When you are planning your next trip consider St. Louis for its rich cultural heritage and for the multitude of free things to do in St. Louis. Americans think of St. Louis as home of the iconic Gateway Arch, but Missouri’s musical city has much more to offer. Hop an Amtrak train and visit the city’s blues, ragtime and jazz venues. Sports fans can take in Cardinal’s baseball, Ram football or St. Louis Blues hockey games.

St. Louis also is home to museums and parks for every taste, from the famed Forest Park to the St. Louis Art Museum’s extensive collection of master works by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Pissaro, Picasso and more. Whether you’re just visiting, hosting out-of-town guests or looking for a unique way to fill a weekend, this is your guide to the top free attractions in St. Louis.

1. Anheuser-Busch Tour
Whether your a Bud lover or just interested in how beer is made this is a great stop while your in St. Louis.

2. St.Louis Science Center
This is a great stop if you are bringing a kid along on your trip. Here you can go to all different exhibits that will explore the science of the real world.

3. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
This is the house of his wife Julia Dent. This site commemorates the history behind Ulysses S. Grant.

Photo by lance_mountain

4. St. Louis Union Station
If you are interested in seeing the former largest passenger rail terminal in the world come visit St. Louis’s Union Station. The station is over 114 years old and now is a marketplace.

5. Village of Elsah Museum
This museum is over 100 years old and was founded by James Semple. If you are interested in learning about Elsah and seeing some exhibits provided by near by universities this is a great stop.

6. James ‘Cool Papa’Bell
This legendary baseball player is commemorated in St. Louis. Visit the street that bares his name and visit his grave in Saint Peters Cemetery.

7. Bellefontaine Cemetery
Visit this beautiful cemetery that has been made famous for its architecture, history, and horticulture. The cemetery was created over 160 and is home to many different historical figures including General Stephen Watts Kearny who fought in the War of 1812 and the Mexico war.

8. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Interpretive Center
These mounds are centuries old and located just outside of St. Louis. Their were 120 of these man made mounds initally however only 80 remain today. This site is also home to the largest man made mound north of Mexico which is 92 feet high and 951 feet long while still being 836 feet wide.

Photo by emilyrides

9. Calvary Cemetery
This cemetery was established in 1854 and contains the graves of many of those who helped to establish the city.

10. Concordia Historical Institute
This institute has two different historical sites the Hill of Peace and the Saxon Lutheran Memorial.

11. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
If your interested in art this is a great place to visit. You will be able to see lots of artwork.

12. Craft Alliance Gallery
This gallery is the home of many different exhibits and events. If you are interested in any craft products including pottery or fashion this is a great place to attend and see what is new in the industry.

13. Grant’s Farm

This location is a farm dedicated to Ulysses S. Grant. Visiting here you can see all different animals including Clydesdale horses.

Photo by kimblahg

14. Holocaust Museum & Learning Center
This museum honors those who were victims of the Holocaust along with working to educate the future generation about the horrors.

15. Jefferson Barracks Historic Park
This site was origionally the first Infantry School of Practice, created in 1826. Their is a rich history linked to the military to explore at this park, including visiting the site of the first successful airplane jump.

16. Laumeier Sculpture Park & Museum
Visit here to see the vast array of unique outdoor sculptures. Make sure you visit during family free days so that you will not have to pay admission.

17. Missouri History Museum (Missouri Historical Society)
This museum exhibits focus on exploring the rich history of St. Louis and the state of Missouri.

18. Museum of Contemporary Religious Art
This is the first museum of its kind in the world. Exhibits include a vast array of different and unique different types of contemporary art with a religious theme.

19. St. Louis Zoo
If you love animals make sure you take a trip to the zoo. Hours will vary depending on the time of year you will be visiting. Additional attractions from the main zoo may cost so make sure your aware of what you want to see before you arrive.

Photo by tojosan

20. Soldiers Memorial Military Museum
This memorial began in 1923 and was created over many years. The funds have come from the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works. The museum was opened in 1938.

21.Historic Trinity Lutheran Church
This is the oldest Lutheran Church West of the Mississippi. If you are interested in the history of the Lutheran Church or are just interested in this historical building its a great place to stop by.

22. Washington University Gallery of Art
If you are interested in design and visual art this is a great location to visit. You may even see the works of some who will become famous in years to come!

23. World Bird Sanctuary
This is a must see attraction for bird lovers. If you would like to see a wide array of different birds stop by this sanctuary and enjoy.