St. Louis is full of world class museums, all offering attractions and displays you’ll be happy you took the time to see. Many of these museums are free, and most are located within Forest Park.
But this list isn’t about those museums – this list brings you some places you may not have heard of before. Whether you love planes, motorcycles, trains, history, music, art, or The Mighty Mississippi, there is a unique museum around St. Louis to discover and see more!
1. Museum of Transportation
Located in the heart of Kirkwood and founded in 1944, this museum is dedicated to the history of transportation. There is so much to see here, including 42 acres and 15 decades of locomotives, cars, airplanes, and boats. The Museum of Transportation is located at: 2933 Barrett Station Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122.
2. Missouri Civil War Museum
This Museum offers exhibits and preserves the artifacts of the war that divided our nation. There are also exhibits from the time right before the war and rarely seen exhibits from Hollywood during the war. Missouri Civil War Museum is located at: 222 Worth Ave., St. Louis, MO 63125.
3. Contemporary Art Museum
This art museum features art works on the cutting edge of new art creations. You will see new and innovative pieces and collections here each month. General admission is free. Contemporary Art Museum is located at: 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108.
4. The MOTO Museum
The Moto Museum displays more than 80 rare and vintage motorcycles. This unique space is also available for one of a kind event rentals. The MOTO museum is located at: 3441 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103
5. Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum
This museum is a must see for those who love flying and the history of aircraft. They feature a huge collection of vintage and sport aircraft. Admission is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children over five years old. Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum is located at: 14301 Creve Coeur Airport Rd., St. Louis, MO.
6. Griot Museum of Black History
The Griot Museum of Black History features history in wax. Period displays here come to life with life size renditions of historical personalities and regular people. This is a unique history lesson and one you can't see anywhere else! The museum features rotating displays each month. Admission is $7.50 for adults and $3.75 for ages 5-12. The Griot Museum of Black History is located at: 2505 St. Louis Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106.
7. Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center
A certified site of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, this museum brings the past alive with full size period boat replicas and informative dioramas of the journey of Lewis and Clark. Admission is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for anyone under 17 years old. Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center is located at: 1050 S Riverside Dr., St. Charles, MO 63301.
8. National Great Rivers Museum
This museum and tour is one of the most popular in the area, it is just across the Mississippi River, in Alton Illinois. The National Great Rivers Museum offers a history of the river and tours of the Melvin Price Lock and Dam. Admission is free and lock tours are offered at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. The short journey getting here will be time well spent for this one-of-a-kind river adventure. National Great Rivers Museum is located at: Lock and Dam Way, Alton, IL. 62002
9. National Blues Museum
The National Blues Museum celebrates the history of The Blues and all things American music, in 15,000 square feet of informative displays and interactive exhibits. They also offer live music shows each week. The National Blues Museum is located at: 615 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63101.
Have you visited any of these amazing museums? Share your experience with us in the comments below.
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