Did you know that there are approximately 850 million visits to museums every year in America? They contribute $50 billion to the U.S. economy each year. If you think about how marvelous museums are, these numbers make sense. Museums can transport you to old worlds, future worlds, worlds you never thought you could be a part of.
If you’re looking to add some of those unknown worlds to your day, check out our list of museums in the area. They are all within driving distance and offer a variety of topics that will enchant every member of the family.
1 Fine Arts Dr
St Louis, MO 63110 Directions
Immerse yourself in art from across the world and across the ages at the St. Louis Art Museum. Originally part of the 1904 World's Fair, this art museum has grown over the decades into one of the top national art museums.
750 N 16th St
St Louis, MO 63103 Directions
Part playground and part funhouse, the City Museum is one of the most unique museums in the nation, built entirely out of items found in urban St. Louis. Exhibits and attractions include the world's largest pencil, The World Aquarium, and an interactive sculpture.
634 S Broadway
St Louis, MO 63102 Directions
Visit the city's first historic house museum, the Eugene Field House & St. Louis Toy Museum which contains a variety of material related to the Dred Scott trial and his lawyer, Roswell Field, as well as toys, books and furniture dating back to that time period.
707 N 1st St
St Louis, MO 63102 Directions
Easily the most recognizable landmark in St. Louis, the Gateway Arch memorializes Lewis and Clark's expedition towards the west, which gave St. Louis the nickname The Gateway to the West. Explore the Arch itself, as well as the surrounding museums, theaters, and other attractions.
345 N Rd
St Louis, MO 63125 Directions
Jefferson Barracks Historic Park commemorates the military outpost established there in 1826. Stop by for a historic hayride or check out one of the shows at the amphitheater.
5700 Lindell Blvd
St Louis, MO 63112 Directions
One-of-a-kind historical artifacts are housed at the Missouri History Museum, including items from the Lewis and Clark Expedition and a replica of Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis." Stop by for music, films, lectures and even story time.
221 N Grand Blvd
St Louis, MO 63103 Directions
2933 Barrett Station Rd
St Louis, MO 63122 Directions
How do you like to get around? The Museum of Transportation has any method you'd like, including a sizeable collection of antique cars, boats, planes, locomotives and railroad equipment.
11 N 4th St
St Louis, MO 63102 Directions
Part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, the Old Courthouse is remembered for its many historically significant cases-including the Dred Scott trial. For over 150 years, this prominent building has been open and serving the public. Now, it serves as a museum.
5050 Oakland Ave
St Louis, MO 63110 Directions
Bring the family for educational fun at the St. Louis Science Center. Learn about dinosaurs, biology, outer space, and more! Interactive exhibits and attractions include the planetarium, a life science lab, the Discovery Room, and an OMNIMAX theater.
1508 Locust St
St Louis, MO 63103 Directions
Travel back in time when you visit the most accurately restored 19th century building in America. The Campbell House Museum contains original furniture, photographs, paintings and clothing from the Campbell family and is a perfect example of opulent Victorian-style life during the 1880s. This elegant house is known as the premier historic property museum in St. Louis.
4746 Gravois Ave
St Louis, MO 63116 Directions
Bring your magnifying glass to the smallest tourist attraction in St. Louis. The Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis is devoted to miniatures of all sizes, from small to itty-bitty to teeny-tiny. Visit the gift shop, take a class, or attend the twice-yearly Gateway Miniature Fair. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.