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Your readers should call 1-800-916-0040 (USA and Canada) or 1-314-421-1023 for a free copy of the Official St. Louis Visitors Guide or point, click and explore St. Louis online at www.explorestlouis.com
METROLINK LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM GIVES
VISITORS ACCESS TO MANY ATTRACTIONS
MetroLink provides fast, safe, easy-to-use transportation to many of the area's visitor entertainment, cultural and shopping destinations.
Rides between any two points on the system are just $2.25, and daily passes, which also include access to St. Louis' bus lines, are $7.50. Ten ride ticket booklets cost $27.50.
MetroLink's two airport stations, in the Main Terminal and at the East Terminal, provide visitors with easy access between Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and downtown. The fare from the airport to downtown is $3.75. Many of MetroLink's 37 light rail stations are located near St. Louis' most popular visitor attractions, such as:
The East Riverfront stop lets passengers off near the Casino Queen riverboat which operates gaming excursions six times each day from the Illinois side of the Mississippi. MetroLink riders are transported across the Mighty Mississippi across one of the most significant structures in modern engineering - the Eads Bridge. Built in 1874, the Eads Bridge was the first arched steel truss bridge in the world. When it was first proposed, it was scoffed at as impossible to build.
From the historic St. Louis riverfront, the Arch-Laclede's Landing station brings riders within walking distance of the Gateway Arch and the Museum of Westward Expansion, as well as the restaurants and clubs along the cobblestone streets of the Laclede's Landing entertainment district. This stop also serves Lumiere Place Casino, and President Casino, a permanently moored casino offering gaming on the Mississippi River.
MetroLink's Convention Center stop provides easy access to St. Louis' America's Center convention complex, Edward Jones Dome, as well as to the Washington Avenue Loft District. From the 8th and Pine MetroLink station, visitors can walk to the historic Old Courthouse, the beautiful Wainwright Building, which is considered one of St. Louis' architectural gems, and Kiener Plaza where outdoor events and concerts take place throughout the year.
The Stadium stop brings baseball fans to the Cardinals ticket offices. St. Louis' City Hall, the Scottrade Center and Soldiers Memorial are accessible from the Civic Center station. One stop west, trains pull into historic St. Louis Union Station where visitors can enjoy more than 100 shops, restaurants, night spots and hotels.
From Union Station, MetroLink trains head for Grand Center, St. Louis' arts and entertainment district. The district is anchored by Powell Symphony Hall, home of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the Fox Theatre, an opulent 1920s movie palace that today plays host to touring Broadway productions and concerts. The St. Louis Black Repertory Company and many other arts groups and performing venues also are located in Grand Center, including Jazz St. Louis.
At the next stop, visitors can walk along the Central West End neighborhood's streets where sidewalk cafes and restaurants share space with unique shops, bookstores, galleries and antique stores. The area's beautiful homes, built near the turn of the century, provide a pleasant backdrop for a quiet walk or a full-fledged shopping spree. Bus lines also connect light rail passengers with the Missouri Botanical Garden from the Central West End station.
The world came to St. Louis for the 1904 World's Fair where ice cream cones, iced tea and hot dogs were popularized during the event, which also spawned the Judy Garland movie "Meet Me in St. Louis." Today MetroLink stops at the Forest Park station near the Missouri History Museum where visitors can see exhibits on St. Louis' history.
The Skinker and University City - Big Bend stations offer easy access to Washington University and Fontbonne University, and the Clayton station is located near hotels, restaurants, shopping and 800 park-ride parking spaces at the Shaw Park garage. More dining and shopping options are accessible at the Richmond Heights and Brentwood - I-64 stops, as well as parking in 200 park-ride spaces.
The Maplewood - Manchester station is located near still more shopping and restaurants, and the Shrewsbury - Lansdowne I-44 stop has 800 park-ride spaces. At the Delmar Loop station, riders can access a neighborhood of shops, American and ethnic restaurants and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. The Walk of Fame consists of brass stars embedded in the sidewalk that honor famous citizens including Chuck Berry, Josephine Baker, Scott Joplin, Tennessee Williams and many others. The next five MetroLink stations include stops near the University of Missouri - St. Louis and more than 2,100 park and ride spaces.
The trains always end up at the same place - Lambert St. Louis International Airport - before starting their journeys all over again.
January 1, 2009
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MEDIA NOTE: For more information or photography of St. Louis, send an e-mail to pr@explorestlouis.com or call Becky Sharp at 1-314-992-0652. For up-to-date information about St. Louis, your readers should call the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission at 1-800-916-0040 or check out our website at www.explorestlouis.com. This news release is also available in electronic form. To obtain an electronic version, e-mail your request to pr@explorestlouis.com or go to St. Louis’ online media center at www.explorestlouis.com/media.
