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Layover Ideas Lambert St Louis Airport STL

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Top 5 Layover Ideas for Lambert St Louis Airport

With a layover at Lambert St Louis Airport, you have an opportunity to explore the vibrant city of St. Louis. To make the most of your time, here are the top five layover ideas that can be done within 12 hours.

1. St. Louis Zoo

Just a short distance from the airport, the St. Louis Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals living in natural habitats that resemble bluffs, lakes, and woods. With attractions like the Children’s Zoo, New River’s Edge and Insectarium, the Jungle of the Apes, and Big Cat Country, there's something for every animal lover. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Zooline Railroad around the park’s beautifully landscaped grounds.

2. Gateway Arch

As St. Louis’s most notable landmark, the Gateway Arch is a must-visit. Commemorating the city’s role as the gateway to the West for 19th century pioneers, the arch offers a tram ride to an observation room with spectacular city views. You can also explore the Museum of Westward Expansion and the Arch Odyssey Theatre at the base of the arch.

3. Kiener Plaza

If you're looking for a place to relax and people-watch, head to Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis. Known as a lunch spot for the working crowd and a gathering place for sports fans, the plaza features an amphitheater and a beautiful fountain. Surrounded by concrete columns with pergolas, it’s a perfect place to unwind.

4. Meeting of the Waters Fountain at Aloe Plaza

Located outside Union Station, the Meeting of the Waters Fountain at Aloe Plaza is one of St. Louis’s favorite works of public art. The grand fountain features allegorical representations of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers coming together, with the rivers’ 17 tributaries depicted as water sprites, mermaids, and fish. This 1940 sculpture was crafted by Swedish sculptor Carl Milles, an apprentice of master French sculptor, Auguste Rodin.

5. Missouri History Museum

Discover Missouri’s past at the Missouri History Museum. Exhibits include Charles Lindbergh’s flight suit and artifacts from the 1904 World’s Fair, alongside displays showcasing the African-American contribution to state culture and the city's response to the 1849 fire. Located in the Jefferson Memorial Building at Forest Park, the museum also offers a gift shop with a range of crafts, books, and souvenirs.

Nearby Attractions for an Extended Layover

If your layover at Lambert St Louis Airport extends from 12 to 48 hours, you have the chance to venture further into the city and its surroundings. Here are some activities to consider for a longer layover.

1. Visit the City Museum

The City Museum is a must-visit for those with an extended layover in St. Louis. This eclectic museum, housed in a 600,000 square-foot former shoe factory, features a mix of children’s playground, funhouse, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects. From climbing through a series of tunnels, sliding down a 10-story slide, to exploring the enchanted caves, the City Museum is an interactive experience that is fun for all ages.

2. Explore Forest Park

Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States. With its beautiful landscapes, lakes, wildlife, and a variety of cultural institutions including the St. Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Science Center, and the Missouri History Museum, it’s a fantastic place to spend a day exploring.

3. Tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery

St. Louis is famous for its beer, and a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is a great way to learn about the city's brewing history. During the tour, you can see the Budweiser Clydesdales, learn about the brewing process, and, of course, sample some of their famous brews.

4. Take a Riverboat Cruise

Take a relaxing riverboat cruise along the mighty Mississippi River. These cruises offer stunning views of the St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch, and provide a unique perspective on the city's history and architecture.

5. Visit the St. Louis Art Museum

The St. Louis Art Museum, located in Forest Park, houses an impressive collection of art from virtually every culture and time period. With more than 30,000 works of art, the museum is known for its collections of early Egyptian art, European and American art of the late 19th and 20th centuries, and an extensive collection of contemporary art.

Updated on: November 22, 2023