Uplands Park MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Uplands Park, Missouri.
1. Alley Mill
HISTORIC GRIST MILL
Alley Mill is a historic grist mill located within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park that showcases Missouri's cultural heritage. The bright red mill stands against a backdrop of natural springs and lush Ozark landscape, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century rural life. Visitors can explore the restored mill machinery and learn about the importance of water-powered mills in early Missouri settlements.
2. Welch Hospital
HISTORIC MEDICAL LANDMARK
Welch Hospital is a preserved historic landmark within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park that represents an important piece of Missouri's medical history. The hospital building stands as a testament to healthcare developments in rural Missouri during the early 20th century. Today, visitors can tour the facility and learn about medical practices of the era through interpretive displays.
3. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS DESTINATION
Forest Park is a magnificent 1,326-acre urban park located just minutes from Uplands Park, offering numerous recreational activities and cultural institutions. The park is home to the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Science Center, all offering free admission. Since hosting the 1904 World's Fair, Forest Park has remained one of the largest urban parks in the United States and a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike.
4. Missouri History Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Missouri History Museum showcases the rich and diverse history of St. Louis and the state of Missouri through engaging exhibits and artifacts. Located in Forest Park, the museum offers both permanent collections and rotating special exhibitions that explore everything from the Lewis and Clark Expedition to civil rights movements. Visitors can enjoy free admission while learning about significant historical events that shaped both the region and the nation.
5. The Muny
OUTDOOR MUSICAL THEATRE
The Muny is America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre located in Forest Park near Uplands Park. Each summer season, the venue presents seven Broadway-quality productions under the stars, with nearly 11,000 seats including about 1,500 free seats available for every performance. The historic amphitheater has been entertaining audiences since 1919 with spectacular productions featuring talented performers from across the country.
6. Saint Louis Art Museum
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Saint Louis Art Museum houses an impressive collection of more than 34,000 works of art spanning five millennia and six continents. Located in Forest Park in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building originally built for the 1904 World's Fair, the museum offers free admission to its permanent collections. Visitors can explore everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary installations, along with special exhibitions that rotate throughout the year.
7. The Jewel Box
ART DECO GREENHOUSE
The Jewel Box is an impressive Art Deco greenhouse with striking cantilevered vertical glass walls that rise 50 feet high, located in nearby Forest Park. This architectural marvel opened in 1936 to national acclaim and continues to house beautiful floral displays and tropical plants throughout the year. The Jewel Box serves as both a horticultural showcase and a popular venue for special events and weddings in a uniquely beautiful setting.
8. World's Fair Pavilion
HISTORIC OPEN-AIR STRUCTURE
The World's Fair Pavilion is a magnificent open-air shelter built in 1909 with proceeds from the 1904 World's Fair, standing as a testament to St. Louis's rich history. Perched atop a hill in Forest Park, the Beaux-Arts style pavilion offers breathtaking views of the surrounding parkland and serves as a popular venue for events. Visitors can enjoy the impressive architecture, historical significance, and peaceful surroundings of this iconic landmark.
9. Cabanne House
HISTORIC BRICK FARMHOUSE
Cabanne House holds the distinction of being the first brick farmhouse built west of the Mississippi River, constructed in 1819. This historic structure represents an important piece of early American frontier architecture and settlement in the region. Visitors can explore this well-preserved landmark to learn about early Missouri life and the development of the St. Louis area.
10. Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center
FOREST PARK INFORMATION HUB
The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center serves as the central information hub for Forest Park, providing resources and guidance for visitors exploring the 1,300-acre urban park. The center offers exhibits about the park's history and ecology, along with maps, event information, and educational programs for all ages. Visitors can also enjoy amenities including a café, gift shop, and rental facilities for bikes and other recreational equipment.
11. River des Peres Greenway
SCENIC URBAN TRAIL
The River des Peres Greenway is a popular multi-use trail system that follows the River des Peres through St. Louis County near Uplands Park. This scenic pathway offers miles of paved surfaces perfect for walking, running, and cycling through urban and natural landscapes. The greenway connects various parks and neighborhoods, providing outdoor recreation opportunities and green space for residents and visitors alike.
12. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
NATURAL RIVER PRESERVE
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park preserves 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, creating the first federally protected river system in the United States. The park features clear spring-fed waters, towering limestone bluffs, and lush forests that create a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts seeking activities like canoeing, fishing, hiking, and camping. Visitors can also explore historic mills, homesteads, and over 300 documented caves that showcase the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Missouri Ozarks.
13. Historic Village of Uplands Park
CHARMING OLD-WORLD COMMUNITY
The Historic Village of Uplands Park offers visitors a glimpse into a charming community with an old-world feel, characterized by quiet streets and unique architecture. Officially incorporated in 1941, the village maintains its distinctive character and historical significance within the greater St. Louis area. Visitors can appreciate the preserved architectural elements and peaceful atmosphere of this small but noteworthy Missouri community.
14. Saint Louis Zoo
WORLD-RENOWNED WILDLIFE PARK
The Saint Louis Zoo is consistently ranked among the top zoos in the nation, housing over 16,000 animals representing 600 species in naturalistic habitats throughout Forest Park. This world-class facility offers free admission and features popular areas including the Penguin & Puffin Coast, River's Edge, and the historic 1904 World's Fair Flight Cage. Visitors can enjoy daily animal shows, educational programs, and conservation exhibits that showcase the zoo's commitment to wildlife preservation and research.
15. Saint Louis Science Center
INTERACTIVE LEARNING MUSEUM
The Saint Louis Science Center engages visitors with more than 700 interactive exhibits, making science accessible and exciting for people of all ages. Located in Forest Park, this educational institution features a planetarium, OMNIMAX theater, and hands-on galleries covering topics from space exploration to dinosaurs and human biology. The center offers free general admission, continuing its mission to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning through interactive experiences.