Bel-Nor MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bel-Nor, Missouri.
1. Forest Park
VAST URBAN GREEN SPACE
Forest Park is a sprawling urban park spanning 1,371 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It features beautiful landscapes with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, and lakes throughout its expansive grounds. The park offers numerous recreational activities and is considered one of the premier urban public parks in the US.
2. Saint Louis Zoo
FREE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
The Saint Louis Zoo is a free-to-enter attraction offering visitors a chance to see animals from all over the world. From big cats and elephants to various other species, the zoo provides an educational and entertaining experience for nature lovers. The zoo is located within Forest Park and is consistently rated among the top zoos in the nation.
3. Friedrich Ludwig Jahn Memorial
GERMAN GYMNASTICS MONUMENT
The Friedrich Ludwig Jahn Memorial honors the German-Prussian gymnastics educator who founded the Turnverein, an international gymnastic and social society, in 1811. The monument was installed by the St. Louis German community as a tribute to Jahn's contributions to physical education. This historical monument represents the cultural influence of German immigrants in the St. Louis area.
4. The Gateway Arch
ICONIC ST. LOUIS MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot stainless steel monument that serves as the iconic symbol of St. Louis. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, the arch commemorates the westward expansion of the United States and is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River.
5. Gateway Arch National Park
HISTORIC RIVERFRONT PARK
Gateway Arch National Park encompasses 91 acres along the Mississippi River in St. Louis, featuring the iconic Gateway Arch as its centerpiece. The park includes the Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott case was heard and beautifully landscaped grounds connecting these historic sites. Established as a National Park in 2018 (formerly Jefferson National Expansion Memorial), it preserves and commemorates America's westward expansion.
6. The Exorcist House
FAMOUS HORROR LANDMARK
The Exorcist House in Bel-Nor is the site of the most famous exorcism in history, which occurred in 1949 when Jesuits from St. Louis University performed the rites on a 13-year-old boy. This house is the only remaining structure from the events that inspired the book and film 'The Exorcist'. The home has become a point of interest for those fascinated by the paranormal and the story behind the famous horror classic.
7. Missouri Botanical Garden
HISTORIC BOTANICAL INSTITUTION
Founded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States. Spanning 79 acres, the garden features a Japanese garden, a tropical rainforest within the Climatron geodesic dome, and numerous themed gardens. The garden also serves as a center for botanical research and education, housing one of the world's largest plant science libraries.
8. Jefferson Lake
SCENIC WATER RECREATION
Jefferson Lake is a picturesque body of water offering a tranquil retreat within the St. Louis area. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, paddling, and relaxing by the shoreline amid natural surroundings. Its accessible location makes it a popular spot for local residents seeking a quick escape into nature without leaving the metropolitan area.
9. Delmar Loop
VIBRANT ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
The Delmar Loop is a six-block entertainment and shopping district near Bel-Nor known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, and live music venues. Named after the streetcar turnaround that once operated there, the area is now home to the St. Louis Walk of Fame honoring famous St. Louisans. The Loop has been designated as one of the '10 Great Streets in America' by the American Planning Association.
10. Normandie Golf Club
HISTORIC GOLF COURSE
Normandie Golf Club is a historic golf course located in the heart of Bel-Nor, established in 1901 as one of the oldest public golf courses west of the Mississippi. The 18-hole course features mature trees, rolling terrain, and challenging play for golfers of all skill levels. The club's tree-lined fairways contribute to the neighborhood's scenic charm, as noted by local real estate professionals who describe Bel-Nor as a 'classically pretty neighborhood.'
11. University of Missouri-St. Louis
PREMIER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) is a public research university adjacent to Bel-Nor that serves as an educational and cultural hub for the region. Founded in 1963, the university offers over 100 degree programs and is known for its business, criminology, and education departments. UMSL's campus features modern facilities, art galleries, and performance venues that are open to the public.
12. Saint Louis Art Museum
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Saint Louis Art Museum, located in Forest Park, houses one of the most comprehensive art collections in the Midwest. The museum's collection includes more than 34,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history and cultures from around the world. Originally built for the 1904 World's Fair, the museum's grand Beaux-Arts building is complemented by a modern expansion designed by renowned architect David Chipperfield.
13. St. Louis Science Center
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE EXPERIENCE
The St. Louis Science Center is one of the largest science centers in the United States and offers free admission to its main exhibits. The center features over 700 interactive exhibits, an OMNIMAX theater, and a planetarium that provides immersive educational experiences. Visitors can explore topics ranging from space exploration and dinosaurs to human body systems and emerging technologies.
14. Citygarden
URBAN SCULPTURE PARK
Citygarden is a vibrant urban sculpture park spanning two city blocks in downtown St. Louis, featuring works by renowned international artists. The garden combines art with landscape design, incorporating native plants, fountains, and water features that visitors are encouraged to interact with. Open 365 days a year with free admission, this contemporary public space has transformed the downtown area while providing an accessible cultural experience.
15. City Museum
PLAYFUL INDUSTRIAL WONDERLAND
City Museum is a unique attraction housed in a repurposed 10-story shoe factory that features an eclectic mix of architectural relics, industrial objects, and artistic creations. The museum includes caves, slides, tunnels, a rooftop Ferris wheel, and a school bus extending from the roof, all designed to be climbed on and explored. Created by artist Bob Cassilly, this unconventional museum defies traditional categorization and offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for visitors of all ages.