Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Pacific, MO

  • Published 2022/09/21

The city of Pacific is in Franklin County, Missouri, that extends into St. Louis County to the east.

This is an impressive transformation considering it started as a log cabin in 1820.

Originally named Franklin, it grew steadily throughout the first half of the nineteenth century.

Major William C. Inks surveyed the area that would become Franklin, Missouri, in 1852.

The Pacific Railroad laid its tracks through the town the following year and opened on July 19, 1853.

Franklin became a fourth-class city in 1859, renamed Pacific to honor the pacific railroad.

Today, Pacific, only 30 minutes from St. Louis, still displays a glimpse of its vibrant history.

Commuters from larger cities flock there to experience the quiet charms and comfortable small-town life.

Enjoy the best things to do in Pacific, Missouri, and discover its hidden gems!

Go on Thrilling Rides at Six Flags St. Louis

Rides at Six Flags St. Louis

Jeremy Thompson, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Six Flags St. Louis is an amusement park with rides and characters from many Warner Bros. movies and TV shows, like Looney Tunes, DC Comics, and others.

You can find this place in Eureka, Missouri, only 12 minutes from Pacific.

There are not many people in line, and food prices are average.

Rollercoaster at Six Flags St. Louis

Chris Hagerman from New Port Richey, FL, US, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You should download their app, as it will save you a lot of time by telling you exactly how long you will have to wait, where everything is, and where to go.

Likewise, a season pass is a good idea because it gets you into Six Flags St. Louis and their water park.

Watch an Authentic Rodeo at Liberty Field

One of the newest parks in the Pacific area is Liberty Field.

With 30 acres to explore, Liberty Field is home to a walking path, an equestrian arena, soccer fields, and a multi-use field.

This park is an excellent venue for rodeos, sports tournaments, or any occasion where you need space for big groups.

Liberty Field annually hosts the Pacific’s Iron Horse Rodeo.

The Rodeo offers great music, tasty food, pony rides, and thirst-quenching beverages.

Join outdoor activities that will keep you busy all weekend.

You also support local businesses and the Pacific community when you join these activities.

To get to the stadium, go to the South Gate and follow the signs.

Stop by Jensen Point Overlook

Walk up the hill to the Jensen Point lookout and take the breathtaking view of historic Route 66.

Jensen Point is off the Gardenway and Route 66.

See a stone tower perched atop a hill, besides a series of terraces and stairways.

It opened on Memorial Day, 1939.

The Jensen Point property spans over 2.8 acres on East Osage Street (Historic Route 66) in the Pacific, just west of the Red Cedar Inn.

Moreover, its name pays tribute to Lars Peter Jensen, the founding president of the Gardenway association.

The park reopened in 2016 after closing to visitors in the 1990s.

Walk around the Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos

You can visit the Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos, a Catholic Marian shrine complex in the countryside just south of Pacific, Missouri.

Bronislaw Luszcz, a Polish Franciscan immigrant, began building the grotto in 1938.

The atmosphere at the shrine is tranquil and pleasant.

It is home to several religious statues, including a crucifix, a Nativity scene in a makeshift cave, Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, and a statue of St. Francis.

The gift shop is fantastic, selling reasonably priced items.

Reflect on life at the Black Madonna Shrine and Grottos.

Take a Ride at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park

Camping and fun activities await the whole family at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park.

If you’re not into tent camping, the cottages and cabins in the campground will blow your mind.

It’s great for kids and adults alike, with the right daily activities to keep guests engaged without becoming overwhelming.

Hop aboard the Yogi Express and help Yogi Bear prepare for the day.

For the kids, there’s mini golf, and for the adults, beach volleyball and a play area.

They are located at Fox Crk Rd, Pacific, Missouri.

Visit the Pacific Palisades Conservation Area

Along the Meramec River sits the Pacific Palisades Conservation Area.

The 695-acre Pacific Palisades Conservation Area is in Jefferson and St. Louis Counties.

It got its name from the shapes of the rocks and sand along this part of the Meramec River.

The trails open for a relaxing stroll between hunting seasons.

There are great spots for anglers to catch bass and non-game fish.

You can also go hunting at the Pacific Palisades Conservation Area, but only the section of the area in Jefferson County is open to hunting.

Other Things To Do Nearby

Explore the Science Exhibits at Saint Louis Science Center

Dinosaur exhibits at Saint Louis Science Center

chettarin / Shutterstock.com

You can have a lot of fun with your family at the Saint Louis Science Center in St. Louis, Missouri, 34 minutes from Pacific.

It is a fantastic place to see everyday objects’ inner workings and understand their scientific foundation.

It’s one of the largest science centers in the country, with over 750 displays spread over 300,000 square feet.

Exterior view of Saint Louis Science Center

RN Photo Midwest / Shutterstock.com

The museum features exhibits on various topics, from outer space to dinosaurs, insects, and video games.

In 1963, they established a planetarium as the cornerstone of the Saint Louis Science Center.

The current version of the Center includes several structures, including a science museum and planetarium.

Skulls exhibited at Saint Louis Science Center

chettarin / Shutterstock.com

You will have a blast exploring the exhibits and playing in the open space.

The entrance is free, although there may be additional costs for specific shows or exhibitions.

Commune with Nature at the Whitmire Wildflower Garden

Nothing beats a trip to the great outdoors to regain your strength after a busy day.

The Whitmire Wildflower Garden is a beautiful place to stroll and enjoy nature anytime.

The garden features 500 Missouri native plant species.

In addition, it has a perennial garden, rock garden, prairie garden, water garden, forest garden, and rain garden.

The one-of-a-kind rock garden comprises crushed limestone, boulders, and some organic matter and clay.

Garden plants come from natural limestone glades, rocky dry places with little soil and few trees.

Don’t pick or dig wildflowers.

You can find this place in Gray Summit, Missouri, nine minutes to Pacific.

Wildflower Garden has a strict no-pets-and-no-smoking policy.

Ride the Train at the Wabash Frisco & Pacific Railway

The Wabash Frisco & Pacific Railway WF&P began operations around Brown Road and Natural Bridge in 1939 as a volunteer-run non-profit organization.

They have kept up this wonderful tradition since 1961, giving locals and tourists alike a glimpse into the past.

This place is for you if you appreciate train rides, history, or both.

You’ll have a blast and learn something new at this fantastic location.

There’s a park, a train ride, and various trails for the kids.

You can even walk down to the river’s edge and enjoy the scenery.

It’s a fantastic area for group outings and picnics with the whole family.

The Wabash Frisco & Pacific Railway is on Grand Avenue in Wildwood, Missouri, 17 minutes from Pacific.

Marvel at the Collection of the National Museum of Transportation

Train at National Museum of Transportation

Matthew Cone / Shutterstock.com

Visiting the National Museum of Transportation is an excellent way to spend a few hours learning about and appreciating the history of transportation.

Located in the St. Louis suburb of Kirkwood, Missouri, this museum features transportation of all kinds.

This place is 25 minutes from Pacific.

Established in 1944, the museum collects, restores, and exhibits locomotives and railroad equipment from around the United States.

Trains on the railroads at National Museum of Transportation

Matthew Cone / Shutterstock.com

Likewise, they also show cars, boats, and airplanes from the preceding 15 decades.

Some one-of-a-kind items are on display, such as Bobby Darin’s beautiful bespoke automobile and the largest tanker car in the world.

Do not miss out on seeing any of the structures.

The trains are outside, but the classic automobiles are in a climate-controlled interior.

From April to October, on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, you can ride a fully restored trolley or ride the miniature railroad that runs around a track loop near the parking lot.

Steam engine at National Museum of Transportation

Matthew Cone / Shutterstock.com

Take a Guided Tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright House

The Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park in Kirkwood, Missouri, is a one-of-a-kind historic mansion.

Widely regarded as the 20th century’s greatest American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright designed the house.

You can find this 10.5-acre property, comprising the house and lush grassland, 25 minutes from Pacific.

This building is a massive 1,900-square feet structure, one of just five Wright-designed homes in Missouri.

Likewise, it’s a shining example of Wright’s democratic ideal, which aimed to make high-quality architecture accessible to everyone in the United States.

The tour guides have extensive knowledge of the home and its previous inhabitants.

If you want to go, you should buy your ticket early.

There are just two right angles in the house; everything else is a remarkable assortment of angles.

Moreover, the tour only accommodates a maximum of four members, ensuring that everyone receives individualized attention and valuable details.

Please arrive 30 minutes early to the tour to take photographs outside the building.

Photography is not permitted inside the building.

The Frank Lloyd Wright House hosts tours every other Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Explore Robertsville State Park

Trail at Robertsville State Park

Fredlyfish4, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You can find the Robertsville State Park in Robertsville, Missouri, 16 minutes from Pacific.

This 1,225-acre park offers campsites with tent pitching areas, fire pits, and picnic tables along the Lost Hill trails.

In 1831, Edward James Roberts arrived in the area at 14 years old.

Years later, he would come to own the property, which holds an abundance of deer, birds, and squirrels.

Moth at Robertsville State Park

Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The camping area might not have direct access to the river, but you can go to the boat launch and fishing pond nearby.

Likewise, the park sells ice and firewood, and the knowledgeable staff gives advice and information about the attraction.

Go fishing in the pond to catch some hybrid bluegill and catfish.

Bring your family to the Robertsville State Park!

Dragonfly at Robertsville State Park

Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Have Fun at the Magic House

Children of various ages, backgrounds, and interests can enjoy the attractions and activities at the Magic House.

It’s a beautiful location for youngsters to run about and discover.

They give children the means to create knowledge, letting them learn at their own pace.

There are specific attractions for younger and older visitors, but everyone is welcome throughout.

The Magic House is a great place to take your kids if you want them to engage in hands-on learning all day long, fostering their imaginations, trying new things, and learning to solve problems in novel ways.

In addition, a Children’s Village is a beautiful place for children to experience the “real world,” with activities such as fixing cars, stocking grocery shelves, or climbing a tree house.

The Magic House is in St. Louis, 25 minutes from Pacific.

Explore the Shaw Nature Reserve

Lily pond at Shaw Nature Reserve

Susan Sherman-Adkins / Shutterstock.com

Located in Gray Summit, Missouri, the Shaw Nature Reserve is a private, non-profit nature reserve that spans 2,400 acres and features a variety of ecosystems, including wildflower meadows, glades, prairies, ponds, vistas, and more.

You can find this place nine minutes from Pacific.

With the help of strategically placed signs, visitors can quickly locate and explore a variety of habitats.

Shaw Nature Reserve is an extension of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Join the Missouri Botanical Garden and access the Nature Reserve’s annual sale of native plants and wildflowers a day early.

The tallgrass prairie, a marsh, and several historic buildings are just some of the habitats featured at Shaw Nature Reserve.

Chipmunk sneaking out of a log at Shaw Nature Reserve

Kyle Spradley Photography / Shutterstock.com

In addition, the Nature Reserve is home to the Whitmire Wildflower Garden and 17 miles of hiking trails.

Spending the day skiing at Hidden Valley, located not far from St. Louis, Missouri, is a guaranteed good time.

The resort first opened to the public in 1982, offering a wide range of terrain over 16 trails and two peaks.

Beautiful yellow daffodils at Shaw Nature Reserve

Siouxie LaStrange / Shutterstock.com

Enjoy a Day of Swimming at Wapelhorst Aquatic Facility

Wapelhorst Aquatic Facility is the best outdoor waterpark in the area, featuring attractions suitable for all ages.

This place is great for unwinding, swimming some laps, and basking in the sun.

If you enjoy water slides, you should prepare for exciting water rides.

Water rides and activities, such as the ever-popular tipping bucket, are available in the kid-only entertainment section.

Children will especially like the water sprays and the little slide.

If you need a break, deck chairs are there for you and the kids.

You can find the place at Muegge Road, St. Charles, Missouri, 38 minutes from Pacific.

Final Thoughts

Pacific, Missouri, is a beautiful place to visit and call home.

The neighborhood is beautiful, and the people are warm and welcoming, just like a small town should.

Plan your trip today and discover the best things to do in Pacific!

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