2-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to St. Louis

A scenic 3-hour drive from Champaign brings you to this gateway city. Here's how we made the most of our weekend: Day 1: Icons & History 🔸 Gateway Arch Yes, it’s dubbed the "most boring national park", but still a must-see! Underground Museum (free, enter via the base’s right side after security): Traces St. Louis’ history from Indigenous eras to the Arch’s construction. Virtual Summit Experience: Can’t climb up? The lobby mimics the top with replica windows and live camera feeds. Parking Hack: Street parking on Memorial Drive (north of Hyatt Regency) costs $1.5/hour—better than the $15 church lot! 🔸 Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis Breathtaking mosaics (world’s largest collection!) depicting biblical tales. Free parking behind the church or street spots. Day 2: Culture in Forest Park 🔸 Saint Louis Art Museum Free entry, rivaling Chicago’s Art Institute in scale. Don’t miss Monet’s Water Lilies! 🔸 Missouri History Museum Highlights the 1904 World’s Fair (St. Louis’ golden age) with detailed models. Pro Tip: Though both are in Forest Park, walking between them takes 20 mins—drive in summer heat! Final Thoughts: From quirky landmarks to world-class free museums, St. Louis surprises! #UIUC #RoadTrip #StLouis #GatewayArch #FreeMuseums #MidwestTravel