Forest Park Cricket /Rugby Fields, Cricket Ln, Saint Louis, MO 63144, US

Originally built with the profits from the 1904 World's Fair, the Missouri History museum now houses exhibitions and artifacts of note to the State of Missouri and the City of St. Louis. Smaller than a big-city museum, the Missouri History museum focuses more on rotating galleries and exhibits in and out rather than housing a static set of pieces.Best and worst time to go to The Missouri History MuseumThe museum is rarely "busy," but the busiest time would be the weekend hours when a popular exhibit is passing through. If you're in town on a weekday, popping in then would net you the smallest crowds.Must see/do at The Missouri History MuseumNotable fixtures at the museum include the statue of Thomas Jefferson at the main entrance, which was originally built as a memorial to the former president. A replica of Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis" hangs from the ceiling, and a number of artifacts from the Lewis and Clark Expedition make up part of the museum's permanent collection.Admission to The Missouri History MuseumLike a lot of the best attractions in St. Louis, just about everything here is free –- admission, and most exhibits, are open to all. Very occasionally something will rotate through with an additional charge, but these exhibits are often large, in-depth attractions touring the country of the sort you'd see at larger museums in bigger cities.Parking and public transportation to The Missouri History MuseumParking is both free and ample at the museum, with additional parking located along the winding drives in Forest Park that lead up to the museum's back entrance. Buses do run past that side of the park, but traveling via some type of car -– whether your own, or a taxi -– will probably be the most efficient.Food at The Missouri History MuseumBixby's is open on the second floor from 11-2, with brunch hours on the weekends. It's more upscale than one might expect from a museum restaurant, and the prices –- while still reasonable -– might be more than you're expecting to pay for soup or a hamburger. The food is interesting and flavorful – families with children or picky eaters may want to scope out the menu before they arrive.Insider tip for visitors to The Missouri History MuseumThe gift shop has a surprisingly deep bench of interesting items on offer, so it's potentially a great stop if you're looking to nab souvenirs for the family.Author's bio: Sean Kelly is a writer living in St. Louis. As a native of Chicago, he prefers the White Sox, but can root for the Cardinals easily because of how much he hates the Cubs.