17 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO AROUND SCOTT AFB

Introduction

Scott Air Force Base is just southeast of St. Louis, Illinois, making it a hub for things to see and do. There are over 13,000 people who live and work at Scott AFB in St. Clair County. The base has been around in some form since 1917 when the lease to the land was first signed. Since then, Scott AFB has had major roles to play in every conflict, both big and small. It once housed the Army Balloon and Airship School, Air Training Command Headquarters, the Air Weather Service, and more. Now, it’s home to the 126th Air Refueling Wing. And if you’re here at Scott AFB, then you better get ready to take advantage of all the things it has to offer on and around the base. Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to where you want to go: (1-3) Gyms (4-8) Nearby Attractions (9) Movie Theater (10-13) Museums (14) Bowling Alleys (15) Golfing (16-17) Outdoor Recreation

Things to Do Around Scott AFB

Scott AFB Gym

1. Warmer Fitness Center

102 Heritage Dr Scott AFB, IL 62225

Phone

: 1 (618) 256-1218 The Warmer Fitness Center on base is a great all-around place to get your workout in. They offer tons of cardio equipment for the enthusiast aerobicist, like treadmills, stairmasters, ellipticals, and more. Warmer also has an indoor track for those who like it better pounding the turf instead of the treadmill belt. And Warmer is the site of special events throughout the year like the triathlon that takes place at Scott AFB.

2. James Sports Center

301 W Winters St Scott AFB, IL 62225

Phone

: 1 (618) 256-4524 The James Sports Center on base is the place to go for intramural sports. This is the headquarters of all the teams, as well as the place that houses all the courts for basketball, racquetball, volleyball, and more. If you’re joining a team, this is going to be where you play. James Sports Center also has a weight room and cardio equipment as well, so if you’re not joining a team sport you can still come by to get a workout in.

O’Fallon

3. G2 ASC

615 N Main St O'Fallon, IL 62269

Phone

: 1 (860) 514-3959 G2 ASC is the place to go for serious athletes, or for those looking to become serious athletes. They offer personal training for truly intense results. G2 ASC uses a combination of cross training, high-intensity interval training, free weights, cardio, and body weight exercise to get you in the absolute best shape of your life. This is warrior-level stuff.

St. Louis Attractions

4. St. Louis Zoo

1 Government Dr St. Louis, MO 63110

Phone

: 1 (314) 781-0900 The St. Louis Zoo is a free zoo with access to over 13,000 animals. These are divided into distinct areas based on species. There are live webcams on the website for people all over the world to view their animals. They host many programs and events throughout the year, including a holiday light display.

5. The Mural Mile

Chouteau Ave & S Leonor K Sullivan Blvd St. Louis, MO 63102

Phone

: 1 (314) 863-5811 The Mural Mile is a floodwall at the Mississippi River waterfront that’s host to the work of graffiti artists from across the U.S. Each year on Labor Day, artists descend on the wall to showcase their work and leave their marks. But the wall can be visited any time throughout the year, so come by and check out this open-air graffiti installation.

6. Old Courthouse

11 N 4th St St. Louis, MO 63102

Phone

: 1 (314) 655-1700 The Old Courthouse in St. Louis is an historic landmark that’s managed by the National Park Service. This is the site where Dred Scott sued for freedom. It’s a site where slaves were sold on the steps of the courthouse and history was made for good or ill. Now, tourists can come here to learn the cause and effects of this and other key points in Missouri’s history.

Chesterfield

7. The Butterfly House

15193 Olive Boulevard, Faust Park Dr Chesterfield, MO 63017

Phone

: 1 (314) 577-0888 The Butterfly House is home to a butterfly garden and a tropical conservatory. Walk through the garden to get into the conservatory, where you’ll find over 80 species of butterflies along with a curated selection of tropical plants and flowers. The Butterfly House holds readings and other programs year round.

Collinsville

8. World’s Largest Catsup Bottle

800 S Morrison Ave Collinsville, IL 62234 If you’re excited by the bizarre Americana of roadside attractions, then the world’s largest catsup bottle is waiting for you. It’s a blast from the past with its retro design and is interesting for all of the two minutes you’ll spend taking a picture from the corner of the road.

Scott AFB Movie Theater

O’Fallon

9. O’Fallon Movie Theatre

1320 Central Park Dr O'Fallon, IL 62269

Phone

: 1 (618) 624-7363 O’Fallan Movie Theatre is the closest to a Scott AFB movie theater you’re going to get. Since the base theater closed in 2012, the closest one is now in O’Fallon. They do offer a military discount, though, so it’s not all bad. Check the website for showtimes. A private theater for groups and events is available to rent here.

Museums

St. Louis

10. City Museum

750 N 16th St St. Louis, MO 63103

Phone

: 1 (314) 231-2489 The City Museum is a giant playground made of repurposed materials and fit for all ages. Built in a warehouse, the museum is carved out into tunnels and obstacles for patrons to interact with, all created with materials from the city and its past. There are some extravagant hands-on creations to find here, and hidden easter eggs to be found. Hang out in one of the castles, or dive into a secret passageway. The City Museum is a wild experience, and one that will entertain the whole family.

11. Missouri History Museum

5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO 63112

Phone

: 1 (314) 746-4599 The Missouri History Museum is filled with the rich cultural heritage of Missouri and the westward expansion. Current and past exhibits have included the wagon trains to the west, the women’s suffrage movement, Mark Twain’s role in St. Louis history, local Native American tribes and culture, and much more. Admission to the museum is free.

12. St. Louis Science Center

5050 Oakland Ave St. Louis, MO 63110

Phone

: 1 (314) 289-4400 The St. Louis Science Center is a free interactive museum with a ton of exhibits and programs for the whole family. There’s a lot for the kids here, including school programs, STEM education guidance, hands-on learning, and more. There are 700 interactive experiences, a planetarium, and their OMNIMAX gallery. This is the place to be for the science lover in your life. Imperial

13. Mastodon State Historic Site

1050 Charles J Becker Dr Imperial, MO 63052

Phone

: 1 (636) 464-2976 Mastodon State Historic Site houses the first evidence of the coexistence of humans and mastodons. It’s a large archaeological and paleontological area with lots to explore. There are trails, playgrounds, picnic sites, and more. There’s also a museum on the grounds with exhibits and videos meant to place the viewer back in time when Missouri was home to the Mastodon and another megafauna.

Scott AFB Bowling Alley

14. Stars and Strikes Bowling Alley

311 W Martin St #1934 Scott AFB, IL 62225

Phone

: 1 (618) 256-4054 Stars and Strikes is a Scott AFB bowling alley right on base that’s well maintained and family-friendly. They do special events periodically like $2 Tuesdays, free holiday bowling, and cosmic bowling. Stars and Strikes serve food and beer as well.

Scott AFB Golf Course

15. Cardinal Creek Golf Course

1192 Golf Course Rd Scott AFB, IL 62225

Phone

: 1 (618) 744-1400 Cardinal Creek is the Scott AFB golf course. It’s easy to get to and open for reservations. Call for tee times. Cardinal Creek features a pro shop, a driving range, and a cafe.

Scott AFB Outdoor Rec

St. Louis

16. Forest Park

5595 Grand Dr St. Louis, MO 63112

Phone

: 1 (314) 367-7275 Forest Park is a large outdoor green space full of fountains, streams, gardens, art installations, bridges, and more. It’s a beautiful space for taking in the natural world in the middle of the urban environment of St. Louis. People come here to work out, run, do yoga, have picnics, and meditate. St. Louis Art Museum is inside the park.

17. Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park

185 W Trendley Ave East St Louis, IL 62201

Phone

: 1 (618) 581-5811 The Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park is a curated green space with breathtaking views of the Gateway Arch. This is Americana in a view. The park itself is full of attractions like the Gateway Geyser and the Mississippi Overlook. It’s also a phenomenal spot for fireworks on the 4th of July. Come to the park to work out, jog, walk the dog, or bring the family for a nice lunch beneath the Gateway Arch.

Conclusion

There’s a lot of things to do at Scott AFB and around the area. With convenient access to the major metro area of St. Louis, there’s no shortage of experiences to be had. Scott AFB outdoor rec is also plentiful. There are plenty of parks and lots of nature to explore in your off time. So take the family for an outing or enjoy some time alone diving into all that Scott AFB attractions have to offer.  

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.