The top stops along the way from Galena to Branson (with short detours) are Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Bally's Quad Cities Casino & Hotel, and Grant's Farm. Other popular stops include Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Antique Archaeology, and Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
1
Mississippi Palisades State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
2,500-acre park with forest, river, bluffs & rock formations for outdoor sports, camping & picnics.
Beautiful place! I brought my kids who were 10 at the time. We camped in the state park it was nice. Make sure you check the length of some hikes! We ended up on a rather long one that was a very steep incline all the way up! We're all season hikers but it was a pretty tough hike considering it was about 95°. There is nice outlooks that you don't have to hike far too you can always drive up to them. One of the only places in Illinois you can rock climb no permit necessary!
Ryan B — Google review
If you like hilly hiking trails, this is a good place to go. Just be aware that the trails are narrow, and there is a lot of poison ivy by the trails. It's a good idea to wear long pants for the hikes.There are plenty of nice picnic areas and shelters in the park. The overlooks to the river are amazing. The camp ground is not crowded and pleasant to stay. A busy railway is close by, if you are not a deep sleeper, bring a few good ear plugs.
Lan F — Google review
Visited this state park again. Very clean, nice site spacing (mostly). Lots of recent rain not only had the Mississippi River close to flood stage, but the mosquitos were pretty bad. With the Galena tourist trap about 30 miles away and the biker town of Savanna about 15 miles, there are plenty of things to do in the area. I have heard that Thompson Causeway is a better location, but there is just something about this state park that is very appealing. I have been here about 6x over the past 35 years and have never been disappointed.
E — Google review
Went up there with group of close friends and family. Was Packed at one of the popular sites bc they had a group of young climbers, so we drove down a little farther to the Face of Doom. We setup three ropes and spent the day. Wasn't packed at all back there, two small groups of two people came and used our ropes. Here's a picture of one of the climbs. It would of gotten 5 stars but since 3/4s of the park is closed the remaining climbs have been polished making it not as much fun as it used to be 10 years ago or so. But still had one of the best days of the year for sure.
Nick P — Google review
Mississippi Palisades State Park is a great place for family camping. Campsites are spacious and the access to the Missouri river is easy. Nearby, Savannah, offers supplies and restaurants, and other small towns nearby are fun to visit. Maquoketa caves are terrific and it’s only a stones throw to visit lovely Galena. There are some lovely overlooks to hike to I understand but we did not make it to them.
Aj S — Google review
This is a nice state park. Well kept and plenty of shade for camping. The sites are far apart for privacy and room. The sites only have electricity which is status quo for an Illinois state park. Water pressure is good. The shower houses are basic and clean. There are three throughout the campground. There is NO cell service. We have Verizon and we were in SOS mode the whole time. This park is 30 mins from Galena, IL which is a great day trip. There are plenty of overlooks which are easy to hike to see the mighty Mississippi River. Poopy’s biker bar is about 30 minutes away. It’s a great venue even if you’re not on a bike. Food there was fabulous!
Margie H — Google review
We spent a wonderful weekend in April 2002 at the state park with BSA. The park was in good condition and the bathrooms were nice and clean. The ground was wet but it’s that time of year. I will definitely be back
Jesus G — Google review
We were staying in the area and drove out to see the sights. It didn’t take long to drive between the various lookouts and there were short walks to the various platforms. Almost all of them had benches to sit on and soak in the sights. It wasn’t crowded when we went - in fact, we saw a couple groups leaving and one person sitting at a table, but we were otherwise alone in the woods - save a furry friend we found on the way out… 🕷🕸The northern platforms are accessible by slopes, the southern ones had more stairs. They were all well-maintained.
Jeannine S — Google review
Really enjoy visiting this park. I have been visiting this park for the past 30 years and it always has great views, good trails, and we always seem to meet great people out here! The spring wildflowers are a treat on the Sentinel trail.
Brad A — Google review
We just left this campground. WE LOVED IT!!! I was worried when I read the bad reviews. Yes, there are mosquitoes and gnats (bring a screen tent!) the views are amazing! The staff is super friendly- the man at the front gate was extremely friendly and helpful!!! They maintain the campground beautifully! We will definitely go back! Galena is right up the road and there was a great winery with beautiful views! Fergedaboutit winery with live music. We had a great time....thank you!!!
Kim R — Google review
Nice state park along the Mississippi River in NW Illinois. The Sentinel, Sunset, and Pine Trail is excellent and has great views. Parts of all trails can be overgrown so take note. Not a very busy park at all so you can hike in peace here.
FFKDTP1 — Google review
Just a 2.5 hour road trip out west towards Iowa from Chicago. The weather was cool from the rain passing through. Luckily the trails were mostly dry. This park is well-known for the lookout points over the Mississippi River on the Sentinel Trail and the Sunset Trail. The Sunset Trail is easier and the lookout point is accessible by car. Most of the hiking trails were well-maintained, but there were a few overgrown sections, especially the Prairie View Trail (short loop). I recommend you skip it and go straight to the Pine Trail which leads down to the Twin Sisters (rock formation). Overall, beautiful natural park. I would love to go back and camp out here to watch the sunset over the Mississippi River.
Andy P — Google review
Such a beautiful space! We will be coming back. There are rustic and electric sites scattered throughout the campground, which is nice because often there are "rustic" sections and "electric" sections in campgrounds. We chose a site close to the shower house and it suited us well. Grass everywhere for our tent and a gravel section for parking. The roads are paved and there are a few paved handicap sites as well. The only "bad" thing was, once you were past the first section of the campground, there was zero cell service. So if you are looking for that, choose a site near the park entrance.Out of their control, but the gnats were terrible during our visit! We were only passing through so we did not explore the trails or overlooks, so we will definitely check those out on future visits.
Erica E — Google review
This park is great for camping. Lot of camping sites available. There are few point where you can drive for awesome view. Few hiking trails are also available. The route to this park is also beautiful.
Mangesh W — Google review
Some of the trails are a little bit overgrown, so I would recommend longer pants if you don't like that. There are a couple of restroom areas and are well maintained. Lots of cool views especially in the fall time! I would also recommend going through all of the trails in one day, it's quite the little day hike!
Maxwell R — Google review
Trails are rugged and offer a good hike and some good views. However, it is quite clear the State of Illinois doesn't take care of the park or the trails. Hiking paths not updated or taken care of.Grass paths overgrown and tree trunks laying the middle of the trail. I will not be going back anytime soon. Would have given it one star except for the views.
Abe M — Google review
Absolutely breathtaking view of the Mississippi River. Amazing how the railroad tracks run right along the edge. Lots of little over looks on the ledges to look out, trails, camping. Nice bathroom facilities. Amazing wildlife and nature. Trails and trails. Gorgeous and peaceful. Tons of grilling and picnic areas and also plenty of parking.
Courtney B — Google review
My camping experience at Mississippi Palisades State Park was absolutely wonderful! The natural beauty of the park is truly breathtaking, with stunning views of the Mississippi River and unique rock formations. The campgrounds were well-maintained and had all the necessary amenities.The hiking trails offered a variety of scenic routes, and I had a fantastic time exploring the diverse landscapes. Whether it was hiking along the riverbanks or climbing to higher vantage points for panoramic views, there was always something captivating to see.The park staff were friendly and helpful, making check-in and any inquiries a breeze.
Dimo R — Google review
Lookouts beautiful, after reading other reviews about the bugs I was worried but it was not that bad at all. Ranger Very nice, we camped in a tent,.went fishing, and hiking. The bathrooms could use some updating but flush toilets and hot showers. It is dog friendly
J&V C — Google review
Beautiful quiet place. The closest thing to Tennessee mountains you will see in illinois. Steps to the view pictured aren't bad, but it is not handicap accessible.It's worth the drive.
Brandie D — Google review
It was a gorgeous stop! The point of my trip up there was to get in some hikes/walks... see the leaves changing (I was a little early, so not a ton of changes yet)... and get some great views.... My friend did not disappoint by bringing me here. Many asked if he was taking me to this park - so glad he did because it was beautiful! Once I can get my knees fixed and I can hike even further, I want to go back as I was limited to one path before pain kicked in. But even with bad knees, the trails aren't that bad at all - it killed me nit to go on more. Can't wait to go back! A great place to visit!!
Dawn M — Google review
4.6
(1410)
•
4.5
(147)
16327A IL-84, Savanna, IL 61074, USA
(815) 273-2731
2
Eagle Point Park
Mentioned on
1 list
City park
Nature & Parks
Park
Eagle Point Park is a picturesque city park that features breathtaking bluffs with views of the river. It boasts a historic lodge and castle turret that are open for stair climbs, along with fun play areas for children and picnic spots for families. The park also includes amenities such as a dog park and Frisbee golf course. With hiking trails, scenic vistas, and an impressive stone lookout tower, Eagle Point Park is an ideal destination to enjoy year-round outdoor activities in Clinton.
Quick stop at Eagle Point Park was quite a delight. We were happy that you could drive right to the castle & park. There was a poster about times & days for a guided tour. We did a quick climb to the top (stairs are pretty easy) - the view is fabulous! We drove over by the lodge & the rock bridge as well. We also saw that there was quite the dog park with water & a sprinkler. We'll come back & bring the dog next time - it looked pretty cool.
Beth W — Google review
Everyone knows that the park has a one way drive around most of the park and yet there is still goofs think that it isn't. There is even signage stating that after the parking area by the dog park. Had to remind someone and got an I know reply and yet why was he trying to the wrong way? Also was honked at for not letting go before me even though I had the right away
Bob W — Google review
We took our grandkids to Eagle Point Park, we wanted to take them to see the castle, and have them go up inside. We then took them to the playground where they had a wonderful time!
Bill D — Google review
Attended a iTIP Symposium here and it was exceptional. Beautiful location, the scenery was outstanding and the care and attention to detail did not go unnoticed. A beautiful lodge worthy of all events small to large, personal and professional events. Clinton is so blessed! Thank you for the hospitality!
Bonnie A — Google review
Absolutely beautiful park. The views are amazing. Great play grounds for kids. Picnic areas for family's. A dog park. A beautiful castle that over looks the river. Definitely a must see. Weather your from the area or just passing threw. You have to come check this park out.
Geneva — Google review
This place is absolutely beautiful we used to come here for family reunions when I was a kid n now I come back when I'm in the area for a race
Megan K — Google review
From our first visit in 2017 to finding the most beautiful setting for our wedding, we love this place.
Elle L — Google review
This is a very old city park. The park is very well maintain and the views over the Mississippi are fantastic, looking out over the lake formed by Lock and Dam 13. There is a overlook tower, that kids love that is built of stone with stone steps going up. There is a stone bridge built over a deep ravine. My grandsons used to love playing on the bridge. The park has a newly remodeled lodge with a large outdoor patio, where they can have weddings. The lodge has a kitchen and nice bathrooms, perfect for family get to gathers, with a beautiful view of the river. Also there are 2 nice playgrounds, and an additional roofed area for picnics. Great place for family reunions.
Joyce S — Google review
Great place to take the kids. Just be careful with your adventurous toddlers, I forgot how tall and narrow the stairs were.
Nicole N — Google review
Kids loved the little castle and the playground. They also loved the water feature. Beautiful overlook of the Mississippi River by the castle too.
Ken G — Google review
Pretty cool area. Castle was my favorite part. I drove about an hour to check it out and it was a bit underwhelming for the length of travel.
Megan D — Google review
It was rainy out... a friend wanted to take me to show me the view, which was gorgeous. Apparently a lot if events held there - I can see why! Didn't get to see any of the rest of the park, but a nice stop - especially since he went out of the way to show me the view here!
Dawn M — Google review
A nice park to get out and enjoy nature and to enjoy some views of the Mississippi River
A B — Google review
This is one of the most beautiful parks that I have been to. It's on the river and has an amazing playground.I was here last year with my dogs. This is by-far the best dog park in the country. A small area, medium, and large as well as a swimming hole for all the dogs. The water is drinkable and it is wonderful. The entire dog park is EIGHT acres!
DwanBentTwyford — Google review
Love this park! One of the first places my family and I visited before moving to Clinton. Fun year-round. Great hiking trails, scenic views, playgrounds, Christmas light displays, Frisbee golf, dog park, the awesome stone lookout tower!
Billy Y — Google review
It is a beautiful, soothing place. Green and peaceful. Today’s temperature is almost 95 degrees, which is a little exhausting for us to hang around. Will explore again. Great place.
Dr. S — Google review
Nice fenced dog park area, $3 entry, $1 each additional dog. Playground for the kids and good parking. There is a "castle" feature to see if you continue down the park road. Nice old fort or lookout, they were putting up decorative winter lights when I visited.
Jodi L — Google review
This is super cool and I wish I knew about it earlier! Just beautiful ❤️
Marie L — Google review
The dog park is one of the nicest in the country. We're lucky to have this resource.
Shelley S — Google review
The park is so lovely. Came to see take my dog to the dog park, which is nice and well kept. The trails outside the dog park are also great to explore. The park as a whole is clean and quiet and you get great views of the Mississippi.
Ashley Y — Google review
Perfect place for Prom pics. My daughter looked like a real-life princess in a castle!!!!
Jessica Q — Google review
4.7
(874)
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4.5
(112)
3923 N 3rd St, Clinton, IA 52732, USA
(563) 243-1260
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3
Buffalo Bill Museum
Mentioned on
12 lists
Museum
Museum of space history
Recreation center
Specialty Museums
The Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire offers a fascinating look into the life of William Cody, also known as Buffalo Bill, and the heritage of the Mississippi River. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts related to regional history, including an 1800s stern wheeler and early Native American Indian displays. The museum also showcases a variety of items such as Chris Craft Speed Boat, a handcrafted replica of the riverboat Robert E. Lee, and early 1900s ladies' fashions.
There is so much more to see here then we ever expected!!! The admission was just $5 for adults and we saw and learned so much while here. There are artifacts from many different decades to experience and learned about as well as helpful videos. And to top it off, you can see and walk through and old paddle wheel boat. All the parts are marked and explained as you got through it. Truly just a great little museum. We expected to be there half an hour and ended up spending almost two hours inside.
Jennifer W — Google review
There are some displays and a timeline of Buffalo Bill history but there's a lot more to see about LeClaire including a wooden tugboat and of course river history. It is a nice museum and displays are well done just not exactly what I was expecting.
Leigh J — Google review
The buffalo bill museum is a well put together exhibition of the rich local history. I talked the the gentleman who runs the museum and he was welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate. They have some excellent memorabilia and artifacts. One of my favorite parts is the restored wooden steamboat. It's an incredibly interesting exhibit to explore. Worth the stop. I would recommend having at least an hour or more.
John C — Google review
Very cool museum the lone star boat was really neat! Actually walking all around that boat was cool! Lots of history!
Apple C — Google review
Ran into a man at a little food shop down the road and was talking to him about attractions in the area. He recommended this place and we told him that we would probably go check it out after lunch and we did.We pull up and there he is, walking us in telling us that he is the current president on the board of this museum.We go in and he pays for my family of 5 admittance. We took the tour, my kids did the scavenger hunt and the whole experience was Great!A lot of information and very cool exhibits in this place. The boat was very neat.My whole family enjoyed it.Thank you for a wonderful experience👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Will P — Google review
An interesting mix of artefacts from the area spanning the last 200 years or so. It sometimes feels like a trek through grandma and grandpa's attic, but hey, what's not to like about poking around in an attic? The old tug Lone Star was fascinating to meander through, and the staff were all very friendly.
Sean K — Google review
There is a lot to see here, not just about Buffalo Bill Cody, but also about the town of Le Claire itself. You'll pay about $5 to get in and it's well worth it. Take your time and explore. Don't forget to have a look at the old school house at the other end of the museum.
Tommy M — Google review
We had a great time! We had 4 kids (age 7-11) and there were so many fun things to check out. The one room school house and boat deck were the faves. Also impressive how many old timey celebrities have ties to Iowa and Illinois. This is a great experience (also adding a meal at happy joes and checking the river front after make for a great outing!)
Jenna I — Google review
This is really a regional history museum. It has a sizable exhibit on Buffalo Bill but that's just a fraction of the museum. There are two films on the life of Buffalo Bill. We watched one and it was excellent--we learned a lot. The rest of the Buffalo Bill exhibit was interesting. There's also an exhibit on a local man who invented the flight recorder and the seatbelt. Beyond that, the museum is an uncurated hodge podge of items, some clearly connected to LeClaire, others not (a framed poster of Norman Rockwell paintings!?!). You have to read a lot of small signs to understand what you're looking at. We especially had a hard time understanding what we were looking at when we visited the riverboat next door. Some curating, better organization and clearer signage would transform this museum into something special.
Linda S — Google review
Very cool, it has an entire boat for show in the place! I don’t know if the boat was actually that rickety when it was in the water but when I went on it the wood was moving and felt very rickety. The rest of the museum is very cool too. It has a movie for show about buffalo bill that is only 8 minutes long
Mr B — Google review
Buffalo Bill only lived in LeClair until he was eight, but they have a comprehensive display of his career and importance in history.Along with that it’s a good, earnest regional museum though sometimes amateurish. An interesting display about another native is the inventor of the aviation “black box” with examples.The star of the museum is literally the tugboat Lone Star. Which had an amazingly long history on the river. You get to go aboard and see everything.
Brian O — Google review
This is a great museum. Lots of interesting information and artifacts. It wasn't crowded and I was able to take my time. Being able to go aboard the river boat was fun and educational.
Denise — Google review
This place is phenomenal. There is more to it than Buffalo Bill, there are also other exhibits about other famous people from Le Claire which I found very interesting. There's also exhibits showcasing local history including antique tools, photographs, textile work, and even a cute little corner about the local high school. The preserved steam boat is astounding and you can walk around inside of it and check out the engines and quarters and things. There's also a one room schoolhouse replication and the history behind that. This isn't just a museum, it's evidence of small town pride trickling through generations.
Leah F — Google review
Really interesting artifacts! We happened upon this place by accident but it was worth it! The old boat they have displayed is very cool!
Calli — Google review
Kid friendly, they have interactive displays, a large actually retired steamboat to explore, a one room school house, and videos as well. I learned a lot and so did my teenage son that's usually on his phone. So win! They do have a small gift shop which I liked that helps support them.
Jay S — Google review
This was a very cool little museum with lots of history packed inside. Was only $5 to get in and worth every penny. Growing up with a father that worked on the illinois and Mississippi River it brought back a flood of memories. First picture is one of many boats that my father worked on. Captain David Todd is his name. Sadly he passed away in 2020
Joseph T — Google review
We heard from family that this was a neat stop. My kids don't generally do well with museums, but figured it was inexpensive and worth a shot.There was no wait at all. We walked in and the front desk greeted us gleefully. We paid and she started telling us how to navigate. Then, she breaks out scavenger hunt sheets for the kids!! They've never been more excited to explore a museum in their life. There was plenty of artifacts from history about not only Buffalo Bill, but other historical figures & events of the town.I love aviation and the father of the 'Black Box was from the area, so they have a few of his early pieces on display!We thought this was going to be a quick 20 minute stop and we walked around for over an hour, and we could have easily spent another half hour or more watching the educational videos about the displays.Overall, it's very affordable and worth the time. I definitely recommend the stop!
Mike B — Google review
Very cool museum. Buffalo Bill was born there, and there is a tremendous amount of Buffalo Bill history. There is also a good amount of Le Claire history, as well as river history. We very much enjoyed it. If you're in the area and like history, this is a very good stop. Highly recommend.
Jeremy P — Google review
4.6
(608)
•
4.0
(331)
199 Front St, Le Claire, IA 52753, USA
(563) 289-5580
4
Riverboat Twilight
Mentioned on
6 lists
Cruise agency
Tours
Boat tour agency
Boat Tours
Riverboat Twilight is an elegant triple-decked riverboat that offers a variety of cruises, including day trips, overnight stays, and sightseeing tours with dining options. The sightseeing cruise lasts for just under two hours and provides the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views along the river while learning about its history from the captain. Passengers can also spot wildlife such as bald eagles during the journey.
Really great experience. The subtle vibration of the boat and the gentle sway of the Mississippi are very relaxing! Crew is friendly and knowledgeable. Food is good and there is too much of it. The Twilight is beautifully appointed, with many decorative features. There is WiFi onboard. We booked the 2 day cruise and I have learned a ton about the Mississippi river culture that I was not expecting. Overnight stay is at the Grand Harbor Resort and water park; great for kids to bring a swimsuit.
Chris F — Google review
I don't know where to begin!!! If you want a trip where you can just relax and enjoy the beauty of nature without a lot of people. Then this trip is for you! Live professional music, great narration of the history, land, landmarks, etc... I have never seen so many eagles! The crew made you feel like you were family( the family you like and look forward to seeing). The food was really good. We did the 2 day cruise, so our hotel was included in the price of the cruise. They even took our luggage to our hotel room so it was waiting for us when we got to our room. They even picked it back up from our room the next day and they made sure it was on the Riverboat on the return trip. That was included. No extra fee. They really went the extra mile to make everyone comfortable, and the trip hassle free. The indoor waterpark at the hotel was included as well as day two's breakfast at the hotel. We also received rickets to the National Mississippi museum and aquarium, where I was able to pet live stingrays. My only complaint is that the trip ended too soon. 2 days of rest, relaxation, great food, and all the things they did to make this cruise memorable. I wish it lasted for a week! I can hardly wait to go back.
Christina M — Google review
Loved the 2 day cruise. The food is amazing and plentiful. If you go hungry, it's your own fault. The Captain is very knowledgeable of sites along the river.
Todd L — Google review
This is a great trip! The boat is beautiful, the food is delicious, the captain is very knowledgeable about the river, and the staff works very hard and is friendly. Scenery is exceptional. Eagles, pelicans, and gulls are plentiful. I love how the captain points out all the interesting things, wildlife, tows, and history of the river. It is a great place to relax and ride.I have taken this trip 2 times now and also the 1 day trip in the fall. I recommend highly.
Chicken L — Google review
Very relaxing cruise with wonderful staff! They go above and beyond to make sure you have a great time. Food is excellent and they will make accommodations for dietary needs if you communicate that ahead of time! We did a full day trip and it was enjoyable. It was a very hot day but if you sit on the shaded side of the boat, it is quite pleasant. Boat is air conditioned if you get too hot. Definitely see lots of eagles and even pelicans on the cruise. We will be back!
C L — Google review
We took the 2 day trip, aven though the river was high and it rained the second day, we had a great time. The staff was friendly and very efficient. The narration was interesting and informative. The food and drinks were very good. Checking into the hotel in Dubuque was a breeze. We saw lots of birds, Eagles, Pelicans, etc. We are looking forward to doing the same cruise again in the near future.
Jeanette H — Google review
Very relaxing enjoyable trip up and down the Mississippi. The captain was very informative. Saw lots of eagles. The food was very good. Always something to snack on. Entertainment was good. Spent the night in Dubuque and that was smooth. As advertised luggage was in the room waiting when we got there.Plenty of seating on 3 decks to enjoy the outside. I would definitely recommend this trip.
Kim D — Google review
We had a lot of fun. We were on the 1 1/2 hour ride that started at 1:30 PMI am fairly new to the area and I quickly fell in love with the river so this cruise was very exciting to me.We sat on the top deck in rocking chairs, just relaxing and chatting with the other passengers. We all decided we wanted a drink and we all got a Mississippi Mudd Slide, it was amazing. My husband and I really enjoyed ourselves!
Elizabeth ( — Google review
I'm a quad city native i've been on this boat several times. It's a very fun and family oriented. I wish I would do longer cruises on this ship. They also accommodate having a service dog, and I really appreciate that. Definitely Encourage reservations. Tickets sell quickly.
Cody Y — Google review
Purchased tickets for my wife's birthday based on an Instagram traveler, and we loved it. The day was a little cool, windy, and drizzled, but the cruise was great. Staff was friendly and the gift shop was nice and ended up buying blankets for use since it was cooler than expected.
Scott C — Google review
The trip to Dubuque and back was awesome!The eagle sightings and view are a rare treat.The crew was very nice and helpful. A joy to be around.I would recommend the Twilight to anyone that enjoys nature and socializing!
Rodney P — Google review
Riverboat Twilight - Mississippi River Cruise! Some pictures of my 2 day cruse on the Mississippi from Le Claire Iowa to Dubuque Iowa. Great people, good food and wonderful memories! I loved the entertainment! As we traveled up the river the tree colors were just beautiful. I learned so much about the Mississippi and life on the river! If you have ever thought about taking this trip I highly recommend you go! 😊👍👍👍
Julie J — Google review
We were a group of 8 adults and spent the day touring other attractions all morning and afternoon. Took the 4:00 cruise and enjoyed the view and relaxing in the rockers on the middle deck under the canopy. Staff were all friendly. Gift shop staff was great, didn't have the size in a tshirt color I wanted so called to a staff member in a different part of the boat, they had one a brought it right over. Excellent service. Would love to do a day cruise in the future
Stephanie V — Google review
We took the Saturday morning cruise up to Guttenburg and back. The captain gave a lot of cool information about the history along the river. We saw about 30 bald eagles. The inside was air conditioned if you got hot. Nice light breakfast and then a mid morning snack. The brisket for lunch wasn't so hot, but the desserts were yummiest. We stopped in Guttenberg and strolled the quaint town and had ice cream at Joe's Pizza and Ice Cream. All in all it was a very relaxing and beautiful ride on the river.
Darren M — Google review
My family and I went on the 90 min river tour!! It was great fun, we brought our lunch and ate on the boat! Our little kids loved it and it was an easy activity to do with a baby! Also the Buffalo bill museum is right next to it and well worth it!
Annalise H — Google review
The last two days have been wonderful. This company really does a great job of showing their customers a good time. If you've never been on a cruise and a little nervous, give them a try. You'll be sold.
Linda T — Google review
Absolutely amazing boat ride! Mom always wanted to see the Mississippi River so we made the roadtrip to Iowa from burbs of Chicago (such an easy little road trip!). A 90 minute 3 decker boat ride was $20.00 per person- smooth wonderful ride & plenty for chairs! Drinks on the top deck! The Captain was very informative & a wealth of information. So glad we made the trip, mom's grin & happy relaxed face said it all! Thank you to all who take care of all of us visitors!!
D K — Google review
My boyfriend and I came up for the weekend (7/19-7/21/24). It was a neat experience and the information that was given out was really interesting. What made this memorable was that I get engaged on it on the boat! Down size though, the gift shop wasn't open when we docked back to shore, which is fine. We just wanted something to buy something to remember the day.
Alley R — Google review
Took the day trip from Dubuque to Guttenberg and it was a great day. The food served was phenomenal. Beautiful ship and a nice way to see and learn some things about the river. Highly recommended.
Rob C — Google review
This is a must. Book in advance and enjoy a two day trip. We had the best weather, the crew was amazing. We played a trivia game and there was live music. There was so much food I was stuffed like a turkey by the second day
Tina I — Google review
A short cruise on the Mississippi. Overall, a good experience for family. Kid friendly experience
Rakesh S — Google review
Really relaxing and informative cruise on the Twilight.Captain Kevin would point out wildlife (Bald Eagles, Pelicans, Coots, and many more) using the ships P.A. along with pointing out information about the barges we passed, and the train bridges, and the locks.We took the 2 day cruise that starts in Le Claire, Iowa and goes north to Dubuque, Iowa.The staff assigns a table to you as you board the Twilight which is yours for the duration of the cruise. They fed us a continental breakfast, snack, a plated lunch, another snack, and a plated dinner on the first day. The food was pretty good!We stayed overnight at a hotel in Dubuque and had Breakfast at Tony Roma's. Then back on board we had a snack, plated lunch, another snack, and a plated dinner.All the crew is friendly and very helpful. There is a well stocked small bar on the 3rd deck with many different beers. And they have souvenir glasses you can buy for your mixed drinks or wine.The gift shop is open like an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon. There was magnets, key chains, light jackets, t-shirts, blankets, and other fun things branded with Riverboat Twilight embroidery.Make sure to up on the 4th level to the pilot house, and look at the big wooden steering wheel.Totally recommend the Riverboat Twilight as a relaxing 2 days.
David C — Google review
The Riverboat Cruise was something that I'd wanted to do for years I would say over 5 years and I was glad I was able to do this 90 minute cruise it was a little over $20 a person it was about an hour going up the river going to Princeton Iowa and then it was about 30 minutes going down the river with the current. I really enjoyed this it was Scenic it was interestingI think this would be something anyone who wants to experience more of the Mississippi River but doesn't want to spend the day or a day and a half and hundreds of dollars doing this would be a good way to get your toe in the water :-) It was safe staff was friendly I'm really glad I went and would highly recommend
CJ F — Google review
Very cool, went on the short 1 and a half hour trip for 20 bucks a person and I think it was worth it. Looks like it’s from the 1800’s
Mr B — Google review
5
Antique Archaeology
Mentioned on
5 lists
Antique store
Shopping
Souvenir store
Antique Archaeology, the home of American Pickers, is a must-see for fans of the show. Located in LeClaire, Iowa, this store offers visitors the chance to purchase salvaged historical items featured on the show. The store is easily recognizable with its old car out front and is filled with souvenirs and antiques from various episodes. Even if you're not a fan of the show, the knowledgeable staff can provide insight into the history of each item.
It’s cool when you pull up and recognize the store and the old car out front. It’s pretty cool in both stores recognizing the picks from various episodes. This store is more recognizable than the Nashville store and it’s a good way to spend an hour or so. Lots of souvenirs to purchase. I was kind of hoping Mike would be there. But again we missed him. Nobody was at the Nashville store either about a year ago. Still if you’re a fan of American Pickers this is a cool stop if you’re in the area. Also, LeClaire is beautiful too!!!
Paul L — Google review
I’m an American Pickers fan, so I enjoyed being able to stop in. A lot of hype for overpriced antiques. I think their big selling items are probably the t-shirts, coffee cups, & other tv memorabilia so you can say you actually stopped by their store!
Corri — Google review
Hubs was wishing more of the big items were for sale, but all in all it was a fun excursion! Loved the Nashville shop and so glad we finally made it to Le Claire!
Kaitlin W — Google review
It's a cool stop if you're a Pickers fan. Expect it to be set up more like a mini museum and gift shop. We'd already been to the Nashville location and knew what to expect. There's something extra special about coming to the original location in LeClaire. Some employees were just stocking merchandise, but a few were very knowledgeable and could answer questions about some unique items.
R D — Google review
Great place to visit if you're a fan of American Pickers, it's very clean and neat because they still film new episodes there. I like their t-shirts & stickers, staff was very polite and evenly told me about Franks recovery progress.I will be back soon,LaClaire is a beautiful little town on the Mississippi River.
Konrad A — Google review
9-6-2021Look 👀 where we just stumbled into?This is Mike’s store.We “Picked”a few souvenirs.2-Cool stores..MANY interesting items from the tv show to look at or purchase.
Through G — Google review
It was neat to see many of the items that they have picked on the shows! The larger facility was not open to the public when I went due to shooting part of the show but the smaller shop was so quaint. The staff were super helpful and friendly!
Sandy E — Google review
This was fun! Love all the motorcycles and sci fi items they have for sale, reasonably priced. Le Claire is a beautiful town!
Becky — Google review
So fun! I watched the show for years! I got a t shirt for 15$! Neat stop!!!
Apple C — Google review
It was fun seeing the things they bought on the show. Laurel and Hardy heads!! Had to buy t-shirts and a magnet too. I picked up this ole guy by the car. ;)
Vicky — Google review
Good place to visit if you like the show. They have a lot of things that you will recognize from watching American Pickers.
Dwight F — Google review
Great place to stop if you're in the area. Sure there's nobody from the show there, but still worth the trip. Lots of "Merch" to promote their brand, but also stuff from the show too.We'd recommend it to anyone if you're traveling to or through the local area, plus there are other places to see in town.
GEORGE S — Google review
If you are a real fan of this show then it’s a must see. You can buy a lot of cool antiques all from the episodes of the show. There are some of Mike Wolfe’s personal things in there not for sale, but they are awesome to see. If you are not a fan of the show then go in anyway. The employees at the Iowa location are top notch. They will walk around and tell you the history on anything and where it was picked. If you make an offer, Mike is called, within a couple of minutes you get a counter offer from Mike. His employees make it seem just like the show. It’s a great time even if you don’t buy anything. Emme, Chensa, and Sarah Thank you so much. Prices are very reasonable and if you watch the show, you know Mike Wolfe doesn’t rip anyone off.
Anthony T — Google review
Great antique store. Fun to poke through. Right on the Mississippi River.
John P — Google review
The store is literally 5-10 minutes off the interstate and very easily accessible. This is a TELEVISION SHOW location! There are souvenirs for the show and some items they’ve picked that are for sale. If you are looking to pick through lots of rusty gold go do what Mike & Frank do… this is more of an homage to the show which I enjoyed immensely with my 7 year old daughter.
Michael H — Google review
The newer building is mostly souvenirs. The older building is more like a museum with most "cool" things being not for sale. Still fun to see just once.
Denise — Google review
Nice that it was open on Sunday for a friend from Minnesota out visiting. He loved the motorcycles.
Jenn B — Google review
If you plan a trip or if you're passing it through, you must stop here. I love the show, American pickers, and I can assure you that even a brief stop here would be rewarding for you and your family. The employees are so personable that you can't hate them. Awesome environment.
Chad B — Google review
Located in the small town of LeClaire Iowa along the Mississippi River.This store is the home to the TV series American Pickers. You will see many items featured in the show that are either for sale or just in display.Most items were not for sake but it was fun to look at and browse. They sell many souvenir items such as tshirts,keychains,etc.
John M — Google review
American Pickers is not just a history lesson but also great seeing so many wonderful characters along the roads back streets & highways of the great American landscape. Oh boy what a Country. * Also love the passion & knowledge of Mike Frank and team ❤️
Sean A — Google review
Visited last weekend and other than the prices it didn't disappoint. They have a lot in a small space. It won't tale up.much of your time ... This is a 15-30 minute stop if you are a fan of the show at all this is a must. Area is quaint and scenic but the mighty mississippi
Darby F — Google review
Wow, very neat store with some excellent displays and things to b buy. Fun to look around. Cool stuff. If you like the tv show American Pickers, this is them. Another location in Nashville. This store in Iowa is just minutes off the freeway.
Dave B — Google review
4.2
(3536)
•
3.5
(916)
115 Davenport St, Le Claire, IA 52753, USA
(563) 265-3939
I'll never travel to Branson without this trip planner again
6
Figge Art Museum
Mentioned on
+32 other lists
Art museum
Museums
The Figge Art Museum is a notable museum that features an impressive collection of international works, including pieces by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Visitors can explore multiple floors of exhibitions and take advantage of the elevator for easy access. The on-site gift shop offers a wide range of art pieces for purchase, making it a great destination for art enthusiasts. Additionally, seniors can enjoy free entry to the museum and visitors may even stumble upon live entertainment performances like those given by the UNI dancers.
9-18-2021Very interesting museum, lots of different areas of exhibitions. 3 stories and there is an elevator. Loved the boutique shop which had so many wonderful art pieces for purchase. If you have an afternoon to spare you should really visit…..you’ll be glad you did. So very nice!
Through G — Google review
This was a really nice experience. Floor upon floor of exhibits. On our visit we saw the amazing Women in Sports over the years exhibit. The clothing worn for each sport was highlighted and displayed. It was fascinating. Stop in the gift shop on your way out! Friendly staff and there are activities for kids and a place where they can do art projects.
Emily J — Google review
Very good art museum, definitely worth the stop. Unfortunately two galleries were being set up so I was not able to visit them, but everything else was very good. There is a good variety of exhibits, including Haitian works, Frank Lloyd Wright furniture, and some illuminated manuscripts. I was also pleasantly surprised by the photography display on the top floor, I was not expecting to like it as much as I did.
Alex S — Google review
As artists ourselves we were pleasantly surprised at the artworks on exhibit! Excellent * we enjoyed it very much! An added bonus - it was a free entry for seniors and they also had entertainment by the UNI dancers which was very nice!
Naser S — Google review
Terrific museum. We were fortunate to visit on a day with free entry for the entire family! Helpful staff, great collection of 19th and 20th century American and European art. Bonus points for easy parking.
Mike W — Google review
Road trip to Des Moines and decided to stop in this Figge Art Museum as a halfway point to look at some beautiful art work and to also stretch our legs. Building is huge and so beautiful by the water. We spent easily 2 hours inside with so much to see. There's a cute little gift shop where I purchased a Frida jigsaw puzzle as a souvenir. It was air conditioned in a hot summer day. Definitely a place to visit if you're in Davenport.
Irene K — Google review
I love that the Figge Art Museum has worked on inclusivity and representation in their curation of art. They also offer multiple free entry opportunities so everyone has opportunity immerse themselves in the art.
Tia — Google review
We went to our annual family reunion, and this museum was a great pass time in the area. Very interesting mix of art and perspectives. Extra kudos for the “Anne Lindberg: think like the river with poet Ginny Threefoot” installation.
Diana C — Google review
One day activity for those who live in Quad cities, the Museum displays arts created by students of different school districts in the nearby areas. They also displayed fashion in the US, back in the 1800s.
Tauheed M — Google review
Last year I went to the Figge for the first time for our Art Educators of Iowa concert and I was absolutely flabbergasted about why I’d never been before. First, the were excellent hosts for our conference but I really want to compliment the curators. When I had visited there was a very diverse showcase of artists, and they were also honoring Dia de los Muertos. The space is large enough to spend an afternoon looking and learning about the artwork. I would recommend looking for any events that they host in the gallery as well; we participated in a sound bath meditation that was really special.
Audrey K — Google review
This is a wonderful small town museum with a varied collection stretching from European masters to Haitian multimedia. The Ansel Adams collection and the Grant Wood exhibits are not to be missed. Wonderful location on the shore of the Mississippi and there is a nice coffee bar and terrace. Overall a star and we give it four clams ( five stars on the millennial rating) on the coveted Five Quahog Rating Scale.
Quahog — Google review
The Figge is such a great resource for the community! There’s so much to see and learn about here - whether you’re really into art or not. The Life and Art of Charles M. Schultz was fascinating, and the works by local art teachers in #Beyond the Classroom was inspiring! There’s something for everyone here! I’d highly recommend a visit!
Michael C — Google review
Various art here. There is lots of wide open space and some quiet viewing to really absorb the conveyed concepts and messages in the many great works.Friendly staff and rotating special exhibits.
Rodney G — Google review
Oh Figgee Art Museum was a Blast from the PastI just happen to go the weekend of Halloween and they had Day of the Dead displays a fortune teller a wet bar a lounge like a little museum and they had a photo place you can put a hat or funky glasses. I did bothe. Drinks excellent. They also have their own gift shop. Parking Great it's the building to the right of Figgee. I believe that is North Very clean place easy access I'm mobility and had plenty of room to push my walker w/ me
Stephanie S — Google review
A nice small town museum, not the biggest collection, but decent enough to spend a few hours. I enjoyed both the Snoopy and Haitian art. Lost a star as I was hoping for a little more based on the price point
Mark T — Google review
Love this place!! Great for the kids! They have awesome permanent galleries that are awesome to look at every visit and they have awesome temporary exhibits. We went to the women and sports through history which was fascinating, we went to the wizard of oz exhibit which was to die for as an avid collector of all things oz! They also did a Buddhist relic tour once that was soo moving! Great space for hosting private events and they also show films from time to time that are fascinating!
Bethany W — Google review
A nice museum with an interesting collection. Glad I did visit.
Sam F — Google review
What a treasure for Davenport, IA! I highly recommend visiting this beautiful museum if you appreciate fine art. I can tell that it’s run by true enthusiasts & lovers of the art world. Such a unique place! Great gift shop too!
Brooks L — Google review
I visited when they had the brilliant Charles Schultz exhibit. Just fantastic! My entry was included with my cruise fare on my voyage with American Queen Voyages on American Countess.
John R — Google review
Very underrated art museum in downtown Davenport. Like almost criminally so. This seems like something you’d see in Chicago or New York. Went here numerous times growing up and it adds a lot to the art culture in the QC area. You’ll see really cool art from numerous time periods. Definitely worth checking out if you’re staying in town.
Minespidur — Google review
7
Bally's Quad Cities Casino & Hotel
Casino
Casinos & Gambling
Banquet hall
Event venue
Bally's Quad Cities Casino & Hotel is a luxurious destination featuring modern rooms, various dining options, an indoor pool, and a spa. Located just off Interstate 280 in Rock Island, this Las Vegas-style casino and hotel offers over 200 rooms, three restaurants, a nightclub, sports bar, and a spa. With 43,000 square feet of gaming space including 1,000 slot machines and 18 table games like blackjack and roulette.
Make sure to use Hᴏᴛᴇʟʙᴏʟʟʏ.ᴄᴏᴍ when booking any room. They compare hundreds of booking web sites and typically will have rates a lot cheaper compared to others! Thank me later! This place is the best rated in the area. I've been coming here for a long time. If you decide to stay here you definitely won't regret it.The buffet was surprisingly very good! The casino was also fun! Lots of fun machines. Lots of people winning good amounts around us!
Ali R — Google review
Had fun. No smoking facility. Love it!!! Ate at the little cafe. Person could have been friendlier. Guys at the front were cherry and inviting. The lady in the cafe could learn from them. 🙂 My favorite casino in the QCA
Kathy R — Google review
This place is really nice between the rooms and casino. I believe her name was Connie at player services but she was amazing. Super friendly and helpful. All staff greeted me and were very nice. Highly recommend this place even if its just for the hotel. The casino however does seem to have high payouts compared to most casinos.
Just G — Google review
Clean, very laid back. NO smoke smell- (definitely a plus!!!!!) Machines paid pretty well.
Michele C — Google review
They are in the middle of no where. Takes average 10 mins to get anywhere. Nothing close by for a night snack. Prices inside the casino are pricey. Don’t recommend the buffet. Overpriced and food ain’t ever hot nor a good variety of options….. dessert bar was the only good tasting foods.Stayed here due to the free hotel offer.Bed wasn’t comfy. But room was semi clean(the chair in the room was dirty and had not been cleaned. Hotel is mostly clean. No smells. Casino is pretty small for the gaming options. Not a lot of winning machines. Smoke room is always a sauna. Just a lower end casino I’d say… not a lot to offer….
Ashley A — Google review
What A Great Place For Adults To Get Away And Enjoy A Night Of Feeling Like They Are In Vegas!! So Many Great Games To Choose From- Table Games, Slots, Giveaways And So Much More All The Time!! A Clean Casino With So Many Great Things To Do At Any Time Of The DAY!! The Buffet Is AMAZING EveryTime!!We Love To Go Here Any Chance We Have To Get Out For A Night!! We Chose This Beautiful Location To Stay The Night On Our Wedding Night!! We Had A Decent Room - No Suite Available But It Was Still Awesome To Get To Stay The Night And Get To Party As Long As We Wanted🤘We Recommend This Casino To Anyone Looking For A Good Time Out!! We Look Forward To Getting To Come Back Here Again!!
T D — Google review
Buffet was sad for a price 30.00 meal. Prime rib overcook, Soup was disgusting coagulated half cooked prefab mess . The chicken was overcooked, the serve staff(not wait staff) was overstressed and undermanned- It was ridiculous. I felt sorry for them. Half of the food items offered were empty or dried out and often mislabeled. I was a waiter at one time so I can give them a break but come on Bally's get your act together. One thing positive to say they finally added so low sugar desert options which should have been present from the get go considering they clientele often were older and likely more often than not have dietary concerns including diabetes. This is why they got a two star and not a one.
Joe P — Google review
First they sent us to a room that the key didn't work. Maintenance came up and got us into the room. Ten minutes later they called saying they put us in the wrong room. Moved us to an identical room on another floor. Said they reserved the room to someone else the following day. It was identical room on a different floor. Then climate control only put out cold air. Wall paper was peeling off. Handle on restroom door was ready to fall off. Shower was great. Priced to high
Jeff B — Google review
We ate buffet and played slots. Not overly impressed with anything or any staff. Waitress in buffet was the only one friendly. No valet, old people need that, cold or hot! Parking has always been awful there. The 2 minute competition games were very unorganized to a stranger and the 2 girls running it tried to ignore me asking where and what to do. They were busy talking together and laughing. People in line were more helpful. Sorry to complain as I love to have fun!
Jean B — Google review
Went here for anniversary. Was really not impressed. The buffet closed at 5 on Sunday. The sports bar was nice for a quick bite. Our waitress was awesome, wish I could remember her name. Slots were very tight
Linda N — Google review
I didn't have too good of an experience. In the time I spent there I did not see very any people "winning". I understand its gambling but out of everyone there during the time I was most casinos would of shown some significant wins. But I didn't see a single hand pay or even heard about anyone getting g a big win. Now that doesn't mean it didn't happen but it explained why there wasn't as many people ther. For the amount I played I should of had more than 1 win over $20. Needless to say I will go "across" town to another casino before I come back here.
The O — Google review
Had a great time! Room was nice. Casino let me play for awhile, that's nice, the machines in this area have been sooo tight for the past year.
Janet F — Google review
It's a casino. There is 1 purpose and 1 purpose only. For you to leave your money behind to work harder and longer to do it all again. Like shampoo and conditioner. ....Rinse and repeat... Though I do not gamble with my money, I enjoyed my time there very much.Thank you staff fora pleasant experience
Jasen K — Google review
Staff: The staff is nice. The dealers are bland but that’s normal.Building: The building is clean and super big.Food: The buffet is amazing. The sports bar also has food which is reasonably priced and good.Star rating: 5 stars because it’s a great place to practice your luck.Notes: This reviewer is not liable for any loss of house, spouse, pension, limb, or luck.ATM/ Cashier fees are almost 6$.Join the rewards and you can get free gifts, cash off at the sports bar or free buffets like pictured. If you are a legend, lucky you!If this review helped, please hit the thumbs up below!
Nicolas W — Google review
I love their buffet. The brunch buffet is amazing. Everything from bacon and eggs to prime rib and all the side dishes. We were there for Mother's Day and the place was very busy, but the staff kept up with everything from serving food to clearing tables. I'm not into gambling, however my wife is and she is very happy with Bally's. We recommend this business.
Tony R — Google review
First time there I thought it would be a little loud since it has a major casino in it as well but was surprised how quiet it was in the rooms,does have room for truck parking but could have a number to call front desk for truck drivers to call and and maybe send a valet golf cart driver to pick the driver up, it is a bit of a walk for truck drivers. No complaints just a suggestion. Thx.
Isiaha D — Google review
I'm a travel nurse and was thoroughly enjoying going to Bally's quad cities every 2 weeks when I had some down time. I was receiving some great deals/offers via email and snail mail making it possible for me to afford to stay a couple days and play. Then in June the offers stopped... so I stopped going. Guess they can thank the marketing department for ending my visits.Regarding my stay. Most of the staff made it fun. Housekeeping always accommodating, hotel reservations staff was patient with my room requests and always accommodating as well and always did their best to allow early check in when I had been up all night working, drove all the way from Janesville WI and would show up straight from work still in my scrubs.The room was clean most of the time. My last visit I stayed in a room that had trash on the floor under the chaise lounge and personal items left in the night stand. The bathroom door of heavy wood would not slide easily on the tracks.The buffet was a huge disappointment with long waits when only a few people were actually eating, tables weren't getting cleared and customers were having to wait even though staff was observed standing around talking. Once seated I observed the buffet wasn't getting restocked and when they did and food was spilt in the process the staff just left it there rather than cleaning up the spill.
Cindy B — Google review
I think their buffet needs to be open later than 8pm on the weekends, and their crab the extra fee is outrageous when you dont get much for the price. The food was all pretty much put away so there was not much to eat, and the employees were boxing up their own meals to take home while the customers were still trying to get food. If you are going to close that early and have no food- please inform the customers that there is no real selectionPaying $80+ for 2 people to have the experience we did. Not greatWe wanted a different place to eat and it obvious is a place to comeTo during the day or early evening not around 7-7:30pm and have almost all food put away
Carrie B — Google review
I am only giving a three star review for one reason. The sheets on the bed were like sleeping been two pieces of card board. Other than the stiff sheets all was well.
Craig R — Google review
They changed the whole name and vibe of the place. Then when I went to get a players card they said I had one, from back when it was Jumors when I was 21. Seems stupid to have a "new casino" but old card.I got married and my name changed and that was an entire issue.
Kaidyn H — Google review
We were very impressed with this casino. The rooms were clean and very good-sized. All the staff were very friendly and helpful 🙂 The food was very good. Friday fish fry was very good, cod done to a tea. The salmon was some of the best I have tasted 😋 The casino is smoke-free, and we were able to play the slots. The slots allowed us to play and get some bonus. We were all happy we stayed here. Definitely will be back.
Wayne D — Google review
Had a great time at the casino. Did not stay here or visit the buffet. The entire staff was courteous and friendly. The players club ladies were awesome. We only used the free soda machines but the cocktail servers seemed always around. Very clean casino. We will definitely visit again.
J M — Google review
Be nice if new memberships had more freebies. Not thrilled over my gambling "luck". But otherwise clean and shiny! Staff super friendly.
Wynne L — Google review
Casino was nice and clean, hotel rooms were clean, sports bar food was good not great, breakfast was ok. Employees were all very friendly and helpful. Would visit again.
Reglinm05 — Google review
Good location, rooms are OK, drink service on the gaming floor sucks. Definitely not Vegas. Several hours on. Saturday late afternoon and never saw server.
John S — Google review
It's hard to give any casino 5 stars due to losing paychecks there 🫣 saying that, they have the only poker room in the QC as well as great table games and side bets (free bet blackjack). friendly dealers and security.
Bradley G — Google review
Just returned from a trip to Ballys. Things have really gone downhill since they took over from Jumpers. The machines have sticking buttons and there are sticky places from spilled drinks. There is not enough staff. The wait for the buffet is ridiculous and they are constantly out of food. We got tired of waiting and went to McDonald's. There was one young man working at the sports bar and we couldn't get any service. This used to be my favorite place to visit. That has really changed.
Linda F — Google review
1st time visiting. Membership included various promotions and a bag 🎒. Staff was friendly, and the room was clean and spacious. Won at the casino. That is always a plus. Sorry I did not get pictures of our Buffet Dinner. Whole fried catfish on Fridays!
Marchelle N — Google review
Their sports bar/sports book is terrible. The hospitality is nothing. Nobody talks sports, knows what sports will be on until the event starts. The bartenders make you feel like you must order food to watch an event. Some people have a lot of money bet and want to watch & not necessarily want to eat. Last time for me to go there.
Anita W — Google review
Always a good experience here. Great when you win! Sat and invested $500 max bets on this machine. Finally walked away and came back an hour later and won $800.
Terry C — Google review
Always a great treat being in the smoke free facility and I believe there honeymoon suite is top tier while keeping it quaint with the energy driving up more promotions, gifts, good dining and golf balls out back.
Justin — Google review
Had a great time at this casino yesterday! I left about $400 ahead, and enjoyed sitting down for a meal at their buffet before leaving for the day.My only complaint was the patron who, upon seeing that I wasn’t using a card, wouldn’t stop pestering me about playing on his. I didn’t, and eventually just moved to another machine. Not exactly something I can hold against the casino itself, but still very annoying!
R. 2 — Google review
Half of the games were broken and shut off. Staff couldn't even tell us how the promotion they were running works. We walked into the casino went to the soda machine and immediately some lady was yelling for staff. I thought it was a big winner...... nope it was some guy on the floor in need of medical attention and it took them well more than long enough to attend to the situation considering the number of casino staff on duty at any given time. I've seen faster responses from local law enforcement agencies and they are slower than molasses in January to get to anyone.
Matthew M — Google review
3.9
(3699)
•
4.5
(2067)
777 Bally Blvd, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
(309) 756-4600
8
David Davis Mansion
Mentioned on
8 lists
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Historical landmark
Historic Sites
The David Davis Mansion is a well-preserved Victorian house and garden that belonged to a prominent 19th-century family. The mansion showcases period artwork and technology, providing visitors with an opportunity to time-travel back to the early 1800s. The volunteer guide is knowledgeable about the history of the location, which has connections to Lincoln. Special events are held at the mansion throughout the year, such as Christmas celebrations and car shows. While entry is currently free, donations are appreciated.
I had a lovely time walking through this well-preserved mansion. The decor was recreated so nicely, as if the original owner merely stepped out for the day. I felt as though I had time traveled back to the early 19th century. Truly a sight to behold! My volunteer guide was wonderful at relaying information about this location as well. It’s currently free to walk the grounds although a donation is always appreciated. I had a spectacular time envisioning an era long since passed, thank you.
Love T — Google review
These old houses in Illinois are really a treasure. I especially love the old Architecture and seeing how people used to live. The tour guide was awesome, but the video was a bit on the boring side (and I like this stuff). Overall a very good visit.Plan on about an hour.
Nikol R — Google review
I really loved the history of it! Judge Davis had influence and helped president Lincoln! I also learned different information culturally about Christmas decorations and why the Teddy bear was called Teddy bear. It felt warm and nice. Usually mansions feel stuffy and museum like but this was not the case! They took good care of it and I really loved being there! The people that worked there went above and beyond with the tours and information!
Aimee J — Google review
Fantastic house museum! The guide was very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend to visit
Mark T — Google review
A stand-out house museum in excellent condition and mostly original furnishings. The Davis' extensive letter collection affords an intimate look at their lives in the house, which made for a much more interesting tour. Guide was great.
Corey B — Google review
Lovely little historical site. Interesting family history with connection to Lincoln. Special events are always fun, too. Christmas time is special and the car shows are fun.
Jenna K — Google review
Worth a quick stop like we did. Didn't have chance for a free house tour but had a quick walk around the exterior. Pretty cool building worth a look.
Jack M — Google review
Pretty cool place if you’re into old Victorian homes and American history. The volunteers there were all very nice and gave a great tour. Would recommend.Just know that the video and tours start at the top of the hour and there isn’t much to see if you don’t go on the tour since you cannot access the interior of the house without a guide. So really no point to go after hours.
Evan M — Google review
ChatGPT suggested this as a tour to me. Turns out AI is not all bad. Lovely volunteers , who share the history of this estate with great care . Highly recommend taking time out to step back to another era .
Brigitte F — Google review
I visited the mansion during their Christmas at the mansions festival. Most of the rooms were decorated for Christmas. There were many trees and other decorations. The mansion is always good. Place to visit throughout the year as they do themed room decorations on a regular basis.
Glenn H — Google review
Wow. How many times do you get a free mansion tour? Of course, donations are encouraged. Great history of Mr. Davis and a very unique house. Well worth a tour. Don't miss it.
Michael M — Google review
Really great (free) tour if you're in the area. I love history so this was nice. It started off with a video about the history of the mansion and then we headed off through the front of the mansion. If you're in the area I'd definitely recommend checking it out.
Aaron G — Google review
Wonderful experience! Staff is very knowledgeable about the Davis family, the era and the Lincoln connections.
Benji C — Google review
4.8
(280)
•
4.5
(187)
1000 Monroe Dr, Bloomington, IL 61701, USA
(309) 828-1084
9
Miller Park Zoo
Mentioned on
8 lists
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Park
Miller Park Zoo is a public recreational area that boasts of a lake, pavilion, bandstand and war memorials among other attractions. The zoo is home to various animals including those not commonly found in larger zoos. Unfortunately, some bird enclosures were closed due to the ongoing bird flu outbreak within the county. Nonetheless, visitors can still enjoy watching animal training sessions such as those for otters while learning more about them at the same time.
Visiting from Chicago area for the weekend. Had no idea that Bloomington Normal had an AZA accredited zoo; Was very pleasantly surprised that they did. $6.50 admission plus a small donation was well worth the time we had. Our favorite animals were the flamingos (right when you walk in) and the wallabies in the Wallaby Walkabout. Throughout the zoo I was excited by just how close they let you get to some of the animals. When compared to some of the larger zoos, Miller Park has a smaller selection of animals, but what they did have were well presented in nice enclosures that you could get close to. After this visit I might prefer smaller accredited zoos such as this to the larger ones. But regardless, this is a great zoo absolutely worth visiting next time you're in the area or passing through and want a fun 1-2 hour experience! We'll be back soon!
Evan S — Google review
Really amazing for a small town! Become a member if you're local! They have otters, snow leopards, wolves, axolotl, snow leopards, red pandas, sakis, alligators, and many other animals. When my daughter was younger, she loved feeding goats an playing in their area, there's a carousel, budgie feeding is fun, the rainforest part is amazing, and they are adding more areas! In the summer they offer free educational programs, we sat through many of those when my daughter was younger, the bring real animals, and kids can touch/pet them, and learn about them in an interactive manner. The gift shop is decent, concessions area is open till 4 and is OK. The playground outside and the splash pad are amazing! So if you're thinking about visiting, this could be a whole day thing, only that you'd need to pack lunch, not many restaurants close by. We still love to visit, my daughter now loves all those things, we're still members, and the zoo provides a really nice are to walk around with small kids and family. Staff are friendly and always ready to answer questions. We attended a birthday party at their community room, so all in all a great resource for families in the area.
Elahe J — Google review
This was a cute, on-the-smaller-side kind of zoo, but it was a great size for our 2 year old.There were 2 events going on: the beginning stage of a chalk drawing competition and that was pretty neat to see competitors drawing throughout the zoo. The second event was an endangered species game where you write down any animals that have an endangered animal poster hanging up nearby and you get a prize for turning them all in. It was a fun and easy extra interaction to do with our toddler.The downside to the chalk drawing competition was that some of the pads were blocked and at times, walkways were getting congested while trying to walk around and avoid stepping on the drawings as they were being drawn. They had a really cute carousel that was closed for the season as they do some much-needed repairs, but it was still a bummer our son couldn't ride it.Despite the scorching heat (upwards of 90°), most animals were still out and visible! Only 4 or so exhibits were empty. We had a wagon we were rolling around with us and all together, saw the entire zoo and probably about an hour and a half. It was pretty well kept and clean, so that's always a plus. We drove from over an hour away to check this zoo out, but we likely will only come back if they have a major event like specialized classes, Halloween party, etc. There was a decent variety of animals for a zoo of this size, but we live too far away to justify making the drive when we have other zoos available that are closer to where we live.
Ashley A — Google review
We are SO GLAD we stopped by here. We had some other plans in Bloomington and coming to this wonderful zoo was a great way to spend the morning. The animals seemed healthy and happy and there were some areas where the animals were able to roam freely (Australian section and birds in the tropical section). We will be back and are looking forward to the new exhibit (I think South American animals?) under construction. It was a small and intimate zoo but it was extremely high quality.Did I mention RED PANDAS?
Drew T — Google review
I love the amount of shade through out the zoo! We also had a lovely picnic lunch outside and then the kids played at the splash pad.
Heather D — Google review
went to the zoo with a couple of friends and their kid it was really neat to see some animals you wouldn't see at a bigger zoo only thing i wish is that the bird enclosures hadn't been closed due to the bird flu going on in the county but i understand that it was for the safety of the animals was fun to learn about the otters as they trained and fed them
Mary V — Google review
Beautifully well maintained zoo. While in the Wallabe enclosure we got to see one jump one end to the other! All the Kookaburras laughed at same time & Pink Cockatoo said Hi & giggled. The large tortoises walked a bit. The red panda beautiful. The Sumatran Tiger we watched for a half an hour so majestic. So many endangered species to see here. We will be back!!!
Jennifer M — Google review
Very small inexpensive zoo. Staff is friendly. Animals are out and active.
Daryl N — Google review
Our first time visiting was in Father’s Day 2023.A great time for all of us. 8 people in total. Gram & Gramp, 2 adult sons with their loved ones and 2 babies. Age range 62 - newborn. Fun for everyone. A great way for families to spend time enjoying zoo and celebrating the Dads.
Angel H — Google review
It was a decent experience. Across from it is Miller park , which has a water splash and a nice play area for the little ones. The kids loved it 😍. The price is very reasonable, this is a smaller zoo so not as many big animals. Staff were friendly and this little zoo looks well kept and was very clean and the restrooms are clean and smelled sanitized. Small zoo, however what they did offer kept my little ones attention😀
D W — Google review
A small zoo with genuinely happy and pleasant staff. Nice opportunities to get up close with the animals and interact at times. There's a petting zoo where you can feed the goats. There is a Carousel and simulated hurricane experience inside the zoo. There is also a very large playground right next to the zoo. It shares the same parking lot. Miller Park zoo is definitely worth going to and experiencing. We will be back. My children's ages ranged from 1 to 11. Everyone had fun: even the adults.
Qeren Y — Google review
5 star Zoo, the only "issue" I had was they wouldn't allow me to bare chest box the gorilla. The staff politely led me to the gift shop where they told me I could buy a stuffy and fight it at home. Will definitely return later this summer.
Nate B — Google review
VERY IMPRESSED with the Miller Park Zoo. Admission tickets were I think $7 or $8 bucks. Wife and myself both had a zoo date for under $20. The animals and zoo scenery were above expectations coming from a smaller zoo. I come from chicago where brookfield zoo tickets are like $50. The turtle exhibit was so fun to watch. The walking paths were very well kept and gets very close to the animals.Check out this little gemHighly recommendCheers!
Mark S — Google review
My son's favorite zoo of all time and he has been to zoos from coast to coast and everywhere in-between. He loved the rare tiger, the real tree in the snow leopard exhibit, the anteater, and the axolata.
Richard L — Google review
We had a great time celebrating our little one's 2nd birthday. It was midday on a weekday, so there were not many other guests. The animals were pretty interactive which made it fun! We especially enjoyed the otters, flamingos, wallaroos, and snow leopards. Really neat zoo that we would love to visit again!
Amanda C — Google review
I had such a good time here! I think this zoo is the perfect size, everything is super close together so you don't have to walk forever to get to a specific section.For a zoo on the smaller side, I didn't expect it to have such cool animals, but there were red pandas, flamingos, otters, a tiger, and so many others! You can get super close to some of the animals because the fences are right where they hang out in their areas. We got to pet a goat (it might have been a different animal, I'm not sure) because it came right up to the fence at the petting zoo.I'd say we waited between 3 and 5 minutes, only because there were a few families in front of us, but it took less than a minute when it was our turn.Overall, it was a great experience and I definitely recommend going there if you are passing through or just looking for something to do for an hour or two.
Sam C — Google review
A very nice little zoo with a lot to see really up close and personal. Took us about 90 minutes to see it all but we didn't do the petting zoo portion. There's also a big playground right outside in the same parking lot. If you're driving by on the interstate and need a fun pit stop, this is perfect.
Rich C — Google review
Stopped here while on a family road trip, passing through. It was the perfect pit stop for my toddler to enjoy and burn off some energy. Zoo is on the smaller side but that was exactly what we needed with not a lot of time to spare. We spent about an hour to tour the entire zoo. They had an area under construction, so more animals/exhibits in the future. We would definitely come back if we’re in the area in the future.
Aimee M — Google review
4.4
(1851)
•
4.5
(279)
1020 S Morris Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701, USA
(309) 434-2250
10
Peoria Zoo
Mentioned on
19 lists
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
Banquet hall
Event venue
Peoria Zoo is an impressive park that boasts over 100 species from around the world, including some that are endangered. Visitors can enjoy feeding giraffes and exploring African installations. Although tickets may be slightly expensive, the overall experience is worth it. One of the main highlights of the zoo is the wooden bridge which provides access to a fantastic vantage point for viewing giraffes. Another exciting attraction is the lion viewpoint where visitors can hear the roar of these majestic animals.
I've been to this zoo 4 times. It has 4 sections; combined it took us about 90 minutes. All the animals are up close. The entire zoo has a balance of sun and shade. Quite a few animals for a small zoo. Very stroller friendly; ramps instead of stairs. The 3 sections are:1.) "the original section" which is a building that has monkeys, foxes and an outside area with a barn with goats and donkeys and a conservation center2.) an Asian section which has a handful of exhibits with animals like tigers and takins, and a small building with snakes and bats3.) an African section which takes up almost half the area with big enclosures for rhinos, zebras, and the like4.) an Australian walkaboutZoo is very clean, well-maintained - and can do as much or as little as you like. And.. there's a children's museum within walking distance as well!
Dave C — Google review
Nice smaller zoo. My fiance was very happy with the three giraffes. It was very quiet with not many people, but it was Monday afternoon. This was actually a plus for us since it seemed more intimate without a bunch of people.
Kelly C — Google review
I came to visit my son and I absolutely loved it. What a cute little zoo and what an affordable price. I don't know who these people are complaining about their kids not being entertained and having enough playgrounds for kids. It's a zoo it's not a playground. And they do have a place for kids if you wanted more you should have gone to a playground and not a zoo. Without dilly-dallying we got through the zoo in about 2 hours. I'm extremely happy with it.
Yvette R — Google review
Overall experience is awesome. Tickets are little pricey but still we can visit this one. The setup is quite nice, particularly the wooden bridge which gives access to giraffe viewpoint are wonderful. Lion viewpoint is quite adventurous, the lion is indeed roaring and rocking here.
Nirmala M — Google review
Im not a fan of zoos but this one seemed clean and well taken care of. Amazing what they can do right in the middle of your neighborhood!
Jeremy — Google review
Our family really enjoyed this zoo. We saw almost every animal they have listed on their website with the exception of maybe 3, one being an insect. The zoo itself is a nice layout that made it seem larger than it was. We spent approximately 2.5 hours here and it was relatively easy to navigate with a wagon.Hopefully in the future they will have a better play area for toddlers and young children and open up another option for concessions since the existing location doesn't open for another few weeks. We went during a weekday in the morning and practically had the entire place to ourselves. The grounds were also very well kept and clean!
Ashley A — Google review
Small zoo but nicely arranged. Plenty to look at and enjoy. The animals all seem to be well taken care of and staff are all nice and knowledgeable.
H S — Google review
We love our zoo!My kids are 3 and 4, and we have so much fun when we go.Not everything is open yet this year and we still spent an hour and half looking at the different animals.(4/21)I would recommend the family pass if you live close by.It can be crowded at times, but with the pass we have been really lucky to feel like we had the exhibits to ourselves for a nice amount of time if you go at slow parts of the day.So happy to have a zoo like this close by!
Chris T — Google review
It's a small zoo but the kids enjoyed themselves. They do not have a carousel or train like some other zoos but my kids didn't notice. Can get through the zoo in about an hour, 2 max. Most animals were active when we were there in mid March with temps in 50s. Only animals that were still not in exhibits due to cold were the alligator and tortoise as expected.
Samantha M — Google review
Great smaller zoo that's a fun day trip for younger kids. A nice variety of animals. Feeding the giraffe was our favorite part!
Sandy N — Google review
This Zoo is very disappointing. There just isn't alot to see or do here. We seen a total of 5 different animals during our first and only visit on 4/27/2024. The food place wasn't open. The inside exhibits including the dark Tree House were all hot and underwhelming. Overall not worth $1 admission let alone $12.50.
ꪶꫀiꪶꪖꪀi ꪑ — Google review
Well, I would say that this zoo was much better than I expected. They don't have the biggest variety, but what they do have are the essential animals like monkeys, a rhino, giraffe, tiger, snakes, bats, frogs, and many more. No bears or elephants. The zoo itself is clean and easy to navigate. Now you might be wondering, that doesn't sound exactly great... No bears? Well, parking is free. Yes, free. If you are used to Chicago you would think thats something you can only hope to land on in Monopoly. And the entrance fee is less than $13. So for a good, relaxing two hours, I would say that is a steal. Staff is very friendly too.
Andrew K — Google review
Terribly disappointed. The whole reason I went there was to see a naked mole rat which was featured on the website.( the only other zoo with naked mole rat is Bronx).There is major construction there, you can see like 3 animals in total.But weather was nice and walking through the zoo was nice, hence 2 stars.
Monika P — Google review
The best small town zoo around. We drove down from the Quad Cities and it was absolutely worth it! We will definitely be coming back again and again. The design is great they definitely took line of sight into consideration because you actually get to see the animals. The Australia walk about is so cool! Being so close to the animals free roaming around is awesome. Feeding the Giraffe is the best! The amount of shade going through the zoo is great! You aren't baking in the sun the whole time you're there, you're actually in the shade most of the time. Their food and drink options are great and they don't cost an arm and a leg like other places. The gift shop is large and has a great selection, again it is very reasonably priced. Just all around a fantastic zoo.The one "bad" thing I do want to say is the walking paths are a little beat up. It was a little difficult pushing a stroller and walking you do have to watch out for potholes and large cracks. There are also some steep inclines that older and disabled might find difficult.
Aaron W — Google review
Pretty nice zoo! They have a pretty good layout. Entry into the zoo wasn’t great though. 1 lady and the line was way back into the gift shop.. so people coming in the door would have to try and get around everything in line right when you come in the door.
Meggieschill — Google review
my hometown zoo. I always enjoy coming here when I visit. lots of interesting species of animals and nice exhibits!
Sarah C — Google review
Africa part of the zoo is good, the rest of the areas are not at all appealing. There is large snake I was surprised with the size of the snake it’s huge. The lion doesn’t have enough room I feel like and over all it’s ok one time thing. The cafeteria hardly has any items on the menu, even those that are on menu weren’t offered as their machine broke.
Sweety N — Google review
Very nice and well kept zoo right in Peoria. All of the exhibits were easy to see in 1 day and there were employees who were able to talk about the animals. Do not sleep on this zoo if you have never been!
Mike M — Google review
Not very many animals. It was an OK zoo. Was it work 12.50? Not really in my opinion. But we did go at the end of March. 🤷♂️
Tony H — Google review
This zoo needs some TLC. We enjoyed it, but it's not as nice as it was when I went in 2008.I love being able to get close to a giraffe. I wish we could have been able to feed it ourselves. I didn't think it was quite worth $5 just to stand closer to it. The Walk About was probably my favorite part. I didn't read the sign and had a big surprise when there was a Wallaby right inside the gate just sitting there 😳😂I thought the exercise trail/QR codes were really cool!
Sherie L — Google review
Do not go on a rainy day or thunderstorms. Most animals are not out. Went on a field trip, and was soaking wet at end. We had to go...rain or shine due to a class we attended. Not seeing much. The giraffes were in their garage and you can view then through a window. They could not move around because the garage was as big as they were.There are a few indoor places to view animals but the popular ones are outdoors.This is a nice zoo, but not in a thunderstorm.
Tricia M — Google review
I'll never travel to Branson without this trip planner again
11
Caterpillar Visitors Center
Mentioned on
15 lists
Visitor center
Event venue
Museum
The Caterpillar Visitors Center offers interactive exhibits showcasing the company's history and powerful machines, including diggers, tractors, and trucks from vintage to modern. The exhibition center is staffed by friendly individuals who are knowledgeable about CAT. Their dedication extends to teaching young children how to operate simulation machines and vehicles. Expert testimonials have described the museum as awesome. Recommended for those interested in learning more about this monster machine company.
Awesome experience to learn this monster machine company. My father in law worked for caterpillar for over 35 years. We know it is an awesome and powerful company that he’s always been proud to work for. The exhibition center is very nice, we learned a lot of things about CAT and the staffs here are very nice and friendly.
LULU L — Google review
Okay, so I mostly went here for my boys, ages 3 and 6 years, but ended up entertaining not only myself, but my 10 and 8 year old girls. We got to climb into actual Caterpillar machinery, learn about engines and saw a few of their best marketing campaigns. We enjoyed ourselves.
Nikol R — Google review
this place has a cool exhibit, lots of interesting history displayed, and very knowledgeable and kind staff. Norbert, one of the retired CAT employees, was very knowledge in the field and was more than willing to go the extra steps to help us learn about the history of CAT and how it became the company it is today. if we ever were in town again, we would 100% come back and plan of recommending this place to others!
Grace K — Google review
Friday; expert testimonial. Bash proclaims Cat Museum "Awesome"!Saturday; "Grampa, I have a idea... We can go back to the museum."
Doane B — Google review
A great place to visit if you’re interested in the history of Caterpillar. There are many things too see but the only thing that will catch your eyes is the big mining truck. There are some pretty cool simulators which you can sit on and try using the different controls. The employees working here are retired Cat employees. I was assisted by Skip and Rose. Had a great conversation with both of them. Very kind , sweet and knowledgeable. Thank you.
Karan P — Google review
If you like to know about Caterpillar history it is a good place to visit. The tour starts with a video about the global footprints and the services the company is doing. When you go downstairs you can witness the 100 year old long history and the company's evolution.They showcased every possible product they produce and there are some simulators in which you can sit and operate, and you can feel the machine operation. There are some CAT merchandise available for sale upstairs.
Mahesh K — Google review
Not only was this place awesome to see, but every single person that worked there was absolutely amazing! They even took the time to teach my young kids how to maneuver the simulation machines and the few vehicles that they could get in. Would definitely recommend going!!
Jenn G — Google review
Lots of fun for the whole family! There are simulators to try, Cats to hop on and sit in, a seven room engineering museum type thing- and all of the employees are really nice too.
Hodelia H — Google review
Truly enjoyed watching the bulky tractors and engines. Good place to visit with your family. The staff were so kind. But the clothes at the store were quite expensive.
Saleha S — Google review
We saw a sign for this place on the highway and visited it on a whim. Street parking is available, which you can pay for easily by phone. It is 7 USD for adults and free for the kids. You enter the cargo area of their mining truck to watch a short video, then take the stairs to the display area. Very clever way to display and get people to appreciate the truck's size. The kids enjoyed the simulator, which lets you practice several pieces of equipment. Much better quality than those simulators you find in other places. I guess these were developed for actual training.
Jaehyup K — Google review
A must see in Peoria. Kids will love this interactive displays. But the rest of the displays get repetitive and boring.Betret directions for parking need to be posted.Cool overpriced Gift shop.Meijet and ebay have better pricing.
Z 7 — Google review
You start the experience watching a movie in the back of a large mining truck. Then you continue on a self-guided tour of the history of CAT. Kids can climb into various CAT machines. There are interactive experiences to drive CAT bulldozers and excavators. We spent about an hour there.
Lindsey N — Google review
It is very cool to see the history of how it started from a small to large truck. The simulation is very great. There is a cinema in a big truck. This museum is worth your time.Only one negative - there don't have to access to offer such subtitles (closed captioning). I hope they can provide them for deaf or people who are in need of it.
Kehinde O — Google review
I have swing by at the visitor center aiming to learn more about CAT history and legacy, in special regarding the entrepreneurship across the decades.As supplier it was a honor.
Robertson S — Google review
It’s amazing to see the big trucks and know about the history. The simulation is great to try the machines and feel the action.Very well maintained and very well designed with a lot of information
Sam A — Google review
Informative, historical, and interactive. More manufacturing companies should show off their pride with places like this for the public to understand more about what they do.
Darren S — Google review
Very well done and cool museum. After reading some reviews, thought it would be smaller than what it was, but thought it was overall a well done history of the company. Getting to see some equipment on display was fun and then the simulators were cool as well.
Shane B — Google review
It's great fun for boys ages 1 to 62! This was a fun cousin memory. Kids under 12 are free, and adults are only $7, so it is a very cost-effective family activity.
Brianna G — Google review
We went right when it opened on a Thursday morning so it wasn't crowded at all . All of the workers are very knowledgeable and very friendly. They have lots of information about caterpillar and like sharing it .Amazing to see the life like replica of the dump truck . It's hugeThe simulators for the heavy equipment are cool as well .
Brian A — Google review
4.7
(1080)
•
4.5
(456)
110 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602, USA
(309) 675-0606
12
World's Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Truly cool roadside attraction! We all loved it and thought it was a very cool photo opportunity. Lincoln, reading a law book, is 12 foot tall and the covered wagon is 24 foot tall. There is a stand nearby with information about how it is the tallest covered wagon in the world. We love roadside attractions and this is a great one just off old Route 66.
Gary — Google review
Not a real wagon, but more of a large yard decoration. If you a near by it is worth stopping to see it, but I would not drive out of your way. My 3 year old really like it, but older kids will not be impressed.
Brandon B — Google review
This is a nice little excursion on a road trip. It is only a few miles off the main road, and you can continue to pick up the highway at the next exit. It is well preserved and clean with plenty of parking. Fun to see things like this and break up the trip and walk around for a minute with really losing a lot of time. Well worth the few minutes it took.
Mister B — Google review
Kinda cool looking wagon. Interesting why this was built. Nice little side trip to see it.
Marie S — Google review
The World's Largest Railsplitter Covered Wagon is a landmark right off of Interstate 55. It is a neat attraction, and you only need 5-10 minutes to make a quick stop and snap a few photos.If you like roadside attractions be sure to take some time and see this. If you need a bathroom, the American Legion next door is open to the public and has bathrooms available.
Jason H — Google review
We stopped on our way to St Louis. This was a pretty cool stop. I recommend a stop. It’s only 6 minutes from I55.
Colleen R — Google review
If you an extra 10 minutes, it’s a fun way to stretch your legs because it’s not too far off the highway. It needs some upkeep and yard work. Fun for the kids to see.
Kristen W — Google review
Most flock to Springfield, IL for Lincoln. This roadside attraction featuring President Lincoln on a wagon is not too far from Springfield. The near by watermelon christening site is worth to visit too.
LS F — Google review
This is such a neat place to visit if you’re in Lincoln. If you’re traveling Route 66 this is a must see spot. This is the World’s Largest Rail splitter Wagon. Great photo spot. #bucketlist
L G — Google review
This thing is colossal! The attention to detail is very good. Thank you for creating such a unique attraction.
Backroads M — Google review
It's in thr middle of a parking lot it's a neat roadside attraction
Angela C — Google review
Handicapped parking. Surrounded by grass, so a wheelchair might be able to get up close, it might be a chore though. No rest rooms, just the parking lot and the wagon to see. Prety cool. My wife and I are doing the Route 66 trail through illinois and farther as we go. 1st trip toilet to Pontiac. Second trip Pontiac to Atlanta Illinois. 3rd trip Atlanta to Elkhorn Illinois. We're starting to see some cool stuff now.
Anthony S — Google review
It’s a big wagon. There is nothing around it. We were hoping to stop and see it and get gas. But not possible. You have to navigate further into town to find a gas station.
Emily W — Google review
This covered wagon in Lincoln, Illinois, is the largest covered wagon in the world and is located near historic Route 66. The 24 foot tall statue of Abe Lincoln reading a law book is quite impressive to say the least.
Jeremy S — Google review
It's lost it's cover but it's still huge. You can't climb on it. Technically they call it the world's largest rails platter. I think they should add some ox in front of it so Abe can get moving lol.
Leon D — Google review
Cool Roadside attraction along Route 66 in Lincoln Illinois, plenty of parking nearby with a information kiosk in front. Definitely a sight to see if you are in the area.
Darrell P — Google review
We stopped to visit the Covered Wagon in the beginning of May, 2023. Unfortunately the wagon has been damaged by high winds. As such the attraction is under construction to repair the damage. You can still see it and take pictures. But it is taped off to keep folks at a distance.At this point, the wagon is on jacks and is missing its left rear wheel. Although Abe is still piloting the wagon. He says hi.
Sponge B — Google review
Worth a visit if you are passing through the area.
Daryl N — Google review
Cool photo opportunity, and it's so awesome to see the size and think about it actually having to work to qualify for "world's largest". Very fun little side stop for us!
Brittny92 — Google review
Review Date: March 11th, 2014To quote my friend; “It’s not even covered!”Now, to be fair and to preface this blog post, we did stop by after it received some storm damage. So the state it was in when we visited is not a representation of what it actually looks like. The low score is from my initial visit. Should I happen to make it back, I will update the score and post new photos to reflect what it really presents. Looking into it for this blog post, I would rather like to see it in it’s former glory as it looks really cool!Okay, so with all that in mind, my friends and I left Springfield after a day of exploring. On the way home, we saw the sign for this covered wagon. I asked everyone if they wanted to stop and check it out. They didn’t care… so 10 minutes later, we find ourselves looking at the wagon… or the damaged wagon. As stated above, it seemed to have received some storm damage and was in the process of being restored, so it was in really bad shape.But we had some fun taking goofy photos in front of it. It was muddy out, so we couldn’t explore around the area too much. I have visited Lincoln, IL a few times since this photo was taken, so next time I am down there, I hope to have new/better photos of the wagon. It really does look cool from seeing other people’s online photos.Plus, it’s a nod to Illinois and the USA’s history since it has Abraham Lincoln on it.The link to the website provided below is not to the Wagon’s actual website… because it does not have one. But I do like Atlas Obscura, so I linked to their website. That way there is some reference material if you are interested in learning more about the wagon.
Joshua D — Google review
4.4
(402)
•
4.0
(88)
1750 5th St, Lincoln, IL 62656, USA
(217) 732-8687
13
Lincoln Monument Association
Mentioned on
+3 other lists
Monument
Sights & Landmarks
The Lincoln Monument Association is an organization that was founded in 1883 to raise money for the construction of a monument to Abraham Lincoln. The monument was eventually built and is now located in Springfield, Illinois.
This is an incredibly beautiful monument and resting place for one of the greatest American Presidents Abraham Lincoln. We enjoyed getting to see the monument as well as pay our respects. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. We stayed for the flag-lowering ceremony by the 114th Infantry Regiment Illinois Volunteers Reactivated. The flag is then given to one family in attendance. The family is picked from a drawing so make sure to put your name in.
Mikha’el C — Google review
This place just oozes history, thoughtfulness and serenity. A perfect resting place for an amazing President and his family. It is quite the experience to see and walk through. Humbling almost. I didn’t take pictures inside out of respect. Also good not to spoil it sometimes. This is a must visit on your Springfield Lincoln trip.
Eric S — Google review
This is wonderful, free spot to pay respect to a powerful president. We arrived at 4:45 right before they closed, so it was a quick, quiet, peaceful visit.
Bonnie R — Google review
Rub the nose for good luck : ) Nice air conditioned monument to escape the heat for a bit. The lady at the front was very knowledgeable and shared details and history with us. The marble details are really beautiful. Bathrooms near by. Easy to see everything in an hour.
Karrie K — Google review
At the Lincoln Monument in Springfield, Il, you can literally touch history. An humbling and awe inspiring experience, a visit to Honest Abe’s final resting place should be on any travelers agenda when rambling through the Land of Lincoln.Friendly and informative staff adds to this free admission experience.
Soghomon — Google review
Very interesting, well maintained grounds. The architecture was amazing. A wonderful tribute to Abe Lincoln for his final resting place. I didn't realize all he had accomplished in his lifetime.
VSTARBABY ? — Google review
The tomb is located in Oak Ridge Cemetery and there's enough signage that you certainly can't miss it. Or just follow the parade of school buses that are bringing and endless number of kids here to see it.That said, you will want to wait until after all the kids have been and gone through the inside. It is underground and there is nothing to break down the echo. I lucked out and arrived during a school bus gap so I mostly had the inside to myself to see the tomb and view the statues of Lincoln inside and read the quotes.I've been to the Lincoln Monument and I've been to Gettysburg. This was definitely worth it for me.
Bruce K — Google review
Very interesting (and quick) stop if you're a history buff. The memorial and tomb and the grounds are beautiful, well kept and the staff working there are very knowledgeable.
Travis C — Google review
Beautiful tribute to a President who truly deserves such an honor.It doesn’t take long to walk through but if you’re near you should go. Also the cemetery is full of other historical figures so it’s worth walking around and exploring a bit.
Willi F — Google review
Stopped on our road trip down Route 66 to see President Lincoln burial location. It was a great experience. I would recommend it to everyone.
Preston P — Google review
Absolutely astonishing to be able to see the tomb of the former president, if you are in Springfield i highly recommend visiting lincoln’s tomb
Jason — Google review
Must see when near Springfield. Some construction is going on around the sides of the monument, so you cannot walk around to the back as usual nor use the stairs down to the old crypt room. You'll need to walk or drive around if you want to see that. Otherwise, the inside is cool and brings you back in time to the life and death of Lincoln. If you have time, walk around other areas of the cemetery.
Kari F — Google review
Great monument - enjoy the silence because when kids come it is going to be loud. Unfortunately no respect from the (american) parents to keep their kids quiet. Sad. But the monument itself is very nice!
Jetlover X — Google review
If you are in town you should stop by. It is a free attraction collecting donations. There was construction so you could not go up on the side. You can walk all the way around the inside giving lincolns history. It's powerful seeing the presidents final resting place. I would highly recommend
Mark B — Google review
A powerful yet somber experience and tribute to the Great Abe Lincoln. The ground are beautiful, the monument is wonderful, the caretaker was extremely friendly and welcomed us and thanked us for coming and encouraged us to take pictures. Please remember that this is the final resting place of a great President and to respect the grounds, the monument, and his resting place.
Nicholas K — Google review
Finally made it, life long dream to visit! The closest you'll ever be to meeting this once great mind and man.The architecture is amazing. The statues are beautiful and be sure to take the free tour, they explain every detail.It was beautiful and peaceful. Not much of a crowd on this day.Cemetery is very old. Be sure to visit the Accordion King at the entrance and pay your respects.Also there are restrooms which is super convenient.
Jack N — Google review
I visited here when I was a kid on a field trip and found it so interesting I brought my own children back. There was a man when you walk through the door, not a tour guide, I dont think, but he was really polite and helpful. He gave us the overview of where everything was and was really great at answering my kids questions.The tomb itself was really interesting. I found it very interesting that Abraham, Mary, Edward, William, and Tad seemed to be together, and there was an iron grate separating the space of their other son, Robert. Is it done purposely? I wonder if it has anything to do with Robert having Mary declared insane? Who knows, we recommend checking it out either way!
Melissa P — Google review
Very neat obelisk monument and grave site of one of the greatest Presidents. The grounds were very interesting and well kept. Frisbee golf is decent course. Great trees.
Mac C — Google review
We visited the final resting place of President Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln and his family members are interred here. The tomb itself is a significant historical landmark, with its impressive architecture. Visitors can explore the grounds, view the exterior of the tomb, and take in the peaceful surroundings of the cemetery.
Martinez — Google review
We were the only family there, so we didn't have to wait in the queue! This was simply a beautiful and humbling experience. The monument is well built. The first thing you feel is peaceful. Before you enter the tomb, there's a bronze bust of Lincoln. Make sure to rub the nose of the statute for good luck! Once you enter inside the building, you are greeted by the friendly volunteer. The interior design is quite posh- art deco style , and very very clean. There are few statutes, plaques and quotes, and a final resting place of President Lincoln and his wife and 3 children are also buried there.It's free to enter, free parking and there's also a washroom area near the car park. Oh, drop a penny behind the building near the window for another luck!
Ailya A — Google review
If you can, return Tuesday evening at 6:30pm for the flag ceremony. Kids will enjoy this too. The Tomb closes at 5pm. They are celebrating 150 years and it was disappointing to see it closed off and construction equipment on the site. You can't walk around it. Couldn't this have been done last year?
Birgitte B — Google review
4.8
(525)
•
4.5
(2005)
1500 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
(217) 782-2717
14
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
Mentioned on
+45 other lists
History museum
Museums
Library
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a must-see for history buffs. With an expansive array of exhibits, the center tells the full story of Lincoln's life in unique ways. The multimedia installations and hologram theater make it one of a kind, making it one of the most popular attractions in town.
There's no better place to learn about the life of Abe Lincoln than at this museum.I would recommend it for families or school groups. Personally, the ideal minimum age is probably around 10+ as getting the most out of each exhibit requires patience and reading. My boys are a bit younger and it was tough for them to stay focused till the end.Any weather conditions are fine because the museum is entirely indoors. It was pouring rain during our visit; the staff was kind enough to offer plastic bags to house each of our wet umbrellas.Don't bother bringing food or drinks in. They won't allow them, but if you forget you can rent a locker for a quarter.You should allocate 3-4 hours of time here in order to enjoy each exhibit and both theatre shows.Keep an eye out for the Abe Lincoln impersonator that will occasionally pop out and roam around. He's happy to greet you and discuss anything from his life, including his wrestling career!!You won't regret your visit here.
Corey M — Google review
This Museum is AWESOME. For everyone who wants to know about Abraham Lincoln's life, I highly recommend it . Mostly, don't miss none of the projection shows. We weren't able to see all due to some technical issues they are having that day and one show was cancelled. All the museum's employees were great. Thank you
Pierra A — Google review
Made my semi-annual visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum this afternoon and it never seizes to immerse my curiosity and attention. Very cool being able to view an original copy of the Gettysburg Address written in Lincoln's own hand. The two theater shows are both absolutely incredible. Both sections of Lincoln's life are fabulously brought to life. As an historian, I fully appreciate every aspect of this museum and can't wait to return.
Kaleb H — Google review
Really nice museum. It has a ton of stuff to look at, very well presented. You will learn things you never knew. Covers Lincoln’s life from his childhood to his death. There are a couple shows that are worth a watch, too. Kids and history buffs alike will enjoy this.
Hudson G — Google review
Went for the first time today and it was wonderful! There is so much to read and learn that I’m sure I missed a lot! The exhibits are wonderfully done, so many beautiful things to see. They have many authentic pieces behind glass and they had 2 amazing short shows today, they were so neat! Definitely not what I thought I was walking into. The staff was very nice, helpful, and informative. I will definitely be back and I’m sure I will find a ton that I missed! I also strongly suggest doing the scavenger hunt they provide, it makes you really look for the information and adds some extra excitement to it! They have an online version or a hard copy!Even the gift shop had a ton of cool stuff!! I couldn’t believe this experience was only $15! A really good price for the education and fun! The staff also informed us a new exhibit will be opening in March, I am excited to go back and see it!
Lakota P — Google review
I learned so much about Abraham Lincoln at the Museum. It was educational. I was very intrigued by the map that showed the progression of the Civil War, with the names of the battles and how much territory was gained/lost, and how many deaths. I didn’t realize how much heck he got from the press. There is a whole section of cartoons from the newspapers at the time of the elections through the Presidency. I also didn’t know that Booth was a fairly well known actor. This is definitely a must see! We did walk over to the Library too, but to look at the books you need an appointment. But there were a few things displayed around the main floor you could look at.
Jan B — Google review
One of my favorite places to visit in central Illinois. My wife and I carried our 2 grandsons 12 and 8 years old and they loved it. Mitch Adams is our favorite volunteer. He loves Lincoln and sharing knowledge with others about this great museum and library. Well worth the trip.
Tommy J — Google review
This museum was absolutely fantastic!! I was so impressed with the realistic exhibits. It was so informative. Very clean. The technology was amazing. The Ghosts show was just incredible. The people who worked here were kind and knowledgeable. The restaurant was clean. The gift shop was very large with a wide variety of souvenirs from which to choose. We came on a school field trip and had a wonderful time.
Avra V — Google review
The Abe Lincoln Museum is really remarkable. So many exhibits and each with detailed plaques of information. There is two different theaters which have shows running all day which I highly recommend checking out. The staff is always friendly and helpful and the gift shop is full of unique items. This museum is my go to place just to be reminded of history or anytime I need some inspiration for a paper or book I am working on. I also recommend reading each exhibit and soaking in everything instead of just quickly walking through.
Issac M — Google review
I really enjoyed my visit with my 9 year old and his 4th grade class. We all learned alot! Thank you for having us and we will return.Ooo please add parking for visitors that part really sucked.
Mariah G — Google review
The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum was surprisingly very interesting. They had a couple of interactive theaters that lasted around 15-17 minutes each. An exhibit of how they thought Abraham was raised. That exhibit has a fun scavanger hunt. They have an exhibit of different presidents and their history. And, of course, the political life of Abraham Lincoln all of the way to his assassination.I would suggest calling ahead if you would like a group tour. Otherwise, you are welcome to walk in and pay. They don't allow food, drink, or gum.I would say to take a good 4 hours here soaking it all in. They do have a gift shop with interesting little things to buy like huckleberry syrup.
Nicole B — Google review
It’s one of the best museum in town. We learn so much and had a one to one guidance with rich information about the president life, from his birth,his childhood, his manhood, his personal learning and self education, his family, his stressful but always forwarding life as a son, husband, father, lawyer and president. I feel impressed for his humbleness in every stage of his life
Jenn J — Google review
4.8
(1177)
•
5.0
(4618)
212 N 6th St, Springfield, IL 62701, USA
(217) 558-8844
15
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Mentioned on
+33 other lists
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
The Abraham Lincoln Home National Historic Site is a house where Abraham Lincoln lived and worked from 1844 to 1861. The house is located in downtown Springfield, Illinois, and visitors can learn about the life of Lincoln as a lawyer, politician and finally as President of the United States during their tours.
The house was very interesting. The tour guide was good. He should definitely go through it at least one time in your life. Just to say you did it. There's so much in this town to look at it definitely will take a couple trips especially if you're doing a weekend adventure.If you're wondering this is a free tour. You do have to ask for tickets and the visiting center.
Jess — Google review
We stopped in here on our national park tour that we do.It was amazing it was very well done.The home is well restored and exactly like it was when Lincoln lived there.The staff at the visitor center was friendly and helpful and helped answer all of our questions.The movie is nice to see and well worth the time
Alan B — Google review
This historic site was bustling with visitors when I visited. I was able to get a free ticket for a tour of Lincoln’s home upon arrival. The home was well-preserved and had two staircases, something unheard of in most modern homes.The young tour guide (I believe his name was Alec) was very energetic and passionate about his work. Apparently, it was his childhood dream to work at the site. His positive energy really enhanced the tour.The cross streets where the home sat were closed to vehicle traffic, which made exploring the surrounding area easy and safe.Though they charged for parking, I was able to find free street parking nearby.
Denver D — Google review
It's a great place to visit for all ages. I visited this place during the spring break 2022 with my 5 year old toddler son. If you are going there for the first time, here is the few information:1. Tour to Lincoln's home is free, but it is guided one. It leaves every 30 min, so try to put your name down as soon as you get to the museum2. The parking is free and that is in front of the visitor center. No worries - there is enough parking spot.3. If you are with kid, let your kid participate in the Junior ranger program... it takes only 15-20, but the fun part is they get certificate signed by the ranger and also a Junior ranger badge. This one is free as well.4. Take a walk outside the Lincoln's home on the brick-road. You will feel you have gone 200 years back in time-machine.
Madan K — Google review
This is a must see National Historic Site. You get to walk through Lincoln’s home. See his actual furniture including his writing desk. Also, walk his yard and neighborhood as it was in the 1850’s. It’s all well presented. Storyboards everywhere. The visitor center has a great movie and shop. I came here once before in 1968 for a grade school trip. The National Park Service restored it in the 1980’s so now it’s much better experience than the old days. Go visit Lincoln’s home
RV T — Google review
This was a great little stop on our road trip through Springfield. While you did have to pay for parking if you parked in the lot, which was inexpensive, the rest of it all was free. It was interesting to see and hear about Lincoln’s life and walk through his home. The tour guide was helpful and kind. They shared a plethora of information. Definitely stop by if you find yourself in Springfield.
Denai C — Google review
Very cool piece of history. The tour doesn't cost anything and includes 3 additional houses as well, you do have to pay for parking (I think it was something like $4 for the 2 hours we were there). You tour the Lincoln house with a guide and the other 3 on your own. The houses have air-conditioning and there is plenty of seating outside the homes. There are steps involved in these tours, not a lot, but something to be aware of. The gift shop was cute and the informative theater video was worth watching. Everyone there was very friendly and knowledgeable. Really glad we stopped in!
Megan S — Google review
The museum and historic houses encompass a beautifully preserved historic area near the old capital building. Our tour guide was incredibly Insightful and knowledgeable about the site, and she was pretty cute too. You have to get a tour ahead of time in order to see the house but it is free because of Robert Lincoln selling it to the state for $1.. Lots of awesome history here definitely recommend checking it out
Wisco S — Google review
What a cool experience! I very much enjoyed visiting here. The old neighborhood is wonderful as well as the visitor information center with s very nice gift shop, movie theater, bathroom & lots of education. Staff was very friendly & helpful. Theres a guest book you can sign. Parking is $2. Tours are free.
Elizabeth A — Google review
Our family was privileged to have a wonderful park ranger lead the tour of Lincoln's home. He was incredibly knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. I didn't realize the entire block is a historic site and many neighboring homes are open as exhibits with artifacts.
Bonnie R — Google review
The Lincoln Home National Historic Site was the first stop on our "Lincoln weekend" in Springfield. While born in Kentucky, Abe Lincoln moved to Illinois while young with his family. The home still stands, although much of it was restored and repaired. They did a fantastic job of finding period-specific furniture and furnishings based on drawings and photos.You start in their welcome center/gift shop. There is a brief presentation before you set out to see the house. It was a rainy day, but we did not let them stop us. The attached photos do the house justice, so I won't go into much more detail about what we saw. I already said I was impressed with the restoration and furnishings. Much of my comments are represented in the photos.This home is only a part of a restored neighborhood of homes. These were the homes of Lincoln's friends and neighbors. Many are open to the public. Because of the weather, we chose to defer this part until our next visit.This is a must-see for Lincoln fans and historians. It was well worth the price of entry (free).
Bob R — Google review
This is a fantastic place to visit if you're interested in history. The tour guide is very knowledgeable and really brings the site to life. You'll learn a lot about President Lincoln's life and the historic significance of the site. One of the things that I really enjoyed about the site is how well-maintained it is. The grounds are clean and the buildings are in good shape, which makes for a really pleasant experience. The staff is also incredibly friendly and helpful. They're always happy to answer any questions you might have and make sure you're having a great time. There's plenty to do and see, whether you're interested in history or not. You can take a free guided tour of the site, explore the visitor center, or just wander around and take in the sights. Overall, I would highly recommend the Lincoln Home National Historic Site to anyone looking for a fun and educational experience.
Aliyah T — Google review
After many years of wanting to visit, I finally made it. Not only President Lincoln's home but a other neighborhood homes are presented to help us recreate what it might have looked like in the 1840-60s. The tour of the Lincoln home is a guided tour by a park ranger so you get to hear interesting back stories that set the context. The house is well preserved, and I heard 60% of everything in there is original.
Venkat C — Google review
Really cool. It was around noon and the tours were already full for the day, so go early.Parking is 2$ and can only be paid via credit card.There is a visitors center with gift shop, rest rooms, theater, and water bottle filling station.
Lume — Google review
Another wonderful NPS site! Tickets are available to tour the Lincoln home. You can also tour the visitor center, some other homes/buildings, and the street in the neighborhood. There is a lot to see and read. There is a small charge for parking but the lot is gated.
Mel A — Google review
This is a must do for anyone coming close to Springfield! You get to walk through the only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned! It is furnished with most of his original furniture. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. Admission is free, you just have to get tickets before your tour. The parking lot is a pay lot. It was busy today so we got tickets for later in the day. That way we had time to go though the Lincoln presidential library. Which was excellent as well. I highly recommend everyone to come and enjoy this experience!
Mikha’el C — Google review
Cute stop. I learned a lot about Lincoln’s home life and some of the stuff in the house was authentic so it felt important that it’s being protected. It’s a whole neighborhood to explore. The tour with the ranger was Interesting and he was knowledgeable and helpful and excited to share his knowledge. It’s not a dog friendly spot! There are restrooms in the visitor center. There are picnic tables.
Adventures B — Google review
I would diffently recommend going here. You get to learn a lot about him and his family and friends. You get to walk around his town and see how he lived and what he did on a daily basis. My favorite part was going through his house and touching the railing that he touched. I think everybody would love to tour his house. It's really fun.
John S — Google review
Great site to tour. The tour guides were very knowledgeable. The home itself has quite a few period artifacts from the Lincolns personal collection as well as furniture used by the Lincoln family.This is the only home that Mr. Lincoln owned prior to moving to the White House. It is also where his children were born and died as well.It is best to get there early to avoid the large school bus tours that begin to show up as the day progresses.It is definitely worth the stop and visit. And it is free of charge.
Mike F — Google review
I’ve been to the Lincoln Museum and Presidential Library many times. I’m so mad at myself for not getting to his crib. The staff are all National Parks staff and they are wonderful, informative and helpful. The visitors center has a ton of info and a short on Lincoln in Springfield. The home is meticulously restored. Walking the streets of Abe’s neighborhood will catapult you into the mid 1800’s.
Thomas A — Google review
This was a Time Warp moment, a chance to go back in time to the era where Lincoln had just started to attain some success. What's a period pieces and original furniture, it looks as if it could have been clipped out of a photo album.The mechanism for seeing the house by tour worked very well, the introductory films were the standard introductory films. The guys were very helpful and informative in willing to go the extra mile if you had a question they couldn't answer.Must stop for anyone who is a fan of President Lincoln and for anyone with an hour or two to kill in the area
Jim P — Google review
Since I stopped in Lincoln, NE…On the way back, May as well stop by Springfield, IL to see the home of Lincoln.Very nice, historic site. This block of the street is blocked off, walk in only.You will get to the house and eventually by the end of the street and at the end of the block, there will be the presidential library!Nice, very nice walk!
Nam N — Google review
Good tour of Lincoln’s home while he lived in Springfield. The tour was informative and they recreated the family home from period drawing. Not all Lincoln family furnishings but close to original. Tour was free and relatively short. The facility has many other homes that have historic significance on the same street. Good place to visit before moving on to the Museum up the street.
Chris E — Google review
Bestttttt ! Highly recommended to each person who r interested ! Very much beautiful place for one day tour…. Stuffs r very helpful ! Visitor center is d best information center & quick watching short theatre too !
Sayani C — Google review
Great place to learn the history of Lincoln. Be sure to get your free ticket from National Park desk for home tour. You learn a lot about his life prior to Presidency.
Danyette H — Google review
Awesome historic site. Being able to walk up and down the street makes you feel like you could have been neighbors with Abraham Lincoln. The Rangers there were very helpful and extremely informative.
Estevan M — Google review
The cost of the tour is minimal..you get an upclose view of his Springfield home. The video they show beforehand is really informative. They have a very hands-on home with all kinds of interactive activities for children. It's a great place to take a class field trip to see.
Stacey M — Google review
What a lovely National Park. Not only is Abraham Lincoln's hone super interesting and authentic, but the street is lined with historic homes and interesting information. When touring the home, you go upstairs and use the original handrail that Lincoln used...one of the young girls (maybe 11yo) in the group said "I am never washing my hand again, I touched where Lincoln touched." It was very cool. Shannon was our tour guide, volunteer, and she was great!! Worth the trip!!
Karen G — Google review
Nice Lincoln house in Springfield. It has been preserved in the same way it was during Lincoln times. It's not just his house but the whole street and surrounding houses have been preserved well. The side walk has wooded boards and roads have bricks. I would recommend getting tickets early as we went 1 hour before closing time which is 5 pm and it was booked out. They have a nice gift shop in the information center.
Dr. B — Google review
A very interesting and educational place to visit. There’s a neighborhood consisting of two blocks of historic houses, including Abraham & Mary Todd Lincoln’s house. You can go into three of the homes to see exhibits, and then the Lincoln home requires a no-charge ticket to go inside. The visitor center is nice and the gift shop is well-stocked.
Bondgirl42 — Google review
Just being able to tour these homes is amazing. Thanks to the National Park Service for the work you do preserving our parks and our history.
S. C — Google review
Amazing experience to get a chance to see and feel the Abraham Lincoln house, its history, struggles of lincoln and his family history.A guy who has no more than 2 years of formal school training studies by himself and got a law degree and became a congressman and later became the president of the USA.Even before 180 years, how Lincoln had a thinking of giving liberty to all human beings and fought for the cause and died for that same cause. You can feel it all in the house.The tickets are free and the tour group goes nearly every 10-15 minutes.This is mostly run by donations and government fundings.Ranger/tour guides are amazing.
Nitin B — Google review
They have done a wonderful job restoring and preserving the house. However, we were rushed through the entire tour by the group behind us. Kind of defeats the purpose of timed tickets... Because my spouse and I were at the back of our group, we couldn't hear our guide over the group of school children and their guide and we missed out on most of the information given during the tour. We walked around the recreated neighborhood, which was very cool, but again overrun with unattended children on a field trip that were yelling and horsing around. Most of the buildings are not accessible and used for meetings and storage. The ones that are open work as small museums on targeted topics, like construction and buildings of the times, social roles and the lives of Lincoln's neighbors.
Samantha L — Google review
Wonderful experience visiting Lincoln’s house and surrounding area. You have to get tickets to tour his home from the visitor’s center and its first come, first served. They opened on Sunday at 9 AM and we needed to continue on our road trip. We arrived 55 minutes early to ensure we would get the first the first tour times and were first in line. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the area and history. The women in the gift shop were kind and even refunded our order and redid it with an educator discount when she heard we were teachers. Amazing experience! Our 9 and 10 year old loved it, too!
Cassie F — Google review
4.8
(3944)
•
4.5
(2895)
413 S 8th St, Springfield, IL 62701, USA
(217) 492-4241
I'll never travel to Branson without this trip planner again
16
Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site
Mentioned on
+22 other lists
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana-Thomas House museum is a beautiful historic residence displaying many original furnishings by the famed architect. The property is located in downtown Lawrence, Kansas, and is well worth a visit for any fan of Wright's work.
Everything about this house is awesome! The tour guide was great. Expect the tour to be a full hour. It can get warm in the house and you'll be standing nearly the entire time, so plan for that. No pictures allowed inside. Sign up ahead of time to get your free ticket.
Kari F — Google review
My first Frank Lloyd home tour. Tour guide was very informative on the history of its owner along with her philanthropist activities. The interior architectural design was extraordinary and futuristic for its time of construction. The tour is free, donations are welcome, no reason not to take advantage of learning and seeing history first hand.
Sarah S — Google review
95+% original Frank Lloyd Wright house only blocks from the Illinois State capital building. The state-landmark house is a living museum of the socialite Mrs. Dana. She paid Wright a lot for the design a little over 100 years ago. The home is filled with original furniture design by Mr. Wright that takes you back to his original concept. Lots of art glass as well. You need to make reservations online because they only have a few guided tours a day - takes about an hour. Our tour guide was great!
Dave C — Google review
Who knew the state of Illinois offers plenty of free tours in Springfield, IL?! We made a day trip to Springfield and filled the day with free activities. One of those activities was a tour of the Dana-Thomas House. You will need to get your tickets through Event-Brite but they are free. The tour size is kept small. This Frank Lloyd Wright home is impeccable and filled with original furniture. The tour focuses more on the original owner, Susan Dana and her life. The tour does discuss Frank Lloyd Wright and his design attributes but when a question came up about where the red brick was located our guide refuses to answer the question simply stating that was not the focus of the tour meaning the focus was on Susan Thomas. That is fine however, I’m not sure why when the question was asked at the end of the tour that the guide couldn’t answer the question. The house is filled with several elevation changes and several staircases are ascended and descended. A few have handrails but the most do not simply because Frank didn’t like obstruction to his design, he liked clean lines. So if stairs aren’t your thing, please keep this in mind. The tour lasts a little over an hour and you do walk approximately a mile altogether during this tour. We were there on a cooler summer day and the home was still relatively warm despite there being air conditioning. Not a huge deal at all, just thought I would people know. If it is a hot day, I would imagine the temperature would be even more toasty. All in all this was a great tour and even better because it is free.The gentleman who asked the question about the red brick did have an idea of where the red brick was located. We found the red brick and I have included a photo of the red brick.
Kelly S — Google review
I have loved Frank Lloyd Wright houses for a long time and though there is one in the next city over where I live, it doesn't compare to this place. It's 12000 sq ft of lavishness with its windows and furniture and little extras all created specifically for design as well as function. It was interesting learning the history behind the house and its previous owners as well as its use as a publishing company. No interior photos allowed so you definitely want to take the tour.
Vanessa K — Google review
Words can't do justice to FLW's vision with this home. Photographs don't come close to actually experiencing the design, room transitions, and use of light. We can't emphasize enough that you take time out from Lincoln sightseeing to visit this gem. Make your reservation s online to ensure you can take the tour. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and he really brought things to life. Photos are not permitted inside the home. You will not regret this experience.
Mike V — Google review
Beautiful and historic. I strongly recommend a visit, it is free and so is parking across the street. They do request you get your tickets in advance, just go through their website. The glass work is stunning. I hope to attend their candlelight sessions this holiday season.
M J — Google review
Was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did, but it is a beautiful house and our tour guide was wonderful. You do not need to know anything about Frank Lloyd Wright to appreciate it, just an appreciation for good design and history!
Alex S — Google review
Very cool place. The tour gives an excellent rundown of "why" each part of the ouse was made the way it was and what it is for.
Brian R — Google review
Amazing building, would defo recommend booking the free tour. Architect was way ahead of his time, the house and furniture are all in fantastic condition.
Ciaran B — Google review
Beautifully kept home with amazing architecture. Our guide, Amber, did an excellent job of informing us of the history of this Frank Lloyd Wright design. It's definitely worth a visit.
Brian M — Google review
It is truly an amazing, eclectic, extravagant Frank Lloyd Wright home. An example of the use of the latest technology combined with early 20th century opulence. Construction details and extensive use of hand crafted art glass is astounding. Wright seemed to have free reign in designing this complex yet practical marvel. Our guide did a great job taking us on a tour (about 1 hour). The original owner had a huge inheritance and used the home for both entertaining and some community goodwill.
Dennis P — Google review
FANTASTIC HOUSE!!!! 98% original Frank Lloyd Wright house only blocks from the Illinois State capital building. Sooooo much art glass and almost all original furniture. Only drawback is that you can't take photos in the house but totally understand that and would highly recommend anyone to go visit if you are in Springfield. You need to make reservations online because they only have a few guided tours a day but the website is easy to use.
Mark T — Google review
It's hard to put into words the beauty of this rare architectural treasure. I've done the tour several times, and there are new things to discover in every visit. The details of the home are impressive throughout. The art glass is astounding.The tour guides do a great job balancing the history of Susan Lawrence Dana's life while pointing out the particulars of Frank Lloyd Wright's design.Regular tours can accommodate up to 15 people and are totally FREE! Parking is easily accessible and can be found directly across the street from the house.
Joshua L — Google review
We visited Springfield with a daughter and husband to see our grandsons living there, and meet new great granddaughter as well as new grand daughter in law. We decided to take in the Lincoln Museum and Dana Thomas house. Our guide at the house was amazing..and she had only been there since August! She knew so much and the way she explained was so interesting. I would go back for certain!!
Trish G — Google review
My husband and I enjoyed our experience at this wonderful exhibit. We couldn't have asked for a better experience of a Frank Lloyd Wright designed an architectural master piece with the stained glass windows. This beauty is definitely worth a trip if you are already in Springfield. If not, visiting is definitely worth a visit. It's an amazing piece of history that isn't explained enough.
Crystal D — Google review
My buddy and I walked up to the main entrance without a clue what to expect. A friendly staff member was coming down the sidewalk and enthusiastically greeted us. Without us even asking she said " you are on the next tour" Shortly 10 of us began a one wow moment after another tour. A must experience when in Springfield.
Noodengr3 T — Google review
A great tour and a must-see for any fan of great design. The house was a very early commission for Wright and demonstrates clearly how advanced his ideas were for the time. Beautiful.
Robert S — Google review
We have visited many of FLW’s buildings and this is right up there with Falling Water and Taliesin West. The glass windows were beautiful and the house was full of surprises around every corner. This is definitely worth the visit.
Mary C — Google review
My favorite Frank Lloyd Wright house to date. The exterior of the house could use some TLC…..grounds also. The interior showcases the work of a true genius. Tour guide was informative and cordial. I recommend it!👍🏼
Lisa P — Google review
Frank Lloyd Wright was to American architecture as Ansel Adams was to American photography- both geniuses to their particular gifts and talents. When one sees each of these legends work, it must be savored as one does when seeing a famous artist’s or sculptor’s creation… timeless.
Lance S — Google review
Great experience. This was the highlight of our weekend trip to Springfield. The tour guide was very engaging and you could really tell his passion for the history of the house. You must visit if you are in the area.
Chase M — Google review
Enjoyable tour! Typical FLW experience with total immersion into the project; furniture and fixtures galore!I was disappointed that interior non-flash photography was prohibited.😞
William S — Google review
An early example of Frank Lloyd Wright architectural design and an interesting story of the owner who commissioned the work. A guided 1 hour tour, you have to get tickets online but they are free.
Jerry N — Google review
One of the most well-preserved Frank Lloyd Wright houses. Knowledgeable staff and volunteer docents. Tour length varies depending on the guide. Short video at the end of the tour details the art glass in the house. Great experience!
Mary D — Google review
4.8
(881)
•
5.0
(1184)
301 E Lawrence Ave, Springfield, IL 62703, USA
(217) 782-6776
17
Grant's Farm
Mentioned on
1 list
Farm
Sights & Landmarks
Grant's Farm is a popular attraction located on the Busch family estate that houses over 100 animal species. Visitors can take a tram ride around the property and enjoy various activities such as feeding wildlife, including goats. The park offers free admission but charges for parking, which can be purchased online at a discounted price. It is a cashless park, so visitors should bring their cards to purchase food and beverages or participate in special activities.
Most Excellent St Louis Treasure. This Park is Phenomenal experience to be offered free admission with only a parking fee. Can be purchased online in advance for less. Cashless park bring a Card to purchase food beverage and special activities experiencing and feeding some wildlife is a must.
Kalen W — Google review
We love visiting here! This place is so good for families. Staff are very friendly and kind. They have rooms for breastfeeding/changing and to get overstimulated kids calmed. Very clean and the goats are so much fun. Definitely do the family passes if you have kids. I paid for mine online and very easy to redeem in the gift shop when you first get off the tram. Staff will take care of your stroller on the tram too.
Amanda R — Google review
BOTH the men’s and women’s bathrooms have baby changing tables!!!! So fun! The baby goats see that bottle and they will come after it so some kids there were very scared of this but my 2 year old loved it and my 9 month old wanted to touch everything! Buy your parking pass online bc it’s cheaper also we loved grabbing the fun pass on the website too. Also they do NOT take cash. It was a good half day outing.
Laura H — Google review
This amazing location has a large animal sanctuary, family friendly animal farm, and tasty beer garden. Treat yourself to the tram ride, which takes you quite close to the many heravores and birds on property.Enjoy the picnic style food with beer or a soft drink. Stay for the amazing illuminated drone show starting at 9 pm.There is ample free parking and a well stocked general store.But tickets in advance.
Fred P — Google review
This place is always fun to go to, it brings back many childhood memories of family trips with my grandparents to see the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales. There are lots of things to see and do here.And now I have the opportunity to create memories with my grandchildren.Pro tip, don't buy the milk for the goats since they are usually full if you aren't the first ones there.Buy the cones with the food instead.
Chris ( — Google review
If you're a family looking to do something near St. Louis on a budget, you should visit Grant's Farm! You pay for parking ($10-$15) and from there you can spend as much or little as you want.They have turned part of Ulysses S. Grant's old property into an animal refuge that you can visit for free. They have quite a variety of animals and some different packages that you can pay extra for some up close encounters. They have a great Beer Garden where you can grab a bite to eat and every adult over 21 can get two generous beer samples for FREE. It hit the spot on the hot day we enjoyed Grant's Farm. Check out the St. Louis Zoo for another free activity. Enjoy your time in the friendly city of St. Louis!
Tony G — Google review
Free admission, 2 free beer per visit, only have to pay $19/ vehicle for parking. Wow what a deal. Staff were all friendly and energetic. It’s a good 2 hours spent in grant farm. Many things to learn. And kids get to see real animals. The farm was well maintained. All animals look happy and healthy. And those Clydes dales were Gorgeous and magnificent.
Wind N — Google review
The way this works is that parking costs money; but getting in is free. If you don't drive.. well... First you get on a guided tour on a small set of cars that takes about 15-20 minutes of much of the farm grounds that tells you about the place and how it got to where it is. At the end, you get off in the main attraction section where there are over a dozen separate animal places where you can seem them all, take in a show, do a camel ride or feed baby or adult farm animals. We did the animal behind the scenes and got to feed several animals, pet others, and get deeper info. They offer 2 free drinks and food for sale. The people working with the animals tend to be young people eager to share. Spent almost 2-1/2 hours here.
Dave C — Google review
Had a really nice experience. The the grounds and facilities are very well kept. The staff was friendly and very helpful. Parking is $16 but admission to the park is free. Concessions are basic around the park but there are more options such BBQ at the garden. You also get 2 free beer samples. Lots of animals to see, an animal show, and tram ride through the whole of the property. Bottle feeding the baby goats is popular and my favorite too! There other animals you can feed as well, just need to purchase the feed for a small price. Good time for the family and all ages. I'll be visiting again soon!
Chad C — Google review
Amazing place to take your entire family. Very family oriented for sure with petting zoo for children. You can feed the baby goats for $2. You can also get 2 free beers (you must be over 21 of course). They have outdoor music and plenty of areas to sit and eat something. The parking lot cost $10 per vehicle but if you are willing to park elsewhere and walk on the Grant Trail you can save money here. The entree is free.
Alizee S — Google review
What a fun experience!! We've visited St. Louis many times and have never been. We decided to check out on our day trip and I'm glad we did. Feeding the baby goats was the best part of the whole trip. We all enjoyed the tram ride and seeing all the animals. It is also very affordable which is great! We will definitely be back! ♥️
Ro P — Google review
Fun place to go. Bob and I enjoyed the BBQ and music 🎶 👌. Only 23 miles down 55.
Cheryl M — Google review
We went here last summer and had a great time. The value for the price was great. We especially enjoyed the goat feeding and the bird feeding. Obviously this is a great place to bring kids, but we had fun as childless adults. Other than a young lady (who seemed to dislike people) working at the goat food stand, all the staff were very nice. The staff was mostly a combination of young people and seniors, and it was nice seeing the different generations working so well together and seeming to have just as much fun being there as the guests. We're city dwellers, so we're not used to being on any sort of farm. But, from our limited understanding of such things, this seemed like a very clean place with well cared for animals. I'd definitely recommend coming here if you're visiting St Louis.
Astro — Google review
If you haven't been to Summer Nights at Grant's farm it is definitely worth the price of admission. If you're lucky enough to live within biking distance there is no charge to use the bike rack. Last night was epic. Great music, courtesy of Push the Limit, an awesome drone show, and of course, food, drinks, and a lively beer garden.
Dave S — Google review
We had an absolute blast this afternoon at Grant’s Farm. Don’t be fooled, it isn’t ALL Clydesdales and beer…although the beautiful draft horses are a sight to behold and there is definitely plenty of beer :). The tram ride reveals so much more wildlife as well as the petting/feeding part of the property. The staff was wonderful! We spoke a great deal to Mr Walter over our beer samples and enjoyed his conversation very much! Our kids LOVED feeding the baby goats and petting all the other animals as they stood at the fence.
Kate C — Google review
We had such a wonderful time last night. Final drone show of the year and the first I have seen. It was awesome. The service was great all around. The food was a good value for the money. The band was great. Great family event and evening.
TonyNConnor C — Google review
I loved the carriage rides they offered this Christmas. There was also spiked hot chocolate and regular hot chocolate. I saw they also offered fire pits with s’mores, but those were all booked up. I’m looking forward another carriage ride in February for Valentines 💌.
Misty R — Google review
I had a great time at Grant's Farm. The entry is free, but you have to pay for parking per car. We purchased our tickets online in advance. The ticket price for our small Toyota Corolla was $16. We arrived about 10 minutes before the farm opened and found that many people were already parking, so I recommend getting there early. To get to the farm, you have to take a tram which takes you through the grounds and allows you to see animals such as elk, bison, geese, deer, ostriches, and peacocks. When you arrive at Grant's Farm, the first thing you see is the gift shop, and the first attraction is feeding the young goats. It's important to note that the farm is free, but you have to pay for everything else, and the costs can add up quickly. As a family of 3, we spent about $37 inside, being selective about what we wanted to do and without buying food. We paid $3 to feed the goats, about $5 for a carousel ride, and $10 each for my husband and son to ride a camel. We also paid $3 each to feed the parakeets. So, with parking we paid a total of $53. Despite the expenses, it was a really fun time, and I highly recommend it!
Ebony N — Google review
I hadn't been here in several years, I loved it then, & I loved it now! The tram ride starts your adventure off, with an amazing sightseeing adventure of numerous wildlife & historic buildings. You're dropped off to see even more animals, where you have the opportunity to feed baby goats, see camels & much more! For adults... you're allowed 2 alcoholic beverages for free! You can also visit the famous ' Budweiser Clydesdale's ' barn! This is a great place for the whole family, & I can't wait to return during warmer weather!
Richey- P — Google review
This is my favorite place to visit! We come here every time we visit MO. The employees are so friendly and welcoming. There is an awesome free tram ride with guided tour to get to the park. It is shaded and a great place to hang out with kids. For the experience you get I think the price tag to visit is more than fair. The animal shows are captured the mind of my kids. And the baby goat feeding are the best part. We come in the morning and the goats and hungry and ready. If you get a chance to visit, defiantly made the decision to visit won’t regret it.
Anna B — Google review
Fantastic place to visit. General Admission is free after you pay for a parking pass. We paid $16 in advance online. The shuttle ride through Deer Park was incredible before you even enter Grant's Farm. You see all sorts of animals from 6 continents! Lots of experiences you can pay extra for inside the farm. I choose to pay $2 for a bottle of milk to feed baby goats. The last stop is a beer garden where adults over 21 receive 2 free adult beverages. There is also food available for purchase. The gift shop is pretty good on the way out. Before you leave I recommend visiting the Clydesdales in the back of the parking lot. Also, on the way home, visit Federhofers Bakery for sweet treats, you're welcome.
Kaleb H — Google review
First time visit, kids had a lot of fun. They really enjoyed feeding the goats and birds, great staff. Prices to feed animals aren't bad, free to get in! the animal show was nice. Will return.
Scooter0317 — Google review
We had a blast here! The tram ride was fun and we learned a lot about the animals there.Saw a lot of animals and pet the baby goats. It's an intimate experience with the animals. Also it was neat to learn about the history.Loved the horses and free beer!Note you need to take tram to and from the farm area. It's worth the ride!
Ashley G — Google review
Great fun! Quite a bit to see and do. Watch out for the parakeet attraction! We choose not to do it, but watched others. Several came out bleeding as the little birds can be quite aggressive with their search for food! Our favorite was feeding the baby goats. So cute! All animals are clearly well cared for and in great health. Really appreciated seeing that.
D W — Google review
We did the clydesdale tour and farm tram. Beautiful land, fun feeding the goats, staff were so nice, clean. Nice tram ride to see animals. Beautiful place.
Michelle H — Google review
We love Grants Farm!!! The tours are amazing and you will have a great time. Today we stopped by the stables and fields. The horses are very independent and most will have nothing to do with you. A younger horse decided he would let us give him clover in exchange for a few pats. Although he would only let you touch him while he was eating the clover out of your hand. This place is amazing and we have taken the kids on tours many times over the last 20 years. Getting a little up close and personal time with a Clydesdale is amazing. We love Grants Farm and highly recommend!!
Chris M — Google review
Grant’s farm is a unique St. Louis attraction. It’s a lot less fun than the St. Louis Zoo but more child oriented than the Missouri Botanical Garden. It’s worth going once if you’ve never been or you happen to be visiting the St. Louis area. Be prepared to wait 30-45 minutes to board the tram into the park. If you get there early on busy days you may be able to avoid the long line. What is frustrating is that the line is mostly due to the extremely poor design of the entrance. Unlike the St. Louis Zoo, Grant’s farm only has one entrance and you are required to ride the tram to enter the farm. There is no option to walk, which would significantly cut down on the time it takes to enter the farm. However, if it is your first time visiting you’ll probably enjoy the short ride through the open fields viewing a variety of wildlife. Some of the wildlife was within great viewing distance, while other animals were very far away, so much so that anyone with poor vision would not be able to see them. Children are not allowed to sit on the outermost seats of the tram aka the best seats that offer an easy viewing experience. This results in most kids not being able to see much of anything due to their seating in the middle of the tram. Again, poor design choices take away from what would be a great experience! As for the rest, it’s good, not amazing. There’s animal shows, goat feeding, bird feeding, a carousel, camel riding, and free beer. All of the attractions (except for the animal show) are an additional charge. If you’re taking kids, they’ll probably love it. If you’re an adult, you’ll probably be left wanting more and slightly annoyed that nearly everything has an additional charge. Most people could easily spend 1-2 hours in the actual farm. They also offer the standard overpriced food and beverage options, but you might be able to do everything before leaving the farm to get food elsewhere. They also do not accept cash payment, which is sure to annoy some visitors. Give Grant’s Farm a try, if you (and your wallet) don’t like it, then your kids certainly will!
Pink C — Google review
Very cute and fun farm to visit! It’s really large and there are a lot of different animals. The history is also pretty interesting.It is free to enter but we had to pay $19 to park (Labor Day- don’t know if pricing was different for the holiday). The ride was comfortable and it was accommodating of strollers, wheelchairs, etc.The goat area is particularly fun, especially with children. You can feed the goats milk for like $2 if you choose. There are also other options to feed the older goats or ride camels. We spent about 1.5 to 2 hours there but probably could’ve spent about 2-3 hours there.Definitely would recommend as a fun activity in the St. Louis area! The staff are also very kind! It’s well maintained.I also appreciated the breastfeeding options for moms here - there are a few private rooms and areas for changing diapers.
Brooke S — Google review
Such a fun spot! Would highly recommend giving this place a try and even more so recommend paying for a baby bottle ($3) to feed the baby goats! Other than the optional add ons like camel riding or animal feeding, you just have to pay the farming fee. A trolly will take you through some of the property and you get up close and personal with the animals along the drive. You also get 2 free samples, which are actually just full sized drinks or cans, with entry!
Ashley L — Google review
A fun place to go for a half day. Runs like a well oiled machine. The tram gets you to the farm, and on the way, gives you a tour and history of the complex. The farm has goats, parrots, parakeets, deer, lamas, horses, and several other animals, too numerous to count. In the Budweiser hospitality room you get 2 free "tastings", but each one is probably 8-10 ounces, which is a pretty ample "tasting". Also includes a cafe, merry go round, gift shop, and other attractions.
A H — Google review
One of the most beautiful places I visited. The grounds are spectacular and the clydesdale's are beyond words. Until you've actually stood with them, you cannot understand their beauty and strength. The tram wide through the rest of the grounds to see all the animals on site is also worth the time.
Julia S — Google review
I was amazed by this place. I couldn't get enough; there are many things to visit, and the Grant Farm is large. I would recommend going there early in the day for a better experience.
T D — Google review
It was the experience of a life time to me. O have always loved horses my intire life and to her up and close with the Clydesdales well it is a once in a life time experience. A dream job for me!!!
Ruth P — Google review
Had an amazing time at Grants Farm. Perfect place to bring the kids. Plenty of things to do and see, offer food and other amenities for the whole family. Highly recommend.
Tom H — Google review
First time here. Have a great time witha family of four. More for kids but educational as well. Fun experience feeding the baby goats and bigger goats. You lifted for free two free cups of beer at the end. It's very refreshing and good. It's free to get in and cost per child is $10 but the get to bottle feed baby goats and feed the bigger goats. They also get to ride the carousel and the get a treat at the end.
Dominique B — Google review
18
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum
Mentioned on
1 list
Children's museum
Museums
Non-profit organization
The Magic House is a vast children's discovery and educational center located in St. Louis that offers interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and events for kids and parents to explore together. The facility boasts multiple rooms and levels filled with exciting features such as a "town" area where kids can play grown-up roles. Additionally, visitors can enjoy an outdoor area depending on the season.
Had a lot if fun there with my 3yr old granddaughter. Lots to do to keep her going. Staff was on hand watching which was good since older kids were getting out of hand. We will b back soon! Had India theme to show kids different places around the world it was fun and educational.
Tammy W — Google review
Active duty military families get in FREE! We visited while PCSing and it was such a nice time for the kids to get out and run around. Our 2 year old loved it! And our 9 month old thought it was fine. So much to see and do and so much staff around cleaning and helping to keep an eye out.
Laura H — Google review
The entire children’s museum is exceptionally designed. The only issues I had in the early morning, was we weren’t allowed to wait in the lobby 10 min prior to the doors opening just above freezing. The monitor at the Italian exhibit hovered over my 2 yr old, saying he couldn’t pick up the rocks from the fountain when he walked by. She remained close and continued to give micro directives, even though my little is well mannered and calm. There was exposed steel threads at the veterinary wash station & I loved that they have a dedicated hotline to text if a customer finds an unsafe issue with an exhibit.We noticed that there are so many dedicated stations for all ages. The entire building caters to the whole family. We didn’t eat at the cafe, but prices seemed very reasonable and the attendants that worked there are the friendliest of all the staff.There are stroller parking spots and the hallways are very large as you navigate these connected buildings. It took us about 6 1/2 hours to make our way through the entire museum. It’s ADA compliant up until the toddler play area with high narrow passages in a treehouse-type of build.
Ashley C — Google review
We got here early and it was fantastic. Managed to do the entire house and have lunch! Lunch options are fine for what they are and the prices weren't insane. Kids really enjoyed the bubble area and don't forget the giant slide at the end. There is a great area for the kids to play house, or Dr, or even a banker! Season pass is totally worth it.
Brandon S — Google review
Such a Awesome time, every time! A wealth of adventure and discovery learning and play. Always new exhibits which is greatly appreciated by members. Always clean, staff always pleasant. Price is well worth it. Adequate parking.
MegaReFreshing — Google review
An amazing children’s museum. Something for everyone. We were able to get through it in a few hours, but definitely could have spent a lot longer exploring. We did split up so we could follow the interests of the children, so if possible, go with multiple adults. I had fun, too, but I can be a big kid, so we had fun playing in the courtroom and Oval Office.
Jessica M — Google review
Beautiful place and must visit if you have young kids. Lots of things to learn and if the kids love it, a day is not enough.Visit early and allow the kids to explore all the activities. Observe what they enjoy the most.Watch their curiosity and capture the moments.
Manikandan N — Google review
Children of all ages, even adults will enjoy this place. So many fun things to do. My daughter loved the children's village, so much, it took almost an hour to get her out of it. Plan on spending at least 2 hours to be able to see it all!
Courtney B — Google review
Just like I remembered it as a kid. I used to live in the St. Louis area when I was a child & it was easily my favorite place to go. The Magic House truly filled me with wonder & excitement. I moved to Texas in 2007 and haven’t seen it since, so it was high up on our to-do list when coming back to visit. The majority of our party were adults, and then our 11 year old twins. Even with our age, we had the best time! Still filled with the same magic and joy I remember as a 6 year old. Clean, updated, but still with the same charm it had in the early 2000s. Thank you Magic House for letting us all play & be a kid again!
Julia — Google review
Pure chaos at times but so fun for parents and kids! So many rooms and levels to explore together and interactive elements throughout. My kids especially loved the "town" area and enjoyed playing "grown up". We brought out of town guests who loved it as well. Seasonally there is even an outdoor area to play. We at lunch on site and stayed most of the day. Pretty pricy if you don't live locally for a membership. Nice treat out for the family. I'd recommend!
Amanda — Google review
First time visitors with my twins and myself. They had a blast! We luckily arrived after 3pm and there is a deal for advanced tickets online for $3 per person and it was well worth it! There is so much for them to do and play with. The staff here is very friendly and there is something for everyone, including us adults! They have a cafe for quick meals and an outdoor play area. If you're needing something for the Littles to do and burn some energy this place is just for you! Definitely going to visit again!
Candid R — Google review
This children's museum is one of the best in the country. The facility is immaculate thanks to a large cleanup staff. The three floors are filled with entertaining and interactive exhibits. There are a number of arts and crafts activities. There is even an outdoor area with a sandy play beach. The facility has both a cafeteria and a gift shop. It has sufficient parking.If you have a young one between 4-9 this is a must see!
Fred P — Google review
Highly recommend! Especially for those up to age 8 or 9. So much variety of activities. They also have a quiet room that allows an area to take a calming break if needed or a private area for nursing. My grandson loved all of the activities. Great staff. We could have stayed all day. They have a cafe but there are also good food choices close, so you can take a break and come back.
Danita D — Google review
This place had so many interactive areas for kids to explore and learn. If its your first time, suggest to your kids to tour the entire facility and then pick out a few of the most interesting activities to start with. Plan on spending at least 2-3 hours exploring. The place was packed when we arrived at about 11am, but it started to clear out some by 2 pm. The entrance was in an odd place. You had to go around the back of the building and walk and walk all the way to the front. We were in town for only a short time, but it was still a great experience for my grandkids, ages 8 and 6. I wish adult entry was half the price of the admission; the adults are just the supervisors of the kids.
Tammy T — Google review
Fun time, lots of neat activities for kids all ages but especially the younger kiddos. Went for a Halloween Event which had more activities set up for kids and decorations everywhere. They really did a great job with decorations and keeping kids entertained. The building zone for kids was a huge hit for my toddler.
Daniel H — Google review
The grands had the best time here. Twin 4 1/2 year olds and 20 months old. Each area has something for all of them. We packed a lunch and enjoyed it outside under the pavilion. There are water fountains inside to fill your water bottles.
Debbie M — Google review
What a fun place!Active duty military and family are FREE for entry! Great deal! My friend had a membership. My daughter is 6 and it was perfect for her. I think my older boys 9 and 10 would have been too old for it. I feel it is more for kids 8 and younger.We spent several hours there. The place seemed clean. The employees were quick to clean up play areas. The grounds are beautiful.We’d have to check out the STEM area my friend told me about for the older boys.Parking lot is big and we found a spot in the back even when the “lot full” sign was as out. The place was busy for a Friday afternoon.If you’re looking for a place to run your kids energy out, this is great.
Jill H — Google review
This is a fun and educational place with plenty of activities for all ages. While there is an emphasis on younger children activities, many activities can be still fun for older children. There are also other activities that are clearly targeted to older children.There are a number of activities and areas to choose including traveling exhibits. They also include some detailed explanations on the science that makes it all possible.Membership is a bonus and highly recommended. Once in, most everything is free. We go throughout the year and have noticed weekends and summer to generally be the busiest. Even when busy, there is still ample parking and space to play without long waits.If you have not been, make sure to stop and be prepared to easily spend a few hours. It is definitely worth the trip and fun for all ages!
Carl L — Google review
This place is truly pure magic. I hadn’t been back in over 20 years since I was a child and it was even better than I remembered. There are different elements to play, create, learn, and explore around every corner. Hours are easy to be spent here with a combination of gross motor play, independent play, or parallel play with other children. Our children attended at 5.5 and 3 years old and the exhibits kept both interested and excited. We adore the Magic House!
Analiese D — Google review
I think it was worth it! So much things to do and see and not enough time. My kids loved it and will definitely come back! If you have kids that love to play and explore, you should add this to your must visit place in St. Louis.
Irish R — Google review
Definitely amazing experience! Also had a calming room that was one family at a time. It is great for individuals with sensory needs. The bean stalk was super cool!
Rebecca R — Google review
Lots of fun things for the kiddos to do. Everything seems to be covered in the entry price which is really nice. There's so many different areas, so it could be a little tricky with littles, so be sure to take that into consideration. Otherwise, the kiddos will have a blast!!Some of the fun things we did were: big slide, playing in sand (only with hands, they can't get in it), static ball that makes their hair stand up, play in a NICU scene, play in a veterinary clinic, play in a restaurant, work on a car, fishing with a magnet on a pole, indoor playground, explored pulley systems, bubble room, and so much more!
Celsi L — Google review
Fantastic place for the entire family ! My kids (3 years old and 15 months old ) had an awesome time and didn't want to leave after spending the whole day at the magic house 😀 definitely worth your while!
Sylvia S — Google review
This place is a very cool place to visit with your child. It seems to be a little smaller than I remember or maybe there is construction going on but it seemed a little small. I would probably see if there’s a way to get a discount next time full price is probably not the best idea. Also seems like a lot of administrative offices nowadays I wish they would move those to a different building and just utilize this for children play only. All in all still an awesome place.
Bob L — Google review
We went on New Year’s Eve so it was VERY crowded for the noon celebration. However, after the crowd cleared out it was big enough it there was plenty to do. The kids loved all of the different areas, especially spending time in the Italy exhibit. We have been to several children’s museums across the country and this is one of our favorites the kids often request to go to.Also, appreciate they offer reciprocal benefits for children’s museums so the entrance fee was 50%. They also have a generous military discount allowing for free entry.
Rebecca T — Google review
I wish I could leave more than 5 stars. This place was amazing! $42 for 2 adults and one child. We seriously could have stayed here the whole day but left after 4 hours. I highly recommend.
Clayton K — Google review
4.7
(6705)
•
4.5
(1313)
516 S Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122, USA
(314) 822-8900
19
Missouri Civil War Museum
Mentioned on
13 lists
Museum
War museum
History Museums
The Missouri Civil War Museum in St. Louis features a 22,000 square foot facility that allows guests to explore the turbulent time in American history through exhibits and artifacts. The museum is home to the largest collection of Civil War memorabilia in the Midwest and winner of the 2011 Historic Preservation Award.
We enjoyed our visit. A very dark part of our American History presented as tastefully as possible. We visited on Memorial Day weekend-it took about 90 minutes because we stopped to read just about everything posted.Decent book/souvenir shop.
Deb S — Google review
Very nice well done displays! Clean and well maintained museum! I was impressed by how much they had on display! Nice shop to browse through also. We didn't have a long time to spend there but if you only have 30 min or 2 hrs. its worth it!
Marianne — Google review
Definitely a place to go when in the St. Louis area! Kristen was great! Friendly and extremely knowledgeable!
Louie — Google review
Museum was warm upstairs and cool downstairs. Restrooms were only on the basement floor. Displays were tasteful and well lit. All items were labeled and the print was large enough to be read easily. There were several tvs playing informative short movies throughout the building.
Irena H — Google review
This museum focuses just on the Civil War as it relates to Missouri history. While many Civil War museums go through the entire panorama of the conflict, this one gives personal and specific stories about the local area. And, of course, it is located on the site of an historic military base. If you watch all of the videos, plan on at least 1.5 hours.
Michael M — Google review
Amazing experience. My son absolutely loves this museum! I look forward to visiting again soon so I can really take my time and read all of information presented. If your in the area I highly recommend stopping in.
Search T — Google review
I'm local and embarrassed to say I didn't know this gem exists. If you're at all interested in the subject, it's fantastic. The entire project was volunteer/donor funded and executed. No government funds were used and it's a model of private support for a public good. On to the museum...The renovation to the building is of very high quality. It was originally the Post exchange and Gym, but was used as a hospital ward and various other purposes before sitting empty and in disrepair for years. Many truly original details are missing, but the mezzanine running track and railing along with a few other great components remain. What has been replaced is well done and in keeping with the building.There are two intro videos early on and both are well done. The first provides background on the building and the second focuses on the Missouri Compromise and other preludes to secession. It's very much worth watching both and they provide good context for the displays.The displays are well organized, content is explained in nice bite sized pieces and they are all spotless. There's representation of both the North and South with the obvious goal to tell the stories of those represented and let the visitor develop their own understanding.Some objects that surprised me that were great to see:* A sitting chair that a Union General bought from the estate of Mary Todd Lincoln.* A cane the same General had made from brass and wood that originated on the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), the world's oldest ship that is still afloat. (Her tour in Boston is also Don't Miss.)* A First Edition of Uncle Tom's Cabin.* A toy - but functional - black powder cannon made from scrap materials recovered from the Eads Bridge construction.* A spyglass used at Gettysburg (!!!)* Other: LOTS of period weapons in excellent condition, a display medical, um, "technology" of the day and complete uniforms.If this doesn't get you excited about making plans to go, you probably shouldn't. Admission was $7 with discounts for students, seniors and members. I spent about 3 hours and only finished the main floor. Will go back to walk the lower level. Bonus in August: The AC works GREAT!
Mike S — Google review
This was an excellent museum. Building is a smaller size, but allot is displayed. Everything was explained by item description, which is well written. Numerous videos and other media made interpretation easy.
Melvin H — Google review
Upside: friendly staff, nice weapon display, gift shop, used books for sale, clean restrooms.Downside: Dim lighting, closes early (4pm) through the week.Comments: Would recommend going here, some neat artifacts. Review based on one visit.
Matt N — Google review
A wonderful museum that will have you leaving humbled and empathetic to a dark time in our nations history.Great experience and the fact it is in Jefferson Barracks, one of the oldest military installations in the U.S. adds to the experience.The staff was also extremely helpful and kind. There is also a nice gift shop to conclude the experience.Looking forward to going back again.
Matthew N — Google review
This place had an overall great overhaul of exhibits ranging from rifles and handguns to equipment, clothing, and books from the civil war era. They also have this really nice souvenir shop with all sorts of books, toys, flags, and hats you can buy. Overall, they represented both sides of the war equally and didn't show any bias against the north or the south. Great museum to visit!
Shawn H — Google review
Very well kept. Lots of interesting artifacts. Friendly staff. A bit pricey for the experience (without discounts).
Wilson J — Google review
Very informative. Had a lot of nice museum pieces
David W — Google review
20
Lone Elk Park
Mentioned on
1 list
Park
Nature & Parks
Lone Elk Park is a vast area with scenic driving routes that offer the opportunity to observe various wildlife, including elk, bison, and deer. The park also boasts of a bird sanctuary. Visitors can enjoy walking trails and have a picnic while communing with nature. There is an impressive lookout point at the start of the drive, which provides fantastic views. Entrance into the park requires only a donation, making it accessible to everyone who loves nature and outdoor activities.
Lone elk is very cool. Our family has been only 3 times now but it's been a few great experiences. You can walk trails get to see the bison, elk, deer and they even have a bird sanctuary. Although I haven't been to see the birds. There is a pretty cool lookout at the beginning of the drive. We went on a trail our last time there and got to see some bison up close. Not too close... just a great place to go and see nature and have a nice picnic.Oh we also found a dog statue I believe was a good cache. We wasn't doing the geo caches but we spotted the dog.. apologies for the camera focus.
Beth P — Google review
Went for a fall foliage trip with family and friends. Very well maintained, accessible and great spots.We spent a lot of time in the bird sanctuary - and started the Lone Elk drive around 4.30pm.. unfortunately we dint sight much elks or bisons. (I guess that’s late for them - so plan accordingly)
Guruprasad K — Google review
Found out this place was free and went the next weekend! It's a beautiful park. On our first ride through, we didn't see any animals. We went around 10am. Many people say it's best to visit the park when it opens because that's when they feed the animals. We started to leave the park, feeling a little deflated. We took a wrong turn and had to loop through the park again, and that's when we were able to see all the bison! It was so great to see the beauty of creation and the animals that God created. So peaceful and calming to be in nature. You should definitely visit Lone Elk Park. It's free, but there is a donation box at the front. There are also designated areas where you can pull over to use restrooms or eat. There are warning signs of chiggers in these areas so if you plan to stop, be sure to bring spray.
Ebony N — Google review
What a great place to see elk and bison. You get in for just a donation. The bird sanctuary is really cool too.
Jessica — Google review
Lone Elk Park is such a magical place. From the sun beaming down on the lake with the hills surrounding it as you are driving. The grasslands, the wooded areas and the beautiful animals roaming around. The bison, the elk, deer, birds and other local wild life just living their little lives. This is a perfect park to just have your windows down, no music and to just enjoy nature. I often like to sit down and watch what the animals are doing for hours on end watching them graze and live life just as we do. This is a perfect place to take your family and boy do the animals get close so be careful!
Al M — Google review
Lone Elk Park is a gem in the St. Louis area. This park is over 500 acres and is is filled with wildlife. You can see elk, deer, bison, wild turkeys and other birds. It is also free to enter. (There is a donation box if you wish to give to the park.)What makes it great is the options you have to see the wildlife. You can drive through the park or utilize the hiking trails. You can even fish there, but you need to make a reservation ahead of time. There are also shelters that you can reserve.If you drive, be sure to take your time. (There are also spots where you can pull over, get out of your vehicle and let others pass.) It can be hit or miss on what wildlife you see. They say morning - before 8:00 am - is the best time to see the animals, because they feed the animals first thing in the morning.However, on this trip, we went through around 11:00 am and saw elk, deer, bison and waterfowl. They were even close to the road and easy to view. (See pictures.)Tip: You don't need all day at the park. You can drive the park in a relatively short amount of time if you wish. (20-30 minutes.) It is also close to the interstate.Things to know:- No motorcycles- No pets, even if they are confined to the vehicle.- Review their website for additional informationSo, if you live in the area or are just passing through, be sure to make time to swing by Lone Elk Park. You won't be disappointed!
Eric R — Google review
AMAZING!!!!!! FROM the hiking trail to the evening hours when all the deer,elk,bison were near the road...just a breathtaking experience!!! Park well kept,and marked,correctly at each point, absolutely worth the drive from any distance!!
Summer ( — Google review
Lone Elk Park is a beautiful place to hike or just drive your car through to see the Bison or the elk they have picnic table to eat or just to enjoy a beautiful day . If you like hiking it's worth doing the white Bison trail you will definitely see a elk hiking and can take a picture if you want to .the trail is a 5 or 6 miles but worth it or worth the drive depending where you live .you can see the bison on your way out normally they seem to like to sit down from the hiking trail .
Coleman P — Google review
We went to this park on the 4th of July. It's amazing that people can visit such a beautiful park for free. Driving through, you can see various animals. We saw bison, an elk, a deer, and many geese. If you have the time, definitely visit. It's truly a beautiful place.
HJ C — Google review
The animals were abundant on this beautiful day in September. Some days I do not get to see this many. This is a great place for all ages. Lone Elk reminds me of my great grandmother and uncle who brought me along for the rides when I was young.
King C — Google review
Absolutely beautiful place. Hidden gem in the St. Louis, MO trip. We had to kill a whole afternoon and evening before our flight out. This was a stress free ride through, seeing elks, bisons, friendly raccoons acting cute (don't fall for it) as you drive by. We took the loop twice. Nature's beauty at it's best.
Alwin M — Google review
What a gem. If you are a nature or animal lover, this park is incredible. You can drive through the park and see elk and bison, possibly up close. When I was driving through the park there were about 10 elk swimming in the lake, a young bull elk stopping cars by walking in the middle of the road, a small pack of bison were in a pasture about 50 yards from the road, a mother raccoon was leading her 3 baby raccoons safely across the road and there were 3 massive bull elk relaxing along Elk Hollow Road.
John K — Google review
This was my first visit to the park, and I enjoyed it very much. The Elk were definitely out and literally right next to the car! Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any Bison, even though we drove thru the area at least five times trying to spot some. We saw a family of raccoons and a herd of Elk cooling off in the lake on the property.
Ree — Google review
A beautiful free to enter park where you can picnic amongst the wildlife. The 546 acre park has geese, elk, waterfowl, turkeys, and white-tailed deer that room freely. In a fenced off area, there are bison which can be seen by driving through the area. The park is named in honor of one elk who walked the grounds decades ago. Well worth the visit!
Lyndee D — Google review
We always love going here to see the animals! We love to donate to help with the services provided by the park. There are pavilions, hiking trails and bbq pits. Tons of elk,bison and deer! Best part is the park is very well kept up as far as trash and roads.
George H — Google review
Visited an amazing park where we saw elk, deer, geese, and even bison—all from the comfort of our car! It was an unforgettable wildlife viewing experience, and we didn't even have to step out of our vehicle. Nature's wonders at their finest!
Paul H — Google review
I first heard about this park when we had a family reunion here more than a decade ago. We re-discovered it during the pandemic (as did everyone else) and usually drive through several times a year. It's so wonderful to see the foliage change throughout the year and to watch the animal residents grow and change. Sometimes you can only see the animals from afar while other times they unknowingly cause a traffic jam. I've never hiked here, but may look into finally doing that this fall. It's worth the trip and you'll always see other people walking or driving around this park. We're so lucky to have this park!
Brianne S — Google review
My favourite place during fall!!!It it one of the most beautiful place in St louis if u wanna experience the beauties of nature and walk with elks.It would be a good idea to take some snacks and go around sunset. You can see the lake and the trees in the golden hour. We had a binoculars which was very handy.
Nikita A — Google review
We absolutely love lone elk park! We love animals and being able to be so close to such beautiful creatures! Just a heads up..... The best time to go is durring rut! With that being said, you are still likely to see something!
Niknik — Google review
The place is amazing…It’s very beautiful to see Bisons, elks and lots of deer roaming freely around.It’s free of charge and must say it’s one of the hidden gem near St. Louis.The overall vibe of the park is very good.
Bhavik N — Google review
Beautiful park with nice hiking trails. The park is well maintained and the animals are always fun to see! However, the visitors maybe need even larger “stay in your vehicle” or “do not approach animals” signs. (Sarcasm of course!)Every time we visit, some dumb dumb is within charging distance of the animals.. like these two ladies literally within 10ft of the bison today.. they may look docile but can kill you. Don’t be stupid.
Ashley M — Google review
This place is so neat and it's free! There is a place at the entrance where you can make a donation. You can drive through as many times as you like. They also have picnic areas with restrooms.
Rebekah A — Google review
Always a delight to drive through the park and observe the animals. It's peaceful and beautiful, with easy access from the highway. Great for a picnic, a hike, or simply enjoying some time outdoors.
Natalia S — Google review
Fun little park not too far from St Louis. You ll get to see Elks, Bison, Turkey and other wildlife. White Bison trail is an awesome trail to see the park and see wildlife up close!
Naresh K — Google review
Looking for a budget-friendly getaway? Explore Lone Elk Park – it operates on donations and offers a scenic drive-through experience. Encounter bison, elk, and raccoons freely roaming throughout the park. A gentle reminder: refrain from feeding the animals.
Nicole B — Google review
Awesome drive while passing through the St Louis area, some of the roads & hills were a challenge for my pickup truck with a pop-up truck camper & 7X14 enclosed trailer but I managed. I look forward to returning another time & spending more time there.
Perry M — Google review
Free for the public! Saw lots of elk, but no bison. Not sure where they were hiding but still had fun. It’s nice to drive through and isn’t too far away! There’s a donation box which is nice because they don’t charge. Large pond which you can make reservations to fish in.
CJ ( — Google review
Lone Elk Park is just west of St Louis and a pretty neat place to drive or walk through. Get close to bison and elk in your car, or get out and walk along the paths that get you even closer! There are places to picnic and spend time with a small group.
Brian H — Google review
Nice place to get out of the city for a few minutes. Would like to come back when it's a little warmer but enjoyed seeing the elk and bison. Smaller than what I thought it was but still nice.Bathrooms were down for maintenance, but porta johns were in place if needed.
Andrew B — Google review
Heard about this from one of my friends, I had no clue it existed so close to the city. Went here multiple times and it was nice to see the wild animals up close but somewhat safe in your car. Sometimes we did go a bit early, pay attention to the opening hours as we had to wait a bit. Overall amazing driving path and nice to see to get away from the busy city.
Josh B — Google review
Great place to see bison, elk, deer, racoons for free. There is also a bird sanctuary ($12 per car). It's a drive through to view the bison. The elk can be seen by car or by hiking trails.
Scott L — Google review
4.8
(2305)
•
4.5
(527)
1 Lone Elk Park Rd, Valley Park, MO 63088, USA
(314) 615-4386
I'll never travel to Branson without this trip planner again
21
Meramec Caverns
Nature & Parks
Adventure sports center
Caverns with unique, colorful mineral formations, with guided tours, zipline rides & a gift shop.
We had a good time. Your was informative and entertaining. Tour guide was pleasant and humorous. They have treats and souvenirs. Just about any age can go through the cavern tour. You do need to be physically able to stand/walk for at least 45-50 minutes without taking a break. Also have to climb stairs without assistance. Bring a rescue inhaler if you have asthma as a precaution. The last leg of the caverns has a steep staircase to climb and the air is thick/hotter at the top. It’s not a difficult climb, but it was enough to make my asthma flare up. Wear shoes with traction. Some areas are slick. It is one of those places you wanna check off your bucket list.
Berteena G — Google review
This was great! Very well put together tour. Our guide, Mia, was amazing and very knowledgeable. She made it so much fun! I loved learning about the history of the cave and seeing all the formations. Mia was able to answer so many questions and knew her stuff! So happy we got her as our guide. Can’t wait to go back!
Jessica E — Google review
Worth it. We enjoy cave tours and cave exploring as a family. We've seen this cave numerous times on our drive and being in the area. Cost had deterred us from impulsively visiting (larger family). We decided to go by when it was just a few of us and are glad we did. It is worth the cost. This was the best cave tour we have had, and it is full of fascinating information and features. The tour wasn't short, which makes the cost hard to justify. The tour was a perfect duration and very eventful.If you are thinking about this tour I recommend it.I'll also note that our tour guide, Carter, was great and we strongly recommend him!
Jordan R — Google review
Basically a "middle of the country" tourist attraction; with gift shop, restaurant, and one-hour guided cave tour that is well-maintained. You are allowed to walk about 300 feet into the cave to the main ticket entrance. The actual tour was a little over a mile. The sights were beautiful and the way that they use the colored lights made it really interesting. The water that is so pure you don’t even know that it’s there. Guides do a nice job of telling stories. The last leg of the caverns has a steep staircase to climb and the air is thick/hotter at the top. It’s not a difficult climb, but it was enough to make my asthma flare up. Wear shoes with traction. Some areas are slick.
Dave C — Google review
Beautiful, interesting cave system. Very modern, cement walkways all the way through, handrails and good lighting. Our guide had a slight speech impediment that made it hard to figure out what he was saying I could only figure out part of what he was telling us. The grape room is magical, anyone reading this you need to go here ASAP. I enjoyed the theater and presentation but was sorely disappointed when Kate Smith's rendition of God Bless America was not played.
Urracadan W — Google review
Finally bucked up and took the family. We normally drive past for camping and our other outdoor activities. That's definitely going to change for the rest of our life! Price was great! Guide and employees were amazing and we literally had a awesome time! Do be me at 30 years of age and miss this fantastic cheap incredible experience
Zack W — Google review
I brought my 8 year old grandson here for the cave tour and activities. Every aspect of the stay - the motel, the cave, the restaurant, and the other attractions - was a perfect experience. What made it that way was the attitude of every single employee we encountered. No matter what their job was, they were helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. Even my grandson remarked that everyone was "so nice". It was pretty quiet during the middle of the week, so we had no wait times for anything. I imagine weekends get busier. I would definitely recommend spending a few days here. The riverboat cruise is a relaxing ride, and there are rope courses and rock climbing walls for all skill levels. The campgrounds looked nice, the motel was no frills but good-sized rooms, quiet, and clean - and walking distance to everything.
Deborah G — Google review
A great stop if you're in the St. Louis area. The caverns are very cool and interesting. The walk is pretty easy and the different cave formations are just awesome. The tour guides are very informative and the place is absolutely kid friendly. Enjoy the tour!
David C — Google review
Meramac Caverns was so much fun! We had a blast. The ropes course was great. Fear inducing and strength building. The caverns were a little more touristy than we normally like. Lots of concrete and bars but the jungle and upper chamber were worth the money. Our tour guide was wonderful and funny. Five Stars All Day 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Peter — Google review
Alex was our tour guide. He was very knowledgeable, funny and patient with my kids asking many questions throughout the tour. It was pricey but well worth It! I do suggest wearing good walking shoes since it is a paved path but there are inclines and stairs.
Katie A — Google review
Incredible experience all around. Cave tour was awesome with the patriotic show inside the cave theater and loved the Bible verses throughout the trip. The zip line (thanks Maggie and Dru) was amazing!!! We’re looking for zip lines close to home now!! Thanks to the kitchen who served us 7 minutes before closing since construction held us up. We will definitely be back!!
Kim J — Google review
Super fun to see! My husband recently said that the caverns has been one of his favorite memories from this year. The best part was seeing all the natural formations. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and we could tell that he really enjoyed his job. Overall, very cool.
Rachel M — Google review
The cavern tour was a lot of fun! Some unique formations and the tour guide we had nailed the right humor and knowledge mix. We also did the riverboat ride which was nice on the warm day we visited and our guide there was super nice and laid back. Highly recommend stopping by here and enjoying what they have on offer!
Zack R — Google review
LOVELY EXPERIENCE. NEXT TIME...We MIGHT bring the Kids 🤷😁. Plenty to Explore. Food available. Cave Tours NOT Child Friendly, Minimal Handicap Accessibility. Staff VERY friendly. ESPECIALLY our "Gentle Giant" Tour Guide. His Mannerism and Enthusiasm for the Caves..... His Voice speaking IN the Cave... Makes the Experience That much more Worthwhile. THANKS 🤩. Hubby and I REALLY ENJOYED!!
Charrolynn W — Google review
A friend recommended this place and we’ve never done a cave tour so this was an awesome treat. It was cold so I’d recommend wearing pants and maybe a light jacket. You’ll see some really neat cave features and hear a lot about the history of the cave. Our guide was funny and very knowledgeable. Answered all of our questions and taught us a ton of stuff about caves. If we’re ever down that way we will check it out again.
T. J — Google review
The guided tour of Meramec caverns provided an educational and fun experience for my family. It's truly amazing to see the wonders that have formed over time and how the park has been able to preserve them from destruction. One of the gentlemen on the tour was able to explain how the features developed over time. The experience was a bit expensive. For the cost it would have been nice for the guide to be more personable and informative.
Monica G — Google review
It was a good attraction and the tour ticket rate for adults is $27 and $12 for the kids from age 5-12. The tour was for around 40mins including a show at last. The guide explained about historic details well. The place is also so clean and well maintained inside. We have a cafe there for snacks at entrance/exit.
Chandrasekhar V — Google review
It's a tourist trap but they run it very well. If you're looking for a more natural cave experience this isn't going to be your thing but for those who want a more comfortable cave experience, the paths are all paved with handrails, stairs and landscape lighting. It's very well manicured and maintained.Our tour guides were very knowledgeable , well rehearsed, and charismatic. The canned jokes were as you'd expect, but they were well delivered.The other facilities that we encountered (gift shop and cafe) were clean, well-kept, and reasonably priced. Overall, this is a great stop for any road trip. Definitely worth the cost of admission.
Grant C — Google review
Cavern tour was great! Guide was dry but funny and knowledgeable. The views were very cool. Would not recommend the restaurant, but everything else was a good, new experience. The entire staff was exceptionally friendly and helpful.
Brett H — Google review
Very well done. This is a very different type experience and worth a visit. These Caverns are HUGE and even the smaller areas have plenty of width and clearance to fit 2-3 people wide. Tour guide was very knowledgeable. Nice gift shop and interesting story about the James Gang getaway hideout.
Joshua S — Google review
Such a cool experience! Being related to Jesse James I had to pull off and see this. Our tour guide was just as nerdy as I was and I had a blast! Definitely will come back on my next journey!
Carson C — Google review
What a super cool experience this was. Our kids loved it and I did too. And our tour guide Noah was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions and even had some good jokes along the way. If you’re thinking of checking this place out, do it. You’ll be glad you did!
Cory B — Google review
Had a great time here, took the cave tour (our guide Carter was fun) and did a kayak float down the river. Beautiful area. I wish we had had more time for trails. I'd definitely return.
Emily W — Google review
I recently visited Meramec Caverns and had a wonderful experience! Although we didn't take the guided tour of the caverns, we enjoyed a fantastic boat ride down the river. The scenery was beautiful, and the ride was so relaxing. The natural beauty of the surroundings made for a memorable outing.The staff were friendly and helpful, ensuring we had a smooth and enjoyable trip. The boat ride offered a unique perspective of the area, and it was a great way to appreciate the stunning landscape and wildlife.The facilities were well-maintained, with a gift shop offering a variety of souvenirs. There's also a convenient snack bar for refreshments and expensive ice cream after the boat ride. Parking was ample and easily accessible.Overall, Meramec Caverns is a must-visit attraction in Saint Louis. Even if you don't take the cavern tour, the boat ride alone is worth the trip. It's a perfect outing for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a peaceful and scenic adventure. I highly recommend it!
Natalia S — Google review
It's worth the stop! We've been to a few caves over the years. This one is a big one. There are many very large caverns. It has some history with Jesse James. Our tour guide Nate did a great job. The gift store is reasonably priced.
Nate K — Google review
The cave tour was great. It is a very interesting place. Carter was a great tour guide even with our small & quiet group. He told jokes, he gave us lots of history & he was knowledgeable when people asked questions. The gift shop prices were reasonable as were the food prices. The chicken nuggets were weirdly good haha. It was a great visit!
Ashley C — Google review
Amazing experience!! First thing you need to know is that it’s cold in there, wear a little sweater or long sleeve, even when it’s super hot outside, I was wearing short and top and I felt cold on there. Other than that, is a nice two hour tour, you will walk and there are some stairs -optional- at the end of the tour, but mainly you will walk a lot. The cave is breathtaking, beautiful, the smell in there is just wow 🤩. They put some color lights in the rocks but I rather see the natural color itself. Greta history, amazing energy felt in there.
Stephy R — Google review
The guide was very knowledgeable and nice. The first part of the tour is wheelchair accessible, but the entire thing is easily walkable. Unlike the fantastic caverns, this one you're walking in the stalagmites and stalactites. The entire thing is breathtakingly beautiful! Also, Jesse James hid here back in the day!
Katie P — Google review
The Meramec Caverns was an unexpected detour during my drive through Missouri and it was such a wonderful surprise! I took the guided cave tour, which takes about 60 to 80 minutes and goes into the cave giving you small facts and details about its history, some interesting cave facts, and even some pop trivia along the way! So much fun!Things to note: there are some stairs and a couple of spots where you might have to duck down if you're 5'9 or taller. The most you'll do is 58 consecutives steps to get up to a part of the cave called the theater. If you're unable to do the stairs there is an elevator option.There is a presentation in the theater room that wasn't really my taste, and didn't really go with the cave vibe, but it was short and the tour concluded right after.The area where the Meramec Caves are seems like a really fun place to go you can do a zipline, ropes course, there are some boats and other activities too. I also picked up some delicious homemade fudge from Granny's Homemade Fudge! Clean restrooms and well stocked with soap and toilet paper.Overall, it was a nice little detour. I would I would recommend if checking out the caverns if you enjoy caves, and a little bit of exploring!
Ashly U — Google review
Awesome place to visit. It’s a guided tour where a person take you to explain the history of the caverns, each part of the caverns so make sure you have enough time to visit this. It took 2 hours for whole trip.
Naresh K — Google review
Meramec Caverns was amazing!! Our tour guide was very helpful and informational. This cave is absolutely massive and fully loaded with stalagmites and stalagtites!! There’s a gift shop, restaurant, fudge, campsites and the scenery is beautiful! The cave is dimly but at the same time well lit. No self tours available, only guided tours. Don’t touch the stalagmites! So many cool things to see, the tour is around an hour long and they’ll take you on all the paths that can be seen!
Brian J — Google review
Great cave experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and lead the group throughout the cave explaining everything about the cave and the formations. This was my third time going and enjoyed each visit. The cave is a little on the cool side, 60 +/- degrees so you might want to bring a sweater or jacket for the tour.
Randy S — Google review
22
Onondaga Cave State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
Caverns & Caves
A massive cave (with guided tours) is a main draw of this woodland with a lake, river & campsite.
One of the best caves in Missouri. Good trails, nice gift shop, and good mini museum.
Mark E — Google review
I took my almost 6 year old daughter here for a daddy daughter fun day. We had an absolute blast. Our tour guide was very helpful and informative. The cave itself is magnificent and is definitely worth the $15 admission. The gift shop and museum were very nicely put together. The prices of souvenirs, toys and things were very reasonable making this a great place to take the family. I highly recommend visiting. Make sure you wear good shoes with a lot of grip/tread as you will be walking up very steep rock ramps which can be slick. Overall, a great place. My daughter literally wanted to go right back on the tour again as soon as we finished.
Dan B — Google review
This is a awesome cave a must see if your in the area cheap tour takes about 1.5 hours to go through lots of beautiful formations they have a place to keep your dog when you go on tour this was the best part if our vacation
Mark B — Google review
My spouse and I did the Onondaga cave tour and the Cathedral cave tour, and both were amazing! Our guides were very knowledgeable and made it a fun experience.
Lauren E — Google review
I visited Saturday, July 10, 2021 and visited Cathedral and Onondaga Caves. I purchased tickets to both at the visitor’s center, which opened promptly at 10am. Both caves tours were guided and extraordinary. I am so glad I visited. The Cathedral Cave was limited to 15 people as of now and there are only 2 tours on Weekend days. Cathedral Cave is not lit and you are provided a flashlight. The formations were phenomenal. Onondaga is more touristy with lighting and better walkways. Wear boots for the slippery floors and take a sweater for both. It was a great way to get out of the heat in the summer. Would go again.
Jen L — Google review
Gorgeous Cave and nice outdoor trails. A guy on my cave tour had visited Fantastic Caverns a few days before and said this one was much better.
Scott L — Google review
Beautiful, amazing time got to see an amazing cave, hike, camp and swim in the Meramec River.
Lyndon H — Google review
The cave tour was great. My son and I loved the history and learning about the formations. The tour was about an hour and a half and took us pretty deep into the cave. The cave can only be toured with a bought tour. Wear sneakers, it will be cool as well. Bring a sweatshirt.
Joe A — Google review
Beautiful, amazing, well worth the visit. The knowledge and charisma of our spelunking tour guide Sandy made the tour even more special. Thanks Sandy.
Jim B — Google review
By far my favorite cave in Missouri. We got lucky with a small group and our tour guide Liz was great! We got a little peek of the original boat entrance which was so cool to see! She showed us a little brown bat, a frog and a baby salamander. Although the walk up to the lily pad room was enough to make me stop to catch my breath, it was the coolest area to see! Liz gave us plenty of time to do just that. Overall, we had a fantastic time.
Kyle B — Google review
Onondaga State Park is one of the best state parks in Missouri and one of the coolest caves that we have had the pleasure of visiting.Cave Tour: While we were there, the Cathedral Cave Tour was not running so I can only speak to the Onondaga Cave Tour. This was an absolutely amazing tour. The tour starts off kind of slowly, the first room only a glimpse of the amazing formations to come. For people who might be afraid of caves this one is not bad, the rooms are huge, you never feel squeezed at any point. The Lost River flows right through the cave very slowly. The rooms in the cave were highly decorated, especially the Rock of Ages. The queen's drapery is also another highlight. This tour is $15 per person and highly worth it. The park naturalist did a great job giving this tour.Campground: We stayed one night at the campground in Site 1. We enjoyed this campground vey much. It was quite, I wish they turned some of the lights off in the campground that were making it hard to stargaze. The campground has all the basics that anyone would need. I can not say anything was super great about it, but nothing was bad either.Trails: We did the Deer Run Trail from the campground while we were there. The trails are not well traveled as we probably walked through at least 100 spider webs on the trail. They seemed to well maintained but not utilized.Overall, we highly recommend this park for anyone in the area.
Jacation A — Google review
This park has been a staple in our camping group's yearly rotation for a long time now. The river is great in the summertime and the hiking trails are beautiful in the fall. The campground is nice and flat, perfect for the little ones to ride bikes. The back loop is a lot of fun with a group.
Casey B — Google review
A beautiful park. I needed somewhere to walk my dog and stretch my legs on my long drive and the little trails here were perfect. Very well maintained and tranquil with sounds of the geese and bullfrogs on the lake. We went right as night fell and it was safe as well.
Shannon W — Google review
Top notch state park. We stayed at site 22 one night and site 64 one night in a tent. Both sites had electricity and water. We used the electricity to air up our mattress. I used the water to rinse out my wife's coffee cup. Vault toilets and showers houses with flush toilets are available. We at Skippy's a nearby restaurant. There are float trips available on the Meramec River. You can get information about the float trips in the Visitors Center as well as buy tickets for the Cave tour. The cave tour was excellent. Tasha was a great guide.
Dan F — Google review
Very nice cave good walk ways through the cave and a very informational tour guide. Price of the tours are good. Cave is very beautiful and worth going through.
Caden S — Google review
Nice show cave, Max did a great job as tour guide. The only heads up some of the walk ways are very steep. Beautiful cave, one of best cave tours I've been on
Shane B — Google review
Amazing experience, wonderful guides and lots of interesting things to see! The gift shop is cute and there's a room next to it with pelts and taxidermy critters in it for education. Well priced, camp grounds with and without electricity. Beautiful park and cave system.
Emily M — Google review
One of the best caves I have seen.Kassidy was our tour guide.She was very informative.The path was a bit steep, but had groves for traction. The formations were absolutely beautiful, and so many colors.It is also a good work out, but so beautiful you do not notice how far you walk.Prices were decent.Gift shop had some cheap prices and some expensive.Beautiful flowers outside.
Kaitlin B — Google review
4.8
(1257)
•
5.0
(137)
7556 Missouri H, Leasburg, MO 65535, USA
(573) 245-6576
23
St. James Winery
Winery
Food & Drink
Wineries & Vineyards
Long-running vineyard producing wines from American Norton grapes, plus fruit juices.
Nice place to stop for a moment. Have a cute little gift shop section too. They allow you to try before you buy so, I tasted a few wines before deciding on the Mango Pineapple wine and a 4 pack of the sparkling strawberry wine. Enjoyable wines, friendly staff. Glad I stopped.
Roberta P — Google review
I've stopped here for many years on my travels via I-44. My parents used to stop here when I was a kid traveling with them. Just stopped again the other day. Friendly staff that helps you find what you need, great wine and other merchandise. Very clean restrooms to. Enjoy wine, beer, meat, and cheeses. Enjoy!
Lance N — Google review
So cute! Well stocked store. The employees are friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. We stopped here on a whim, tried a flight of wines (6 for $8), and found some new favorites!
Steffi C — Google review
Interesting concept, in trying to pull travelers off the main highway for a relaxing and refreshing glad of wine!Must admitted, it works!Friendly and lovely place to stop by and of course to support local business!
Nam N — Google review
The friendliest folks you will find on the road. The wine is so table ready for all your occasions and all your guests! Wine snobs, non wine drinkers and all in the middle will find something to love about the wonderful wine at St. James Winery!
Rebecca B — Google review
The largest winery in Missouri. It's definitely worth stopping in and sampling great wine & taking a tour then taking some great flavored wine home
Bill L — Google review
Our large group was not welcomed. Service was not good and this place was not busy. We are a respectful and patient group of people visiting for a family reunion so we didn’t mind at first. We were quite content visiting and made the best of a situation that was not ideal but we could not get any refills, weren’t even able to order a simple wine flight (yes at a winery). We ended up going two doors down to another winery where we received better service. Would not recommend coming here but they do have good pizza.
Nikki M — Google review
Good variety of wines. The wine flight is fun and convenient. The frozen drinks are good too if you like bourbon flavored drinks. Atmosphere is great. I wish they offered more food options besides crackers and chips. Cheeses, grapes, various meats, etc. would be nice to see. None the less, very well worth a stop.
Domenic B — Google review
Was there on Aug 5th. Service was ok, the guy server was great. The woman server mixed up what wines were on my wine board to what was on the paper, therefore I had to use my taste buds to figure out what wines were what. The wines were delicious. Other than the mix up everything else was good. Slushies were fantastic as well. Atmosphere is so so. Atmosphere really makes a winery for me so that is why I rated it a 3. Would go back again due to how their wine taste.
David J — Google review
Had the Antipasto was amazing! The staff was just as great. We had did a wine tasting which was fun.
JENNIFER L — Google review
My husband and I visited for our 10 year anniversary and we had a great time. Gave us the option try some wines we couldn't get locally and buy what we enjoyed. We both got a self guided tasting and it was worth the trip for us.
Megan S — Google review
This place is great. The grounds are always nice, and it's right off the highway which is nice. As you can pick up what you want, and get right back on the road. They have a various selection of wine which makes it easy for both my wife, and myself to find wines that each of us enjoy.
Matt T — Google review
Great winery!Also have delicious juices.Friendly and helpful staff.Well stocked gift shop.Multiple seating options both indoor and outdoor.Medium parking lot.Convenient location only moments from the interstate and the state highway.
Joshua S — Google review
We were in Branson for our anniversary and decided to check out this little gem. We walked in and were immediately seated which is a plus. The waitress was amazing. We ordered the meatball trio, queso and chips and a brick oven pizza, loaded with sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms and olives. It was delicious. Also ordered a bottle of Chardonnay. We had an amazing time and took 2 more bottles to go! Will definitely return the next time we're in Branson!
Lisa S — Google review
The wine is delicious! Just as importantly, the staff is amazing, I haven’t met anyone so nice. Such a gem we found in our travels cross country. Worth the stop.The sparkling blush is amazing if you like a sweet bubbly.Thanks for the hospitality st. James!!!
John — Google review
So we decided to stop by and check out a tasting. I've seen the wine all over the country and I waited to buy any until I could come in person to judge for myself.We enjoyed the tasting. We chose the peach options as they were nice crisp clean wines.I wasn't super impressed with the red wines.We came in about 3pm and it wasn't busy and really wasn't informed about the wines we were tasting. We were just given the list we chose from. I wished there would of been a little more personalized to the wine description. We were told about the awards and vague about the history of the winery.
B G — Google review
4.6
(434)
•
4.5
(182)
540 State Rte B, St James, MO 65559, USA
(800) 280-9463
24
Bagnell Dam
Mentioned on
1 list
Dam
Nature & Parks
Bagnell Dam, a 148-foot tall concrete structure completed in 1931, features 12 floodgates and has resulted in the formation of a large reservoir. The area around Bagnell Dam, known as the Bagnell Dam strip, is lined with restaurants, bars, and attractions along Highway 54 across the Osage Arm of the lake. This area offers a variety of dining and entertainment options for visitors to enjoy.
4.0
(329)
Lake Ozark, MO 65049, USA
25
Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace
Mentioned on
+3 other lists
Outlet mall
Shopping
Factory Outlets
Located in Osage Beach, MO, the Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace is a popular outdoor shopping destination that offers a wide range of discounted brand name merchandise. The marketplace features numerous retailers and shops catering to various categories, making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors. In addition to shopping, visitors can also enjoy dining at the marketplace's diverse selection of restaurants.
Even though this Mall has very few stores left, Bath & Body Works is open, clean, & well stocked. The numerous Staff members are cheerful and extremely helpful.
Lisa A — Google review
This has always been a nice set of outlet mall stores, but at this point two-thirds of them have moved on or gone out of business. I often shop at the Eddie Bauer outlet, which has some good clothing at reasonable prices.
Philip K — Google review
This place used to be the best place to shop. Ppl would come from all over the state for it but it's pretty much empty now. Bath and body works and a few other stores are still there and fully stocked but I hate to see what it's become
Joseph L — Google review
Terribly upset that this place has rundown so much! Not very many stores left. Super sad! Great deals at the stores that remain.
Melissa C — Google review
Very interesting establishment, went off season and it felt like I was the star of Spirited Away 2. Love all the little shops, at least those that are left, however where there are no shops, they allowed it to rot. No upkeep has made it seem like the sirens went off in Silent Hill. Beyond that maybe a better more visible detailed map to your guests to know what shops exist and where would be fabulous upon entering.
Pa1n1san1llus1on — Google review
It's a shadow of it's former glory. More closed down stores than open. If no one else has said this before, it's hardly an "Outlet" as we know it anymore. So often I have to inform visitors that shopping there is not what they're expecting. I'm not diminishing the experience and quality of the remaining stores however I certainly would not consider it to be an "Outlet Mall".
Nathan M — Google review
Used to come here and walk around store to store. Big variety of merchants/brands/vendors. Lots to do, people around, food smells in the air. The whole shabang. Now, There’s basically nothing here. Total ghost town. The stores that are here, are fairly common, and they all price hike. Probably because they can, being as how there’s not much competition in the area. Not missing anything. Probably better off to just keep driving.
Dakota G — Google review
The plaza itself is gorgeous. I was very disappointed to see that most of the shops including the Wacky Knacky Diner and the ice cream shop had closed. Most of the shops left are men's apparel and tool shops. The Osage popcorn shop is a must see. Very nice and very good popcorn.
Chris C — Google review
I visit the Lake of the Ozarks at least times a year, and it is sad to see the many outlet stores closed. Do not waste your time unless you want to rimenience about what was there. I couldn't believe the Coach store was gone, so SAD!
Pamela M — Google review
I went with my sister and the prices were way to high for a second hand shop. The place has colored tags and each day the sale is a different color of tag but good luck finding anything with the sale color of tag, I am thinking they pull them all just to make you think they are really helping you. I could not find anything at all that day even non sale items were way to high to buy anything. I was so disappointed. The girls were so distracted that worked behind the counter ,they were not paying any attention to the lady wanting to ask a question that stood there in front of the counter for several min ,she finally left . Then they were making fun of customers so loud i could hear them several feet away . Dont waste your time coming here the stuff was way to high and junk really .
Dana P — Google review
This place is on its last legs, about 9 empty storefronts for every active store. It's run down and dirty and would be the perfect movie set for a zombie apocalypse. That's being said, we still drop by everytime we visit the Ozarks cause the few stores that are still open we like to shop at.
J F — Google review
This place is so cool. The details on the buildings are so so cool and I’m so sad that it’s basically abandoned because it looks like it used to be a very fun spot to go to and I hope that one day it finds life again.
Stephanie L — Google review
After COVID-19, .. 90% of the store closed, I do not know what they are planning to do with those empty places. But I hope they do something soon and something fun.
D — Google review
I had not been up to the Osage outlet mall for several years. I was shocked to find that most of the stores are closed or going out of business. It's really sad to see. Honestly you better call ahead if you think you're going to a certain store because most of them are not there anymore
Vicki T — Google review
Went here last year and I loved the place. I bought shoes and clothes at a very affordable price. Had fun going at different stores and purchased things at a low price.Sad thing was, few stores were open. There were just two food stores, the Auntie Anne’s and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
Jill — Google review
It was a very nice place to shop. But now it's pretty much a ghost mall like ALL across America they want to build on the other side of the street and then it cost more money to bring back the old business back to current standards. I see it around Fort Leonard wood in St Robert and the internet don't help either
Steven N — Google review
We went to the Bath & Body Works store here. Everyone that worked there was very helpful and polite. It was pretty packed since it was just the day before Christmas Eve. I love Bath & Body Works and will always go back.
Dawn M — Google review
This place makes me sad. As a child it was a big deal to spend all day shopping at this mall. Go to a movie, have a pretzel, shop some more. Now it is a ghost town. Under Armor is about all that's left..(American Eagle, Journeys, Crocks)....it is sad that so much of nature was taken away and now it's just going to waste. Instead of new buildings, force this owner to lower rates, fix up his buildings and put the businesses back in. No more tourist traps, just put the shopping all back in one place. Make it cool....like it used to be!
Deenna B — Google review
Such a shame, this used to be a great place to shop and look around. I remember when it was full of stores, but now, basically empty. The looks of this center is eye catching, and could be great again, if some businesses moved in. Stores that are still there, are nice to look at. Online shopping is a great alternative, but unfortunately puts places like this out of business. Fingers crossed it will make a comeback.
Blonde D — Google review
Absolute TRASH!! Should have read more reviews before we wasted our time and gas to check this abandoned shopping center out. Just demolish it at this point build something useful.
Casey K — Google review
Only about a dozen stores or less. So disappointing because it was a definite destination 10 or so years ago. Stores I shopped had very helpful staff and prices very reasonable.
Julia B — Google review
This was so disappointing 😞 This place was hopping before the so called pandemic. Now there's a handful of shops and the prices wasn't that cheap being an outlet mall, they were just as expensive as they are in the mall. Definitely won't be going back.
Bonnie B — Google review
Used to be a great place with tons of stores. That’s all changed! Not worth the drive to the place anymore. Too bad because it was one of our favorite destinations.
Troy K — Google review
Has so much potential! It was recently sold, so I hope they invest money back into it and bring in more stores. Only 19 stores are currently open. We shopped at Carter's, Osage Popcorn Co, Bath and Body Works, and Ralph Lauren. Nothing better than outlet shopping while on vacation for this mom!
Diana T — Google review
My husband's aunt runs a store and it has wonderful prices and great product
Rebecca D — Google review
Great shopping experience.gynormus selection of stuff to find.good prices, friendly staff. 3 floors to scout out.
Bradley H — Google review
This is a huge space, essentially a big outdoor mall but a lot of stores were closed probably since covid. It was still a good place to park and use the public restrooms as we were visiting lake of the ozarks.
Shiona D — Google review
This place has gone downhill so bad since the last time we went 19 years ago. There are only like 6 stores left.
Kim J — Google review
3.9
(3094)
•
3.5
(514)
4540 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach, MO 65065, USA
(573) 348-2065
I'll never travel to Branson without this trip planner again
26
Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park
Mentioned on
+5 other lists
Nature & Parks
Event venue
Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park is a stunning cave system with a rich history and breathtaking formations. The cave, named after an Osage Native American legend, has been the site of weddings and temporary shelter for an Osage Chief. Visitors can explore narrow passageways that open into amazing 'rooms' with gorgeous displays of cave structures. The one-hour guided tour provides insights into the cave's history and formations.
Absolutely beautiful what Mother Nature creates! This is by far one of my favorite caves now too! The location is reachable by vehicle or boat. Going into the main entrance it has a fabulous gift shop perfect to find some beautiful trinkets priced reasonably well. Our tour guide was helpful and even took the tour himself as a kid so it sure says a lot about this beautiful place. One to keep coming back for years to come! Truly stunning and a must see if you’re looking to explore a cave without the worry of animals.
Kimberly I — Google review
Me and my wife went to visit this place last weekend. Booked 2 tickets at the front desk at the shop which sells a lot of cool rock stuff (a bit pricey though). Was told to wait for about 30 min. Once the tour started, we had a bunch of about 12-15 people with our guide. The guide patiently explained all the formations inside the cave which looks so beautiful! The guided walking tour lasted for about 45 min. I've been to the Fantastic caverns (which has a vehicle driven tour) but IMO the bridal caves was much better! Totally exceeded my expectations! Once the tour got over, we also took a short .5 mile hike in the thunder mountain overlook. Overall, a very good place to spend about 1.5 hrs.
SK Y — Google review
We were visiting friends for the holiday at the lake of the Ozark's - we wanted to do something different one afternoon . So we decided to check out bridal cave . It was very cool - my kids loved it and we did to. Tripcie was an awesome tour guide and answered all of our questions in detail. I’m glad we didn’t just hang around the house , but decided to have this cool adventure.
Tory X — Google review
Enjoyed the tour - tour guide was good. It was interesting to see the little lake at the end. It was nice to have tours so frequently, but the issue with that is you are waiting for another group to move to the next section.
Tena S — Google review
About $50 for our family of 3 to go on the ~1hr tour. The formations in this cave are very impressive. Apparently it is the 3rd most decorated cave in the US. Our tour guide was funny and informative and the way through the cave was easy. There were only a few short passages that required some bending over to get through. The pool at the far end of the cave is especially cool to see.
Dr. S — Google review
It was beautiful and so much fun. It's definitely an experience to be had. I do wish I would have brought my own flash light. There's a neat trick with he calcite and flashlight that you'd just want to experience yourself. They do provide black light tours but unfortunately we couldn't stay late for that experience
Colby B — Google review
The best cave we've been to. Breathtaking views and The guide was VERY knowledgeable and allowed us to take all the photos we wanted. The parking lot is small for any big rigs though. Thankfully nobody parked in it so we could turn our RV around, but if it's full you won't be able to. Beautiful scenery and place to hang out or have lunch outside overlooking the lake, as well. We're bringing the grands next time, great stop!
Diane N — Google review
Absolute must-see experience! Even if you've seen one cave before, no two are alike, so don't miss this one!I can't say enough about our tour guide, Tripsy! She was fun, outgoing, incredibly knowledgeable and made the whole experience even better than I expected!The area is gorgeous as well, overlooking the river, and you can hike Thunder Mountain.Great little gift shop, too! You can buy various sizes of "pay dirt" (seeded with genuine minerals from around the world), then take it over to their "mining" area where you can test out the panning process. You pour your bag, little bits at a time, into the screens, hold it under the running water to wash off the sand and dirt and discover the gemstones inside. Great experience for kids and adults alike, to see how the mining process works! (My friend's "kids" were 18 and 20, and even they loved it!)Spend a few hours, or a whole day here. You won't be disappointed!
Wendy B — Google review
Great experience when you come to Bridal Cave. When you arrive there is a gold mining water station to interact with.. pretty cool for the kid’s. Next year we’re going to a gift shop that has all kinds of Geos, gemstones etc. and lots of things to choose from including T-shirts. Pretty cool, next year will be directed to go to the next pavilion which is also a gift shop with T-shirts and free fish food. You can hang out by a small waterfall or feed the fish while you wait for your cave tutor to start. Awesome experience with a very cool tour guide.
Dennis M — Google review
We loved this tour!!!!!!!!!!! All the staff was friendly and welcoming. Our tour guide was amazing, she was very knowledgeable about the cave and made it fun and interesting! I wish I could recall her name and mention her here. You also get a great view of the lake.
Emily R — Google review
It’s absolutely amazing and you will not be disappointed visiting this place, the lake view is beautiful from this spot and the Bridal cave is a different experience, native Americans wedding ceremony was held here hence the name , it’s a one hour tour with guide taking about its history and formations. A little pricey and you pay extra 10$ for photo that they instantly click and give. The store is pretty with wind chimes, crystals,lamps etc
Hemalatha K — Google review
Our tour was done by Vivienne (i am not sure on the spelling) and she did an outstanding job! All of the staff were really friendly and the cave itself was beautiful!Highly recommend! Especially if it's reallt hot out! The cave is 60° F year round.
Charlie E — Google review
We did a Saturday morning tour with our friends- worked out well on a rainy morning! Our tour guide was Tripsie and she did a great job- she went above and beyond interacting with our kiddos (ages 5-8). The formations are really beautiful- was definitely worth the visit and the kids really enjoyed it. Make sure to wear a sweatshirt, shoes with decent traction and if you bring a purse/bag opt on the smaller side- can get a little tight at moments but those are short lived just to pass through.
Megan H — Google review
This cave is a must visit of you like caves. Only 1/2 mile back, then return back out, but their are fun, narrow passageways ways that open into amazing 'rooms' with gorgeous displays of cave structures. Just enough lighting to take pictures. Jade, our guide was informative, friendly, passionate about her work, answered all our questions and thankfully didn't try to be a comedienne along the way.We will bring our 3 grandkids back this summer. They will LOVE it! ❤️
TerriJG — Google review
Big cave worth the 20$ admission. Tour is very cool just be careful if you have any health or physical issues. Gift store is pretty decent too with lots of cool trinkets
Benjamin B — Google review
Fabulous experience! Our guide, Tripci, was a hoot and very knowledgeable! The tour has some very tight spots, both width and height, but traction is decent on the concrete walkways. Hand rails are available.Afrer a sneak peek of the cave with a black light, we are looking forward to returning for the black light tour. Photos are offered at the end of the tour for just $10.
Katryn R — Google review
Our excursion to Bridal Cave was truly remarkable. The interior of the cave is visually stunning, adorned with magnificent stalagmites and stalactites. The cave also features several crystal-clear blue water pools, approximately 15 feet in depth, adding to its allure. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit and would highly recommend this destination to others. 10 out of 10 would recommend!!!!!
Robbie K — Google review
This was an amazing experience!!!! Our tour guide did not disappoint, and the cave was absolutely beautiful!
Laura G — Google review
Awesome tour.... tripsy was very knowledgeable and a great guide.
R B — Google review
Really nice cave, A lot of beautiful formations and high ceilings in all four rooms. Nice underground lake at the end. Tripcey was a great guide.
Rob B — Google review
Tripsee was a fantastic tour guide. She told cool stories and was very engaging. She went out of her way to make my daughter first cave trip amazing and look forward to trying the black light tour.
Kyle S — Google review
Our group did the Blacklight tour and absolutely loved it! It was an amazing way to see the cave in a different “light” :) Our guide, Tripcie, was fantastic. She was and fun, shared a great history of the cave and loved answering our questions. This is a great experience for the entire family and groups of friends.
Joe W — Google review
I still haven’t wrapped my head around how cool this place is. The cave is absolutely breathtaking and the tour was very informational. We had Tripcie as our tour guide and she was awesome. Being able to look through the photo albums of all the weddings (4,000+!!!) while we waited for our tour to start was also a really cool plus.
Erika — Google review
One of the most beautiful caves I've been to so far.
Scott B — Google review
It's a must see! Such an amazing experience. If you can, request Luke as your tour guide. He is very entertaining while he educates you on the history of Thunder Mountain and Bridal Caves. Smash a penny, mine for gems or take home your favorite tee-shirt or gem from the gift shop. I'm extremely claustrophobic but had zero issues on this tour. Enjoy!
Teresa L — Google review
27
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
State park
Nature & Parks
Park
Scenic park featuring the ruins of a 20th-century castle, plus trails, caves & more amid lake views.
This is such a great place to go and enjoy nature, hand build castle and water tower ruins are amazing and the trails are spectacular! Stop by enjoy this State Park when you're in the area, it will not disappoint you even if you're just admiring from a parking spot. Handicap accessible spots throughout, just pick up a map at the entrance off of D highway or one of the entrances to the trails. Such a great place to visit while @ Lake of the Ozarks for sure! The Castle, Spring / falls area, Island are just a few of the many attractions here to enjoy.
JD O — Google review
This park is frequented by many locals because it’s a beautiful getaway. My favorite part was the island trail and the beautiful waters.All trails are pretty well marked and maintained. We were out in nature without getting lost.Well positioned porta-potties around the park, and very well marked road signs.The castle is a nice piece of history, but apparently some of the bikers visiting the area figured they could walk wherever they want (pic attached). Despite all the railings and signs, she jumped the rails and walked around & inside the castle. There were no rangers in site to enforce the rules, and it’s people like this, that forced the park to close the castle off to visitors in the first place. (Admin, contact me for license # if you want it).Other than that, the views & history of the area are spectacular. It’s definitely worth a visit. We stayed at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park while visiting the area, and it has some nice trails too.
Janet S — Google review
Hiked several trails, castle ruins, spring, boat dock. It was a hot one so we opted to do just a couple of hikes. GPS works and will take you to the starting points of each trail and park and hike. We went to the castle ruins and read all the signs to learn the history (if you want to learn more of the history, pick up a Lake of the Ozarks travel Mag it's Free and it will tell you more) beautiful view and amazing birds over head, you can look down at the spring and see the color changes. Hiked down from the ruins to the boat dock and walked along that to look at the lake, lots of rocks and roots could be challenging for some, amazing views (did not see any animals on this trail at this time). Then we drove to the spring trail entrance. Easy parking and the trail begins going down a small wooden deck. You can go either left or right. We went left and there are some blockages because they are restoring some of the erosion so the trail is rerouted in some spots. After hiking through the wooded trails you come to a concrete trail then a deck trail, when crowded with people makes it a bit tight to get through, but is a lovely view and trail. Not stroller or wheelchair friendly (keep in mind). The restoration project to remove the gravel and restore the land from erosion is a wonderful project and our State Parks do a great job as to try to keep this beautiful area alive but some people just suck and do not seem to care about nature and you can see cups and water bottles and some people walk on the area being restored. If you are that kind of person, don't visit nature just stay on your couch. Keep your personal belongings pack away in a back pack as you really do not need it during this part of the hike. It is a shaded area and you can wait to drink your drink or eat your snack. Children should not bring toys to accidently drop on this delicate beauty of nature, that will be trampled on to retrieve.
Tania T — Google review
Nice park with several different sites of interest. Both the castle ruins and spring were interesting and not too challenging of a walk. If you are limited mobility, definitely see if some of the non handicap parking spots near the top are free. Else, I would skip this part of the park. The spring walk was flat and easily accessible from park. The only negative was the visitor center bathrooms. Though clean, they are one step up from an outhouse and had a horrible smell 🤢
Tamara S — Google review
What a cool castle! The beauty that abounds here is incredible! It’s stunning to be amidst the relics of what’s left but what is most beautiful are the views! We enjoyed reading the history, taking it all in, going on a hike, and having a picnic lunch down below by the spring! A must see!
Monique M — Google review
This place is amazing. There is a lot to do and see here. Some really interesting terrain and features. Hikes about 9 miles and saw all of it. The castle is pretty cool but my favorite part was the hike around the island and from the island up to the castle that led by the Natural Bridge and the sinkhole. Well-maintained trails and facilities. Many opportunities for the elderly or kids as there is plenty of paved trails and access areas. Check out some of the photos I took while exploring here.
Brian E — Google review
Gorgeous. Water is so clean. We walked around and read signs on the trail by the spring. Quite easy compared to the other trails we've done. All directions give you everything you need to know. We walked up all the stairs we could handle and carved out names into one of the platforms on the stairs as we saw others did too. Next time will definitely be taking kayaks out to explore further.
Andrea S — Google review
Ha Ha Tonka State Park Is Awesome! The hiking trail is absolutely beautiful! I went there on my hiking trip with The US Army BOSS Program and it was great! The water, the trees, and the rocks were all beautiful and great to see. Without any doubt I strongly recommend going to Ha Ha Tonka State Park because it’s a definitely a great adventure and opportunity worth taking advantage of. Have a great day!
Jack C — Google review
A good day of hiking if you hit all the trails. Dog friendly. Handicap accessible to spring and castle attractions. We ended the day by the spring / river to cool off.
Andrew S — Google review
This was a great park with some beautiful sites! The weather was a little grey and rainy and it was still an amazing trip! I didn’t have as much time as I would have liked to be able to hike to some other spots, but what I got to see was great!
Nikki M — Google review
Gorgeous Park! We hiked the Spring Trail up to the Dell Rim Trail to see the castle. The Spring water was so pretty and clear. We saw turtles and some birds there too. So many hiking trails around the park and many were pretty short. After we hiked back from the castle we drove to the trail head for the Natural Bridge and it was a quick 300ft descent to the feature.
Sasha S — Google review
The cool sites are great because they're all easily accessible and only a short hike from a parking lot. I say that because we went here on a 100+ degree day with our kids (aged 2, 4, 6 and 9). They complained a lot, but hey...what can you expect. You can't access the castle as you could a few years back when we came. It's just a beautiful area, lots of trees, and beautiful views. Worth a stop for sure.
Kate S — Google review
Amazing scenery. Absolutely amazing place to visit when in the area! The only thing I'd recommend is that a few first aid stations are placed. My daughter fell on a trail and hurt herself pretty bad. There wasn't any place for her to clean up that was close by without driving too. Then the first aid kit, she had to find someone to help her access, didn't have proper supplies.
Angel H — Google review
The trails are really nice but poorly indicated. There are multiple trails using the same color markers which makes navigation rather difficult. They should definitely expand their color pallet to help differentiate the trails.Half of the maps on the park are so damaged from graffiti and vandalism that they are illegible. The online maps are not much help either based on my previous comment.It's also very disappointing that the stone structures are inaccessible to visitors. They have signs posted everywhere that the structures are unstable and you can't go past that point, it's asinine. These buildings have stood for how long at this point? Just let people walk around the courtyard in the castle and water tower, nothing bad is going to happen.It's overall a pretty cool park, but it's not one I'm going to really recommend unless some things are addressed.
Cody H — Google review
Truly a little gem of Missouri! Being from Virginia, I spend most of my time section hiking the AT and never expected to find such a pretty place in the Midwest. I am thankful did and I loved how it was accessible for all people. Such a gorgeous place. You should find go. :-)
William F — Google review
Parking in various locations. The parking lots that are along the route all seemed to have room, only the ones up on the hill at the castle were full, or close to it. The trail system was nicely marked. Many areas are cleared paths through the woods, so wear proper clothing and footwear for loose gravel, roots, WATER and slippery rocks. Few deer flies, so have your bug repellant. The castle trail gave some nice views, as you're up nice and high. The tower was a great sight, but can't get inside, so bummed about that. Same with carriage house and the castle. Can't get close enough to see the old architecture, especially inside. But, still cool to look around everything. Be sure to read the story boards in various locations. The water tower was neat, explaining how it worked and a small drawn detail. There are snakes in the woods, we did actually see one. Appeared to be a King snake (black snake), which are harmless and good to keep the posinous snakes at bay. So keep an eye open for snakes and spiders.
JEREMY J — Google review
We've been going here for 30 years, and it gets even more beautiful every year. Spring and fall are some of the better times to go for the views and the weather.
Rachel B — Google review
Absolutely beautiful!!From the parking lot where one bathroom is located, the only bathroom here I might add, to the upper parking area and the Attractions in this area, to the amazing views, to the buildings and their history that's posted, along with the natural bridge,to the trails, just well worth the trip!!! Very upkept, cautious signs posted , for safety of visitors, benches to rest on, and lots of eagles in the area as well, just beautiful place to hike! Trails not wheelchair accessible, but main area is, and most attractions are in this location.
Summer ( — Google review
November isn't exactly the prime month to see this park, but we had a great experience walking the trails and taking in the beauty. I couldn't imagine spending more than a day at HA HA, but it was an outstanding day-trip location
John N — Google review
We loved this placeWell organizedThe secret is to have a map that you can find at the first stopWe did the castle, the water tower and the querryThe querry it is specially if you want to walk and breath as there are not many scenic views, just a sight to the lake.Water fountain availableParking: can be difficult on holidays
Anto N — Google review
Beautiful place to spend the day! Lots of neat sights. Check out the different trails before you just take off like we did. Haha worth every minute. Take the extra time if you are considering it but not set!! You'll be amazed. Very peaceful place
Alyssa W — Google review
It was a nice walk to the Castle ruins. All paved sidewalks. Many people brought their dogs. The walk down the hill to the stream was beautiful. Nice wooden steps. There is also an area to park where you can have a flat hike to the stream. Both very pretty.
Shelly D — Google review
Gorgeous park! We hiked the snail trail with our three children. When we got to the top, we were able to go a little further to see the castle ruins. Gorgeous views all along the trail!!
Kristina D — Google review
HIking through the woods is how I'm spending the later years with my wife. There's that feeling while you're both hiking and not talking of being so alone in the woods and yet so close to your loved one. We were here for hours and would love to go back again
The S — Google review
One of the best state parks if not the best in MO. Hiking trails galore and beauty all around you. Popular place so expect company.
FFKDTP1 — Google review
What an experience!!! I definitely recommend this for anyone visiting Lake Ozark. The natural bridge was breathtaking and the scenery throughout our hike was beautiful! This is a must do for anyone in the area.
Laura G — Google review
Absolutely beautiful, peaceful and amazing! By far my favorite place so far in Missouri. The park and castle ruins are clean, the signs are easy to find and read. Do Not go past the barriers/ markers. This is a must go for anyone who enjoys nature and or history.
Jesus C — Google review
A favorite place take photos! There is beauty year around. It’s a highly recommended spot for vacationers and a regular spot to hike for locals. There is a very nice little park with a spot for kids to play and picnic benches.
Bethany W — Google review
Best Park in the area!! I love driving here from KC! This time I also took and Airbnb close by and was able to spend a few days in nature hiking at the beautiful Ozarks.
Mihaela T — Google review
4.8
(4816)
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5.0
(862)
1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020, USA
(573) 346-2986
28
Shepherd Hills Factory Outlets
Outlet store
Shopping
Factory Outlets
Factory outlet center featuring brand-name pottery, cutlery, home decor & glassware retailers.
What a great store! Plus, it's a great place to take a pitstop. Pocket Knives, work tools, kmife sharpeners, grinding/sharpening attachments, candles, stuffed animals, precious moments, clothing, chef's knives, cast iron, walnut bowls, pot holders,
Kathy C — Google review
I think it's just overpriced . My son purchased knife for $70 somewhere else and here it's been sold for $90 and even after they dropped it "on sale" $70 The saddest part is people believe in this OUTLET STORE Thing and they think they are getting a great deal.Mark it up too high with regular tag and put red tag next to it and you will have people believing its a deal.I am actually disappointed. Go check for yourself
Ilhan G — Google review
Great prices on all types of cutlery, cast iron cookware, seasonal decorations at discounted prices. You never know what you will find! (Photo shows a backpack cooler discounted from $175 retail price to $90
Melinda B — Google review
Tons of great deals; you just have to look around a bit.
Kelli G — Google review
I love coming here. They have so many kitchen items: cast iron pans by several different manufacturers, knife sets, and so many things for the kitchen! And all different price points are covered. You can get to of the line, or spend less and still get great quality.
Beth F — Google review
I absolutely love shopping at this store. The sales associates are pleasant, friendly, and helpful.Sheppard Hills Factory Outlet has a wonderful selection available in many different brands of knives and other kitchenwares.
Bob P — Google review
Excellent variety of high quality products for daily and professional use in the kitchen, attentive and courteous staff!
Angel V — Google review
Really nice place with lots to see. They have high-quality kitchen knives and cookware, as well as a wide selection of other knives. They carry plushy stuffed animals for cheap for the kiddos, precious moments figurines, and much more.
Daniel M — Google review
Great prices; specially on the jewelry, clothing, and children’s stuff. The kitchen ware prices are competitive to many stores in your local area or online.
Manuel R — Google review
I’m traveling from Illinois to Texas, and stop for fuel and food decided to come here to see what it’s all about. And boy was I blown away. All the different types of high-end knives a good assortment of cast-iron and other cooking pans. Little bit on the pricier side but you look like you would get what you pay for. If you are traveling I highly recommend making a pitstop here everything you need is right in this area
Daniel S — Google review
They have everything you need. Great place to stop at on your way to Branson from StL. Amazing knife and zippy selection.
Brandon S — Google review
Swung by and purchase a Staub cast iron pot as a massive upgrade to my cookware at home. Can't wait to get some Cajun cooking started in it!
Ten P — Google review
So much to see between knives, cast iron, purses, figurines, candles, stuffed toys, Christmas decorations and more. Friendly people and clean store. If going to be in the area again I will have to plan to have more spending money with me. 🙂
Christina V — Google review
I have passed this store a couple of times in the last year. I like quality knives, so I decided to take a look around. The selection across multiple brands was great. I did not buy since I already have way too many knives already. If you want to physically look at the products to judge weight and quality and to get it now, then this is your place. The store prices while showing prices as outlet mark downs they similar to the online prices.
Donald N — Google review
We love this place. They have everything from cookware to Jim Shore figurines. Something for everyone. Huge stash of Precious Moments. So many Jim Shore figurines From Rudolph to DC characters and all the princesses, Easter-Christmas and so much more. I want to buy them all! They just got The Painted Ponies back in stock. You need candles They have 100s of them. Jewelry, knives, slippers, ponchos & shaws. The list goes on! Stuffed TY buddies. Purses. Etc!!!
Christy F — Google review
We pass through here to and from Branson. We always love to stop here to browse around and stretch our legs. There is something for everyone in the family. Toys for the kids, knives and utility tools for dad, and kitchen ware for mom. I got some walnut bowls last time I was here a few weeks ago, and I love them! I can't wait to get them oiled and in use!
Crystal C — Google review
Great place to go! Great stuff for both guys and gals. Good prices too. Got this for the daughter.
Bill B — Google review
Awesome selection of knives and everything else they sell. We were impressed - I got a great new Buck knife and my wife go discontinued skillet she couldn't find elsewhere. I'll be back again to buy some cast iron cookware and Missouri walnut bowls, and hopefully soon!
Josh E — Google review
29
Springfield Cardinals
Mentioned on
+10 other lists
Baseball club
Sights & Landmarks
Arenas & Stadiums
The Springfield Cardinals are an American professional baseball team based in Springfield, Missouri. The Cardinals are the Double-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, and they play their home games at Hammons Field. The stadium has a seating capacity of just 8,000 but it features a practice facility, workout facility, and luxury boxes.
Love coming to these games. Thursday is $3 off beer, and Tuesdays are $2 brats. It's great family fun.
Brian N — Google review
Love coming here. Love some cardinal baseball rather its the big birds or baby birds. Food and drink prices will always be way too expensive. I understand different groups make money, but for an average family to come and enjoy a good ball game and have the big ball park experience cost way too much money. But I will be back.
Kyle E — Google review
Excellent stadium, every seat in the house is worth price of admission. Went on Military Appreciation Day, great fireworks display. Just needs a better variety of foods. Have of good selection of beer.
C- B — Google review
Beautiful day at the ballpark. Fantastic view for 20 bucks! Go see the SPRINGFIELD Cardinals.
Valerie G — Google review
I'm a huge baseball fan and no organization is better than the Cardinals. Minor league or Major league this is a great time for your family. Affordable and fun
William M — Google review
We had tickets in the Redbird Roost, the family loved it. The staff kept all the food fresh and the area so clean!
Michael T — Google review
It's always a great night for baseball and catching up with friends at Hammons Field in Springfield Missouri watching the Springfield Cardinals. We took advantage of the Champions Club tonight. All you can eat fried chicken and waffles, bratwurst and hot dogs, and nachos. All you can drink sodas and water and unsweet tea. And four adult drinks per person. All for the price of admission to the Club. If you've never taken advantage of one of the club rooms, I highly recommend getting tickets for the Champions Club at least once.
Keith H — Google review
10 stars as far as I'm concerned. All of the staff and vendors are really accommodating and friendly. The back of their orange jersey says "I am here to help" and they certainly do. It was a great experience. A fun, fun, fun day at the ballpark.
Stan B — Google review
Had a wonderful time. The vendors and stadium employees were all very helpful and cordial. We'll be back.
Linda R — Google review
DO NOT THINK THIS IS A ROOM RESERVATION !’ They threw us in a corner out by a play set with no wall as!! Dirty nasty equipment set out and no a concession stand attached to it with stranger walking in the party!! It was a joke!!!!! I asked for a refund and I was told what can I do for you let your son throw a pitch?? lol Yea that makes up for 333.00, 35 cake! This was the most unacceptable experience I work hard for what I have, and I paid 333.00 dollars for this 13th birthday party! I was greeted with the rudest girl ever. She said nothing through a box down and walked off with nothing said, There was no table cloths utensils and food was threw down at 5:30 so by time game started kids were asking what else there was. It was supposed to be brought at 6:05 in contract! Since the manager kept bringing that up which isn’t beneficial bc nothing was fulfilled. I had to throw a cake I paid 35 dollars for in the trash bc she let 30 people run in the reserved area and I had a whole game to watch! She continued to be so rude and Left us to put our food on dirty nasty tables and she stood over and stared and said nothing.! Then we go to watch part of the game bc it starts, and it says we can leave and come back hence reserved part!!! The hateful staff asked my friend and mother law of we were coeming back and of course it was a. Yes bc it was only 6:10!! We came back and it was 6:40 and she had unreserved the spot packed up all my stuff threw it into a box and with a cake server with smeared cake all over it!!! She then Lied to her manager and us acting like we never said we was coming back! The manager then tried to tell ‘em well the package is this lacking I said no that’s not it. I was nice about the ride staff the lack of setup and all kind of things! But the final straw was ruining my sons party I paid for!! His 13th!! And we have his stuff trashed by staff 40 minutes into the party!! And have no where to go with kids bc our paid reservation was opened up and I paid for it!!
Lynn — Google review
Our family had a great time!!!This is an amazing stadium. It was very entertaining and kid friendly. We will be buying quarter season tickets for next year.PSA...DO NOT PAY $20 TO PARK ON THE SOUTH SIDE. The Springfield Cardinals are not affiliated with them and will tell you the same. Spend your money in the stadium and support the team. There are other parking places for a lot less!!
Ryan E — Google review
If you want a great “hometown feel” sports event, that still somehow has a big game vibe… the Cards are IT!We’ve never had a bad experience. We’ve never seen fans of home/visiting teams get “stupid”…The food is good, drinks/beer are good, with lots of local vendors representing!Prices are reasonable for stadium food and the facility is great!!We can’t count how many times there have been rows full of young kids cheering their favorites! Truly a family friendly venue in Springfield!We can’t get enough and even our picky teenagers like to come.Bring your family and cheer the Cardinals!
Ryan K — Google review
We did the birthday package and our son got to throw out the first pitch! He had a great time. We will definitely be back for more baseball!
Michael M — Google review
So much fun!! There really isn't a bad seat in the house! The food! The drinks! And the Cardinals!! We WON!! YAY!
Barb B — Google review
Excellent ballpark greatcseats good food lovely people. Nice variety of seating options. We were there for $2.00 hot dogs and brats night such a deal. The cards smashed the visiting team
Rich W — Google review
4.7
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4.5
(496)
955 E Trafficway St, Springfield, MO 65802, USA
(417) 863-2143
30
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Mentioned on
28 lists
Conservation department
Nature & Parks
Hiking area
Visitor center
Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Springfield Conservation Nature Center is a 79-acre natural landscape that offers hikers and wildlife watchers an array of recreational activities to enjoy. The center also has self-guided exhibits and displays for educational purposes, as well as guided tours that can be booked in advance.
I love the outdoors and this is the place I take my family when I want to feel a little more outdoorsy. Great trails that you can push a stroller and animals everywhere it’s pretty much the best park around!
David T — Google review
This is one of the best nature center/ conservation areas that I have ever visited! It was such a treat walking around through the trails on an early weekday morning. I seen so much wildlife during my stroll. Herrons, raptors, Sparrows, Red-Winged Blackbird, many species of waterfowl, turtles, and many others. Walking across the bridge gives a beautiful view. They even have a photo blind setup for photographers that looks over the river. Highly recommend here for wildlife viewing and bird photography.
B A — Google review
This is a scenic area with nice well-marked trails. We hiked the Long Trail and enjoyed the fall colors. We will visit again when we're in town and do more exploring.
K O — Google review
It's a nice mix of different terrain. Compact gravel, dirt, muddy spots in wet weather, smooth and jagged rock, elevated platform walkways, small stream crossings with bridges are all there. It's well maintained. Nothing is too strenuous but there are hills if you chose to go down those trails. Almost always having tree cover, except for the winter months, it feels and looks great. Just don't expect great vistasThe only bad thing is the noise. It sits adjacent to and along highway 65 south of Springfield on the way to Ozark and Branson. The constant, loud drone of a major traffic way just can't be escaped anywhere here. I recommend some nice nature sounds in some earphones while you walk the trails. Just stay aware and safe.
Hilton A — Google review
Very nice place, and the indoor center had some unexpected exhibits. There are lots of trails for both moderate walks and aggressive hikes. Well maintained and informational. Be sure to ask the staff to activate the nocturnal exhibit👍
Jon G — Google review
Beautiful wooded area with lots of trails and opportunities to view wildlife. The visitor's center has awesome hands-on displays that younger kids will love and learn from. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Seems like there is always a presentation that you can sit in on. I highly recommend spending some time here, hike a trail and enjoy.
Brad H — Google review
This is a wonderful place to walk and see nature. The boardwalk is my favorite part. Didn't see as many animals as you would other times of the year but enough to make it interesting. Feel like you get a lot of exercise especially going back up the hill to the parking lot. Spring is the best time to go.
Christy C — Google review
I recently went here with my Mother-in-law. The trails were amazing and well kept. There was a wide variety of birds and wildlife. There is plenty of stuff to learn and see at the main building too. Im taking my family back here to learn about our state wildlife! Ive been here years ago but forgot about this gem in Springfield. Its amazing that you can start a trail by the highway and a mile down the road be surrounded by nature and bird calls. We completely forgot the highway was so close. Thank you to the Conservation Department for this wonderful gem!
Heather R — Google review
Love the different paths and sights. Good for all ages unless you experience mobility difficulty. Love coming here for a quick hike! There's multiple ways to go and even when there's others on the trail you're still able to enjoy the peace of nature and get some elevation change while staying close to civilization. I come here to hike alone and have never felt unsafe but definitely keep aware of your surroundings!
Jessica R — Google review
Beautiful maintained trails. Nice and partially shaded. A bit of relaxation on the edge of the city. Kind of that feeling of getting out into the woods without going to far and you never know what to may see for creatures.
Gail D — Google review
This is a fantastic spot. There is something for everyone. I saw humans from 1 to 80 enjoying the nature center and trails. So many interactive exhibits for kids and the trails are very accessible. Picnic areas available though no food is provided on site. Beautiful and well kept trails with fantastic trees, flowers, and wildlife. I could honestly spend the day there and the best part…it’s free of charge. Yep-#free. Helpful and friendly staff are there to guide you and answer questions. Truly a special place.
Cami W — Google review
If you're looking for a nature park with trails to hike, you're at the right place! Spent an hour here for a refresher while on choir tour and traveling through Springfield.
Jerald R — Google review
Beautiful trails. I spent 6 weeks in Springfield for school and came here to walk almost every day. The trails are well maintained. I could easily walk 3 or 4 miles without feeling like I was walking in circles. I always felt safe walking alone. Great place to take photos.
Carla M — Google review
I was a volunteer at the Nature Center for years, but before that I was an avid visitor. The reason for "no pets" is partly due to the fact that there might be adverse interactions with wildlife, and not everyone wants to be near your pet, no matter how friendly, as the trails can be narrow in places. The building closes at 5, but the grounds stay open later. This is a little gem "in town!" Missouri has one of the best Department of Conservation. Please take advantage and enjoy the many spots available to you, not just in the Springfield area, but the entire state. And remember to pack out what you pack in. Trash affects every one and every thing.
Maryann H — Google review
Excellent walking trails, kept up great. It's a good place to run or to take a stroll it's shaded most of the trails. Some open Trails for the Prairie field. Time your hike correctly and you will see lots of wildlife, deer, snakes, Chipmunks, Hawks, lots of squirrels and birds.
Andrew F — Google review
The trails here are well maintained and worth the hike!
Marc B — Google review
Always a great hike. Good shoes are a must and hiking shoes can be helpful as the stream does go over the rocks in some places. There are nice areas along the path for kids to stop and splash in the water. Lots of benches along the way. If the main building is open, there are some interesting exhibits and children’s activities. There are bathrooms both in the building and outside near the start of the trail.
Kristin M — Google review
Even after winter spurt, the temp Rose and created a very nice hike opportunity. An update in Feb 24, when you can't fish, at least get out for a bit of nature. Thanks
Eric W — Google review
4.8
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4.5
(322)
4601 S Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804, USA
(417) 888-4237