If you had one spring day in St. Louis, experience the Core of Discovery.
The Core of Discovery is a downton St. Louis attractions district that includes historical places to explore, experience and discover that appeal to both residents and tourists. The Core of Discovery includes the The Gateway Arch, The Gateway Arch Riverboats, The Old Courthouse, Citygarden, Kiener Plaza, Discovery Bike Rentals, Eads Bridge, and The Museum of Westward Expansion. All of these are a part of St. Louis' history and are great places to take the family.
First, stop at the Eads Bridge. In 1874, this bridge connected St. Louis to the east side of the river. Today the bridge serves pedestrian, bike, vehicle and Metrolink light rail traffic.
Next, take a short walk west and discover all of the attractions at The Gateway Arch.
Perhaps the most famous St. Louis landmark, the Gateway Arch provides visitors with an exprience unlike any other. Standing tall at 630 feet, the arch is the nation's tallest monument. Get tickets to take a ride to the top in a small elevator car. From the top, visitors can get an incredible view of downtown St. Louis on one side and Illinois on the other. At the base, visitors can also watch educational movies, educate themselves with informational displays and visit the gift shop.
Also located at the bottom of the arch is The Museum of Westward Expansion. This museum is free to all visitors and holds artifacts from American Indians and the exploration of Lewis and Clark. Through tours and exciting exhibits, guests can learn about those who shaped the history of the American West.
Explore St. Louis on the water on the Gateway Arch Riverboats. The Riverboats are replica 19-century paddle-wheel boats and board on the riverfront below the south leg of the Gateway Arch. During your cruise, enjoy an audio narration featuring historical overview of the area. The Riverboats offer featured and specialty crusies, reservations are suggested.
After you've seen St. Louis from high above it, explore it on the ground with Discovery Bike Rental.These are available on the riverfront below the grand staircase of the Gateway Arch. Rent a bike and take a ride along the riverfront.
After visiting the arch, continue walking west to The Old Courthouse, built in the mid-1800s, lets visitors embrace history with restored courtrooms, exhibits and murals depicting historical events. Exhibits are always changed so come back more than once! The courthouse is just a short walk from The Gateway Arch.
Keep walking west and you will see a very unique part of downtown, Kiener Plaza. The plaza is a great meeting plaza and provides a wonderful of the courthouse and arch. In the center is a pool, fountain and statue "The Runner." The plaza used to house a jail that prisoners awaiting trial at The Old Courthouse were held.
Keep walking a litter further and you will have reached the Citygarden. The garden is downtown's newest attraction that includes vibrant and exciting beautiful art, incredible landscaping and a "spray plaza" for kids to play.
The Core of Discovery is great bunch of things to do in St. Louis. By visiting all of these places, any tourist will learn about St. Louis history, see the most familiar sites and have a great time.
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