Have some free time in St. Louis? Check out these nearby attractions before or after the conference!
Get a bird’s eye view from the Gateway Arch
Take a 630-foot ride to the top of this world-famous stainless steel monument for the finest views in the Gateway City. While you’re there, be sure to make time to explore the on-site museum, which traces over 200 years of our region’s history in six themed exhibit areas. Visitors to the Gateway Arch National Park can also hop aboard a 19th century paddle-wheel boat replica for a narrated cruise down the mighty Mississippi.
Spend a night out on the town
Looking for a fun night out? Check out the sports-anchored entertainment district in the heart of downtown’s Ballpark Village! Head to The Grove and take your pick of some of the hottest bars in St. Louis in this up-and-coming neighborhood. Out west, fun-seekers can also go for dinner, drinks and a show at Westport Plaza’s 42-acre entertainment district. Looking for something upscale? Check out the area’s trendiest boutiques and upscale dining establishments in Clayton and the Central West End. If live music is your thing, Soulard boasts some of the best blues venues in town.
All aboard at St. Louis Union Station
St. Louis Union Station was once one of the largest and busiest passenger rail terminals in the world, helping move passengers from the east coast to the western part of the United States. Today it is home to more than 13,000 animals at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, the 200-foot St. Louis Wheel, a carousel, an 18-hole mini-golf course, the mirror maze, a ropes course, the train park, and several restaurants to go along with the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. While you’re there, don’t miss the Grand Hall Light Show, which airs daily from 5 to 10 p.m. Laser lights dance on the 65-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling of the historic train station lobby, narrated by famous St. Louisans, including Jon Hamm, Bob Costas, Dan Dierdorf and Joe Buck. Grab a cocktail at the bar, sit back and enjoy the show.
Raise a pint to St. Louis’ brewing history
St. Louis is overflowing with breweries, from world-famous Anheuser-Busch to small craft producers. At A-B, visitors may choose from a number of tour experiences. You can visit the Clydesdales, learn to brew beer and take a behind-the-scenes VIP look at the brewing operations. As the city’s first craft brewery since prohibition, Schlafly is a St. Louis stalwart, offering great beer and great food at four area locations. With two locations in St. Louis – Midtown and The Grove – plus one in Germany, Urban Chestnut pours beers made with old-world techniques in a modern style. At 4 Hands Brewing Co., which is within walking distance to Busch Stadium, choose from a core lineup of lagers, ryes and ales, or pick a seasonal pour. Looking for a hidden gem? Try Narrow Gauge, which is tucked into an Italian restaurant in Florissant and sought after for its creative small-batch brews.
Have an animal encounter at the Zoo
Get up close and personal with the furry, the flying and the fishy creatures of the Saint Louis Zoo. One of the city’s many free attractions, the Saint Louis Zoo has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading zoological parks.
Stroll through the Missouri Botanical Garden
Explore 79 acres of lush gardens, landscape architecture, greenhouses and conservatories at the oldest botanical garden in the United States. Wander through collections of botanical and horticultural plants among beautiful fountains and statuary. Visit the Climatron for a real rainforest experience featuring magnificent waterfalls, tropical birds and exotic plants like bananas, cacao, coffee bushes and orchids.
Try your luck at one of St. Louis’ area casinos
In addition to all your favorite video poker games and classic table games like craps, blackjack, roulette and baccarat, each casino has something unique to offer visitors. Take in an intimate show at the luxurious Horseshoe St. Louis theatre located less than a 10 minute ride from the hotel.