IT’S probably best known for melding the raw emotion of the Mississippi Delta with the rhythms of jazz, ragtime and swing but one US city is set to shake off the blues in 2026.
As the birthplace of music icon Chuck Berry – and home to the legendary Route 66 – this city is preparing for a deluge of travelers after undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation.
Dubbed the “Gateway to the West” by early settlers – more of which later – St Louis is intrinsically linked with its art and culture scene, nurturing jazz icons such as Clark Terry and Miles Davis.
Its jazz bars and cafes still pump out hypnotic melodies to casual passersby today – and that temporary footfall looks set to massively increase next year.
With one-way flights starting from just $31, St Louis is being talked up as one of the “must visit” cities in the USA next year.
Much of the city’s transformation is down to the $27.5m renovation of St Louis’ Old Courthouse.
It originally opened in 1862 and its transformation is part of a city-wide project.
Major renovation
Known as the City Arch Rover Project, this $380 million development plan is being seen as a major driver of tourism in the city.
Ryan McClure is the Executive Director of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation.
He recently said there had been “concerted efforts by lots of civic organisations in ways that I don’t think we’ve seen in generations to bring back the core of the city”.
The 163-year-old building has served as a turning point for significant moments in US history, and local dignitaries say its renovation offers a “reflection of the nation’s past and a bridge to St Louis’ future”.
As well as the renovated Courthouse, there are lots of sights to visit in St Louis.
Iconic road
This includes traveling along the iconic Route 66.
Travelers should expect busy roads next year, though – the route is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.
Other popular attractions include taking photos and riding the tram at the Gateway Arch.
Visitors can also explore the historic district of Laclede’s Landing or try a classic St Louis-style BBQ on The Hill.
Another popular past-time is to walk or rent a paddleboat at the Grand Basin.
With thousands of visitors expected next year, travelers are advised to plan a few months ahead to reserve the best hotel and vacation deals.
Wy is St Louis called the ‘Gateway to the West’?
Its location was the jumping-off point at the opening of the 19th century for exploration of the nation’s newly acquired Louisiana Purchase and further westward expansion of the North American continent.
This is what would come to be known as the country’s “manifest destiny” to occupy all the land between the oceans.
It was also an ideal spot for tradesmen, adventurers, and traders to do business because of its connections to the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri rivers.
Source: National Archives
