Milan MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Milan, Missouri.
1. Thousand Hills State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Thousand Hills State Park offers visitors beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities near Milan. The park features a 573-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming activities. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, camping facilities, and opportunities to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat.
2. West Winery at Jackson Stables
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
West Winery at Jackson Stables provides a charming wine tasting experience in a historic stable setting near Milan. Visitors can sample locally produced wines while enjoying the rustic atmosphere of the converted stables. The winery offers tours and special events throughout the year for wine enthusiasts.
3. Sullivan County Conservation Areas
NATURAL WILDLIFE HABITATS
Sullivan County Conservation Areas provide protected natural spaces for wildlife and outdoor recreation around Milan. These conservation areas offer opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation throughout the seasons. Visitors can access detailed information about these areas through the Conservation Atlas or by contacting local conservation authorities.
4. Milan City Park
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Milan City Park serves as the central recreational area for residents and visitors in Milan. The park includes playground equipment, picnic facilities, and open green spaces for community events. It provides a pleasant setting for family outings and casual outdoor activities in the heart of Milan.
5. SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium
UNDERWATER MARINE ADVENTURE
SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium offers an immersive underwater experience with diverse marine life displays. Visitors can explore various themed zones featuring colorful fish, sharks, rays, and other aquatic creatures. The aquarium provides educational opportunities about marine conservation and interactive experiences for all ages.
6. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as an impressive 630-foot tall stainless steel monument along the Mississippi River in St. Louis. This iconic structure symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States and offers visitors tram rides to its observation deck for panoramic views. The surrounding Jefferson National Expansion Memorial includes a museum detailing the history of St. Louis and the American West.
7. St. Louis City Museum
PLAYFUL URBAN ADVENTURE
St. Louis City Museum presents a unique blend of playground, funhouse, and architectural marvel created from repurposed industrial objects. The museum features multi-story slides, caves, tunnels, and climbing structures that appeal to visitors of all ages. Its ever-evolving exhibits showcase artistic creations made from salvaged materials throughout a historic warehouse building.
8. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS DESTINATION
Forest Park encompasses 1,300 acres of green space featuring multiple cultural institutions and recreational facilities in St. Louis. The park houses the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, and History Museum, all offering free admission. Visitors can also enjoy boating on the park's lakes, playing golf, hiking wooded trails, or attending performances at the outdoor Muny theater.
9. St. Louis Zoo
WORLD-CLASS WILDLIFE PARK
St. Louis Zoo showcases over 12,000 animals representing approximately 500 species in naturalistic habitats. The zoo offers free general admission and features themed zones including River's Edge, Wild Wonder Outpost, and Big Cat Country. Visitors can enjoy special attractions such as the Conservation Carousel, Zooline Railroad, and seasonal exhibits throughout the year.
10. Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
MOSAIC ART MASTERPIECE
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis houses the largest collection of mosaic art in the world, covering 83,000 square feet with brilliant imagery. The cathedral's Byzantine-Romanesque architecture features a grand dome, multiple chapels, and intricate marble work throughout. Visitors can explore the cathedral's museum and crypt while learning about its significant role in St. Louis religious history.
11. Busch Stadium
CARDINALS BASEBALL EXPERIENCE
Busch Stadium serves as the home field for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and hosts major league games throughout the season. The stadium offers behind-the-scenes tours that showcase the press box, dugouts, and Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch, while attending games or events at this downtown venue.
12. Anheuser-Busch Brewery
HISTORIC BEER PRODUCTION
Anheuser-Busch Brewery offers guided tours of its historic brewing facilities established in 1852 in St. Louis. Visitors can observe the beer-making process, meet the famous Budweiser Clydesdale horses, and learn about brewing history and techniques. The tour includes complimentary beer tastings for adults of legal drinking age in the brewery's Biergarten.
13. St. Louis Union Station
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
St. Louis Union Station has been transformed from a historic train terminal into an entertainment destination featuring an aquarium and giant Ferris wheel. The complex preserves the grand architecture of the original 1894 station while offering modern attractions, dining options, and a luxury hotel. Visitors can enjoy the hourly light shows in the Grand Hall with its spectacular 65-foot vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows.
14. Blueberry Hill
LEGENDARY MUSIC VENUE
Blueberry Hill stands as an iconic restaurant and music club in the Delmar Loop area, famous for Chuck Berry's 200+ performances. The venue features an extensive collection of pop culture memorabilia, including vintage jukeboxes, toys, and music artifacts. Visitors can enjoy American pub fare while experiencing the rich musical history that has made this spot a St. Louis landmark since 1972.
15. Laclede's Landing
HISTORIC RIVERFRONT DISTRICT
Laclede's Landing preserves a nine-block historic district along the Mississippi riverfront with cobblestone streets and century-old buildings. This revitalized area offers restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues in restored warehouses dating to the 1850s. Visitors can enjoy riverboat cruises, walking tours, or nightlife while experiencing the area where the city of St. Louis was founded in 1764.