this craft site for free and sit down to enjoy some generous sips before you go. Keep an eye on their calendar, as they also host lots of events, including Theology at the Bottleworks back in the Crown Room every third Wednesday of the month. There's never a cost to join the conversation.
- Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
- What was once one of the largest thriving cities north of Mexico is now one of the biggest mysteries in our region. An entire people group simply vanished, and no one knows why. Explore the impressive interpretive center, climb the largest man-made mound in North America and visit a partially rebuilt and extremely accurate wood post calendar (which is super fun at equinoxes, if you want to get up early enough to see the sun rise over a pole). Oh, and say hi to my mom if she's volunteering that day. (I have to say nice things. I practically grew up there.)
- The Old Courthouse
- Often spotted in iconic St. Louis shots, this courthouse survived the great St. Louis fire of 1849 and was involved in the Dred Scott case of the late 1800s. Historically accurate restored court rooms and special displays help you live and learn more about history. And the architecture is pretty sweet too.
- World Chess Hall of Fame
- While we do boast the world's largest chess piece just out front, there's much more to this hall of fame. Formerly moved in and out of three other cities, no prior location was as large as the three stories now occupied in our Central West End. All three floors feature special exhibits refreshed every few months to display some crowning achievements in chess related art, fashion, history and more. And check the top gallery to meet the créme de la créme of the chess world over the years.
Our sincerest apologies in advance...
