Olympian Village MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Olympian Village, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
SYMBOL OF WESTWARD EXPANSION
The Gateway Arch is an iconic 630-foot stainless steel monument in St. Louis that symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. The arch is part of the Gateway Arch National Park which includes the Old Courthouse and Museum of Westward Expansion.
2. The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum
HANDS-ON CHILDREN'S LEARNING
The Magic House is an interactive children's museum offering hands-on educational exhibits for children of all ages. The museum features multiple floors of exhibits focused on creativity, problem-solving, and learning through play. Since opening in 1979, it has expanded to include over 55,000 square feet of exhibit space designed to engage children's curiosity and imagination.
3. Saint Louis Art Museum
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Saint Louis Art Museum houses an extensive collection of artwork spanning 5,000 years of history and cultures. Located in Forest Park, the museum's impressive Beaux-Arts building dates back to the 1904 World's Fair. The museum features over 34,000 objects including paintings, sculptures, cultural artifacts, and decorative arts from around the world.
4. Missouri Mines State Historic Site
MINING HISTORY PRESERVED
Missouri Mines State Historic Site preserves the history of lead mining in Missouri's Old Lead Belt. The site features a museum housed in the former St. Joe Minerals Corporation's largest mine-mill complex. Visitors can explore massive mining machinery, mineral specimens, and exhibits detailing the region's significant contribution to Missouri's mining industry.
5. Elephant Rocks State Park
GIANT GRANITE BOULDERS
Elephant Rocks State Park features enormous elephant-shaped granite boulders standing end-to-end like a circus parade. These billion-year-old granite boulders were formed by the cooling of magma deep within the earth. The park offers hiking trails, including the Braille Trail which is accessible to people with visual or physical disabilities.
6. 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 volcanic rock to create natural waterslides and pools. The park offers camping, hiking trails, and a visitor center explaining the area's geology and natural history. In addition to the shut-ins, visitors can enjoy scenic overlooks, swimming areas, and diverse wildlife habitats.
7. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
MISSOURI'S HIGHEST POINT
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park contains the highest point in Missouri at 1,772 feet above sea level. The park features rugged hiking trails including a section of the Ozark Trail and access to Mina Sauk Falls, Missouri's tallest waterfall. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding St. Francois Mountains and the Ozark landscape from several scenic overlooks.
8. Fort Davidson State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Fort Davidson State Historic Site preserves the location of the Battle of Pilot Knob, a significant Civil War engagement that took place in 1864. The site includes a visitor center with exhibits, artifacts, and a film about the battle and its importance. Visitors can walk the grounds where Union forces held off a much larger Confederate army before executing a successful nighttime evacuation.
9. Mastodon State Historic Site
ANCIENT BONES UNEARTHED
Mastodon State Historic Site is home to the Kimmswick Bone Bed, where scientists discovered mastodon bones and evidence of early human activity. The site features a museum with exhibits on paleontology, archaeology, and natural history of the area. Visitors can hike trails through the 431-acre property where these prehistoric discoveries were made.
10. Hawn State Park
PINE FORESTS AND SANDSTONE
Hawn State Park is known for its pine forests, sandstone formations, and clear sand-bottom streams. The park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails including the popular Pickle Creek Trail and Whispering Pines Trail. Nature enthusiasts can observe diverse plant species, including wild orchids, and a variety of wildlife throughout the seasons.
11. St. Francois State Park
RIVERFRONT RECREATION AREA
St. Francois State Park offers outdoor recreation along the Big River with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and swimming. The park features hiking and equestrian trails winding through the rugged Ozark landscape of forested hills and river bottoms. Camping facilities and picnic areas make this a popular destination for families seeking to enjoy Missouri's natural beauty.
12. Bonne Terre Mine
UNDERWATER MINE ADVENTURE
Bonne Terre Mine is the world's largest freshwater dive resort, set in a billion-gallon lake within a former lead mine. Visitors can take guided walking tours along old mine trails or boat tours across the crystal-clear waters illuminated by over 500,000 watts of lighting. Certified divers can explore the submerged mining structures, ore carts, and equipment in this unique underwater environment.
13. Missouri's National Veterans Memorial
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
Missouri's National Veterans Memorial features a full-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The memorial honors service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. The site includes a museum, welcome center, and contemplative spaces for reflection and remembrance.
14. Pickle Springs Natural Area
GEOLOGICAL WONDER TRAIL
Pickle Springs Natural Area offers a 2-mile Trail Through Time that showcases unique sandstone formations, canyons, and bluffs. The natural area is recognized as a National Natural Landmark due to its significant geological features and rare plant communities. Visitors can observe unusual rock formations with names like Dome Rock, Spirit Canyon, and Double Arch while exploring this pristine Ozark landscape.
15. Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site
HISTORIC HOWE-TRUSS BRIDGE
Sandy Creek Covered Bridge is one of only four remaining covered bridges in Missouri, built in 1872 using the Howe-truss design. The bridge has been restored to its original appearance and is set in a peaceful, wooded area perfect for picnicking and photography. This historic structure offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century transportation infrastructure and engineering techniques.