Salem Area / rural missouri

Located about 1 hour west of St. Louis, meramec caverns provides guided tours through the natural wonder of a large 26 mile long cave. It was used as a saltpeter plant in the Civil War era by the Union Army but later destroyed by Confederate soldiers. Also home to Jesse James as a hideout.  Meramec caverns has a motel, campgrounds, gift shop, restaurant, boat rides, and canoe rentals. Open daily, and has extended hours in the summer.

Two of America’s clearest and most beautiful spring-fed rivers make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the first national park area to protect a wild river system. The Current and Jacks Fork Rivers wind through a landscape of rugged hills and towering bluffs.

Enjoy caves, springs, & mills.

Visit Devils Well, Round Spring, Alley Spring, Powder Mill, Rocky Falls

Travel Websites

• Explore St. Louis
• St. Louis Arts & Entertainment

• Missouri Tourism
• N.Y. Times Missouri Travel Guide

Saint Louis & surrounding area

Nation's tallest manmade monument at 630'. Take a tram ride to the top, see a documentary film, visit the museum or go shopping along the river front.

Explore the unexpected at this exciting museum for children and adults. Art, science, history and fun weave together in this one-of-a-kind downtown attraction.
 

Century-old brewing tradition. Free Budweiser Brewery tour. Visit the historic Brew House, Budweiser Clydesdales and the gift shop.

At one time it was the world's largest train station. Built in 1894, it now houses over 80 shops and restaurants.

Home to the Art Museum, History Museum, Science Center, and Zoo!

Forest Park is a large urban parks at over 1,200 acres It was home to the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition (aka "World's Fair") with more than 19 million visitors from around the world. In addition to the above attractions it has a 7.5-mile biking, jogging and skating path, ice skating rink and lakes.

The Missouri Botanical Garden features many types of formal gardens including a Climatron conservatory tropical rain forest, authentic Japanese garden, and much more. Come for a narrated tram tour, the garden cafe, gate shop, and there is free parking.

A historic farm that was once owned by Ulysses S. Grant and now by the Busch family. The Farm is free and open to the general public and is a great tourist attraction. The farm is home to many animals including buffalo, elephants, camels, goats, peacocks, Clydesdales, and many more. Also on the farm is the original home of Ulysses S. Grant

A visit to this frozen custard stand has been a local tradition since 1929. They are known for specialty "concrete" shakes, which are so thick you can turn them upside down. Open daily at 11:00 am (Feb-Dec).

Founded in 1769 on the banks of the Missouri River, Saint Charles is now a hub for historic shops, antiques, novelties, dining and history of the area. Many of the homes and shops are lovingly restored and a trip to St. Charles will transport you back to the days of riverboats, riflemen, and pioneers.