If you want to see the historic St. Louis...

Founded by the French in 1764 as a fur-trading settlement on the west bank of the Mississippi River, St. Louis was destined for immediate success. Settlers came from New Orleans, followed by French-Canadian trappers. Next came the explorers, including the Lewis and Clark expedition. Families traveling to the mysterious western regions of the country passed through, and some settled in St. Louis. Railway workers arrived in the 1850’s, among them immigrants from Germany, Ireland, Italy, and other European countries. African-Americans settled there: some still slaves; others freed. Their combined skills and crafts enriched the city and helped to mold its character. To get a taste of this historic St. Louis you can tour the historic homes and businesses of St. Louis which are beautiful reminders of the community's commitment to restoration. Or take an afternoon to tour the old world Anheuser-Busch Brewery. You can also visit the Old Cathedral, the oldest church in St. Louis. And just across the street from the Old Cathedral is the Old Courthouse, the site of the Dred Scott trial.

You can also visit the beautiful Cathedral Basilica. Pope John Paul II himself visited the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. Under the massive domes sparkles the world’s largest collection of mosaic art, adorning every possible surface with biblical scenes and motifs. The effect is breathtaking.
Or if you want to get the heart pumping and take in some history, you can take a bike ride on the KATY trail. This cross-state bike trail begins just 30 minutes west of downtown St. Louis, in St. Charles—a town also worth visiting for its early American history and charm.