A truly world-class zoo. Set in one of America's finest urban green spaces (Forest Park), this is a zoo that's both traditional (three 1920s "houses," a 1904 aviary) and innovative (an outdoor penguin habitat). For anyone fortunate enough to have seen animals in their African or Asian homelands, some of the simulations at St. Louis are nothing short of astounding, almost as astounding as the admission price (free). In every way, walking these grounds is a privilege, for us—and for the animals.
Location: About 7 miles west of downtown St. Louis off Interstate Highway 64 (Hampton Avenue/Museums-Zoo exit), in Forest Park (which is a park here, not a suburb).
Price: Free.Open all year.
Parking: $10.
Key animals: The essential big cats, including lions, tigers and cheetahs. Bear varieties include polar, grizzly and black bears. Asian elephants, giraffes, hippos, hyenas, black rhino. Gorillas, large family of chimpanzees. Many African hoofed animals, some endangered. Prairie dog town. Excellent collection of lemurs.
Featured attractions: Indoor/outdoor Penguin and Puffin Coast exhibit; Cypress Swamp in former 1904 aviary; River Edge trail through realistic Africa habitat; beautifully preserved 1920s bird, reptile and monkey houses.
More, for a couple of bucks extra: Sea lion show, carousel, train ride, "Wild Ride" simulator. Also various "close encounter" opportunities.
Local critters: Mississippi River fish, including blue catfish, sturgeon, largemouth bass and more.
Unlike the others: Glass-sided hippo swimming hole.
Hot dog/small soft drink: $2.25/$2.50.
Only here: Toasted ravioli, with hot marinara sauce for dipping; $5.50. Terrific.
Bottled water: $3.
Coolest souvenir: A giraffe's head hand-held fan, $6 (battery included).