16 Reasons to Explore St. Louis

Free. Such a wonderful word, and not one usually associated with big-name destinations. But in St. Louis a wealth of no-ticket (and small-ticket) attractions leaves travelers with a little dough to spend on restaurants or other activities.

Forest Park, which hosted the 1904 World's Fair, has some of the best free attractions in St. Louis, including art, science and history museums, plus the zoo. The Gateway Arch charges admission (for a ride to the top), but the Museum of Westward Expansion at its base doesn't. The new Citygarden (left) mixes art with play -- also for free.

Click ahead for 16 of our favorite experiences in St. Louis. Want to share your own? Add a comment below!

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission