There’s always something new to learn.
Known for jazz, BBQ, and a big shiny arch, St. Louis often flies under the radar — but don’t let that fool you. This is a city with deep cultural roots, unexpected architectural gems, and stories that stretch far beyond the Mississippi.
From secret tunnels to baseball magic, St. Louis is full of surprises just waiting to be uncovered.
Let’s see what we discover.
Things you didn’t know about St. Louis.
5. St. Louis was once the fourth-largest city in the U.S.
In the late 1800s, thanks to its location as a hub for westward expansion and river trade, St. Louis rivaled cities like Boston and San Francisco in size and influence. Its boom shaped much of the historic architecture still seen today.
4. The Gateway Arch is taller than you think.
Clocking in at 630 feet, the Arch is taller than the Statue of Liberty and the Washington Monument. Even more fascinating? You can ride a tiny tram to the top — a quirky, capsule-like elevator that feels like a time machine.
3. Provel cheese is a St. Louis invention.
It’s not mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss — it’s Provel, and locals are fiercely loyal to it. Especially when it comes to St. Louis-style pizza: ultra-thin crust, square-cut, and topped with that gooey, smoky cheese blend.
2. There’s an entire underground network of caves beneath the city.
Long before prohibition-era speakeasies, these natural caves were used for beer storage and escape routes. You can still tour parts of them today and feel the chill of forgotten history beneath your feet.
1. The 1904 World’s Fair changed American culture forever.
Held in St. Louis, this iconic event introduced millions to the first-ever ice cream cone, hot dogs, iced tea, and even x-ray machines. It wasn’t just a fair — it was a turning point in how Americans experienced the world.
Bottom line.
St. Louis is more than a pit stop in the Midwest — it’s a city packed with bold flavors, fascinating history, and surprises around every corner. Once you start looking, it’s hard not to fall in love with what’s hiding beneath the surface.
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