St. Louis is a city steeped in history—and not all of it is preserved. From decaying factories to haunted mansions, these abandoned spots offer a glimpse into the city’s once-thriving past. Let’s explore ten of the most compelling ruins that beckon urban explorers and history buffs.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Many of the abandoned places listed here are located on private property or are otherwise restricted areas. Entering these sites without permission may be considered trespassing and could result in legal consequences or personal injury. Always respect property laws, observe posted signs, and prioritize safety when exploring.

1. Cotton Belt Freight Depot

• History & Architecture: Built in 1913 as part of the St. Louis Southwestern Railway (“Cotton Belt Route”), this five-story, 750-ft-long concrete warehouse opened on January 1, 1913. It served as a vital freight hub until its closure in 1959. Its elongated, narrow build and loading docks reflect classic early-20th-century industrial design. Wikipedia Atlas Obscura
• Current State: Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, the depot is now a graffiti-covered canvas and occasional host to the Artica festival. Homeless occupants have set up makeshift dwellings at its ends, and the upper floors are mostly inaccessible. Wikipedia

2. Cementland

• History & Vision: Conceived by Bob Cassilly (creator of City Museum) as a surreal cement-themed art/amusement park, blending industrial debris into a fantastical landscape of bulldozed forms and sculptures. abandonedspaces
• Current State: Construction ceased upon Cassilly’s death. The site remains a haunting, unfinished collage of concrete artistry and urban decay.

3. Railway Exchange Building

• History & Role: Opened in 1913, this 21-story landmark housed department stores and anchored St. Louis’s downtown commercial life. The Wall Street Journal+1
• Current State: Long-vacant, boarded-up, and emblematic of the city’s “doom loop” of downtown decline. Its empty corridors stand as silent reminders of urban exodus. The Wall Street Journal

4. Millennium Hotel

• History & Significance: Opened in 1968 (Tower I) and expanded in 1974 (Tower II), this 28-story riverfront hotel became iconic with its revolving rooftop restaurant, Top of the Riverfront.
• Current State: Closed in 2014, its empty towers loom over downtown across from the Gateway Arch. Power still flickers inside parts of the hotel, and decay has set in.
• Future Plans: In 2025, the Gateway Arch Park Foundation announced redevelopment plans to replace the towers with a $670 million mixed-use project. Until demolition begins, it remains one of St. Louis’s eeriest skyscrapers.

5. Falstaff Brewery

• History & Heritage: Once one of America’s largest beer producers, Falstaff operated numerous facilities across St. Louis, with its South Broadway brewery being the most iconic. At its peak in the mid-20th century, Falstaff rivaled Anheuser-Busch.
• Current State: After closure in the 1970s, the brewery fell into decline. The massive brick structures stand abandoned today—windows broken, walls marked with graffiti, and interiors stripped, making it a striking ruin of St. Louis’s brewing golden age.

St. Louis carries a fascinating legacy through its abandoned landmarks—from breweries that once rivaled Anheuser-Busch to grand hotels, forgotten cemeteries, and cultural venues that shaped the city’s identity. These sites aren’t just ruins; they are living reminders of growth, decline, and resilience.

Whether you’re drawn by the haunting beauty of industrial decay, the echoes of jazz-era nightlife, or the towering silence of empty skyscrapers, each location tells a story of the city’s evolving heartbeat.