Downtown St. Louis

Centrally located and drawing many tourist crowds and entertainment seekers, downtown St Louis in Missouri is a “happening place.” Downtown St. Louis is also the region's main business district, home to major corporations such as Edward Jones Investments, Anheuser-Busch and Energizer Holdings. Downtown St. Louis was initially a fur trading post, surrounded by a forest and high bluffs. Although St. Louis was officially named after King Louis IX of France, the region was called Laclede Village when it was first settled, as a tribute to Pierre Laclede, the fur trapper who established the city's early infrastructure.

St. Louis grew slowly, but when France surrendered their hold after seven years, the city saw a big growth spurt, becoming home to 300 residents and 75 buildings by 1776. The population tripled by 1804 and by the time it was 1817, St. Louis had become a significant contributor to the early American commercial system. Around 1836, the city had over 15,000 residents and the city had shed its original name and Downtown St. Louis resembled a typical American settlement. As the mid 1800s approached, the city was a more commercialized region, rather than a residential city.

Being a tourist in Downtown St. Louis means you get to visit and enjoy sites such as the Gateway Arch, Lewis & Clark historic attractions, Forest Park, Missouri History Museum, Anheuser-Busch Brewery and much more. There are over 25 sites and attractions offering a variety of tours, activities and sightseeing opportunities for both children and adults. The Magic House and City Museum are very intriguing to children and adults can just let the inner child take over at these venues.

The surrounding areas of Downtown St. Louis offer more things to do and places to see. You can visit an ancient Native Indian civilization, the Cahokia Mounds, and take a tour around Grant's Farm or drive along Old Route 66 to see the first roads built in St. Louis.

Downtown St. Louis is modernized and heavily commercialized at present, but the way of life is such that, hospitality and warmth are never far away. If you are visiting Downtown St. Louis for any purpose, don't forget to call ahead and book your St. Louis hotel. Try the Millennium Hotel St. Louis if you are looking for modern amenities, comfortable accommodations and great food. It's an acclaimed Downtown St. Louis hotel you shouldn't miss staying a night at.