Dupo IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dupo, Illinois.
1. The Shoppes at 510
UNIQUE ANTIQUES AND GOODS
The Shoppes at 510 is a charming retail destination in Dupo offering a diverse collection of antiques and modern items. Visitors can browse through an impressive selection of furniture, tables, soaps, and glassware in this welcoming shopping venue. This great place delights shoppers with its cool and eclectic mix of merchandise.
2. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as the tallest structure in St. Louis and the tallest national monument in the United States, reaching an impressive height of 192 meters. This architectural marvel spans 192 meters across and serves as the defining symbol of St. Louis's skyline. Located just across the Mississippi River from Dupo, the Gateway Arch offers visitors spectacular views and a glimpse into America's westward expansion.
3. Old Courthouse St. Louis
HISTORIC GREEK REVIVAL BUILDING
The Old Courthouse is a magnificent Greek Revival style building constructed between 1816 and 1864, originally serving as both a federal and regional court. This historic landmark features representative architecture that stands as a testament to America's legal history. Located near the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, it connects seamlessly to Luther Ely Smith Square and is easily accessible from Dupo.
4. Eads Bridge
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER CROSSING
Eads Bridge is a remarkable combined railway and road bridge that connects St. Louis in Missouri with East St. Louis in Illinois across the Mississippi River. This historic structure serves as a vital transportation link between the two states and offers impressive views of the river. Visitors from Dupo can easily access this engineering marvel that stands as one of the area's most significant historical landmarks.
5. Luther Ely Smith Square
GATEWAY ARCH GREEN SPACE
Luther Ely Smith Square is a beautifully landscaped green space that serves as the gateway to the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis. This urban park creates a seamless connection between downtown St. Louis and the Old Courthouse, enhancing the visitor experience. The square provides a peaceful respite and picture-perfect views for visitors traveling from nearby Dupo.
6. River City Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
River City Casino offers visitors an exciting gaming experience with various casino games and entertainment options just a short drive from Dupo. The venue features not only gambling opportunities but also dining and live entertainment for a complete night out. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and amenities that have earned this casino a solid reputation in the greater St. Louis area.
7. Bellerive Park
SCENIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER VIEWS
Bellerive Park provides stunning panoramic views of the Mississippi River from its elevated position on the Missouri side. This peaceful green space offers walking paths, picnic areas, and benches where visitors can relax while watching river traffic and the Illinois shoreline where Dupo is located. The park's scenic beauty makes it a perfect spot for photography, quiet contemplation, or enjoying sunset views across the river.
8. Mississippi River Greenway - Jefferson Barracks Trail
RIVERSIDE HIKING EXPERIENCE
The Mississippi River Greenway - Jefferson Barracks Trail offers visitors an excellent hiking and cycling path with spectacular views of the Mississippi River. This well-maintained trail provides outdoor enthusiasts with a perfect opportunity to enjoy nature while taking in vistas that include views toward Dupo on the Illinois side. Hikers and cyclists appreciate the trail's scenic beauty and the chance to observe river wildlife in their natural habitat.
9. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN CITY
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves the remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico, located just northeast of Dupo. The site features Monks Mound, the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas, along with multiple other mounds and a reconstructed wooden sun calendar called Woodhenge. Visitors can explore the interpretive center to learn about the ancient Mississippian culture that created this vast urban center around 1000 CE.
10. World Wide Technology Raceway
PREMIER MOTORSPORTS VENUE
World Wide Technology Raceway offers motorsports enthusiasts a thrilling venue featuring an oval track, road course, and drag strip just a short drive from Dupo. The facility hosts major racing events including NASCAR and NHRA competitions throughout the year. Visitors can experience the excitement of live racing action and even participate in track days and racing experiences at this versatile motorsports complex.
11. Busch Stadium
HOME OF ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Busch Stadium stands as the beloved home of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, hosting MLB games in a scenic downtown setting visible from parts of Dupo across the river. The stadium offers not only exciting baseball action but also guided tours that reveal behind-the-scenes areas and the Cardinals' rich history. Visitors from Dupo can easily access this iconic sports venue via the bridges crossing the Mississippi River.
12. St. Louis Zoo
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL CONSERVATION
The St. Louis Zoo is a premier wildlife conservation center featuring over 12,000 animals representing 500 species, located in Forest Park just a short drive from Dupo. This world-renowned zoo offers immersive exhibits including Big Cat Country, River's Edge, and the Penguin & Puffin Coast, all with free general admission. Visitors can enjoy a full day exploring the beautifully landscaped grounds while learning about global conservation efforts and viewing exotic animals from around the world.
13. City Museum
PLAYFUL URBAN WONDERLAND
City Museum presents an eccentric, ever-evolving urban playground crafted from repurposed architectural and industrial objects, creating a whimsical adventure for visitors of all ages just across the river from Dupo. The museum features caves, slides, climbing structures, and suspended airplanes in a 10-story former shoe factory transformed into an artistic wonderland. Both children and adults can crawl, climb, and explore this unique attraction that blends playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel.
14. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS AND ATTRACTIONS
Forest Park spans 1,300 acres of beautiful landscapes, offering Dupo residents and visitors a magnificent urban park that hosted the 1904 World's Fair. The park contains several major cultural institutions including the St. Louis Art Museum, St. Louis Science Center, and the Missouri History Museum, all with free admission. Visitors can also enjoy boating on the park's lakes, playing golf, exploring nature trails, or attending performances at the Muny outdoor theater during summer months.
15. St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
INTERACTIVE UNDERWATER ADVENTURES
The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station showcases 13,000 aquatic animals in a historic train station setting that's easily accessible from Dupo. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to touch stingrays, witness playful otters, and explore environments ranging from local rivers to global oceans. The surrounding Union Station complex complements the aquarium experience with restaurants, a Ferris wheel, and other family attractions making it a perfect day trip destination.