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Stuck indoors?! We've all been there, we are stuck indoors but longing to get outside travel somwhere.. sometimes you have to be a tourist is your own city. This is exactly what we did. Too cold to travel and too busy for a full blown vacation, we decided to explore St. Louis and neighboring areas. We started with a couple of sites in Illinois that we've always talked about going to but up until then we had not gotten around to. If you missed that post you can check here. Exploring the Charm of Rural Illinois: A winter day date roadtrip.
This time, we took a day trip to St. Louis, Missouri, contrary to what the uninitiated says there is a bunch to do in St. Louis, our is city packed with rich history, incredible music, and stunning architecture. Whether you're a local looking for something new or a visitor exploring the Gateway to the West, St. Louis has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Our adventure started with a deep dive into music history at the National Blues Museum, followed by a trip back in time at the stunning Cupples House. Both destinations are perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for unique indoor activities in St. Louis—especially during the colder months.
National Blues Museum
📍 615 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO
🎟️ Admission: $15 (Adults), $12 (Seniors), $10 (Children 5-17)
Did you know that St. Louis played a major role in shaping blues music? If you're a music lover, you can’t miss the National Blues Museum, a must-visit attraction in downtown St. Louis. This interactive museum takes you on a journey through the history of blues, showcasing how this powerful genre influenced everything from rock ‘n’ roll to hip-hop.
Founded in 2016, the museum is more than just a collection of artifacts—it’s an immersive experience. As you walk through the exhibits, you’ll hear the echoes of legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and St. Louis’ own Chuck Berry. There are interactive stations where you can create your own blues song and learn about the deep cultural roots of the music.
Why You Should Visit the National Blues Museum:
✅ Perfect indoor activity in St. Louis (great for winter or rainy days!)
✅ Interactive exhibits & live performances
✅ Learn about the history of blues & its impact on modern music
Whether you're a die-hard blues fan or just looking for unique things to do in St. Louis, this museum is a must-visit. Plus, it’s located in the heart of downtown, surrounded by great restaurants, bars, and other attractions.
The Cupples House
📍 3673 W Pine Mall Blvd, St. Louis, MO (Located on Saint Louis University’s campus)
🎟️ Admission: Free
Stepping into Cupples House is like traveling back to the Victorian era. Built in the late 19th century for Samuel Cupples, a wealthy businessman, this Romanesque-style mansion is one of the most beautifully preserved historic homes in St. Louis.
From the outside, the house looks like something straight out of a fairytale, with intricate stonework and a grand turret. Inside, you'll find hand-carved woodwork, stained glass windows, and antique furnishings that transport you to the Gilded Age.
Why You Should Visit Cupples House:
🏛 Stunning Victorian architecture & design
📸 A hidden gem for history & photography lovers
💰 It’s FREE!
If you're looking for a quiet escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, Cupples House is a peaceful and fascinating spot. Plus, since it’s located on Saint Louis University’s campus, you can explore the beautiful grounds or grab a coffee at one of the nearby cafés.
Best Time to Visit St. Louis
St. Louis is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.
🌸 Spring (March - May): This is one of the best seasons to visit! The weather is mild, flowers are blooming, and outdoor attractions like Forest Park, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and the Gateway Arch grounds are at their best. Spring is also festival season, with events like the St. Louis Earth Day Festival and Cinco de Mayo on Cherokee Street.
☀️ Summer (June - August): If you don’t mind the heat and humidity, summer is a great time for outdoor concerts, baseball games at Busch Stadium, and riverfront festivals. The city comes alive with events like Fair St. Louis (Fourth of July celebrations) and the Festival of Nations in Tower Grove Park. Just be prepared for hot and humid weather—temperatures can climb into the 90s°F (30s°C).
🍂 Fall (September - November): Fall is another ideal time to visit St. Louis. The temperatures cool down, the foliage in Forest Park and the Missouri Wine Country is stunning, and there are tons of seasonal events like Oktoberfest and Halloween festivities. It’s perfect for walking tours, brewery hopping, and exploring historic sites like Cupples House.
❄️ Winter (December - February): While winters in St. Louis can be cold, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy. The National Blues Museum, City Museum, St. Louis Art Museum, and The Magic House are great places to stay warm while experiencing the city’s culture. Plus, winter brings beautiful holiday lights displays, ice skating in Kiener Plaza, and festive markets. Bonus: Fewer tourists mean cheaper hotel rates!
👉 Best Overall Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer the best balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and plenty of festivals.
Plan Your Perfect Day in St. Louis
St. Louis is full of incredible things to do, and this day trip is just the beginning! Whether you're visiting the National Blues Museum to soak in some music history or admiring the stunning architecture of Cupples House, you’re in for a memorable experience.
Tips for Your Visit:
✔️ Dress for the season – If you're visiting in winter, bundle up! St. Louis weather can be unpredictable.
✔️ Make a day of it – Downtown St. Louis has tons of restaurants, parks, and historic sites nearby.
✔️ Explore more hidden gems – Consider adding the City Museum, Missouri Botanical Garden, or Laclede’s Landing to your itinerary.
Have you been to the National Blues Museum or Cupples House? What are your favorite hidden gems in St. Louis? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
TTYL