Marvel at the place where two of the world's great rivers, the Missouri and the Mississippi, meet. Unfortunately an industrial park on the far side of the Mississippi mucks up a bit of the majesty, but you can still view the turbulent waters once paddled by explorers Lewis and Clark and enjoy the natural beauty of this 4318-acre preserve, located 2.5 miles north of I-270 exit 34. Great for hiking, biking and kayaking.
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
St Louis
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
13.43 MILES
As a symbol for St Louis, the Gateway Arch has soared above any expectations its backers could have had in 1965 when it opened. Now the centerpiece of its…
14.8 MILES
New York City may have Central Park, but St Louis has the bigger (by 528 acres) Forest Park. The superb, 1371-acre spread was the setting of the 1904…
13.06 MILES
Possibly the wildest highlight of any visit to St Louis is this frivolous, frilly fun house in a vast old shoe factory. The Museum of Mirth, Mystery &…
13.42 MILES
Facing the Gateway Arch across the new plaza, this 1845 courthouse is where the notorious Dred Scott slavery case was first tried in 1857. Considered one…
4.49 MILES
Open only to pedestrians and cyclists these days, this mile-long span over the Mississippi River opened in 1929 and was a vital link in Route 66. It has a…
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Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
11.23 MILES
A surprise awaits near Collinsville, 8 miles east of East St Louis: classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, with the likes of Stonehenge and the…
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13.43 MILES
After receiving a facelift along with the rest of the park and reopening in summer 2018, this now sleeker museum not only offers more high-tech…
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13.1 MILES
This flashy museum explores blues legends like hometown hero Chuck Berry, while making a strong case for the genre's myriad influences on modern rock,…
Nearby St Louis attractions
1. Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower
1.4 MILES
The 150ft tower provides sweeping views of the area where Lewis and Clark launched their epic voyage in 1804 – the first American expedition to cross the…
2. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
1.51 MILES
In Hartford (across the river from St Louis), the stellar Lewis & Clark State Historic Site marks the spot where explorers Lewis and Clark departed on the…
4.49 MILES
Open only to pedestrians and cyclists these days, this mile-long span over the Mississippi River opened in 1929 and was a vital link in Route 66. It has a…
4. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
11.23 MILES
A surprise awaits near Collinsville, 8 miles east of East St Louis: classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, with the likes of Stonehenge and the…
13.06 MILES
Possibly the wildest highlight of any visit to St Louis is this frivolous, frilly fun house in a vast old shoe factory. The Museum of Mirth, Mystery &…
13.1 MILES
This flashy museum explores blues legends like hometown hero Chuck Berry, while making a strong case for the genre's myriad influences on modern rock,…
7. Economy Museum at the St Louis Fed
13.21 MILES
A surprisingly flashy and ultimately rewarding look at the economy and how you as an individual fit into it. Located within the Federal Reserve Bank of St…
8. Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts
13.33 MILES
A Grand Center landmark, this pint-sized institution has programs and rotating exhibits across disciplines, including architecture.