There is a lot to do in Waterloo and the surrounding St. Louis area
Browse through our favorites on this page, and feel free to ask us any questions!
Area Online Guides
Attractions and activities: Waterloo
GOLF
Acorns Golf Links
18 golf course in Waterloo, Bar & Grill
Annbriar Golf Course
18 hole golf course in Waterloo, Smokehouse Restaurant
Mystic Oak Golf Course
18 hole golf course with Black Swan Restaurant
OTHER
Schorr Lake Vineyard & Winery
Open weekends with 16 varieties of grapes
Peterstown House
Just across Columbia St. on Main St., this 150 year old building was once a coach stop on the Kaskaskia trail. Call for hours: (618) 939-4222.
Monroe County History Museum
Open weekends
Parks
There are 5 parks totaling more than 150 acres of green space in Waterloo. There are walking trails, playgrounds, ball fields, soccer, skate and roller hockey, basketball, fishing, and rentals.
Attractions and activities: Illinois
Mayestown, IL
about 10 miles away
Charming 19th century German village features historic homes, restaurants, specialty shops, and picturesque hiking.
Our Lady of the Snow Shrine
about 24 miles away
One of the largest outdoor shrines in North America, a Catholic shrine to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Belleville, Illinois. During Advent and Christmas, the Shrine hosts the “Way of Lights”, an outdoor light display that features over 1.1 million white lights and attracts over 350,000 visitors annually.
Cahokia Mounds
about 30 miles away
Located in Collinsville, IL this is the site of a pre-Columbian Native American city (c. 600–1400). The park covers 2,200 acres (890 ha), or about 3.5 square miles (9 km2), and contains about 80 mounds. Free admission.
Attractions and activities: St. Louis
Downtown area
about 22 miles away
Gateway Arch
Take a trip to the top of the arch for a great view. While waiting for the tram, The Museum of Westward Expansion, located below the Arch, is as large as a football field and contains an extensive collection of artifacts, mounted animal specimens, an authentic American Indian tipi, and an overview of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Riverboat Cruises
Take a spectacular Mississippi River cruise aboard the Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher. These replicas of 19th century steamboats combine the traditional charm of days gone by with the modern conveniences of the 21st century.
MLB Baseball or NHL Hockey
St. Louis Cardinals baseball – at Busch Stadium
St. Louis Blues hockey – Scottrade Center
City Museum
This is just a strange, fun place with lots of mosaics and places to climb. For kids of all ages. Admission fee.
Anheuser-Bush Brewery
Free tour with samples for guest 21 and up.
Forest Park
a few minutes west of downtown
St. Louis Zoo
Great zoo and their Children’s Zoo is well-known. “Free” admission, though fees for parking in the zoo lot and several attractions. Free parking available on the street. Arrive early (in the first hour) for free admission to several paid attractions, including the Children’s Zoo, the Carousel, and Stingray Bay.
St. Louis Science Center
“Free” admission with fees for Omnimax and Planetarium shows
St. Louis Art Museum
“Free” admission. Fees for special exhibitions except on Friday, also free.
Missouri History Museum
“Free” admission. Fees for special exhibitions.
The Muny
Outdoor theatre that seats 11,000 people. 2018 is its 97th summer. Arrive early to snag limited free seats on a first come, first serve basis.
A few minutes west of downtown and a little south of Forest Park
about 28 miles away
Missouri Botanical Garden
Founded in 1859, the 79-acre Missouri Botanical Garden is the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and an oasis in the city of St. Louis. Features a Climatron (geodesic dome conservatory) and Japanese Garden.
World Chess Hall of Fame
Housed in a historic 15,900 square-foot residence-turned-business in the Central West End neighborhood and features the U.S. and World Chess Halls of Fame
The Fabulous Fox Theatre
Broadway musicals, comedians, concerts, and other live audience performances
A little further
about 30 miles away
University City “Delmar Loop”
Six-block of plenty of ethnic restaurants, arts, and eclectic shopping. Our teens love the Vintage Vinyl “record” store.
Blueberry Hill
One of our family’s favorites: Great burgers & pop culture memorabilia. Darts, pinball, award-winning beer selection, and live concerts in the Duck Room.