We are planning a trip to St. Louis for next year, can anyone help me out? Are these 2 places close to one another? What good lodging is close to these places? Any help would be appriciated. All we know is stay away from the East side of town.
Thanks!
My only input would be, is you have time. DO go to the Arch!, and check out the museum underneath it.
St. Louis Zoo and Six Flags are no where near each other. St. Louis Zoo is in St. Louis proper. Six Flags is in Eureka, which is an outlying town of St. Louis. According to google maps their 26 miles apart and a 35 minute drive time between the two.
when I was young my parents took my brother and I to six flags and we stayed at Jellystome campground. They have cabins and a mini golf and it was alot of fun with the activities that they had planned. And if I remember correctly they were decently close....
I don't know where you are coming from but if you are coming into St. Louis from within Missouri, I would almost stay in Eureka by Six Flags. There are several hotels there. Getting into the city to go to the Zoo is not a problem. Nor is downtown to the Arch. Just don't do it during rush hour. I-44 runs directly from Six Flags into downtown. To get to the Zoo, I-44 again, North on Hampton right into Forest Park at the Zoo. It's really not that bad a drive.
I was a kid in the 60s and early 70s living in St. Louis (Hazelwood when it was a new neighborhood.) The Zoo, Forest Park, Arch, are all good places to visit...Six Flags is/was too. Enjoy your visit to the Gateway City!
I love Forest Park! And there is a lot to do: The Muny, Science Center, zoo, The Jewel Box, History Museum, Art Museum. I'm sure there's a lot more things to do there, but those are the places that I really like, I also did my seniors pictures at those places, except the zoo because there were a ton of birthday parties that day and it was hard to get around all the kids. Forest Park could be it's own trip altogether!
If you do decide to visit the Arch, and your trip is in the summer, make sure you make reservations if you want to go to the top of the Arch. Trips to the top can sell out hours in advance. In addition to the Zoo, Six Flags, and the Arch, St. Louis has loads of free stuff to do...Science Center, History Museum, Art Museum (all in Forest park near the Zoo). Budweiser Brewery tour (even if you don't like beer, you still get to see the Clydesdales), Grant's Farm (there is a fee to park, but admission is free), US Grant National Historic site (across the street from Grant's farm).
We often Stop in St. Louis either on our way to or from Branson. We love it there. We often stay at Drury Inn (most often the one in Fenton). They have a very nice breakfast, snacks (more like a meal) in the evening and an indoor pool and hot tub). Places we really like and would recommend - The Arch, Grant's farm ( and home), The Zoo, Six Flags in St. Louis is very nice (we like it best of the six flag parks we've been to). We also like to go to the Rt. 66 State Park and Lone Elk Park. Oh, and you must stop by Ted Drewes (on Chippewa) for Frozen Custard - it's the best!
I lived in STL for 25 years (left about 2 years ago). All the things suggested here were great, the only major thing I would add would be the city museum. It's not run by the city, and it's not a museum. It's more like a giant indoor playground crossed with an art sculpture. It's fun if you have kids (go during the day) and fun even if you don't (go later in the evening on fri or sat). It's downtown near the arch (15th & washington if memory serves me). If you're looking for more relaxing things there's a pretty good historic district in St. Charles if you're into that. The only other thing I can think of that my wife and I enjoy doing in STL are the wineries in Augusta and the Bently/Lamborghini/Maserati dealership in the chesterfield valley. I'll get off my soap box now since your original question was about distance between the zoo and 6 flags...
www.citymuseum.org
If you go thru Stanton on your way there, stop at Meramec Caverns! (only 5 miles from my house!) ;)
Clearly Destination SDC has fallen under the indoctrination of the residents of south city. It is well known that Fritz's is vastly superior to Ted Drew's- Don't believe me??? Ask any resident of the western half of the STL suburbs.
In all seriousness you can't go wrong at either place- they both offer excellent frozen custard and trying to decide which is better is futile; they both stand head and shoulders above most other ice cream joints.
The Zoo is free, other than parking. The art museum (as a former art teacher is great, FREE, and right next door to the Zoo). is a great stop for anyone. Grant's farm is always a good time for the family as well. The city Museum is always a place I recommend to any visitors that are downtown in StL.
I have a history with Custard. I grew up not a mile from a Fritz's and it was always a part of my life. I totally agree on Fritz's ( and not just because I helped manage the store for over 5 years during and after college!). I met my wife there over 10 years ago, and we set out on a quest a few years ago to find the best frozen custard . We have tried nearly 25 different places, and a few stand out. Andy's, Silky's, Fritz's, Ted Drewe's, you cannot go wrong! We now live not a mile from another Fritz's!
When go to Cards games we stay at Drury Inn in Fenton and it's only 15 minutes to the stadium, Forest Park would be closer yet. Just past that place that has the pedestrian bridge over 44 (help me here, Rube or one of your other St Lousians I can't remember what it is). There are several other hotels in the Fenton/Valley Park area that would put you about 1/2 way between Six Flags and Forest Park.
Sorry, but I'm partial to Ted Drewes. My Dad worked there in the 1950's when he was going to the Seminary.
The pedestrian bridge over the highway is (I think) the corporate offices of maritz. Rube- I grew up in St. Peters, about a mile or so from the Fritz's. We used to walk there during the summer- that way we could "walk off" our desert on the way home.
Odds are Kentucky Optimist we have met several times! I have worked at most of the Fritz's and spend the majority of my time at St. Peters. Odds are you lived near Spencer or Covenant Park right?
Knowing what they all do, here are the differences. Fritz's has 4 custards made fresh daily-Vanilla , Light Vanilla, Chocolate, and a flavor of the day (anything from cookies and cream to their best seller chocolate malt, or pumpkin, pistachio nut, butter pecan.....). After that, the toppings are the same basically.Fritz's wear soda jerk style uniforms, Ted Drewe's wear T shirts and visors. Fritz's has several more custom desserts, but many at any place are the same . Ted Drewe's has the history and a great ambiance after any StL event. You really cannot go wrong!
As a shutterbug I'm partial to the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Of course, you must get Ted Drewes (sorry, Rube ;)) and some St. Louis Style Pizza.
The best way to tackle three of these in one fell swoop is this:
Get off at the Hampton exit on Highway 40. Go to the zoo (inside Forest Park) and then head the opposite direction on Hampton. You'll see an Imo's Pizza on the corner at the left JUST past the highway. When you are done with Imo's head down Hampton until you get to Chippewa. Make a right and Ted Drewes is down on your left about a mile and half. :) :) :) :)
Enjoy our beautiful city :)
stlphotogal......I dont know if I have said this or not but WELCOME!!! Glad to have ya aboard! ;D
While I am not a big fan of Six Flags Saint Louis (contrary to another poster, I think it is the WORST SF park I have visited - I am kinda partial to Six Flags Over Texas, it has a bit of an SDC feel, imho), but the St Louis Zoo is amazing. It is second only to the Omaha Zoo, and a close second at that.
Keep in mind that while admission to the zoo is free, pretty much everything else costs money. Parking is $11 or $12 bucks, the kid's section of the zoo (after the first hour that the park is open) and the rides cost, and both the Sea Lion show (which is top notch) and the 3D movie are up-charge attractions as well. Don't get me wrong, the STL Zoo is reasonably priced, but be ready for at least some costs! (FYI - the Safari Pass is a really good deal, especially if your local zoo participates in a reciprocal program and you are a season pass holder).
Back to Six Flags StL, you should check out these links at ThemeParkInsider.com for more info (I hope it is okay to post links to other theme park sites here - my apologies if it is not):
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/six_flags_st._louis/ (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/reviews/six_flags_st._louis/)
http://www.themeparkinsider.com/news/response.cfm?ID=945508250 (http://www.themeparkinsider.com/news/response.cfm?ID=945508250)
And, FWIW, when I go to SFStL I generally stay at a Comfort Inn & Suites in Chesterfield. It is a nice place with good restaurants (not just fast food) nearby. One more thing, you should definitely plan to eat your meals outside of the park - the food at SFStL is inedible.
Good luck!
Chesterfield is a good location, and is in a great area. Any restaurant you would want is there off of Hwy 40, and the mall is great. It is located about 20-25 min. from SFStL and about 25-30 min from downtown StL. Living near Chesterfield, we frequent the area for fast food, shopping, banquets, and date nights (All in an area called "The Valley" off of Hwy 40 @ Boone's Crossing. Some days I even dart out there on my lunch hour to grab a good bite to eat.
As for SfStl I have only been to this one park, so I have nothing to compare it to!
The East side that you spoke of is across the river in Ill. so as long as you are in MO, you are safe(er). Once you head into Sauget, things can get a bit seedy. I only head that way across the river if I am going to Cahokia Mounds Historic Site.
Growing up near St. Louis, you will love the energy of the City (even on the "dreaded" east side by the river can be somewhat fun at Laclede's Landing). Six Flags is where I grew up going to when I wasn't going to SDC.
I will HIGHLY recommend The City Museum however as a recommendation if I can persuade just ONE person to give it a try. Once you click through the links below, you'll see why!!!!!
http://www.citymuseum.org/
http://www.youtube.com/CityMuseumStL
701 North 15th Street, Saint Louis, MO 63103
They're on Facebook too.
Also, the St. Louis Zoo is a treat! It was the site of the 1904 World's Fair (with original pavilions still intact!!!!) Fun Fact: The Waffle cone was invented and first sold during the fair, as well as introducing the hamburger and hot dog, peanut butter, and cotton candy to the general public (before this, they were regional items not widely known). Dr Pepper was also first introduced at the fair. I'm a World's Fair geek!!!!
"""Also, the St. Louis Zoo is a treat! It was the site of the 1904 World's Fair (with original pavilions still intact!!!!) Fun Fact: The Waffle cone was invented and first sold during the fair, as well as introducing the hamburger and hot dog, peanut butter, and cotton candy to the general public (before this, they were regional items not widely known). Dr Pepper was also first introduced at the fair. I'm a World's Fair geek!!!!""""
Beta, thats some interetsing details there!!
Never ceases to amaze me at the knowledge and info the members of this group has. some of it VERY helpful,,,,,,and some of it NOT!! :o :o.
We really enjoyed going to the Arch, History and Art Museums but we also love going to Grant's Farm. This year we went there for Halloween. We had a fantastic time - it was nice to see people with their families and enjoying the scenery and music. The only thing I did not like is the cost for a hotel room. We stayed in a Drury Inn Suite and I could stay in Branson 6 nights for what I paid for 1 King Suite.
Ive stayed in a Drury b4, and while yes they have AH-MAZING beds, I wouldnt stay there again. My friend words for drury and I go bum food off them if I am in town at the right times (happy hour is free food and beverage) and she is working. Other than that they are stinkin expensive.
See!!! BetaMike knows the power of the City Museum too! It is NOT a painting gallery by any means! I first went about 10 yrs ago while in college not knowing what it was, we were told in an art class "We are going to one museum a month, here is the address for the next trip..." not knowing a thing, we went and were amazed at the place! Look it up if you haven't heard of it. It is a MUST in the city. And this is from someone who was in his early 20's at his first visit, think of how much fun kids have there (yes both in age and in spirit, but us kids in spirit usually feel a bit more sore the following day!)
My daughter and son-in -law took the grandkids to the City Museum last month and the had a blast climbing on the displays. It cost about $9.00 apiece to get in. The aquarium on the 3rd. floor cost additional so the didn't see it.
I think there is more than enough to keep busy without the aquarium!