Special Focus: Church of the Holy Family - Updated 5/29/21

Church of the Holy Family 

The oldest Catholic Church west of the Allegheny Mountains was an unbelievable discovery this summer when we were participating in the St. Louis 250th cake hunt! Church of the Holy Family is in Cahokia, Illinois, just a few blocks away from the old Cahokia Courthouse. What a find!  I took plenty of pictures so you can see for yourself. We were there a half and hour before 5 o'clock mass so we were able to see inside!  

The park land in front of the church had many plaques telling visitors about the history of the area!

Special Focus: Our Lady of the Rivers - Updated 5/29/21

Our Lady of the Rivers sits on the Mississippi River. This site is an area of so much history dating back to Native American days. Marquette and Joliet, Lewis and Clark, Louisiana Purchase and more. The history is denoted in the plaques along the walkway to the shrine.  Plan a visit, enjoy the scenery. It is a peaceful place to visit.

Special Focus: Old Cahokia Courthouse

Old Cahokia Courthouse, in Cahokia, Illinois, was an amazing find!  It was built around 1740 as a home originally.  In 1904 this building was dismantled and on display at the World's Fair in St. Louis. Then Chicago ended up with it!  In 1964, Cahokia wanted their old courthouse back and they got it!  This site is open to the public and has a visitor's center on the site. This area is full of history.  Here are pictures of other noted events in history:

Special Focus: Compton Water Tower

Compton Tower and Park is a beautiful place. Built on the highest point of the city as a water reservoir, this park was also built in honor and commemoration of the German immigrants who chose St. Louis as their new home.  "Naked Truth" is a sculpture that brought about some controversy as it is of a naked woman. But the meaning for the sculpture was for the purposes of the St. Louis Westliche Post to present news in a truthful manner. August A. Busch, Sr., and major contributer, was not happy with the design and wanted the woman covered.  The Naked Truth remained naked and was presented in 1914.   Visit this tower and park and learn more about St. Louis' past!

Special Focus: General Daniel Bissell House

Bissell House House was built between 1812 and 1820, a great example of Federal Style architecture.    General Daniel Bissell served in the War of 1812. After the war he soon settled in St. Louis, thus beginning the construction of his house.  This house is open for tours by appointment only.  I have visited this house for a school fieldtrip (small group) and it was a wonderful experience. I need to go back!

Special Focus: Bevo Mill

Bevo Mill has quite a history. Brought over from Germany by August A. Busch, Sr., it was placed in this location as it is half way between Grant's farm and AB Brewry.  It has been a full-time restaurant. Currently, it is open for Sunday Brunch and special occasions so the public may visit the Bevo Mill. Visit Bevo Mill for more information.  Maybe you can get there for a visit!

Special Focus:: Bath Houses of St. Louis

Bath House

So, did you know that people once were not able to take baths and showers in their own homes? Yep. Because of that Bath Houses were created!  This is the only Bath House left in St. Louis. (I think another one is used as the changing rooms for a public pool; I will be researching that fact soon!)  People would pay to use the shower, towels and purchase soap, if needed. There were several Bath Houses in the City of St. Louis.  This one is located near Crown Candy.  It was a great find!  

Special Focus: St. Louis Chess Center

St. Louis Chess Center - Come learn about the game of Chess, the history of chess, and the major chess players - past and present!  The three-story building will provide you with more information that you could have ever imaginede. I can't remember if there was a fee, if so, it was minimal!  Great gift shop and photo opportunities!

Special Focus: Chain of Rocks Bridge

Chain of Rocks Bridge is a unique biking and walking expereince. This bridge, once for cars, is now for pedestrians and cyclists. Walkers and bikers can cross the Mississippi River. Plan some time for this walk, however! In addition, plan for safe parking. Some people have had unpleasant parking lot experiences. Some have said parking on the Illinois side was better. Others have had driver drop them off, while others have had NO problems.  The parking lot is blocked most of the time. So make some arrangements.

Special Focus: Fountain Park

Fountain Park is the only location in the St. Louis area that has a statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We enjoyed finding this park during our St. Louis 250th Birthday Cake Hunt this summer!

Special Focus: Chuck A Burger

Chuck a Burger is a fun 50s Diner!  Great food! Great Shakes!

Special Focus: Rigazzi's

Rigazzi's is a great Italian restaurant!

Special Focus: Marathons

Do you like to run Marathons?  Here is a site to keep you up to date with all of the marathons in St. Louis!

Special Focus: Tower Grove Park

Tower Grove Park

Tons of park space, water play in a large fountain, stage and a great site for a wedding!