St. Louis, Missouri is a vibrant city located on the banks of the Mississippi River in the Midwestern United States. It is the second-largest city in Missouri and the 18th-largest in the United States. St. Louis is known for its iconic Gateway Arch, which stands as a symbol of westward expansion and America’s pioneering spirit. The city also has a rich cultural heritage, with many museums, galleries, and performing arts venues to explore.

The downtown area of St. Louis is home to some of the city’s most popular attractions, including Busch Stadium (home of Major League Baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals), City Museum (an interactive museum with unique exhibits), and the Gateway Arch (a 630-foot stainless steel monument). Other popular attractions include Forest Park (a 1,300-acre park with a zoo, art museum, history museum, and more), Anheuser-Busch Brewery (the world’s largest beer producer), and Union Station (a historic train station).

St. Louis is also home to several universities and colleges, including Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, Webster University, Maryville University of Saint Louis, Fontbonne University, and Harris-Stowe State University. The city also has an active nightlife scene with numerous bars and clubs located throughout downtown and midtown areas.

The climate in St. Louis is humid continental with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature ranges from 25°F (-4°C) in January to 79°F (26°C) in July. The city receives an average of 40 inches (102 cm) of precipitation per year with most occurring during spring months from March through May.