Welcome to the St Louis Tour
Explore the Gateway to the West with this self-guided driving and walking tour of St. Louis! First, you’ll stroll through Gateway Arch National Park, take in amazing views of the arch and the Mississippi River, and learn all about the rich history of this monument and the lush park surrounding it. Then you’ll take a drive through downtown St. Louis to Forest Park, a sprawling green space featuring museums, a zoo, and more land than New York’s Central Park!
About the Tour
Your journey begins in Kleiner Plaza Park, just a few blocks from the Gateway Arch. From there, you’ll walk toward Gateway Arch National Park. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic landmarks like the Old Courthouse, where important cases like Dred Scott have been argued.
Upon arriving in the park, you’ll first head to a viewing platform to take in the whole sweeping structure while learning about its origins and how engineers built it. Then, you’ll stroll through this riverside park, past shimmering reflection pools and beneath shady tree canopies, all while hearing more about the city’s history.
Next, learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition as you visit “The Captains Return” sculpture by the river, commemorating their return to St. Louis after their historic journey. Then you’ll walk to the base of the arch itself. If you have tickets for the tram to the top, this is a great time to make the ascent.
A short walk away is the Basilica of Saint Louis, the oldest cathedral west of the Mississippi, filled with historical significance and beautiful architecture. You’ll then head back to Kleiner Plaza Park and begin the driving portion of the tour.
As you cruise through downtown, you’ll pass grand structures like the St. Louis Public Library and a now-defunct Freemason lodge.
Then you’ll arrive at Forest Park, the heart of this beautiful city. Here, you’ll find an open-air theater, a free-of-charge zoo, and plenty of museums and remnants of the 1904 World’s Fair. Your tour concludes here in Forest Park.
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Where To Start?
We Recommend Starting From: 698 Chestnut St
How Does It Work?
- Once you book a tour, you’ll get a text/email with instructions.
- Download the app (while in good wifi/signal) and use your unique password to access your tours. If there are multiple versions or entrances for your tour, be sure to download all audio guides.
- To begin touring, go to the starting point and launch the app.
- The audio starts automatically once you reach the starting point. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
- Please note that no one will meet you at the starting point.