City Museum, Saint Louis (must see)

Housed in the former International Shoe Company factory and warehouse building, the City Museum consists largely of repurposed architectural and industrial objects. Popular among residents and tourists alike, this place attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, billing itself as an "eclectic mixture of children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel." Here, visitors are encouraged to feel, touch, climb on, and play in the various exhibits at will.

City Museum was founded by artist Bob Cassilly, who remained its artistic director until his death in 2011, and his then-wife Gail Cassilly.

Since opening in October 1997, the venue has regularly expanded, adding new exhibits. In 2008, they had a ten-story slide added that starts at the roof and leads down to the Caves' entrance. One of its most popular attractions, the Enchanted Caves and Shoe Shafts, runs through the center of the museum all the way up to the 10th floor.

The original part of the museum, the first floor is home to a life-size Bowhead Whale that guests can walk through to view a large fish tank from the Mezzanine where there is a food court. The floor itself is covered with the largest continuous mosaic in the US, which morphs its way up columns.

The second floor houses The Shoelace Factory, whose antique braiding machines make colorful shoelaces for sale. A circus ring on the third floor offers daily live acts as well as concerts. The building's fifth floor consists of apartments, dubbed the Lofts at City Museum, which range in size from 1,300 to more than 2,800 square feet (260 m2).

The roof has a small old-fashioned Ferris wheel and a wide ramp slide.

Located in front of the building, MonstroCity features two Sabreliner 40 aircraft fuselages suspended high in the air, a fire engine, a castle turret, and other interesting things.

Why You Should Visit:
This place is like the biggest playground in the world, and is quite literally fun for all ages.

Tip:
Be prepared to sweat and work out! Knee-pads are a must (and sold in their gift shop, if you forget).
Make sure you come on a day with good weather, so you can enjoy the outdoor parts. The extra $5 for the rooftop is worth it.