One of St. Louis' hidden gems. I say "hidden" because not many people are aware about this…read moreimportant part of St. Louis history, and the location. There are no roads nearby (just a bike trail) and there's no signs on the main roads that lead to it. Plus, it's literally by the Mississippi River. I say "gem" because, well, I can't think of any other word. But it's always fun to explore areas where a whole lot of people aren't aware of. For those that don't know, the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing and Rest Area/Visitor's Center is located off of the Riverfront Trail. It's seemingly out in the middle of nowhere. You're very much surrounded by a levee wall with graffiti and then the river. You can access the Visitors Center as long as you're on the trail, and the closest road is 0.2 miles north of it (East Prairie Avenue). You have to drive through the industrial part of the city to get there, and there is a small parking lot. Another big thing to keep in mind is, access is limited throughout various parts of the year. From November to March, the Visitor's Center is not open. And during April to October, it is only open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. I wish it was five days a week, but then they have to pay those people. Lastly, it is open mostly during daylight hours (don't know exactly when...). If you are lucky to check it out during open hours, by all means do it! There is always an attendant on duty, and you can go inside and sometimes they will sell snacks and cold drinks for trail riders. Public restrooms are available, though they are Johnny toilets. I wouldn't go as far as calling it a museum, but there is lots of historical information on the walls inside, as well as two historical markers. The back deck is a great view of the Mississippi River, though there is not very much to see on the other side. One last thing: every year, there is a gathering at the Freedom Crossing, which is the Mary Meachum Celebration. Usually, it happens once a year in May. They have historical re-enactments and food/crafts/games. I still have yet to check it out!

The Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing and Rest Area is located along the Mississippi River a few miles…read morenorth of Downtown St. Louis on the Riverfront Trail. You can get there by car, but for me, it's more fun to go by bike on the trail. This landmark is a work in progress and consists of murals painted on the levee wall, historic markers, informative signs, and a building which is sporadically open (usually on nice summer weekend days). The building is used for special events, displays and as a rest stop for trail users. A nice deck also overlooks the river on the back side. The area is also used annually for the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Celebration which consists of a historic reenactment, storytelling, music and dance. The real reason to come here though, is to learn a bit about our ugly past. I've become fascinated with the story as I've tried to learn more about what happened, and I'll try to give a brief summary of what I've learned from my visits and read on the internet: This site recognizes the first documented Underground Railroad event in Missouri. In 1855 a group of slaves escaped and tried to cross the river from Missouri into Illinois for freedom. Mary Meachum, who was already a free Africa American woman, assisted and accompanied them in their attempt to escape. Mary was the wife of John Berry Meachum who had bought his own freedom, founded the first free black church in St. Louis, and bought other African Americans out of slavery while teaching them how to read and write. When he died, Mary carried on the movement. She was helping a woman named Ester, her two small children and at least two other people to cross into freedom at this very location. Unfortunately, a police officer was waiting on the Illinois side for them and Mary Meachum was arrested and thrown in jail. Ester was "owned" by Henry Shaw who was a very prominent St. Louisan and best known for founding the Missouri Botanical Garden and being a generous philanthropist. Since Shaw was such a well known business man, the local newspapers covered the story in detail and documented what would have otherwise been a forgotten historic event. Ester was returned to Shaw who in turn sold her to a plantation in Mississippi for $350 minus a $161.62 reward to the bounty hunter. Her children were not sold and probably remained behind. While the newspapers documented the story well, I'm still curious to know what happened to Mary Meachum and Ester and her two children.

Here Today! I rested…read morehere with my Tour Group of 56 passengers and what a great stop it was. Restrooms clean, plenty of motorcoach parking, great eating spots AND EVERY table immediately cleaned after occupied. They knew it was Tour Season and knew 50 buses would visit on a daily basis and they cleaning staff was on top of it all. Parking lot free of trash, no over flowing trash just a wonderful Rest Area! Did I mention, they comp drivers meals in appreciation for OUR service? Thanks SO much, I didn't expect the luv! Here Today! There tomorrow!

you need rest? this is the place for it. it's a center island which is really about all the…read moreexcitement I can handle. no bothersome vending machines or running water or tourist information, just some trash receptacles, shelters with tables/benches and trees (shade available in season) so just pull on over and park and rest a bit then get back on your way... just remember you start and finish in the go-fast lane

One of the cleanest Loves that I have ever been to. And maybe there is something in the water, but…read morethe customers in the store were just as nice as the employees. Keep up the great work, this stop was a pleasure.

As gas stations go.. the Love brand is one to trust…read more Most stations, including this one, are pretty clean and so are the restrooms. Well lit and have showers if needed.

My boyfriend and I stopped at this rest area while we were on one of our road trips. The outside…read morearea is beautiful with trees and easy parking. The building itself was not so great. The bathrooms were really gross. There was water everywhere on the ground and multiple toilets were either clogged or hadn't been cleaned. Luckily it was a quick stop for us.

We stopped here to stretch our legs and use the restroom on our way to St. Louis. The bathrooms…read morewere impressively clean, and there were plenty of trash cans throughout the area. It was peaceful and relaxing to take a walk. Lots of greenery and open space. They even have a dog park, which is a great bonus for travelers with pets. Overall, this was a really nice and well maintained rest stop!

ITS A GREAT PLACE THEY HAVE ALMOST ANYTHING like ice cream and oh the huge gift shop is amazing,…read moreany gift for anyone!!!!

A great gass station gas for all age groups! Similarly to Bucees - they got their own branded…read morefood/snacks, hot/cold beverages, hot/cold food selections, room temp/cold beers/booze/wine/liquor, souvenir area with random items, and a very spacious and clean washroom! Staff are very friendly and welcoming!

Nice, convenient rest stop. Vending machines were functional and stocked. I liked the computer…read morescreen with the weather radar on it - that's pretty handy. Bathrooms could have been cleaner, but overall it was decent.

This is a pretty good rest stop for when you bought an energy drink at Wally's and now you have to…read morepee real bad. Seriously though, it's pretty clean for an interstate rest stop. The sensors on the sinks can be a little finicky. The price on the pop machine only sounds expensive until you stop at a gas station and it's the same or more (!!!) so just get your coke here. They even have a coffee machine that makes lattes and stuff.

Easy on and off the highway. Clean and modern with a nice picnic area.this is one of our go-to…read morestops on I55.

As an employee of the rest area I know we work hard and aim high at making this place a clean and…read moresafe environment as well as accommodating your traveling needs with snack and drink machines. Please keep in mind that we aren't scheduled to work through the overnight hours so if anyone messes up the bathrooms or litters we are quick to clean it up as soon as we get to work. I love my job and hope everyone continues to stop in while traveling through.

One of the nicer rest areas that has age on it, but incredibly well maintained…read more The grounds are beautiful with lots of shelters. The restrooms spic and span. I saw staff on duty working. Vending is indoors. Don't miss this gem.

Heading eastbound on I-70 outside Saint Louis, the sign warned that this was the last rest area for…read more130 miles. That's a big gap but it's Illinois and they're spending their money on all sorts of stuff these days. That said, this was a really nice rest area with plenty of parking and some green space. I was able to sit and relax and unwind before starting the rest of my drive. There are vending machines and restrooms and no signs limiting how long you can stay. [Review 1276 of 2024 - 204 in Illinois - 22299 overall]

The hot breakfast included delicious, perfectly cooked bacon, and I'd give 5 stars for that reason…read morealone. It's been quite a while since I stayed at another HIE, or anywhere, with bacon on the breakfast buffet. I also enjoyed the high-flow hot shower. Living in an area where only low-flow shower heads are legal, I do not take a great shower for granted! All other aspects of the stay were good. This is a good hotel.

Very clean, updated room. Super friendly staff, great breakfast. When we asked about the breakfast…read moreas we checked in late at night, Brian at the desk made a special shopping trip early that morning to get me some gluten free muffins so I would have allergy safe food to enjoy. What kind and thoughtful service!