Fun things to do in Saint Louis

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Is it still working or not?

No my dear Americans. You need not to leave that building so dirty to convince us of its old age. The strong contrast with the modern surrounding buildings enhances its antiquity and classical look. But the black spots in many stones, give the idea of a ruined and abandoned house. What a pity.

Come on… Clean it up.

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Magnificent quarter that I saw "by mistake" (blessed mistake).

The architecture is varied but harmonious, and all the area exhales tranquillity and quality of life. It must be good, being a student of that school!

We completed our enjoyable trip covering Brucemore House in Cedar Rapids, Gateway Arch, Dowtown waterfront area, Zoo, Cahokia Mounds in St Louis and Mark Twain important places in Hannibal. If you are travelling between Minneapolis, MN and St Louis, MO, you can consider going all of these.

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This park is one of the biggest in the US and holds more treasures of things to do for people than any others, in my opinion, even Central Park, NY. There is a very large zoo, arboretum/jewel box, an art museum that is nearly unrivaled, history museum, muni opera, a large open pavilion, and many statues and fountains, boating on a lake, and flowers--and also two golf courses and a nice visitor center. Connecting across the highway now is the Science Center, another great exhibit for people to participate.
It started in 1876, but the World's Fair of 1904 brought it into the current use and magnificence. There are 12 million annual visitors coming to the park, and the city holds numerous events here through the year. It has 1,293 acres, 500 more than Central Park.

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Blue Springs Missouri. If you're looking for a 10 mile float trip down the Meremac river, the Blue Springs is a great place to go. I have been on a lot of float trips, down many different rivers, and this is one of the best camping grounds that offers a float trip. $7 a day to camp in the tent camping grounds. Larger groups of people for renting canoes brings the price down per person. They bus you up the river 10 miles in the old school yellow buses. Drop you off and the canoes with all the gear (float cushion and paddles). Then all you have to do is relax and float the 10 miles down stream and take your time enjoying it. Plenty of places to stop and swim. Fish if you want. The float ends at the Blue Springs campgrounds. Thats what makes this particular campground a good one for float trips. Many other campgrounds only offer camping and don't have float trips at all. So you have to book a seperate float trip and then drive to the location, float, and then drive back to your campgrounds. Why do that when you can go here and float right back to you own campground. Hot showers, horseback riding, 2 swimming pools and cabins to rent as well. Its alot of good fun with your family and friends.

It is called the Great Forest Park Balloon Race and is held the third Saturday in September. About 70 or more hot air balloons are launched in about an hour or so. Before that there's all kinds of family activities. People bring picnics, their dogs,cameras and have a wonderful afternoon. This free (but there are local foods and beverages for sale) event is very, very popular.

If you've never done anything like this, you have to try it at least once.

I took this photo from the 16th floor balcony of a building across the street from the park.

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The annual event is called Balloon Glow and is held the evening before the Great Forest Park Balloon Race,on the third Friday in September. This year it was held on the public golf course, of all places! The effect of balloons reflected in the water was priceless.

I imagine that next year it will be held back at the usual location, at the base of the World's Fair Pavilion hill. This Summer, the hill has been relandscaped, with amazing long staircases and a new fountain. Many thousands of dollars were spent. The turf is being installed before Autumn is over. It will be so large a park feature, that any vt photo won't do it justice. Just one of the many jewels in this city park!!!

Please, visit their web site if you plan to make the trip. It is very helpful.

This is a popular event. Many people bring small children and flashlights! Plan to arrive early, long before dark. It is all over at 8:30 so it works for a family outing, if you don't mind the crowds. Lots of people stay in their vehicles and just drive by, which takes awhile, as it is very popular. Hence, many cars are moving through the park, very slowly. This would not be something I would enjoy at all...but walking around is fun!!

I didn't bring a tripod so it was hard to take good photos in the dark.

The International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame is in St Louis. Fun place to go. They have videos of old pros, trick bowlers, etc.. They have a bowling alley, 2 lanes, that you can even bowl a game at. Fun place to see.

Closed sun & mon.....admission adults $7.50