A Hidden Jewel in St. Louis - Don't Miss the Magic Chef Mansion!…read more What a historic gem! The Magic Chef Mansion is one of St. Louis' most stunning and best-kept secrets. If you haven't taken a tour, you are truly missing out. This architectural treasure offers a glimpse into another era--where craftsmanship, elegance, and timeless beauty meet. What makes it even more special is the incredible care and devotion of Shelly, the current owner and resident. It's amazing how she has lovingly restored the entire interior, tracking down original furniture, lighting fixtures, and period-appropriate details to bring this mansion back to its former glory. What an act of love--and one that every visitor can feel the moment they walk through the doors. Every room is a story, and the guided tour is filled with fascinating history, local lore, and exquisite details. Whether you're a St. Louis native or a visitor, this is an experience that belongs at the top of your list. The Magic Chef Mansion isn't just a tour--it's a living, breathing piece of art and history. Don't miss the chance to be a part of it.

This is a wonder!!!! Beautifully maintained and decorated mansion. Owner guided tour for our…read moregroup. Charge for tours but well worth seeing this amazing turn of the 20th century mansion.

It's worth noting that there are two Basilicas in downtown Saint Louis and this is the one that is…read moreadjacent to the Gateway Arch Park at the riverside. Officially named the "Basilica of St. Louis, King of France", this was the first cathedral west of the Mississippi River, built between 1831 and 1834. It is one of the only buildings that was not demolished to make way for the Arch and the park. That proximity makes it quite a popular tourist destination. Built in Greek Revival style, the church is noted for its marble altars, a painting of Saint Louis venerating the Crown of Thorns given by Louis XVIII, King of France and Navarre, and an accurate copy of the painting of the Crucifixion by Diego Velázquez installed in the church in the latter half of the twentieth century. Note: The parking lot here is specifically for cathedral visitors and can not be used for parking to see other stuff in downtown. [Review 17230 overall - 138 in Missouri - 747 of 2022.]

I was here for a wedding. The cathedral is beautiful, old world elegance. Large windows letting a…read moretremendous amount of light in. The service was excellent and the priest was kind, gentle and funny with the bride and groom. It was a delightful wedding.

I had forgotten how interesting the free museum was and since I have been there it's been remodeled…read moreand it's great!! The arch is cool and the history of the arch and Saint Louis is very well done in the museum.

My wife and I spent a great hour exploring the underground Museum at the Gateway Arch. The exhibits…read morewere very informative, covering the rich history of the area and the impressive construction of the Arch. We loved the well-done displays and artifacts. Unfortunately the tram rides to the top were sold out, but we'll catch them next time. Highly recommend for a quick, educational stop! -- update -- My wife and I were in St. Louis and decided we had to do the Gateway Arch at least once. We tried getting tickets the day before and it was completely sold out, but we got lucky and snagged spots for the next morning. Totally worth the wait! The view from the top is absolutely stunning. You can see for miles across the Mississippi River and the city skyline -- it's one of those "wow" moments that makes the whole trip worthwhile. The architecture and engineering behind it are impressive too. That said, be ready for a cozy ride. The tram pods only fit about 5 people and it's very tight in there. You'll get to know your neighbors pretty well for those few minutes! If you're even a little claustrophobic or afraid of heights, this might not be for you. But if you're okay with both, it's a must-do experience. Highly recommend doing it at least once. We loved it and left with some great photos and memories. Just book your tickets in advance!

This is such a cultural treasure that is kind of off the beaten path further downtown that I don't…read morehear enough people talk about. It chronicles the African-American history of St. Louis, and you'd be surprised which African-Americans who are very famous and well-know have ties to this city. The wax sculptures are awesome and really bring life to the exhibits, and most were created by the museums founder, Ms. Lois Conley. I love how they also pay homage to little known St. Louis from the Black community who made indelible marks civically and cultural on the local and state level because you never hear about those heroes and sheroes on the global stage. This is a must see when visiting STL. Admission is $7.50 and there's ample street parking.

I have visited the Griot Museum twice. Once when it first opened and again in 2021. Each time…read morevisited, I was impressed with the wax figures, the shared information and the progress of the museum over the years. Currently, looking forward to revisiting to indulge in the artwork that will be placed outside, around the building. This is a treasure to have in St. Louis City and a place where the young and old can walk away with an impact and important lesson on black history.

This 10 story, 135 ft terra cotta office buildings from 1890 is in downtown St. Louis. It is…read moreconsidered to be one of the first aesthetically fully expressed early skyscrapers. It's a locked & empty city office building now.

This was a fun stop along our rainy morning stroll through downtown St.louis. I noticed the handful…read moreof reviews and that it was only a couple of blocks from where we were staying. This is also BBC an easy walk from both the Arch abc City Park. Speaking of which, goodness, I love City Park... Back to the Wainwright...you'll see a marker on the corner of the building noting that this building is on the national landmark registry and cited as being the grandfather of the modern day skyscraper. The building was built in the late 1800s and features a striking red facade and ornate archways over each of the door entrances. Somewhat related...two blocks away from here you can find delicious fluffy doughnuts from Pharaoh's Doughnuts. Enjoy your walking your if downtown St.Louis!

In 2012, the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, the National Parks Service & Harry Weber the sculptor…read morewere incredibly proud to unveil a statue of Dred & Harriet Scott on the south lawn of the Old Courthouse. The Scotts are depicted standing close, holding their heads high, their eyes directed not only Archward & across the Mississippi River, but toward a horizon of freedom in which they believed enough to one day finally see. Dred & Harriet Scott were American-born slaves of African descent, filed suit against Irene Emerson for their freedom. After several appeals & new lawsuits, the Dred Scott case reached the Supreme Court. The final verdict stated that Scott was still a slave, still the property of his masters & that he was neither a free man nor a US citizen. The decision outraged many & was integral in leading the United States to the brink of civil war.

One of the more famous landmark Supreme Court rulings is known as the Dred Scott Decision. In 1857,…read moreit was decided that neither Dred Scott nor any other person of African ancestry could claim citizenship in the United States, and therefore Scott could not bring suit in federal court under diversity of citizenship rules. Moreover, Scott's temporary residence outside Missouri did not bring about his emancipation under the Missouri Compromise, as the court ruled this to have been unconstitutional, as it would "improperly deprive Scott's owner of his legal property." Yeah, that happened and it was one of the contributing factors that led to the United States Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, and the post-Civil War Reconstruction Amendments - the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendments - nullified the decision. This statue was installed in front of the Old Courthouse and dedicated on June 8, 2012. The location of the Old Courthouse serves as a reminder of the place where Dred and Harriet Scott began their legal fight for freedom. The plaque at the base reads, "Dred and Harriet Scott filed suit for their freedom at this courthouse in 1846. Their case reached the United States Supreme Court and was decided in 1857. The court ruled that the Scotts and all African Americans were not citizens of the United States. Opposition to the decision was one of the causes of the Civil War and led to the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution. The Scotts' struggle for freedom stands as a defining moment in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. Dedicated June 8, 2012. Gift of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation. Harry Weber, sculptor. [Review 17226 overall - 134 in Missouri - 743 of 2022.]

Attended the Mayor's Ball at City Hall and it really is the best venue for it! What better place to…read morehave the Mayor's Ball than the home of the Mayor! Just a great party in an Historical location!

City hall was designed & built from 1891 until 1898 by architects Eckel & Mann. Construction began…read morein 1891 and completed in 1898. Its stylistic characteristics evoke the French Renaissance Hôtel de Ville, Paris, with an elaborate interior decorated with marble and gold trim. The building features a striking foundation of Missouri pink granite on the lower levels, complemented by upper levels of sandstone & brick, all capped with a roof of burgundy-red clay tiles. City Hall's rotunda, which is 4 stories high, showcases floors of white Italian marble and walls clad in a mix of white marble, light &dark Tennessee marble, and black Glen Falls marble.

This is a hidden gem when it comes to historic houses. This house has been incredibly restored with…read morecare and attention to detail giving visitors a true step back in time to see what 19th-century Victorian life was like for a affluent family in St. Louis. The house itself is that last remaining piece of the original neighborhood which originally stood outside of city limits. The docent was knowledgeable, welcoming, and gave what felt like an insider's look into the Campbell family highlighting original family belongings. My favorite pieces include a gas lamp that illuminates beautifully (seriously stunning) and massive portait of James A. Campbell with his dogs. Oh -- and the ornate toilet. I recommend a visit at Christmas time. The house is beautifully decorated for the holidays and you might just get to see and HEAR a special Christmas tree stand/music box!

We took advantage of the free tours being offered at the Campbell house museum this weekend and it…read morewas a great time. The fact that so much of the original furniture, art, and accessories remain in top condition if wild after all these years. Our tour guide was fantastic and we really enjoyed ourselves. A must-do if you are at all interested in STL history

Located on the East Saint Louis side of the river next to the Eads Bridge and underneath the East…read moreRiverfront Metro Station, this small spot has a stone garden and some signs pointing out the camp site of the famous explorers. The first marker reads, "Lewis and Clark in Illinois. On December 10, 1803 Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and their party camped at this place opposite Saint Louis. The next morning, Clark left Lewis in Saint Louis before beading upstream towards a winter campsite. They would spend five months in Illinois before heading west on their famous expedition. Erected 2003 by the State of Illinois and the Illinois Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission." The second marker reads, "Lewis & Clark Expedition, 1803-1806". York, as Clark's Body Slave, was an active voting emmber of the expedition. Described as big, very dark, strong, agile, athletic and playful, York was known as "Big Medison" to Native Americans. From near this site he often paddled Lewis and Clark by canoe to Saint Louis for meetings and supplies. York was a hunter, nurse, poled the keelboat, made fires and put his life at risk for the safety of Clark. He may have been freed by Clark between 1811 & 1815." [Review 17221 overall - 117 in Illinois - 738 of 2022.]

The American Legion Monument in downtown St. Louis is a proud little tribute to a big idea. It…read moremarks the founding of the American Legion right here in 1919, when over a thousand World War I veterans gathered at the old Schubert Theater to shape what would become one of the country's most enduring service organizations. Just a few blocks from that historic meeting spot, the monument now stands watch across from the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. It's got some flair, too. A tall granite base holds up a copper torch with an eternal flame, meant to symbolize lasting service and remembrance. Each of the flame's 48 ribs is engraved with the name of a U.S. state as of 1942, the year the monument was dedicated by the Monument Builders of America. Sculptor Sascha Schnittmann added a kneeling soldier on one side and the Legion's emblem on the other, giving the whole thing a sense of quiet dignity. In 1969, a commemorative block was added to celebrate the Legion's 50th anniversary. It includes the phrase "Liberty is not License." There's also the original plaque from the Schubert Theater, now mounted on the east face, tying the monument back to its roots. And here's a fun detail that might explain why the monument still looks so sharp: it's surrounded by a low black gate. Not tall enough to feel imposing, but just enough to say "please admire from a respectful distance." In a city where public art sometimes gets a little too interactive, this modest fence might be the unsung hero keeping the monument clean and unscathed. [Review 1180 of 2025 - 446 in Missouri - 24733 overall]