Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis (must see)

The Missouri History Museum, operated by the Missouri Historical Society, was founded in 1866. Its main galleries are free through a public subsidy by the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District. The Jefferson Memorial Building, built in 1913 with profits from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, is the current home of the museum. In 1988, the museum joined the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District.

In 2000, the Emerson Center, a significant building addition, was completed, boosting attendance and exhibition capacity. The Emerson Center was selected by the American Institute of Architects' Committee on the Environment as an example of architectural design that protects and enhances the environment. It is an example of a green museum. Its permanent collection includes both national artifacts as well as Missouri- and St. Louis-related materials, such as local colonial and native items, Louisiana Purchase Exposition artifacts, and memorabilia relating to Charles Lindbergh and his trans-Atlantic flight in the "Spirit of St. Louis". A replica of the "Spirit of St. Louis" can be found here, too. A large number of artifacts from the Lewis and Clark Expedition are also housed in the permanent collection. Admission to it is free; however, certain exhibits require a ticket.

Why You Should Visit:
Friendly staff, wonderful location right in Forest Park, and great exhibits make it a good place for a family outing that educates, entertains and inspires.

Tip:
Check to see if current exhibits are of interest to you. If not, it's still nice to look at the fascinating gift shop and sit down for an upscale lunch at a reasonable price (not typical for a museum).