Explore St. Louis’ wild side – it’s wildLIFE side, that is: everything from native birds to exotic cats to the family pet!
Day One
A. Anthonino’s Taverna On The Hill
Take a 5 mile drive west to indulge in Italian and Greek specialties in a family atmosphere. Their house-made toasted ravioli was featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and was voted best in St. Louis is 2012. Their extensive menu also includes fresh fish, lamb, beef, chicken, other house-made pasta, sandwiches, plus one-of-a-kind hand-tossed pizza.
B. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Just 16 miles west, enjoy Missouri's native flora and fauna at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Experience wildlife up close through a wildlife viewing window; living bee-hive; 3,000-gallon aquarium and exhibits. Learn about nature through interactive exhibits or walk off your lunch on one of the paved trails.Admission to the nature center is free.
C. The Cheshire Hotel
A wild adventure deserves just the right finish every night, so your evening will wrap up 13 miles east, at an English Royal Country House. The Cheshire Hotel has been a St. Louis icon since 1964 and has been completely restored. The 108-room European-style boutique hotel is adorned with rare art works and special appointments in all the rooms, including stained-glass windows and canopy beds.Complimentary Euro-continental breakfast, featuring coffee, juice, pastries and hot breakfast selections; plus complimentary British tea service add a civilized touch to your wild St. Louis adventure.
Day Two
A. Saint Louis Zoo
When it comes to critters, you can’t beat the St. Louis Zoo: home to more than 18,000 exotic animals; many are rare and endangered. You're in for a full day of fun and adventure, less than a mile from your hotel!For the first time anywhere in North America, you can walk through an underwater tunnel into sea lion habitat to see the animals swimming all around you.The Penguin and Puffin Coast exhibit also offers an underwater view of these oceanic birds.General admission is free. There are fees for some special attractions.
Day Three
A. Grant’s Farm
The whole family will enjoy exploring Grant's Farm, operated by Anheuser-Busch, Inc. It's less than 20 minutes south of your hotel. As home to more than 900 animals representing more than 100 species from six continents, it's a living symbol of the Busch family's love for animals and Anheuser-Busch's commitment to wildlife conservation and preservation.Admission to Grant's Farm is free. Hours vary seasonally; see website for details and schedules.
B. World Bird Sanctuary
Drive just over 20 minutes east and explore the World Bird Sanctuary. Take a self-guided tour of displays of live eagles, owls, hawks, vultures, parrots, falcons, reptiles and mammals. On weekends, check out the "Keeper Talks" and "Amazing Animal Encounters" programs.
C. Endangered Wolf Center
Then drive 13 minutes south for your final stop on your St. Louis Critter Crawl. For many people, nothing says "wild" like a wolf. This internationally recognized captive breeding facility raises endangered wolves and releases them back into the wild. Family packs of highly endangered North American wolves and foxes, African wild dogs, and South American maned wolves are housed in natural habitats.Daytime and evening educational tours and programs are offered. But check the website for special events, too. It's worth planning your whole trip around the opportunity to experience one of their wolf howls. Reservations required.