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World's Fair Itinerary

"Meet me in St. Louis" is more than just a movie and a Judy Garland tune in St. Louis. Groups still can get a taste of the fabled 1904 World’s Fair at sites all around town.

The world traveled to St. Louis for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, more commonly referred to as the 1904 World's Fair. The event was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's vision of a continental United States through the purchase of the Louisiana Territory and to honor Lewis and Clark's journey to the west. St. Louis’ World’s Fair attracted millions of people from dozens of nations, many of whom re-created their native arts and culture, entertained, and sold their wares to fairgoers. Legacies of the famous fair are a source of interest for visitors to St. Louis year-round.

Day One
Your group's excursion begins where the Fair took place, in beautiful Forest Park (http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark). The 1,300-acre park has recently undergone a massive restoration program, details of which are available complete with
Start the tour at the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center in historic Lindell Pavilion for an overview of the park's attractions and amenities.

The building that houses the Saint Louis Art Museum (www.slam.org) (1-2 hrs.) served as the Fine Arts Palace during the Fair, and it was the only permanent exhibit building built for the 1904 event. Today, the museum houses masterpieces and ancient artifacts from around the world and its collection of modern art includes many outstanding examples of German Expressionist art. Other major works on display are by Cezanne, Degas, Matisse, Picasso, van Gogh and Monet and African and Oceanic arts collections.

Another spectacular Fair “leftover” is massive walk-through birdcage that served as the Smithsonian Flight Cage exhibit. Today, the structure, found at the world famous Saint Louis Zoo (www.stlzoo.org) (1-3 hrs.), is part of the Zoo's Bird Garden. Groups can walk through the domed structure, which also includes a cypress swamp environment. Directly across from the Zoo’s Flight Cage is the World's Fair Pavilion. Built on the site of the Fair’s Missouri Building, the renovated pavilion hosts public and private events, including group picnics, wedding receptions and fundraising activities. The pavilion's catering kitchens allow groups to enjoy great meals along with a hilltop view of the surrounding parklands.

In 1904, a popular mode of transportation through the fairgrounds was a boat ride through the miles of canals that wound through Forest Park. Modern day visitors can relive the romance of the Fair on a paddleboat ride from the newly renovated Forest Park Boathouse (1-2 hrs.). Boaters can paddle to a picnic island in the lake, cruise around a wildlife island and enjoy eight new fountains that now dot the waterway.

Drive by the campus of renowned Washington University (10 min.) for another glimpse at the Fairgrounds. The Administration Building (now Brookings Hall) was the official reception hall used to meet dignitaries and other Fair-going VIPs and also served as an exhibit of a model university. The athletic field and gymnasium, still in use today by the university, were the site of the 1904 Olympic Games, the first Olympiad held in the United States.

Lunch Suggestion: The Saint Louis Art Museum's (www.slam.org) restaurant Puck’s Café or Meriwether's, the bright and cheerful restaurant at the Missouri History Museum. Choose from a list of soups, salads, sandwiches, entrees and pastries at both locations.

At the Missouri History Museum (www.mohistory.org) (1-2 hrs.), visit an exhibit of artifacts from the Fair called “The 1904 World’s Fair: Looking Back at Looking Forward,” and the original Louisiana Purchase Transfer Document that formalized the transfer of the Upper Louisiana Territory from Spain to France to the United States in 1804. A map of the territory that traces Lewis & Clark’s Corps of Discovery route is etched into the stone walkway at the museum's north entry. Galleries within the museum also include artifacts from the explorers’ journey and Clark's life in St. Louis after their triumphant return.

The Fair featured outstanding theatrical entertainment from cultures around the globe, and the tradition continues in Forest Park. Every summer since 1917, The Muny (www.muny.com) presents Broadway musicals and special events including revivals of great shows like "Meet Me in St. Louis," "South Pacific," "Peter Pan" and "My Fair Lady" at a beautiful 12,000-seat amphitheater under the stars.

The popular entertainment of the era, including Ragtime music, could be found along the section of the Fairgrounds known as "The Pike." Composer Scott Joplin, a featured performer at the Fair, wrote the famous Rag "Cascades" that was inspired by the beautiful fountains that welcomed visitors to the Fair. At the Scott Joplin House (www.mostateparks.com/scottjoplin.htm) (30 min.-1 hr.), groups can tour the two-story antebellum structure that was home to the "King of Ragtime" during some of his most productive years. Furnishings reflect the when Joplin lived in the house and there's also a display on the 1904 World's Fair. Located next door is the Rose Bud Café, a special event space that’s also used for musical performances.

The restored 1848 Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion (www.chatillondemenilhouse.com) (1 hr.) houses a diverse collection of 1904 World's Fair memorabilia. More than 1,200 pieces are on display, including photographs and souvenirs in excellent condition. Groups can tour the entire antebellum Greek Revival home, a National Historic Landmark, which is furnished with authentic period furnishings, and dine in the carriage house restaurant.

Throughout the Fair, thousands traveled to the city by train, and they were greeted by a stunning architectural gem in St. Louis Union Station (www.stlouisunionstation.com) (30 min.-2 hrs.). Today, the National Historic Landmark has been beautifully restored and redeveloped as a festival marketplace of specialty shops, restaurants and a luxury hotel. Union Station provides self-guided exhibits, including one on the World's Fair that celebrates the station’s history since opening in 1894. Historic memorabilia is housed in display cases located throughout the station and within the free "Memories Museum."

Dinner Suggestion: Just south of Forest Park, dine at one of many tasty establishments on The Hill, St. Louis' Italian neighborhood. Sample toasted ravioli, a St. Louis culinary tradition made of meat-filled pasta pillows that are deep-fried and served with marinara sauce.

Day Two
Breakfast Suggestion: Dine at one of St. Louis' oldest local restaurant chains: O.T. Hodge Chile Parlor. Hodge's opened in 1904 and helped feed the thousands who flocked to St. Louis’ World's Fair. The fare hasn't changed much at Hodge's over the years, as the menu includes the usual line-up of breakfast items -- all of which can be served with a side of the house specialty - chili.

For a full day of modern-day Fair-like fun, visit Six Flags St. Louis (www.sixflags.com) theme park. At the Main Street Market, sample some of the best fudge and ice cream on a waffle cone, just like those introduced at the 1904 World's Fair. Enjoy a variety of adventure rides including Colossus (a World's Fair-style Ferris Wheel), roller coasters and thrill rides. Groups can relax with a tasty meal at the World's Fair Grove before taking part in the family-friendly shows, live concerts and performances by amateur choral, dance and music groups.