Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Hazelwood

"The undisputed icon of St. Louis is the Gateway Arch, standing a whopping 192 meters high on the Missouri edge of the Mississippi River banks. Built during the early 60s, the great monument hails in as the largest archway on the planet, and certainly one of the most awesome architectural come engineering feats in the United States. It’s intended to pay homage to the frontiersmen and women who adventured out westwards to discover the Great Plains, the Rockies and eventually California, while other commentators have pointed out how the ambitious design mimics the fearless American spirit and the go-getter attitude of the Midwest."

"Every quiz has one question that is a true “gimme” and this is the one. By law, it’s the tallest structure in St. Louis and defines the skyline as one of the nation’s most-recognized landmarks. Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, this National Park Service-operated attraction is a monument to President Thomas Jefferson and his vision of a United States that stretched across the continent."

"Don’t miss a visit to the world’s largest arch, located steps from the hotel. Reaching 630 feet, the Gateway Arch is the tallest man-made monument in the West, with a unique observation deck accessible by internal tram."

"Spanning close to 1400 acres, Forest Park is a public open space that offers stunning surroundings and the chance to enjoy the great outdoors in a beautiful and tranquil environment. This park dates back to the 1870s so you can also enjoy spending time in a historical environment as well as a naturally beautiful one. There have been various big name events held here over the decades including the Summer Olympics in the early 1900s."

"Whether you want to go on a mini jungle safari, surround yourself with solitude and drink in local history and culture or tickle your curiousity with science, you need to visit Forest Park. This large park is the heart of Saint Louis and is home to the city zoo, art museum, local history museum and a science center, plus is a city favourite for picnics, outdoor activities and all around wholeso...Read more"

"Spanning more than 1,300 acres, this vast recreation area is home to four museums and several statues, monuments, and historical landmarks including the St. Louis Zoo, Science Center and The Muny. The park is also an outdoor hub for boating, ice skating, mini golf, and natural conservatories."

"The beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden is also known as the Shaw Garden, after the businessman and botanist Henry Shaw (1800-89) who laid it out in 1859. In the southeast part of the gardens are the richly appointed Tower Grove House, Henry Shaw's "garden house". The gardens themselves comprise a lovely rose garden, the rather unusual Climatron, built in 1960 for tropical plants, a Japanese Garden, an "aqua-tunnel" under a water-lily pool, and a herbarium."

"Founded all the way back in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden & National Historic Landmark that is still well-preserved and functional today."

"Dating back to 1914, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is a very popular attraction offering history, architecture and a range of fascinating sights. When you come to this cathedral you can take in sights such as the stainless steel sculpture known as Angel of Harmony, the crypts and even a museum focusing on the mosaics in the church. There is plenty to explore at this cathedral, which has helped to make it a popular choice amongst visitors to the area."

"You can’t miss seeing the oldest building in St. Louis, the Old Cathedral is practically at the foot of the Gateway Arch. The land was dedicated in 1764, although construction did not begin until 1831. “Big White Gloves, Big Four Wheels,” Jim Dine’s nod to Pinocchio greets visitors to CityGarden, located a couple of blocks from the Gateway Arch."

"Consecrated in 1926, the mosaics depicting the life of Saint Louis were completed in 1930 in the Cathedral’s narthex. Work on mosaics elsewhere in the Cathedral was not completed until 1988. In 1997, the Cathedral was designated as a Cathedral Basilica by Pope John Paul II, who visited it in 1999."

"Designated a National Memorial since the 1930s, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park is located by the Mississippi River and covers over ninety acres. Here, you will not only be able to take in the beauty of the park itself but also take in iconic sights such as the Gateway Arch. You will also be able to explore other features such as the Old Courthouse and the Museum of Westward Expansion so you can look forward to a diverse and educational experience when you visit."

"Next up is downtown's Gateway Arch National Park, situated at 11 N. Fourth St. With four stars out of 243 reviews on Yelp, the landmarks, historical building, museum and park has proven to be a local favorite."

"The Gateway Arch was founded in 1935 after President Franklin D. Roosevelt assigned the land as a monument to Thomas Jefferson. The Gateway Arch was first named the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial."

"If you’re feeling gutsy, one of the best places to view the Arch and get a postcard perfect shot of the St. Louis skyline is the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park. It’s located across the Mississippi River in East St. Louis, just down from the Casino Queen. The Belleville News-Democrat did a great piece on the park recently and talked about the park’s popularity with photographers, tourists and wedding parties."

"Like a testament to the cycle of life, the Bellefontaine Cemetery is a lusciously green field of grass and shrubbery above the final resting grounds for many. Both somber and serene, both beautiful and macabre, the cemetery is bursting with beauty and stories begging to be seen and heard. In 1849, a group of the most prominent and powerful citizens of Saint Louis decided it was time to create a...Read more"

"One of the most historically significant buildings in the U.S. is also one of its most architecturally important. Originally opened in 1828, the structure’s cast-iron dome, designed after the dome on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, was under construction in 1861 at the same time as the one on the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Inside, the landmark has been restored, with artist Carl Wimar’s murals depicting St. Louis’ history on the soaring ceiling."

"On the right-hand side of Market Street is a massive domed building, the Old Courthouse, which is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park. It was built in the mid 1800s and has been the scene of several important trials, including the suit by Dred Scott for freedom from slavery and Suffragist Virginia Louisa Minor for the right to vote. The courthouse now showcases exhibits from the Museum of Westward Expansion."

"In 1846, the slave Dredd Scott fought for his freedom, and that of his family in a court of law. In 1872, Virginia Minor attempted to be the first woman to vote in a St. Louis election and was sent to court. What do these two incidents have in common?"

"In 1993 a 10 story, 600,000 square foot shoe factory was purchased and turned into a “city within a city” - a creation of interactive art exhibits straight from your dreams. The musuem officially opened in 1997 and has been home to some of the largest and most unique art exhibits in the United States. Here you will find 10-Story slides, indoor/outdoor adventure, a rooftop area to explore, Toddler Town, a network of caves, and so much more!"

" museums full of priceless art, children’s museums are interactive playlands for kids…with a good dollop of education. Here your kids can learn about science, art, biology, history and so much more."

"The City Museum is reimagined in a 600,000 square-foot former warehouse belonging to an International Shoe Company has a fun pavilion and source of architectural wonder for visitors."

"Named after a Kansas City, Missouri resident and lifelong patron of the arts the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum is part of Washington University’s Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts. The museum, which dates back to 1881, has exhibited the work of accomplished artists including New York City-based Rashid Johnson whose art – a mixture of painting, photography, sculpture and video – challenges perceptions of the black experience in America today, and gave the British collage artist John Stezaker his first US museum exhibition. The museum strives to expand its own collection, one of the most impressive university art collections in the country, which features a number of works produced in the 21st century including art from German painter and installation artist Franz Ackerman and Moroccan artist Yto Barrada."

"Washington University’s Kemper art museum has a large collection of contemporary and modern art. You can see works by major artists including Willem de Kooning, Berenice Abbott, Matisse, Max Beckmann and Picasso."

"Oasis Grill offers one of the most creative breakfasts in North St. Louis: the Oasis Seafood Grits. These creamy, four-cheese grits are topped with shrimp, lobster, crab and garlic; you can even add bacon or extra seafood for an upcharge. If that sounds a like too much for you, go for some of the signature Oasis waffles or a sandwich from the lunch menu, like the Best Damn Crabcake or the crabcake BLT."

"The Christ Church Cathedral was designed in 1867 in the 14th century English Gothic tradition. The parish was founded in 1819 as the first Episcopal church west of the Mississippi River. Tiffany stained glass windows and a massive carved marble screen behind the main altar are highlights inside the church, which has been designated a National Landmark."

"The downtown St. Louis green space didn’t have much going on until its recent makeover. Now it boasts a colorful playground, two water features, and free weekly Sunrise Yoga classes. There are also evening boot camps and family friendly days with storytelling and lawn games."

"An oldie but goodie, Kiener Plaza is a great spot for a family photo. You’ll get the Arch AND the Old Courthouse. It’s also been spiffed up lately with a nice new tile plaza and a playground for kids."