Arnold offers small-town charm a stone’s throw from the bustling metropolis of St. Louis. The city is set on the banks of the Meramec River and features a lively downtown district filled with shops, cafes and mom-and-pop restaurants. Explore riverside trails, cruise along the Blues Highway and enjoy authentic Midwestern hospitality.
Things to do in Arnold
Walk in the footsteps of giants at the Mastodon State Historic Site. In addition to ancient forests, the site protects the famous Kimmswick Bone Bed, where scientists discovered bones of humans and prehistoric American mastodons. Don’t miss the artefacts, fossils and enormous mastodon skeleton replica on display in the museum.
Rent a bicycle and enjoy a scenic ride along the Meramec Greenway. The trail system hugs the banks of the Meramec River and takes you past picturesque parks and picnic spots shaded by towering oak trees.
Downtown Arnold is packed with places to enjoy classic Midwest comfort food. Fill up on local specialties like chicken pot pie, mac ‘n’ cheese and butter burgers cooked in a cast-iron skillet. Follow your nose into family-owned BBQ joints that have perfected their recipes over generations. Be sure to try St. Louis-style pizza, another local specialty featuring a crispy crust and square slices.
Spend the day in Kimmswick, a historic town set on the Mississippi River. The well-preserved town is a slice of Americana and features cobbled streets lined with 19th-century buildings. Browse independent galleries, hunt for treasures at antique stores and dine at kitsch cafes.
The Blues Highway passes through Arnold and is a bucket list road trip for music enthusiasts. Also called US Highway 62, the famous route stretches for more than 2,200 kilometres and connects Nashville, Tennessee with New Orleans, Louisiana. Use Arnold as a base to visit nearby sights and attractions along the highway, including famous jazz and blues clubs in Downtown St. Louis.
Getting around Arnold
Downtown Arnold is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is a 30-minute drive from Downtown St. Louis. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. St. Louis Lambert International Airport is a 30-minute drive away.