St. Louis, by Heather Davis
Group Travel Blog
This year marks the centennial of the 1904 Worlds Fair in St. Louis Forest Park, and there is certainly reason to celebrate. The 1,370-acre park, which opened in 1876, has been restored to its original glory with $100 million in improvements. There are many new attractions in the park, and in celebration of the centennial, the Missouri History Museum debuted a permanent Worlds Fair exhibition in May.
The parks 1936 Art Deco greenhouse, the Jewel Box, has reopened after a $4.2 million renovation. In addition, the new Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center has opened in historic Lindell Pavilion. Here visitors can pick up a free Forest Park Voyagers Backpack stuffed with everything you need for bird-watching, including tree guides, birding information and binoculars.
If you are eager to spend time on the parks renewed lakes, rent a rowboat or paddleboat at the new Forest Park Boathouse and follow the waterways to the nearby islands: one island is a great spot for picnics, while the other is devoted to wildlife conservation. If biking is more your speed, you can rent them at Steinberg Ice Rink, including bikes designed for individuals with disabilities.
The St. Louis Zoo, perhaps the parks biggest attraction, has recently completed renovations of its famous Bird Cage. The walk-through aviary is one of the largest in the world and was originally the Smithsonian Institutions 1904 Worlds Fair exhibit. New exhibits include Penguin & Puffin Coast and the Conservation Carousel. For more info on Forest Park, visit http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark
According to visitor surveys, shopping ranks as the favorite area activity. So if you are ready to put on your walking shoes, head to St. Louis Mills mall, which opened in November, 2003. With 1.1 million square feet of outlets, options are limitless. A unique feature is Sportstreet entertainment area, which includes a NASCAR Speedpark with indoor racing, miniature golf, bumper boats and more, as well as an NHL regulation ice rink where the St. Louis Blues NHL club holds practice sessions open to the public. 314-227-5555
Stargazers will enjoy the Challenger Learning Center, which opened in November, 2003 and sports state-of-the-art space simulators, including an orbiting space station and a Mission Control center. The Voyage to Mars mission allows visitors to act out the part of NASA astronauts, scientists and engineers. 314-521-6205
Top Events
U.S. Bank Saint Louis Jazz Festival, June 24 & 25, Shaw Park in Clayton. The nations best jazz singers and musicians perform at this music fest, along with many local jazz favorites. 314-863-0278, www.saintlouisjazzfest.com
Fair Saint Louis, July 1-4, Gateway Arch & Riverfront. Celebrate Americas birthday at this patriotic festival that features national entertainment, air shows, fireworks, food, amusement rides and activities for the entire family. 314-434-3434
Budweiser Big Muddy Blues Festival, Sept 3 & 4, Lacledes Landing. Get in the groove at one of the country best Blues festivals, which features over 30 national and local performers on four stages. 314-241-5875, www.bigmuddyblues.com
Japanese Festival, Sept 3-5, Missouri Botanical Garden. Explore the beauty of Japanese culture. Highlights include garden tours, art exhibitions, tea ceremonies, traditional music and dancing and theatrical performances. Find a variety of unique items at the marketplace and watch demonstrations on Bonsai, kimono, cooking, martial arts and more. 314-577-5100
Saint Louis Art Fair, Sept 9-11, Clayton. Named the #1 fine art fair in the U.S. by the Art Fair Source Book, this event showcases high-quality, original artwork. Enjoy entertainment, hands-on activities and food from fine local restaurants. 314-863-0278
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