Forest Park Attractions

Missouri History Museum
Saint Louis Zoo
Saint Louis Science Center
Saint Louis Art Museum
Missouri Botanical Garden

Missouri History Museum - A State Divided
The Missouri History Museum Presents The Civil War in Missouri

To commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War the Missouri History Museum's comprehensive The Civil War in Missouri explores the complexities of the Civil War through the eyes of Missourians who experienced it first-hand.

Missouri encapsulates the American Civil Warʼs rending of a nation. Prior to the war, the state reflected the nationʼs ideological, political and racial divisions. Pro-slavery secessionists and those determined to preserve the Union bitterly divided the state. The Missouri Compromise, the Dred Scott Case, and the Missouri-Kansas border conflicts exposed the tensions prior to the eruption of all-out war. During the Civil War, both the Union and the Confederate governments grappled for control of Missouri. Today, Missouri and its role in the Civil War continue to generate debate among historians,
academics, Civil War enthusiasts, and descendants of both soldiers and slaves.

The once-in-a-lifetime exhibition features American treasures, compelling imagery, and interactive, thought- provoking elements. Although the exhibition addresses issues with which the entire nation wrestled, topics that are distinctively Missourian will take center stage.

As visitors explore the origins and aftermath of the bloodiest conflict on our nation's soil, they gain a deeper understanding of how the legacy of the Civil War in Missouri shapes who we are today. Visit www.mohistory.org for ticket information.

Saint Louis Zoo
Can you come out and play? The Saint Louis Zoo offers a great experience for everyone. Visit Jungle of the Apes, River's Edge, Penguin & Puffin Coast and the Children's Zoo. Stir the waters at Sting Rays and Sharks or ride the Zooline Railroad. See some African lions at Big Cat Country or follow a butterfly's wandering flight in the Insectarium. Meet more than 650 exotic species from around the world. Check out the Zoo's new Sea Lion Sound exhibit, where you go nose-to-nose with swimming sea lions by walking through a transparent tunnel- the first in North America.

Veterans Special during Labor Day Weekend: All veterans receive a free Safari Pass and $10 off a Zoo Membership! Offer is for veterans only. Just show your ID at the Zoo Welcome Desk.

With so much to see and do, it's no wonder the Saint Louis Zoo was named "America's #1 Zoo."* General admission is free, and our optional membership program or Safari Pass can help you get even more out of your Zoo experience. Visit www.stlzoo.org

Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center invites you to join our salute to Armed Forces veterans this Labor Day, Sept. 3-5, 2011. As always, we offer our military discount for films and special exhibitions to all those who present a military ID.

This summer, the all-new BODY WORLDS & The Brain invites the public to unravel the mysteries of the mind and the secret world of the brain. Through its aesthetic and accessible displays, BODY WORLDS invites contemplation, study and reflection of the power and vulnerability of the human body and the brain. The exhibition is open through Oct. 2.

Another all-new special exhibit, Medicine in the Time of the Civil War, features authentic medical objects from the mid- to late-1800s and a model of a Civil War-era field hospital. This exhibit is free and open to the public during museum hours.

The Labor Day celebration continues throughout the rest of the Science Center, with several films in the OMNIMAX® Theater, including RESCUE, Tornado Alley and Sea Rex: Journey to a Prehistoric World. Star shows shine brightly in the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, Segway® Tours explore Forest Park, Amazing Science Demonstrations wow, and much, much more!

For showtimes, hours and information, visit slsc.org.

Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s annual celebration of Japanese sights, sounds and traditions returns to St. Louis on Labor Day weekend! Experience the Japanese Festival, Saturday, Sept. 3 and Sunday, Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 5 (Labor Day) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The celebration begins in the Japanese Garden Seiwa-en, the “garden of pure, clear harmony and peace” and one of the largest authentic strolling gardens in North America . Throughout the weekend, enjoy guided tours and candlelight walks in the Japanese Garden ; thunderous taiko drumming performances; bon odori festival dancing; sumo wrestling demonstrations; martial arts, and more!

Japanese Festival admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (ages 65 and over) and $5 for children (ages 3 to 12). Garden members enjoy discounted admission.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd. in south St. Louis. Call (314) 577-5100 or visit www.mobot.org for more information.