20 Attractions to Explore Near Francis Park

The Oakland House Museum is a hidden gem located in St. Louis County, Missouri. It was built in the 1850s and is a prime example of the Italianate architectural style that was popular during that time period. The museum showcases the life and times of the prominent families that lived in the area during the 1800s.Visitors are transported back in time as they walk through the elegant rooms of the museum, which have been painstakingly restored to their former glory.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis currently serves over 500,000 Catholic parishioners across the counties of St. Louis, Franklin, Jefferson, Ste. Genevieve, St. Charles, and Warren. The archdiocese is overseen by Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, who was appointed in 2020.The archdiocese is home to several prestigious Catholic educational institutions, including the Pontifical College Josephinum and Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.

Webster University is a private nonprofit institution located in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, with its main campus based in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1915, Webster University has a global presence, with campuses and online programs serving students around the world.

Carondelet Park is a stunning urban park that covers over 180 acres of land. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of recreational activities and attractions.One of the highlights of Carondelet Park is its beautiful lake, which is home to a variety of fish species and is a popular spot for fishing and boating. The park also features several sports fields and courts, including soccer fields, softball diamonds, and tennis courts.

Tower Park is a stunning urban oasis located in the heart of St. Louis city. It covers an impressive 289 acres of land and boasts a rich history and cultural significance.Designed by renowned landscape architect, Henry Shaw, in the late 1800s, Tower Grove Park is a true masterpiece that showcases the beauty of nature and art in perfect harmony. The park features a vast array of flora and fauna, including more than 7,000 trees, 340 varieties of roses, and a variety of bird and wildlife species.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a botanist's dream come true. Home to over 800 varieties of plants, shrubs, trees and flowers, the garden offers visitors a tranquil and colorful backdrop for their outdoor adventure. Known for its impeccable landscaping, the garden has something for everyone; featuring a wide variety of natural habitats like meadows, ponds, wetland areas, rock gardens, and hiking trails.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a lush oasis located in the heart of St. Louis. Covering over 79 acres of land, the garden is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in the United States.With its vast collection of plants and stunningly beautiful landscapes, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a must-see destination for anyone visiting St. Louis. The garden boasts more than 26 display gardens, including a beautiful Japanese garden, a rose garden, and a Victorian-style garden.

The Climatron is a unique conservatory located within the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis city. The conservatory is an architectural marvel, created by the renowned architect, Tadao Ando. The Climatron is a spherical structure that houses a diverse collection of tropical plants from all over the world.The structure is climate-controlled and showcases various plants and trees that thrive in a hot and humid environment, such as palm trees, orchids, and ferns.

The Saint Louis Science Center is an educational and engaging attraction located in St. Louis, Missouri. This amazing science museum covers an impressive 300,000 square feet and offers visitors of all ages a unique and interactive learning experience.The science center features a multitude of hands-on exhibits that showcase scientific concepts and technologies in an engaging and accessible manner.

The Saint Louis Zoo is a world-renowned zoological park that spans across 90 acres of lush parkland in St. Louis, Missouri. The zoo is home to over 13,000 animals from 555 different species, making it one of the largest zoos in the United States.The Saint Louis Zoo has something for everyone with its diverse range of animal exhibits. Visitors can see everything from majestic big cats like lions and tigers to playful primates like orangutans and chimpanzees.

Located in St. Louis County, Missouri, the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is a must-visit destination for history lovers. The site comprises of the historic White Haven estate where Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States, resided with his family during the 1850s. This site played a pivotal role in shaping Grant's military career, and visitors can learn about his life and legacy through the numerous exhibits and displays housed within the Visitor Center.

Hawken House is a historic site situated in St. Louis County, Missouri, which dates back to the 19th century. It was built by Jacob Hawken, a skilled gunsmith and blacksmith, who was known for crafting high-quality firearms during the 1800s. The house itself is a fine example of Federal-style architecture, characterized by its symmetrical design, tall windows, and decorative cornices.

The Jewel Box is a stunning art deco greenhouse located in St. Louis City, Missouri. Built in 1936, it was designed by the renowned architect William C. E. Becker and is considered one of the city's true architectural gems.The greenhouse is made entirely of glass and steel, and its unique design allows for an abundance of natural light to flood its interior. The Jewel Box's interior boasts a beautiful array of tropical plants, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant flowers.

Grant's Farm is a popular destination located in the St. Louis County of Missouri, USA. This 281-acre historic farm was originally owned by the Busch family, founders of Anheuser-Busch, the famous brewery company. Today, Grant's Farm is a unique park and animal reserve that attracts visitors from all over the world.The park boasts of a variety of attractions, including exotic and domestic animals, a petting zoo, and animal shows.

Whether you're a fan of classic Western art, European masterpieces, or a wide variety of modern and contemporary pieces, the museum has it all. With more than 5,000 works covering all cultures and time periods, the museum also presents an array of special exhibitions designed to educate and inspire its visitors. The Museum also offers educational opportunities that include lectures, workshops, artist residencies, school visits, and teacher training.

The Grand Basin in St. Louis City is a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of Forest Park, the Grand Basin is a large, man-made lake that spans more than 23 acres and is surrounded by landscaped gardens and walking paths.The Grand Basin was originally built for the 1904 World's Fair and was a centerpiece of the event, hosting boat races, fountains, and other activities.

The Compton Hill Water Tower is a prominent landmark in St. Louis City located within Compton Hill Reservoir Park. It stands at 179 feet tall and was built in the late 19th century to provide water pressure for the growing city. The tower is made of limestone and has a cylindrical shape with Romanesque-style architectural features.Visitors can climb the tower's 198 stairs to reach an observation deck located at the top, offering breathtaking views of the cityscape.

Compton Hill Reservoir Park is a beautiful and historic park located in Saint Louis City, Missouri. The park spans 36 acres and offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors, including walking paths, picnic areas, tennis courts, and playgrounds.The centerpiece of the park is the Compton Hill Water Tower, a magnificent 179-foot-tall tower that provides breathtaking views of the city. Built in 1898, the tower served as a reservoir for the city's water supply until the 1920s.

Whitecliff Park is a picturesque recreational area located in St. Louis County, Missouri. The park covers an area of about 120 acres and offers a wide array of activities for visitors of all ages.One of the most notable features of Whitecliff Park is its 8-acre lake, which provides visitors with a variety of water-based activities. Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of the stocked lake, which is home to various fish species such as bass, catfish, and bluegill.

Tilles Park is a popular destination located in St. Louis County. This well-manicured 75-acre park offers visitors a serene and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing day out.The park is named after Edward A. Tilles, a prominent businessman and philanthropist who donated the land to the city for park purposes. The park features a variety of attractions and facilities, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and a beautiful boathouse that overlooks a picturesque lake.