Want to explore St. Louis’ history? This day plan is for the history buff wanting to explore the past.
- Print or download your tour map.
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast at The Mud House, a casual eatery known for its terrific breakfast sandwiches, burritos, pastries and coffee. Plus, it is located along historic Cherokee Street, just south of downtown.
- Did you know Missouri bore witness to approximately 1,200 engagements during the Civil War? Only Virginia and Tennessee had more battles than the Show Me State. Go see hundreds of artifacts on display about Civil War Missouri, including personal effects from Franz Sigel, Abraham Lincoln, Douglas Cooper, James McCormick and Walter Raleigh Robbins, at the Missouri Civil War Museum. The museum is located in a beautifully restored post exchange building at historic Jefferson Barracks with the National Cemetery nearby.
- Want a tasty meal with great hospitality nearby? Go eat at Café Telegraph, located adjacent to Jefferson Barracks historic site: the former training ground of over 200 Civil War generals. Try their famous pork steak — a St. Louis tradition!
- Explore the life of Ulysses Grant and the Dent family at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site – also known as White Haven. Take a tour of the home and also explore the museum.
- Near the city, explore more of Missouri and St. Louis history at the Missouri History Museum. For St. Louis military history, Soldiers Memorial Military museum is a beautiful tribute to the Gateway City’s heroes. Both have free admission.
- Another great option is visiting Bellefontaine and Calvary Cemeteries north of the city. See the graves of William T. Sherman, Sterling Price, Don Carlos Buell, A.P. Stewart, James Eads, Dred and Harriet Scott, Adolphus Busch, Virginia Minor, Kate Chopin, Daniel Frost, Thomas Hart Benton and many more.
- Want some local history and cuisine? St. Louis is home to great restaurants that reflect the city’s diverse heritage. Venture out to Urban Chestnut Grove Brewery and Beirhall for German food and craft beer — a staple of the city’s deep German roots. Explore the city’s Italian heritage at the famous Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill restaurant and try their toasted ravioli (a local favorite) and delicious pastas.
- If you have multiple days to explore the area, drive 90 minutes south to Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site, the first major battle of Confederate General Sterling Price’s campaign into Missouri in 1864. You can also explore the preserved Union earthen fort there.
