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Step aboard the USS LST 325 and witness river engineering marvels at Melvin Price Lock. Combine history and hearty Midwestern flavors on this unforgettable St. Louis adventure.
Step aboard the USS LST 325 and witness river engineering marvels at Melvin Price Lock. Combine history and hearty Midwestern flavors on this unforgettable St. Louis adventure.
Book with Are We There Yet? LLC
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Are We There Yet? LLC · St. Louis, Missouri
Situated on the mighty Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri, Anchors Aweigh offers an exceptional excursion centered around maritime history and engineering marvels. The centerpiece is the USS LST 325, a World War II tank landing ship maintained with meticulous care. Visitors step aboard this iconic vessel, witnessing firsthand the robust steel design and imagining the harrowing amphibious landings it once made. The tour provides a rare tactile connection to a pivotal era, revealing intricate details often missed in typical museum displays.
Beyond the ship, the journey continues at the Melvin Price Lock & Dam, a vital infrastructure component controlling river flow and navigation on the Mississippi. This lock and dam complex demonstrates impressive engineering prowess, crucial for commercial traffic and flood control. Here, guests can observe massive barges and towboats navigate through locks that shift water levels with precision. The blend of military history and modern river mechanics creates a unique narrative intertwining past and present.
No visit is complete without savoring local flavors; a stop at Castelli’s Moonlight provides the day’s culinary highlight. Renowned for its Talk-n-Chic fried chicken, this eatery offers a genuine Midwest comfort food experience that complements the maritime tour perfectly. Anchors Aweigh stands out by mixing historical education, river culture, and delicious cuisine in a singular package.
This combination makes it a standout destination in the St. Louis area, drawing history buffs, river enthusiasts, and food lovers alike. Its location at America’s Central Port ensures accessibility and relevance to the region’s rich Mississippi heritage, inviting visitors to engage meaningfully with the river’s influence on local life and industry.
easy.
3–4 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels, basic mobility required for ship walking and some stairs.
The ship is typically open from spring through fall; check specific seasonal hours before visiting.
Yes, knowledgeable guides lead tours providing detailed historical context and technical insights.
Yes, visitors can view lock operations from designated observation areas nearby.
The tour is family-friendly, but children should be supervised due to staircases and tight spaces on the ship.
Parking is available at the visitor center for both the USS LST 325 and lock viewing area.
Lunch at Castelli’s Moonlight featuring their famous fried chicken is included as part of the experience.
The USS LST 325 is one of only a few intact WW2 landing ships remaining in the United States, reflecting St. Louis’s river heritage.
The Melvin Price Lock & Dam supports sustainable river traffic while balancing environmental impact along this vital corridor.
Are We There Yet? LLC operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Book with Are We There Yet? LLC