St. Louis: The Most Fun City Near Chicago! 🚗✨

(Missed Part 1? Check out my post on —the quirky small town with giant roadside attractions!) Now, let’s head to Stop St. Louis—just a 4.5-hour drive from Chicago! Nestled in the heart of the U.S., this vibrant independent city is packed with free museums, epic architecture, and hidden gems. Here’s why it’s a must-visit: 🌟 Top Attractions in St. Louis 1️⃣ Gateway Arch National Park ($19/person | 1-2 hrs) 📸 Pro photo spots: • Kiener Plaza Park (Arch + courthouse backdrop) • Mississippi River Overlook (drive to the IL side for skyline views!) 2️⃣ City Museum (A full-day adventure!) 🏰 Part playground, part art installation—don’t miss the 10-story spiral slide! (Tip: Go after a meal—you’ll need energy!) 3️⃣ Washington University (West Campus) 🅿️ Park at Lot 35 | ⏳ Spend 2 hrs strolling the gorgeous collegiate gothic architecture. 4️⃣ Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (Free | 1 hr) ⛪ World’s largest mosaic collection! Psst… it closes at 5 PM, but you can still sneak in by pushing the door. 5️⃣ Union Station at Night 🌃 🎡 Ride the Ferris Wheel ($15) | 🌈 Neon lights + live music = magic! 🗺️ Backup Gems • Cherokee Street Antique Row 🕰️ – Vintage treasure hunting! • Meramec Caverns ($28 | 45-min drive) – A rainbow-lit cave system! 🍜 Food Rec: Tai Ke 📍 9626 Olive Blvd, Olivette – A cozy Taiwanese eatery in the local "Chinatown." ⚠️ Heads Up: Avoid East St. Louis (across the river in IL)—it’s the only sketchy area. Why St. Louis? • Free world-class zoo ( in the U.S.!) • Forest Park (bigger than Central Park! 🏞️) • 1904 World’s Fair legacy (hello, Olympics history!) #ChicagoDayTrips #StLouisAdventures #MidwestTravel #RoadTripUSA #UICU #IlliniLife #ExploreMissouri #ArchCity