Things to Do in East Saint Louis

Where can you learn the stories of Civil War soldiers, discover little-known facts about famous figures such as Chuck Berry, and see St. Louis Cardinals artifacts from the 1960's Busch Stadium all in one place? The Missouri History Museum boasts an expansive collection of photographs, artifacts, and maps that reveal some of the nation's and state's most intimate stories. Originally built as the first national monument to Thomas Jefferson, the site now offers exhibits that include items such as the sister plane to Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and images of the buildings and grand palaces that were erected for the 1904 World's Fair.

In addition to rotating exhibits, events such as lectures, genealogical workshops, theatrical performances, and movie screenings offer guests a bridge to the past and a new perspective on the future. The museum is also planning a 2014 exhibit to commemorate St. Louis's 250th anniversary, which will unfold via 50 people, 50 places, 50 moments, 50 images, and 50 objects representing the city's richness and diversity.

This Groupon is valid for cruises beginning April 11, 2011 to October 31, 2011. When your reservation is made prime rib or child’s chicken strips will automatically be set up unless otherwise specified. Casual to dressy attire suggested.

Elizabeth Birkenmeier, Scott McMaster, Jerry Vogel, and Jason Cannon bring Scotland playwright David Greig's sensual show to life for mature audiences. Set on a remote island off Scotland's coast and directed by Philip Boehm, the play explores three characters entangled in a web of sexual tension on the eve of World War II. The lyrical play is at once a keen exploration of human nature, a moving study of young emotion, and a powerful snapshot of a world teetering on the brink of cataclysm.

GCS Ballpark's emerald outfield and manicured base paths pulse with excitement as the Grizzlies prepare for the 2012 season and to reclaim their position atop the Frontier League. Last summer, Grizzlies catcher Landon Hernandez launched 18 homeruns into lower orbit, good enough for fourth best in the league. Hurling fastballs into Hernandez's glove will be former MLB farmhand Pat Arnold, and skipper and St. Louis native Phil Warren returns for his sixth season in the Grizzlies dugout, from where he has collected several prestigious records including most managerial wins and most sneezes confused as bunt signs.

Chris and Pam Schmick's passion for climbing inspired them to clear tons of rotting soybeans out of an abandoned grain silo in Illinois and transform it into a state-of-the-art climbing facility. Now, in St. Louis, the duo has converted a 10,000-square-foot historic train station into a climber’s haven. They installed massive rock arches that soar 35 feet in the air, and dotted the climbing walls with a diverse mix of slabs, cracks, dihedrals, and bald-eagle nests. After their successful expansion in St. Louis, the pair acquired a 14,000-square-foot gym space in West County in which they designed a full-service climbing paradise. All three gyms cater to beginner climbers, with 18-foot-tall bouldering walls and 14 autobelays. The gyms furnish climbers with showers and a locker room, and stock their pro shops with top-tier equipment from Black Diamond and La Sportiva.

With a combined 82 lanes, the St. Clair and Bel-Air Bowling Centers send pins toppling through open bowling, leagues, and other events. St. Clair's pro shop, first opened in 1977, doles out high-quality equipment, service, and enforced timeouts for rebellious pins, and the Beer Frame Lounge allows bowlers to stop for a pint while gazing down at the lanes. Pizzas, adorned with unlimited toppings, sail from the oven onto the plates of waiting guests of St. Clair Bowl, and a homestyle soup bar fills bowls and bellies in Bel Air Bowl's restaurant.