Grandin MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grandin, Missouri.
1. Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area
OUTDOOR PARADISE
Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area is a serene natural setting in Grandin that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking around the beautiful lake. The recreation area is known for its peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
2. Falling Spring Mill
HISTORIC WATER MILL
Falling Spring Mill is a historic water mill that showcases the region's rich industrial heritage. The mill features impressive water-powered mechanisms that tell the story of early manufacturing in the Ozarks. Visitors can explore the picturesque surroundings while learning about traditional milling processes.
3. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
RIVER ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park encompasses the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, offering crystal-clear waters perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park features numerous springs, caves, and historic sites scattered throughout its beautiful landscape. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing in this natural treasure near Grandin.
4. Current River
SCENIC FLOATING EXPERIENCE
Current River is a crystal-clear waterway that offers some of the best floating and paddling experiences in Missouri. The river's cool, spring-fed waters make it ideal for summer recreation, including canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Visitors enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding Ozark hills and abundant wildlife along the riverbanks.
5. Meramec Caverns
UNDERGROUND WONDER
Meramec Caverns is an extensive cave system featuring spectacular formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and rare cave pearls. The caverns are famous for being a hideout of Jesse James and offer guided tours through illuminated chambers. Visitors can explore the underground river, marvel at the 7-story mansion formation, and learn about the cave's fascinating natural history.
6. The Gateway Arch
ICONIC MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot tall stainless steel monument that serves as the iconic symbol of St. Louis and commemorates the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can ride a tram to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. The arch is part of the Gateway Arch National Park, which includes the Museum at the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse.
7. Titanic Museum
MARITIME HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Titanic Museum is a two-story museum shaped like the RMS Titanic that houses over 400 artifacts from the famous ship. Visitors receive boarding passes of actual Titanic passengers and crew members, creating an immersive experience of what life was like aboard the ship. The museum features detailed recreations of cabins, the Grand Staircase, and interactive exhibits that bring the Titanic's tragic story to life.
8. Grant's Farm
HISTORIC ANIMAL PARK
Grant's Farm is a 281-acre historic farm and animal preserve that was once owned by Ulysses S. Grant and later became the home of the Busch family. Visitors can see hundreds of animals including bison, zebras, and the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. The attraction offers tram rides through the Deer Park, animal feeding experiences, and tours of the historic Busch family mansion.
9. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
MOSAIC MASTERPIECE
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is a magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral known for housing one of the largest mosaic collections in the world. The interior features 83,000 square feet of intricate mosaics created by 20 artists over 75 years. Visitors are awed by the Byzantine and Romanesque architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and the ornate marble altars within this stunning religious landmark.
10. Missouri Botanical Garden
BOTANICAL PARADISE
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a 79-acre horticultural oasis featuring diverse gardens, including a 14-acre Japanese garden and a tropical rainforest inside the Climatron geodesic dome. Visitors can explore historic structures, including Tower Grove House, the original 1850 home of garden founder Henry Shaw. The garden hosts seasonal festivals, educational programs, and showcases over 4,800 plant species throughout its beautifully maintained grounds.
11. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an extensive collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. Visitors can explore galleries featuring European paintings, Asian art, photography, and the iconic Shuttlecock sculptures on the lawn. The museum offers free admission, making world-class art accessible to all in its stunning neoclassical building and modern Bloch Building addition.
12. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic mile-long bridge spanning the Mississippi River, famous for its unique 22-degree bend in the middle. Originally part of Route 66, the bridge has been converted into a pedestrian and cycling path offering spectacular views of the river and St. Louis skyline. Visitors can observe the water intake towers in the river and learn about the bridge's significance to Route 66 history.
13. City Museum
URBAN PLAYGROUND ADVENTURE
City Museum is a one-of-a-kind playhouse museum built from repurposed architectural and industrial objects, creating a surreal urban playground for all ages. Visitors can explore cave systems, climb through suspended aircraft fuselages, and navigate multi-story slides throughout the former shoe factory. The museum features an eclectic mix of attractions including a rooftop Ferris wheel, an aquarium, and countless hidden passages to discover.
14. Elephant Rocks State Park
GIANT BOULDER PLAYGROUND
Elephant Rocks State Park features massive granite boulders standing end-to-end like a train of circus elephants, some weighing over 600 tons. Visitors can climb on the enormous rocks, explore the ruins of an old railroad engine house, and hike the one-mile Braille Trail. The park offers picnic areas and interpretive signage explaining the geological processes that created these remarkable rock formations over 1.5 billion years ago.
15. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
NATURAL WATER PLAYGROUND
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park features a unique geological formation where the Black River cascades through ancient volcanic rock, creating natural water slides, chutes, and pools. Visitors can swim and play in the shut-ins during summer months or explore over 40 miles of hiking trails through the surrounding Ozark wilderness. The park offers camping facilities, a visitor center with exhibits about the area's natural history, and stunning scenery in all seasons.