St. Louis, Missouri is one of the major cities on the Mississippi River and likely to be either the embarkation or disembarkation point for your Upper Mississippi River cruise. To the North, the Missouri River merges with North America’s most fabled waterway way to create one of the longest river systems in the world.

So whether you arrive early to enjoy more of the sights or simply make the most of the time before your flight home, here are three great things to do in St. Louis.

Ascend The Arch

As you arrive in the city from the river or other means, one of the first things you are likely to see is the Gateway Arch. This steel structure is a symbol of St. Louis and represents the fact that many of America’s greatest explorers, including Lewis and Clark, started their westerly expeditions from this point.

The arch itself was completed in 1965 and is the tallest man-made monument in the USA. A uniquely designed tram will take you up 63 storeys and 630 feet to admire fantastic views. On a clear day, you can see up to 30 miles in all directions. Once you return back to earth, take a look at the nearby museum to learn more about the pioneers who led the western expansion.

Explore Forest Park

This fantastic, green space is actually bigger than Central Park. And not just a little bit either – a massive 450 acres larger than New York’s famous spot. There is so much to see and do here too, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, live performances at the Municipal Theatre (Muny) and the free-to-enter Saint Louis Zoo.

If, however, you don’t have the time to visit any of these, it’s just as fun to explore the various areas of the park on foot. There are plenty of interesting memorials, monuments and fountains to discover and a plethora of picturesque picnic points that celebrate this romantic setting.

Become A Big Kid At The City Museum

Chris857 [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons 

Not quite a museum in a true sense of the word, but this attraction will definitely take you on a journey of discovery. This is the perfect chance to turn back the clock and behave like a child again as you run amok in this gigantic playground. The City Museum brings together a collection of reclaimed things from St. Louis. Arranged in a number of themed areas, these include caves, castles, planes and tunnels – creating an adult-sized funhouse for all ages to enjoy.

If you are looking for a more conventional museum, the Missouri History Museum (at the edge of Forest Park) can take you through St. Louis’s past. The exhibitions include a focus on baseball, paddle steamers, the World Fair and more.

Bonus: Seek Thrills At Six Flags

Jeremy Thompson from Los Angeles, California [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

If you are planning to arrive in St. Louis early to enjoy a pre-cruise extension, thrills and spills are waiting for you at Six Flags. The extra time you have will mean it’s easy to travel just outside the city to enjoy everything this mammoth theme park has to offer. Don’t miss the iconic Screamin’ Eagle, BATMAN: The Ride and the fast-paced Fireball. There’s also a host of great water rides on which to make a splash.

If you would like to learn more about our Upper Mississippi River cruises, during which you can visit St. Louis, you can contact the team on 0800 954 0064. Plus, to keep up with the latest news and deals, make sure you sign up to our mailing list here.