St. Louis Free Zoo: More Than Animals

If you are visiting St. Louis, Missouri, coming for business or just passing through on a road trip, you will not want to miss the St. Louis Zoo. These days, it is a lot more than animals that draw people in and no one leaves disappointed.

The St. Louis Zoo is the largest free Zoo in North America. Open to the public year round (except December 25th), anyone can wonder in and roam for a day - free of charge. This is serious bang for your buck because the zoo is enormous and full of animals from all continents, over 800 species. There are paid attractions, such as the long, slow-going, open-air train ride that circles the grounds, and The Living World, which is an indoor, interactive house for all ages. But there are miles of territory to explore without paying a dime.

In all instances, the zoo keepers go to enormous effort to replicate the animal's natural habitat - even though there are over 22,000 exotic animals (many rare or endangered.) From Big Cat Country to the Primate House, you can view the animals from all angles and feed many of them. One of the most interesting houses is that of the Penguins; sure to entertain as they dive, or participate in feedings. There is so much to learn and read, you will be entertained for hours. The scenic walk from attraction to attraction in itself is worth the trip (and the photo ops.) Trails wind, fountains shoot into the sky and birds sing; it's hard to not feel one with nature after a trip to this zoo.

Would you believe the St. Louis Zoo is a hot spot for your next elite meeting? Yes, this zoo offers awesome meeting places for corporate parties and private affairs alike. Whether you are booking a birthday party or a business event for 300 people, the staff at the Zoo will make the event as elegant or carefree as you can imagine - any time of year.

During winter, the zoo trees are lined with lights for miles and walkways in the cold seem like an enchanted forest. The Zoo also hosts a highly attended Halloween walk that is a must do if you are in the neighborhood. No matter the season, the facilities are immaculate and downright magical right in the heart of St. Louis City.

The Zoo is conveniently located in Forest Park, which hosts many famed St. Louis attractions: Art Museum, the Jewel Box Greenhouse, Muny (Enormous Outdoor Theater) Science Center and much more for the whole family to enjoy. But none are as refreshing as coming face to face with animals only seen in books, or in movies. Just off one of St. Louis's biggest hiways (HWY 64/40), this is one attraction you don't want to "roar" by!