St. Louis is famous internationally for its splendid Gateway Arch, but locals know that there is so much more to the city than that one architectural feature. In fact, there are oodles of opportunity for adventure all across the region, and many of which can be found right here in our hometown. If you’re ever feeling the urge to adventure, you must pursue these incredible activities that can take place right in your own backyard:

1. Visit the most haunted home in St. Louis.
Paul Sableman/Flickr
This home is truly spectacular; an architectural marvel and a local landmark that bears a famous local name. In 1836, Johann "Adam" Lemp came to America from Germany and opened Western Brewery, which made the family wealthy. Sadly, though, its members were doomed to fall victim to misfortune time after time. The mansion was built in 1868 with 33 rooms, and within its walls, far too many members of the Lemp family were driven to take their own lives. Today, visitors believe that the mansion is haunted. If you're a brave soul, consider dining at its restaurant or even spending the night. For more information, click here.
2. Explore a stunning church or two.
Phil Roussin/Flickr
The area is dotted with some of the most spectacular churches and cathedrals in the nation. Each structure is entrancing in its own right, and the sheer size of many of these buildings will leave you in awe. For some of the most impressive churches in the city, click here.
3. Take an epic excursion via train.
_eWalter_/Flickr
Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner travels along a route that is positively bewitching. You can travel all the way to Kansas City, or you can take a shorter journey to Kirkwood or Washington. Want to know more? You can find our full article right here.
4. Adventure through the Flying Spider.
Flying Spider/Facebook
If you have never heard of the Flying Spider, you have probably never lived. This epic indoor playground and sports complex features a trampoline park, a ninja agility course, a trampoline basketball court , and so much more. If you're hoping for an adventure you will never forget, the Flying Spider is the place to go. For more info, read the full article here.
5. Go stargazing in a state park.
Cuivre River State Park/Facebook
Cuivre River State Park is truly stunning, and it is less than an hour from St. Louis. The park is beautiful by day or night, and it offers endless opportunity for adventure. Kayak, hike, or camp at this fantastic park and you may find that you never want to leave. If you ever find yourself in the park at night, you simply must plan to stargaze. For the full story, click here.
6. Embark on a pizza-perfect road trip.
Felix's Dogtown/Facebook
It's always an epic idea to seek out the best pizza in the area. On this trip, you will swing by Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria where you can enjoy pear and prosciutto as your toppings, or you can chow down on a snack prepared in the largest wood-fired oven in the country at Twinoak Wood-Fired Pizza & BBQ. Getting hungry? You can access the full article here.
7. Head out on a waterfall sightseeing tour.
dustinphillips/flickr
There are several waterfalls throughout the region that are positively enchanting. There’s never a poor time to visit these elegant attractions, as they are just as majestic in the colder months. For the full article, click here.
8. Take a tour of the city's best freebies.
Purina Farms/Facebook
Here in St. Louis, it isn't too hard to have a good time without breaking the bank. Incredibly, there is a large selection of completely free attractions that will delight visitors of all ages. From the The Union Station Whispering Arch to Purina Farms, there is so much to do. You can find the full story here.
9. Start your engines at the Amp Up Action Park.
Amp Up Action Park/Facebook
This place is high-energy, but it offers the most unforgettable adventure. Take advantage of the indoor go-kart track or take it easy with the classic arcade games like skeeball. No matter what you choose, you'll have an unforgettable time. For more information, click here.
10. Unwind on a dinner cruise.
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, NPS/Flickr
The Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises are pure magic, especially when you first step onto the replica steamboats; their architecture hearkens back to the early 1900's. The best part? That's not even the only must-go dinner cruise in the state! For more information, click here.

When you live in a place for so long, it is easy to grow accustomed to its wonders. For locals, life in St. Louis may seem mundane, but these epic adventures prove that there is always something going on in the Gateway to the West.

Ready for more adventure? Travel back in time to the 1904 World’s Fair through these incredible pictures.

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