You’ve done The Arch and toured the riverboats, so what else does St. Louis have to offer? If you love the great outdoors and are up for a family adventure consider heading out to these other local hotspots near “Mound City.”
Meramec Caverns
Located about an hour southwest of St. Louis in Stanton, Missouri is a place known to many as the infamous hideout where Jesse James and his brother, Frank would count their loot after their latest bank or train heist. Believe me, their secret hideaway is no longer a secret given that now the road to the caverns is dotted with dozens of massive billboards that direct westbound motorists to exit 230 off Interstate 44. Meramec Caverns is a popular roadside attraction, which features stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites. They make for an unusual backdrop to family photos. Once you take your shots I would recommend taking one of the guided tours of the caverns. Not only will get to see some incredible natural sights, but you’ll also get to see the spot where scenes from two episodes of Lassie were filmed in 1966. Admission is $14 for adults and $7 for children under age 12. Children under 5 are admitted free.
The Little Hills
If you are looking for a quaint little area brimming with history then I recommend you pack up the kids and head out to the picturesque city of St. Charles, located 50 minutes west of downtown St. Louis. The French originally discovered the town in 1769. They named the area Les Petits Cotes, or “The Little Hills.” These days the Main Street area of St. Charles is a popular gathering spot for tourists. It features brick streets lined with picture-postcard gaslights and 19th-century brick buildings that are so beautifully maintained they make you feel as though you were transported back in time.
The Little Hills area is full of hands on history lessons. Your family will learn a lot about what life was like back in the 1800s by touring some of the state’s first modern day structures including a Federal-style row building. I would also suggest visiting the Lewis and Clark Center, which features exhibits chronicling the explorers’ westward journey. And you can’t go home without a few souvenirs. Shops such as Native Traditions sells one-of-a-kind Native American paintings, sculptures, pottery and jewelry. End your day dining at Lewis & Clark’s American Restaurant and Public House, which serves kid-friendly fare in a renovated, century-old house overlooking Main Street and the Missouri River.
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