Top 5 Layover Ideas for Lambert St Louis Airport
With a layover at Lambert St Louis Airport, you have an opportunity to explore the vibrant city of St. Louis. To make the most of your time, here are the top five layover ideas that can be done within 12 hours.
1. St. Louis Zoo
Just a short distance from the airport, the St. Louis Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals living in natural habitats that resemble bluffs, lakes, and woods. With attractions like the Children’s Zoo, New River’s Edge and Insectarium, the Jungle of the Apes, and Big Cat Country, there's something for every animal lover. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Zooline Railroad around the park’s beautifully landscaped grounds.
2. Gateway Arch
As St. Louis’s most notable landmark, the Gateway Arch is a must-visit. Commemorating the city’s role as the gateway to the West for 19th century pioneers, the arch offers a tram ride to an observation room with spectacular city views. You can also explore the Museum of Westward Expansion and the Arch Odyssey Theatre at the base of the arch.
3. Kiener Plaza
If you're looking for a place to relax and people-watch, head to Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis. Known as a lunch spot for the working crowd and a gathering place for sports fans, the plaza features an amphitheater and a beautiful fountain. Surrounded by concrete columns with pergolas, it’s a perfect place to unwind.
4. Meeting of the Waters Fountain at Aloe Plaza
Located outside Union Station, the Meeting of the Waters Fountain at Aloe Plaza is one of St. Louis’s favorite works of public art. The grand fountain features allegorical representations of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers coming together, with the rivers’ 17 tributaries depicted as water sprites, mermaids, and fish. This 1940 sculpture was crafted by Swedish sculptor Carl Milles, an apprentice of master French sculptor, Auguste Rodin.
5. Missouri History Museum
Discover Missouri’s past at the Missouri History Museum. Exhibits include Charles Lindbergh’s flight suit and artifacts from the 1904 World’s Fair, alongside displays showcasing the African-American contribution to state culture and the city's response to the 1849 fire. Located in the Jefferson Memorial Building at Forest Park, the museum also offers a gift shop with a range of crafts, books, and souvenirs.