“In St. Louis For St. Louis”
WUMUNS closely aligns with our university motto of “In St. Louis For St. Louis.” In 1976, Washington University in St. Louis adopted the “in St. Louis” at the end of its official name to reaffirm its deep and lasting commitment to the region. More recently, in 2019, the university launched the “In St. Louis For St. Louis’ initiative, further strengthening its investment in expanding economic opportunity, educational access, and community partnerships across the greater St. Louis area. As a standalone department within the university, WUMUNS proudly reflects this institutional dedication to supporting the city we call home.
Our secretariat team works intentionally to integrate the spirit and values of St. Louis into every aspect of the conference. We prioritize partnerships with local organizations, collaborate with small businesses, and allocate financial resources to ensure that local students have the opportunity to attend and participate. Throughout your journey at WUMUNS, we encourage you to engage with and appreciate the rich history, culture, and community of our city.
The Gateway City
In 1965, the Gateway Arch was completed, marking the realization of the largest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Built as a tribute to westward expansion, the Arch rises 630 feet above the skyline of St. Louis, overlooking the rushing waters of the Mississippi River. Its name draws from St. Louis’ enduring nickname, “Gateway to the West.”
As the launch point for the 1804 expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, the city became a critical hub for travelers and settlers heading westward. Today, the arch welcomes over two million visitors each year. If you have the opportunity during your time at WUMUNS, the secretariat team highly recommends taking the tram ride to the top for a breathtaking view of the city and river below.
Fun Facts
St. Louis was the host city of the 1904 Summer Olympics, marking the first Olympics ever held in the US. Historic Francis Field, the main venue of the Olympics, is located on WashU’s campus. We challenge you to find the Olympic rings located nearby!
The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most successful franchises in MLB history, with 11 World Series titles.
The ice cream cone was popularized at the 1904 World’s Fair.
Forest Park (located adjacent to WashU’s campus) is bigger than Central Park in NYC.
The Eads Bridge (located Downtown near the arch) was tested with 14 elephants walking across it to prove it wouldn’t collapse
St. Louis is sometimes called the “Brick City” because it has one of the highest concentrations of 19th-century brick buildings in the U.S.
Explore St. Louis
We hope you will love St. Louis just as much as we do here at WUMUNS, so we have compiled a list of fun activities we recommend you try while visiting the city!
UNION STATION
Once the largest train station in the world, Union Station now blends history with entertainment. Visitors can explore its grand hall, stay in the hotel, or enjoy attractions like the Ferris wheel and aquarium. It’s a striking mix of old-world architecture and modern fun.
FOREST PARK
Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., home to the zoo, art museum, science center, and more. It’s perfect for walking, biking, or catching cultural events. The park combines natural beauty with free, world-class attractions.
CITY MUSEUM
City Museum is a wild, hands-on adventure built from repurposed architecture. Visitors crawl through tunnels, slide down chutes, and climb rope bridges. It’s a playful mix of art, imagination, and urban exploration.
THE LOOP
The Loop is a lively district full of music, restaurants, shops, and street art. Iconic spots like Blueberry Hill celebrate St. Louis’ musical history. It’s a hub of culture, nightlife, and local flavor.
Quick Bites
St. Louis has a rich food scene that blends Midwestern comfort with unique local twists. Famous specialties include St. Louis–style pizza with its gooey Provel cheese and square slices, toasted ravioli, and Gooey Butter Cake, a sweet, dense treat you won’t find anywhere else. From casual bites to iconic desserts, St. Louis cuisine is as bold and distinctive as the city itself.
Near WashU
Salt and Smoke (0.8 miles) – Famous for ribs, brisket, and classic barbecue flavors. This popular St. Louis spot is especially known for its house-made sauces and laid-back atmosphere.
Blueberry Hill (0.8 miles) – Iconic Loop spot with burgers and a Chuck Berry connection. Reservations here can be tricky due to its popularity, so we recommend calling ahead of time.
Basso at the Cheshire (1.5 miles) – Cozy Italian eatery known for fresh pasta and wood-fired dishes. Note that Basso only takes walk-ins, so we do not recommend going as a large group here!
Fitz’s (0.9 miles) – Popular restaurant in The Loop, known for craft root beer, burgers, and a lively group-friendly atmosphere.
The Loop (0.8 miles) – the iconic Loop area is home to many restaurants and cafes; we recommend calling ahead of time to reserve your spots at local favorites. The loop is about a 15-minute walk from WashU’s campus on a dedicated and secure pathway.
Beyond WashU
Pappy’s Smokehouse (6.2 miles) – Famous barbecue spot with ribs, pulled pork, and a huge local following. Note that Pappy’s has limited seating and is not suitable for large groups.
Charlie Gitto’s (4.1 miles) – Longstanding Italian favorite serving hearty pastas and traditional dishes since the 1980s.
Katie’s Pizza & Pasta (5.5 miles) – Family-friendly Italian restaurant with pizza, pasta, and large tables for groups.
Balkan Treat Box (4.4 miles) – Serves Balkan street food like wood-fired flatbreads and ćevapi, perfect for adventurous eaters. Note that this place is difficult for large groups, so we don’t recommend this for sizable teams.
Cate Zone Chinese Cafe (3.3 miles) – Popular University City Chinese restaurant known for bold, authentic Sichuan and Northeast Chinese dishes like cumin lamb and spicy chicken
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard(5.5 miles) – Famous frozen custard stand serving “concretes” since 1929. Note that this is an outdoor service establishment serving dessert.