Discover 10 Enchanting Hidden Gems in St. Louis + 5 Restaurants
Often celebrated as the Gateway to the West, St. Louis is known for the iconic Gateway Arch and a vibrant music scene. But St. Louis is also home to a wealth of hidden gems that beckon residents and visitors alike to come and discover them.
Beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, this bustling city boasts plenty of unique attractions and spots that allow a “peak behind the curtain” in St. Louis. From quaint neighborhoods to serene parks and lesser-known museums, St. Louis invites adventurers to explore its off-the-beaten-path wonders.
Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum
Travelers who love heavy doses of nostalgia will love this museum that pays tribute to the history of the telephone.
Within a historic building from 1896, visitors of all ages can see a massive collection of telephones — including the earliest electric phones, novelty phones, and rotary phones — equipment related to telephones, and plenty of telephone memorabilia.
St. Louis Science Center Planetarium
While it may not be the most hidden of gems, the planetarium at the St. Louis Science Center is special. Visitors can escape into the wonders of the cosmos as they watch shows in one of the largest artificial skies in the Western Hemisphere.
After marveling at the wonders of the night sky below an 80-foot dome, visitors can explore galleries on the second floor of the Science Center.
World Bird Sanctuary
Nestled just outside St. Louis in Valley Park, Missouri, the sanctuary has dozens of birds on display and provides a place for the education, conservation, and rehabilitation of birds of prey.
Visitors can enjoy seasonal shows and nature trails to learn about and witness majestic birds in flight.
Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum
Founded in 1849, Bellefontaine is perhaps as well known for its monuments and mausoleums as who’s buried there. The cemetery includes the likes of Thomas Hart Benton, Rush Limbaugh, Adolphus Busch, and many Civil War veterans.
The park’s mausoleums include the Wainwright Tomb, which was designed by Chicago school architect Louis Sullivan.
The Wright House at Ebsworth Park
Frank Lloyd Wright’s unique Prairie-style homes can be found all over the Midwest. This 1,900-square-foot home in Kirkwood, Missouri is one of just five Wright homes in the Show Me State and is open for tours year-round.
Original owners Russell and Ruth Kraus considered the house to be their “little gem” and visitors can see Wright’s unique design elements and vision up close.
Related: Discover Frank Lloyd Wright’s Midwest Legacy on These Eye-Opening Tours
Malcolm Martin Memorial Park
Situated directly across from the Gateway Arch, Martin Memorial Park is an easy spot to soak up beautiful views of the arch and the St. Louis skyline.
Whether you’re looking for a spot to relax, have a picnic, or capture unforgettable photography of the arch and downtown St. Louis, this may be the best spot in the city.
Lemp Mansion Tour
Travelers who like a little bit of mystery in their hidden gems can explore this real-life haunted house that was once the home of the Lemp family of Lemp Brewery fame in St. Louis.
Tours are offered year-round so come prepared to search for paranormal activity on three floors of this historic mansion.
Lone Elk Park
Nature enthusiasts will love this Valley Park, Missouri wildlife trail area where there’s a chance to see wild turkey, deer, bison, elk, waterfowl, and many other animal species as they explore scenic nature trails.
Anglers can reserve space to fish (catch and release) and families can have a picnic at one of two on-site shelters.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
The basilica is one of the most well-known religious sites in St. Louis, but there are plenty of hidden gems on the property for those who have never visited.
The church includes the Angel of Harmony and sizeable mosaics that cover 83,000 square feet and contain 40 million pieces of glass in thousands of colors.
RELATED: Visit more basilicas in the Midwest.
Sophia Sachs Butterfly House
Located in Faust Park in Chesterfield, Missouri, this butterfly house is an 8,000-square-foot conservatory where visitors of all ages can enjoy the site and interact with dozens of free-flying butterfly species.
The conservatory also includes dozens of flowering tropical plant species, creating a cavalcade of color that’s simply delightful to watch.
5 Hidden Gem Restaurants in St. Louis
Carl’s Drive-In
Located on Route 66 in Brentwood, Carl’s may not be a traditional hidden gem, but its menu of burgers, onion rings, root beer, and other favorites offers a satisfying helping of nostalgia in a nostalgic setting.
Enjoy a juicy burger, Carl’s famous homemade root beer, and more whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal.
Gramophone
A place with the “best sandwiches in St. Louis,” may not be “hidden,” but there’s something so satisfying and delicious about digging into a towering sandwich while enjoying live music.
The menu includes over two dozen options so hungry customers can dig into old favorites or try yummy house specialties.
Lazy Tiger
Travelers looking for a new spot for dinner and drinks (including the Lazy Tiger) can enjoy a memorable meal here.
Come for brunch, happy hour, or dinner and enjoy everything from salads and small plates to burgers, full steak and fish dinners, and desserts.
Your Place Diner
This family-owned and operated soul food diner offers visitors a little bit of everything. Guests can sink their teeth into juicy burgers and catfish sandwiches or try entrees like strip steak, catfish, grilled salmon, and plenty of scrumptious sides that all add up to the perfect meal.
Iowa Buffet
This diamond in the rough has long been an unassuming bar/grill in St. Louis’ South City neighborhood. But step inside and discover affordable beers and greasy eats in a setting that has all the trappings of your favorite neighborhood dive bar.
Explore Some of the Best Hidden Gems in St. Louis
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of The Lou or a first-time visitor, there’s no doubt that some of the best hidden gems in St. Louis reveal an unforgettable and interesting side of the city.
So if you’ve been to all of St. Louis’ most well-traveled and well-known spots, carve yourself out a spot off the beaten path and dive into some of the best-kept secrets that make St. Louis even more special.