Des Peres Missouri
ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Des Peres, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
TALLEST MONUMENT | ST LOUIS MO
The Gateway Arch is a striking 630-foot catenary curve that symbolizes the 'Gateway to the West.' Visitors can ascend to its observation deck for stunning city and river vistas, explore its museum showcasing westward expansion, and enjoy its surrounding park's tranquil beauty. It remains a testament to innovation and American ambition since its completion in 1965.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
EDUCATIONAL ESCAPE | ST LOUIS MO
With resources like the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening, this garden is an invaluable educational hub for aspiring horticulturists. Guided walking tours reveal seasonal highlights while fostering appreciation for global gardening traditions and sustainable practices.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
ARTISTIC MASTERPIECES | KANSAS CITY MO
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is internationally recognized for its exceptional collection ranging from Ming dynasty porcelains to American Indian dioramas. Its iconic badminton birdie sculptures are a highlight for visitors exploring the grounds. Free admission ensures accessibility to this cultural treasure.
4. Meramec Caverns
CAVE ADVENTURE | STANTON MO
Meramec Caverns invites visitors to explore its majestic limestone formations through guided tours that span seven levels. This historic site boasts connections to Civil War-era saltpeter mining and tales of outlaw escapades. Outdoor activities like kayaking and ziplining enhance the experience for adventure seekers.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
RIVER SPRINGS | VAN BUREN MO
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park is home to iconic springs like Alley Spring and Big Spring, each offering unique beauty and historical significance. Big Spring flows an average of 286 million gallons daily, making it a natural wonder of global importance. Trails around these springs provide easy access for visitors to explore their surroundings.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
ENGINEERING MARVEL | ST LOUIS MO
Built in 1929, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is an architectural gem featuring massive concrete piers and steel trusses. It served as a key crossing on Route 66 before becoming a pedestrian walkway in 1998. The bridge's history and scenic surroundings captivate visitors year-round.
7. Missouri Great River Road
HISTORIC BYWAY | EASTERN MISSOURI
The Missouri Great River Road invites travelers to explore its historic byway filled with cultural landmarks and natural wonders along the Mississippi River. Key destinations include St. Louis's bustling attractions, Ste. Genevieve's French-inspired sites, and Hannibal's artistic corridor. This drive highlights Missouri's vibrant past while offering modern adventures.
8. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
NATURE'S SANCTUARY | MOUND CITY MO
Spanning over 7,400 acres, Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds along the Central Flyway while supporting local biodiversity year-round. Hiking trails like the Interpretive Trail at Loess Bluffs offer moderately challenging climbs with rewarding views of the floodplain below this scenic refuge. Nature photographers are drawn to Loess Bluffs for rare wildlife encounters in pristine surroundings.
9. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
IMMERSIVE HISTORY | INDEPENDENCE MO
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum showcases world-class exhibits detailing Truman's presidency and personal life. Highlights include interactive displays on the Cold War, recognition of Israel, and civil rights milestones. Visitors can explore artifacts, letters, and a replica of Truman's Oval Office in this historic attraction.
10. TITANIC Museum Attraction
LEGENDARY JOURNEY | BRANSON MO
TITANIC Museum Attraction honors the legacy of the world's most famous luxury liner with its immersive self-guided tour experience. Visitors can walk recreated hallways, touch icy water, and learn about survivors' documented thoughts and feelings. With over 400 artifacts on display, this museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
11. Silver Dollar City
FAMILY FUN DESTINATION | BRANSON MO
Silver Dollar City is a family-friendly destination featuring attractions for all ages, from adrenaline-pumping coasters to interactive play zones. Visitors to Silver Dollar City can enjoy daily live shows, artisan demonstrations, and delicious home-style cooking. Seasonal festivals at Silver Dollar City bring unique experiences like clogging jamborees and craft fairs.
12. City Museum
WHIMSICAL ESCAPE | ST LOUIS MO
City Museum is an enchanting space where visitors can lose themselves in a maze of slides, caves, and artistic creations. The rooftop offers breathtaking views along with quirky features like a bus teetering on the edge. City Museum is a celebration of creativity and exploration for all ages.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
RUGGED OZARKS | SOUTHERN MO
Mark Twain National Forest showcases Missouri's natural beauty with its rocky glades, volcanic mountains, and over 5,000 caves. Visitors can enjoy activities like floating on pristine rivers, camping in secluded spots, or exploring historic sites scattered throughout the forest. Its diverse terrain makes Mark Twain National Forest a unique destination for adventure and relaxation.
14. National WWI Museum and Memorial
ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY | KANSAS CITY MO
The National WWI Museum and Memorial combines historical exhibits with architectural beauty at its iconic Liberty Memorial Tower site. Visitors can cross a glass bridge over a symbolic poppy field before diving into galleries filled with war relics and multimedia displays. The tower offers unmatched views of Kansas City's skyline.
15. Fantastic Caverns
ACCESSIBLE ADVENTURE | SPRINGFIELD MO
Fantastic Caverns offers an accessible way to experience the beauty of Missouri's underground with its Jeep-drawn tram tours. The hour-long journey highlights breathtaking formations like stalagmites and soda straws while sharing the cave's rich history. Its year-round availability makes it a must-see destination for all visitors to Springfield.
16. Missouri History Museum
ST LOUIS HERITAGE | ST LOUIS MO
Located in Forest Park, the Missouri History Museum showcases the rich history of St. Louis through interactive exhibits on topics like the 1904 World's Fair and Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. Visitors can explore rotating displays alongside permanent collections that celebrate local culture and innovation. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for history buffs.
17. Meramec State Park
RIVER RETREAT | SULLIVAN MO
Meramec State Park offers diverse ecosystems with over 40 caves and scenic trails along the Meramec River's bluffs and forests. Activities include floating, fishing, hiking to Fisher Cave's calcite formations, or relaxing at modern campgrounds with cabins and motels. The visitor center provides educational exhibits about the park's natural treasures.
18. Cuivre River State Park
NATURAL ESCAPE | TROY MO
Cuivre River State Park offers over 6,400 acres of rugged landscapes, including native grasslands, limestone bluffs, and forested hills. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping, with trails leading to scenic overlooks and wildlife observation areas. The park's rich biodiversity and historical features make it a serene retreat for nature lovers.
19. Springfield Art Museum
LOCAL & GLOBAL ART | SPRINGFIELD MO
The Springfield Art Museum offers free admission to its well-curated collection featuring works from various eras and genres alongside exhibits from regional artists. Visitors can enjoy rotating special exhibits that highlight unique artistic perspectives while navigating its intimate yet thoughtfully designed layout. A cultural gem in Springfield, this museum is perfect for art enthusiasts seeking inspiration without crowds or fees.
20. Missouri Civil War Museum
HISTORIC LEGACY | ST LOUIS MO
Located in Jefferson Barracks, the Missouri Civil War Museum preserves the state's rich Civil War history through artifacts like uniforms, weapons, and medical kits. Interactive exhibits detail Missouri's divided loyalties during the war and its impact on local communities. The museum's setting in a restored historic building adds depth to its immersive storytelling.