5 tours that offer a fresh view of St. Louis

There’s nothing like playing tourist in your own city. There are several local organizations devoted to helping visitors and natives alike explore St. Louis from different perspectives. It’s easy to get stuck in a rut of eating at the same restaurants, visiting the same neighborhoods, and forgetting that there’s a city outside of the sights seen on the daily commute. These tours allow exploration of the city, illuminating its many hidden gems.

For those who root for more than just the Cardinals:

The Cardinals aren’t just a baseball team– they’re one of many species of birds that can be spotted in the St. Louis area. St. Louis Audubon Society has paired up with Forest Park to offer bird walks that are free, open to the public, and geared toward those of all ages. On the first Saturday of every month at 10:30 a.m., aspiring birders meet up with park Ecologist Amy Witt and “the owl man” volunteer Mark Glenshaw for an urban birding experience. Reservations can be made at [email protected].

For the not-so-faint of heart:

The air’s getting crisper, and the aisles of Schnucks are filling with bags of candy—it’s almost Halloween in St. Louis. STL Haunted History offers a terrifying tour experience, showing the often-neglected, darker side of the city. Yes, this includes fire, exorcisms, ghosts, and cholera. The tour covers less than a mile over the course of about an hour and a half, mostly in Laclede’s Landing. Tickets are available online at $25 for the first ticket and $20 for each additional one. The last tour of the year is offered October 31, so don’t let fear hold you back too much longer.

For the history buff who’s tired of the library:

St. Louis’ rich history can be explored not just in books, but also on foot. Landmarks Downtown Walking Tours allow a unique combination of history, architecture, culture, and exercise. Every Saturday morning, these two-hour walking tours educate guests while also getting them some cardio. The East Tour goes along the riverfront, past the Old Courthouse, Old Cathedral, Arch, and more, while the West Tour explores the history and architecture of Union Station, City Hall, and Soldiers Memorial. The Washington Avenue Tour emphasizes fashion and culture in the city, leading guests to such destinations as the National Blues Museum, City Museum, and International Shoe Company. All tours are $10, and tickets are available online.

For the foodie:

Savor St. Louis was St. Louis’ first food tour, and the Smith family behind it leads guests into three delicious neighborhoods: the Central West End, Downtown, and the Delmar Loop. The specific stops on the tours are subject to change, but some potential destinations are listed online. The Central West End Tour may include Welsh food and beer, a visit to a gastropub, pizza, Italian food or chocolate. Select the Downtown route and experience a combination of treats that may include hipster tacos, coffee houses, St. Louis’ most renowned pizza, authentic Asian food, and homemade desserts. The Delmar Loop tour may bring barbecue, Korean tacos, Middle Eastern delicacies, and an old Italian bakery. Tour guides sprinkle in facts about history, architecture, culture, and entertainment along the route. The tours accommodate dietary restrictions as long as they are informed about them when tickets are purchased. The experience costs between $54 and $64 and lasts between three and three and a half hours, depending on the neighborhood. Tickets should be purchased online and booked in advance. Kids are welcome for $40.

For those who are sick of St. Louis rush hour traffic:

St. Louisans are so often used to seeing the city from inside their car windows. Why not try experiencing it from inside a boat? Sit back, relax, and enjoy the water on a St. Louis Riverfront Cruise as a National Park Service ranger or captain discusses the river’s role in the city’s development and growth. Sunday Brunch, Blues Cruise, Happy Hour, Skyline Dinner, and Oktoberfest Cruises are also available.