Weird, Quirky Things To Do In Downtown St. Louis
Let’s be honest — sometimes the best stories come from the weirdest places.
Downtown St. Louis is full of unexpected oddities and offbeat gems just waiting to be stumbled upon. You won’t find these in every guidebook, but trust us — they’re totally worth checking out.
Ready to get weird (in the best way)? Here’s your unofficial guide to the quirky side of downtown STL.
Feel the Rhythm at the National Blues Museum
615 Washington Ave
If you think museums are stuffy — this one’s here to prove you wrong. The National Blues Museum isn’t just a walk-through history lesson. It’s interactive, immersive, and full of soul. You can literally create your own blues song as you move through the exhibits.
Plus, the gift shop is full of funky merch you actually want to take home.
Fun fact: Some nights they host live performances in the museum’s intimate concert space. Instant date night idea? Yes.
Walk the Weird on the Mural Mile
Along the Mississippi River, Riverfront
Imagine a nearly two-mile stretch of ever-changing graffiti, tucked right along the Mississippi. The Mural Mile is raw, colorful, and completely photo-worthy.
This isn’t just art — it’s expression on a massive scale. And it’s completely free to wander. You’ll find everything from social commentary to surreal creatures to tributes to STL legends.
Pro tip: Go during the day for the best light (and safety), and keep an eye out for fresh pieces — this wall evolves constantly.
Whisper Secrets at the Whispering Arch
Union Station, Downtown
Union Station is already a stunner, but did you know it has its own architectural secret? Stand at one side of this curved stone arch, whisper something… and a friend all the way at the other end will hear you like you’re right next to them.
It’s weird. It’s cool. It’s a physics lesson disguised as a party trick.
Bonus: Once you’re done whispering, grab a drink or ride the Ferris wheel — Union Station has been reimagined into a full-on fun zone.
Visit a Modern Marvel: The Wainwright Building
111 N 7th St, Downtown
Okay, this one’s for the architecture nerds — but also anyone who appreciates big ideas packed into small packages. The Wainwright Building is one of the very first skyscrapers ever built.
Designed by Louis Sullivan (aka Frank Lloyd Wright’s mentor), it’s a quiet beauty that’s easy to miss — but worth noticing.
Weird? Maybe not. Underrated? Absolutely.
Step into History at the Old Courthouse
11 N 4th St, Downtown
Sure, it looks like just another old building — but this is where Dred and Harriet Scott took their fight for freedom to court. That’s huge!
The courthouse is now part of Gateway Arch National Park, and its echoey rotunda, historic courtrooms, and exhibits make it more powerful than you’d expect.
It’s a must for weird history lovers and time-travelers at heart.
Find the Final Resting Place of Chief Pontiac
Plaque at Stadium East Parking Garage
Yes… a legendary Ottawa leader is buried under a parking garage. There’s a simple plaque marking the site where the old Southern Hotel once stood — and where Chief Pontiac was reportedly buried after his assassination in 1769.
It’s strange. It’s sad. It’s fascinating. And it’s one of the most unexpected historic spots in the city.
Reflect on Freedom at the Mary Meachum Crossing
Near North Riverfront, Bissell Point
Part of the Underground Railroad, this spot marks where Mary Meachum helped enslaved people cross the Mississippi River into freedom — a bold, dangerous act that changed lives.
There’s a quiet memorial there now, and each year a festival celebrates her bravery. It’s a powerful mix of overlooked history and solemn beauty.
Feel the Creep at Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum
720 N. 2nd St.
Want something equal parts spooky and surreal? The Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum delivers. This place has that slightly-off, old-school wax vibe — with eerily lifelike (and sometimes not-so-lifelike) figures.
It’s four floors of wild displays, dim lighting, and “what did I just see” moments. Kind of like if your weird uncle opened a wax museum in a haunted house.
Warning: Expect jump scares and oddly placed celebrity statues. It’s bizarre — and unforgettable.
Photograph the Gritty Beauty of the Cotton Belt Freight Depot
1400 N. 1st St.
If urban exploration is your thing, this abandoned freight terminal is a dream. Huge, haunting, and covered in decades of graffiti, the Cotton Belt Depot has become a favorite for local photographers and street artists.
It’s a little off the beaten path — and not officially open for tours — so view it safely from the outside unless you know what you’re doing. But even from the street, it’s visually stunning.
Stand in the Ghost of Pruitt-Igoe
38°38’32.2″ N 90°12’34.0″W
Once a bold vision for modern housing, the Pruitt-Igoe complex became one of the most infamous public housing failures in U.S. history. Today, most of it is gone — but some of the foundation and debris remain as a haunting urban ruin.
It’s near downtown, in a quiet overgrown area, but the social and cultural legacy still echoes.
A strange, somber stop — but undeniably one of the most unique St. Louis attractions if you’re interested in American urban history.
Snap a Pic at the World’s Largest Amoco Sign
981 S. Skinker Boulevard
It’s a gas station sign. But it’s not just any gas station sign.
It’s the world’s largest, towering over a nearby parking lot like a glowing relic from another era. Still lit up at night, it’s kind of ridiculous — and kind of awesome.
Drive by, gawk, grab a photo. You know you want to.
Meet a Giant Head at Citygarden
801 Market St.
This sculpture of a giant bronze head — lying on its side, bandaged and empty-eyed — is as weird as it is cool. It’s called Eros Bendato, and yes, you can climb inside it.
It’s part of the gorgeous Citygarden sculpture park, which is filled with art you’re encouraged to interact with. Great for kids, photographers, or anyone needing a moment of “wait, what is that?”
Weird? Yes. Worth It? Absolutely.
Downtown St. Louis isn’t just about the Arch and ball games. Dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover stories, sights, and sculptures that will stick with you long after your visit.
Add a few of these stops to your weekend plans — and prepare for some “you had to be there” moments.
Which one are you most curious to see first?