Kinloch MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kinloch, Missouri.
1. Historic Kinloch Airfield Site
PRESIDENTIAL AVIATION HISTORY
The Kinloch Airfield is a historic site where President Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S. president to fly in an airplane in 1910. The airfield witnessed numerous aviation milestones including the first control tower, first airmail shipped, and first aerial photo. It later evolved into what is now Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, playing a pivotal role in aviation history.
2. James S. McDonnell Prologue Room
AEROSPACE HISTORY MUSEUM
The James S. McDonnell Prologue Room is a highly-rated history and science museum near Kinloch. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting aerospace innovation and the history of aviation in the region. The museum offers an educational experience that connects to the area's rich aviation heritage.
3. The Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as the tallest arch monument in the world at 630 feet tall in downtown St. Louis. It symbolizes the gateway to the American West and commemorates Thomas Jefferson's role in expanding the United States. This iconic stainless steel structure offers visitors breathtaking views and serves as Missouri's most recognizable landmark.
4. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
MAGNIFICENT MOSAIC WONDER
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is one of Missouri's most impressive architectural treasures. The interior features one of the largest mosaic collections in the world, with over 41 million pieces of glass tesserae covering 83,000 square feet. Visitors marvel at the ornate Byzantine and Romanesque styles that create an awe-inspiring religious and artistic experience.
5. Titanic Museum
HISTORICAL MARITIME EXPERIENCE
The Titanic Museum in Branson is an interactive museum housed in a half-scale replica of the famous ocean liner. Visitors receive boarding passes of actual Titanic passengers and crew as they explore over 400 authentic artifacts and full-scale recreations of the ship's features. The museum provides an immersive historical experience that honors the memory of those aboard the ill-fated vessel.
6. Grant's Farm
HISTORIC PRESIDENTIAL ESTATE
Grant's Farm is a 281-acre historic farm that once belonged to President Ulysses S. Grant. Today, the property is home to more than 900 animals representing over 100 different species, including the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Visitors can enjoy tram rides, animal feedings, and tours of the historic Busch family estate.
7. Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site
LITERARY LEGEND'S ORIGIN
The Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site preserves the two-room cabin where Samuel Clemens was born in 1835. The museum houses first editions of Mark Twain's works, a handwritten manuscript of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," and personal items belonging to the celebrated author. Visitors can explore exhibits that chronicle the early life and lasting legacy of America's most beloved humorist.
8. Fort Osage National Historic Landmark
FRONTIER MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Osage National Historic Landmark is a reconstructed early 19th-century military fort established by William Clark in 1808. The fort served as a military garrison and trading post, representing American presence in the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Visitors can explore the reconstructed buildings, enjoy scenic overlooks of the Missouri River, and walk nature trails through the beautiful surrounding landscape.
9. Kinloch Historical Society
BLACK HISTORY PRESERVATION
The Kinloch Historical Society preserves the rich history of Missouri's first incorporated Black community. Visitors can learn about the city's vibrant past, from its establishment to its peak as a flourishing African-American community in the early 20th century. The society maintains historical records, photographs, and artifacts that document Kinloch's significant cultural heritage.
10. Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Observation Area
AVIATION VIEWING EXPERIENCE
The Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Observation Area offers visitors a chance to watch aircraft takeoffs and landings at the historic airport that evolved from Kinloch Airfield. The observation point provides information about the airport's significant aviation history, including its development from the early days of flight. Visitors can connect with the legacy of the original Kinloch Airfield where President Theodore Roosevelt made his historic flight.
11. Missouri History Museum
STATE'S CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Missouri History Museum houses extensive collections documenting the state's diverse history, including exhibits on the 1904 World's Fair. The museum features special displays highlighting the contributions of African-American communities like Kinloch to the development of Missouri. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that bring the region's rich past to life.
12. General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home
MILITARY LEADER'S ORIGINS
The General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home preserves the humble beginnings of America's World War I military commander. The site features beautifully landscaped grounds with a memorial garden and walking trails that showcase the rural Missouri landscape that shaped Pershing's early years. Visitors can tour the historic home and learn about the influential military leader's formative experiences in Missouri.
13. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS RECREATION
Forest Park is a magnificent 1,326-acre public park that hosted the 1904 World's Fair. The park is home to many of St. Louis' major cultural institutions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History Museum. Visitors can enjoy beautiful landscapes, recreational activities, and cultural attractions in one of America's greatest urban parks.
14. UNIA Chapter 198 Historic Site
BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP LEGACY
The UNIA Chapter 198 Historic Site marks the location where the Universal Negro Improvement Association fostered black-owned businesses in Kinloch. Led by chairman Elijah Woodson, this organization played a crucial role in developing economic independence within Missouri's oldest African-American incorporated community. The site represents Kinloch's significant contribution to African-American business development and community empowerment.
15. City Museum
WHIMSICAL URBAN PLAYGROUND
City Museum is a unique attraction housed in a repurposed 10-story shoe factory that features repurposed architectural and industrial objects. The playful museum includes caves, slides, and climbing structures that create an immersive artistic playground for visitors of all ages. Its eclectic design showcases the creative reuse of materials, making it one of Missouri's most distinctive and interactive attractions.