by Amelia Tibbett

Created on: January 15, 2009   Last Updated: October 20, 2010

Historic St. Louis, Missouri lives up to the state motto being the "Show me State" offering plenty to show anyone who wants to visit this beautiful historic city. Whether you're here for a day or a week, a visit to this great city would not be the same without any of the famous landmarks that make it what it is.

Take for instance probably the most well recognized landmark, the St. Louis Arch, also known as the Gateway to the West. Opened to the public in 1967, this graceful arch stands 630 feet tall as it welcomes you into the city. Visitors to the arch are able to ride to the top via five passenger cars on a tram system. Once at the top of the arch, they can exit the car and enter into an observation deck that consist of a narrow walkway with 32 small windows, 16 on each side. The windows are virtually impossible to see from the outside, but once at the top, on a clear day, the views are breath taking. For more information, check out

www.gatewayarch.com.

Another famous historic St. Louis hot spot is the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Famous for their beautiful Clydesdale horses, and of course beer, this is where it all began. First established in 1852, this brewery is rich with history and beautifully kept buildings. For more information on how to take a tour of the brewery, check out this site www.budweisertours.com.

For Nature lovers, a visit to St. Louis would not be the same without a visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden,also known as Shaw's Garden for it's founder Henry Shaw. Founded in 1859, not only is it a historical site worth visiting in St. Louis, but it is also one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country. The gardens contain 79 acres and within those a Japanese garden. For more information on planning a trip to visit check out this website, www.mobot.org.

For those of you who are going to be in town for awhile and are looking for something to do on a nice day, you may consider a hike across the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Originally purposed for vehicles as an alternate route through the city, it was part of the infamous Route 66 to cross the Mississippi, the unusual bridge is now only open for pedestrians and bicycles. This unique bridge features a 22 degree turn at its mid point required for navigation of the river. Constructed in 1929 and spanning 5,353 feet long it is one of the oldest and longest bicycling trails of its kind. For more information, check out www.trailnet.org.

These are just a few of the many historic sites in this beautiful city. You can stroll down the streets and literally see history bouncing off the walls as you pass by the homes of famous residents of long ago. Such people as Chuck Berry and Eugene Field who was the lawyer for the Dred Scott case. Or stroll by the Fox Theater where so many greats performed. Whatever your interests are, you will sure to find something to peak them in this city! So whether you're here for a day or a week, don't miss the opportunity to let St. Louis show you what it has to offer!

Learn more about this author, Amelia Tibbett.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.