country. This national historic landmark is a beautiful display of modern and traditional gardens. More than 1,400 species of plants in both natural and tropical settings are housed in the garden’s Climatron. Its 14-acre Japanese Garden, complimented with waterfalls, streams, water-filled basins and stone lanterns, is the largest Japanese strolling garden in the Western hemisphere. More than 60 species of butterflies fill the 8,000-square-foot glass Butterfly House. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Adults $6. Seniors $4.50 . Children ages three to twelve $4. 314-577-5100. www.mobot.org
The 5050 Oakland Avenue, is another city treasure. With more than 70 hands-on exhibits, the Science Center offers visitors the opportunity to test their knowledge of fossils, dinosaurs and outer space. The planetarium houses Mr. Hubbies’ Universe exhibit, featuring a 40-minute dark sky show, space mission and tour of the Boeing Space Station. The Darwin exhibit explores the life and times of Charles Darwin, while the Omnimax Theater’s Ultimate Wave Tahiti tells the story of ocean waves and the lives the waves transform. The 11,000-square-foot Science Park features exhibits experimenting with the properties of sound, motion and light. Free. Hours are Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 314-289-4400. www.slcs.org
A 76-foot long, 21,500 pound No. 2 pencil is just one of the wonders of the . Located at 701 North 15th St., the museum can best be described as an “eclectic mix of a children’s playground and funhouse.” Random objects – old chimneys, salvaged bridges, construction cranes and abandoned air planes – make up much of the museum’s structure and displays, including the Monstrocity area which features monkey bars created with material from two Sabor 40 aircrafts, fire engines, and wrought iron slinkys. The Shoelace Factory, with its vintage machines, a 13,500square-foot World Aquarium which houses more than 10,000 creatures, and Art City, where visitors create artwork and view various art demonstrations, are just a few City Museum wonders. $12 admission, with additional $6 to visit the aquarium. Hours are Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 314- 231-CITY. www.citymuseum.org
Most of us know that Ulysses S. Grant was leader of the Union Army and President of the United States, but few may know that he once lived, worked and built a cabin in St. Louis.
Each year, thousands travel to – 10501 Gravois Road – to see the four-room, two-story cabin and to experience life as it was during the 1800s. In addition to the cabin, Grant’s Farm houses approximately 1,000 animals representing more than 100 species from six continents. European antelopes, African zebras and deer from North America and Asia roam the Deer Park, while 25 mares, geldings and stallions reside at the Clydesdale Stables. Guests meet Bud and Mickey – two African elephants – and get an up close and personal look at the kangaroos, tortoises and colorful birds. Free. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 314-843-1700. www.grantsfarm.com.
Contact Jolonda Young at [email protected]
