10 Best Historic Attractions in St. Louis!

St. Louis is a city where history and culture meet at every corner. Known as the “Gateway to the West,” it has played a major role in America’s growth and development. From early explorations along the Mississippi River to the rise of industry and music, St. Louis has stories that stretch across centuries. In this guide, we’ll take you through 10 best historic attractions in St. Louis, as each place has its own story, and together they show why this city is such a special destination.

1. Old Courthouse

Completed in 1862, Old Courthouse is one of the city’s most important historic landmarks with its large dome modeled after St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This courthouse is remembered most for the Dred Scott case in 1847, when Dred and Harriet Scott, who were enslaved, went to court seeking freedom. Although the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against them, their case became a powerful moment in history that moved the country closer to the Civil War. In later years, the courthouse stopped serving as a court and was turned into a museum, and today its managed by the National Park Service.

2. St. Louis Union Station

The St. Louis Union Station is one of the city’s most famous landmarks with a long and rich history. Opened in 1894, it quickly became the busiest train station in the world, serving more than 100,000 travelers every single day. The station was designed by architect Theodore Link, with one feature that still stands out is the tall clock tower, which rises 230 feet and remains a symbol of the building. Today, it has become a lively attraction for visitors, offering experiences like the St. Louis Aquarium, the St. Louis Wheel, a mirror maze, and an evening fire and light show, making it both historic and entertaining.

3. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Built from 1907 to 1914, Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis stands today as one of the city’s most important historic churches, known for its towering domes, strong stone design, and breathtaking mosaics that cover tens of thousands of square feet inside. Decades later, in 1997, Pope John Paul II honored it with the title of basilica. These mosaics cover close to 83,000 square feet, making them among the largest collections of their kind in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can join guided tours to learn about the church’s history, its artwork, and many important events, making it a place of worship and a cultural treasure.

4. Lewis and Clark (Camp River Dubois) State Historic Site

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, also called Camp River Dubois, is located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. Back in the winter of 1803 to spring of 1804, this area served as the camp where the Lewis and Clark Expedition prepared before heading west. Today, the site has a visitor center that covers 14,000 square feet, filled with exhibits, a short film, and a life‑size model of the keelboat used during their journey. Outside, guests can explore rebuilt camp and see a settler’s cabin, also outdoor displays explain how the team trained, organized supplies, and made plans before starting their expedition.

5. Missouri History Museum

Started in 1866, Missouri History Museum is one of the best places to learn about the past of St. Louis and the state of Missouri. Some of the most popular exhibits focus on the 1904 World’s Fair, the journey of Lewis and Clark, and the famous flight of Charles Lindbergh. Visitors can even see a full‑size replica of Lindbergh’s plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, which is on display inside the museum. For families, there is a special hands‑on area called the History Clubhouse, and museum also hosts lectures, guided tours, and family events throughout the year, making it a lively place where history is shared in engaging ways.

6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is one of the most recognized landmarks along the Mississippi River near St. Louis. Built in 1929, it was once part of the old Route 66 and carried cars across the river for decades. What makes the bridge unique is the sharp 22‑degree bend in the middle, added to avoid a weak riverbed and a water intake system. Today, the bridge is closed to vehicles but open for walkers and cyclists, giving visitors a scenic way to cross between Missouri and Illinois. On the Illinois side, it connects to Chouteau Island, while on the Missouri side it links directly to St. Louis, offering beautiful views.

7. Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

Built in 1860s, Scott Joplin House State Historic Site is a special place that honors the life and work of Scott Joplin, the African American composer who became known as the “King of Ragtime.” During his time in this house, Joplin wrote some of his most famous pieces, including “The Entertainer,” which found new popularity in the 1970s when it was featured in a movie. In 1983, the site was recognized as Missouri’s first state historic site dedicated to African American history. Today, visitors can explore the museum inside, where exhibits share Joplin’s story, his music, and the cultural impact of ragtime.

8. Lemp Mansion

Built in the 1860s, Lemp Mansion was once the residence and business office of the Lemp family, who owned a successful brewery during the 1800s. Their company became well known for producing Falstaff beer and was considered one of the leading breweries in the city before Prohibition. Sadly, the family faced many personal tragedies, and several members died by suicide inside the mansion. These events gave rise to stories that the house might be haunted. Today, the mansion is open to the public and visitors can join ghost tours, enjoy themed mystery dinners, or even stay overnight in the historic rooms.

9. The Historic Daniel Boone Home

The Historic Daniel Boone Home connects visitors to the life of one of America’s most famous frontiersmen. The home is part of a larger park that also features a small village made up of original and reconstructed buildings from the 1800s, including a chapel, a schoolhouse, and a blacksmith shop. Guests can walk around the grounds at no cost, or join a guided tour that takes you through the rooms of the Boone home, sharing stories about the family and their role in frontier life. The site also hosts living history programs and craft demonstrations, which help visitors see how people worked and lived during that time.

10. Campbell House Museum

The Campbell House Museum is a restored 1851 home that gives visitors a clear picture of how wealthy families lived in St. Louis during the 1800s. Built in 1851, it was the residence of Robert Campbell, a fur trader, and his family, who stayed there until 1938. After the last family member passed away, the house was turned into a museum in 1943. Inside, you’ll find original furniture, artwork, clothing, and personal belongings that once belonged to the Campbell family. Guests can join guided tours, which share stories about the family’s daily life, social traditions, and the history of St. Louis.

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