Where is Old Courthouse St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

The Old Courthouse is located in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. It lies between the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis and is situated in a city park area. It is famous for its historic court cases, including the Dred Scott case.

Old Courthouse St. Louis Location Map, St. Louis, Missouri

Top Attractions Inside Old Courthouse St. Louis

  • Historic Courthouse Building – Iconic 19th-century courthouse known for architectural beauty and historical significance.
  • Dred Scott Exhibit – Displays about the landmark Dred Scott case and its impact on U.S. history.
  • City Museum Exhibits – Collections detailing St. Louis history, law, and civic development.
  • Observation Deck – Offers panoramic views of downtown St. Louis and the Gateway Arch.
  • Guided Tours – Ranger-led or self-guided tours exploring the courthouse’s history, courtrooms, and artifacts.
  • Historic Courtrooms – Preserved spaces showing 19th-century judicial proceedings and architecture.
  • Special Events & Programs – Lectures, educational programs, and seasonal activities highlighting the courthouse’s significance.

Old Courthouse St. Louis Facts

Official NameOld Courthouse – St. Louis
LocationSt. Louis, Missouri, USA
Latitude & Longitude38.6270° N, 90.1994° W
Total AreaHistoric Courthouse Building (~2 acres including grounds)
Opened / Established1839 (Original building); Expanded 1861–1864
FounderCity of St. Louis / Local Government Authorities
Managed ByGateway Arch National Park / National Park Service
RegionDowntown St. Louis, Missouri
Address11 N. 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102, USA
Zip Code63102
Area Code314
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneCentral Time (CT) — UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptHistoric Courthouse, Architecture, Legal History, Dred Scott Case
Major FeaturesDomed Courthouse – Historic Courtrooms – Exhibits – Museum Spaces – Public Galleries
Famous AttractionsDred Scott Case Exhibits – Architectural Tours – Courtroom Restorations – Civil Rights History Displays
Annual VisitorsApprox. 600,000–700,000 visitors per year
Entry Fee TypeFree Admission – Guided Tours Available
Ticket Price RangeFree; some special tours or programs may have fees
Visitor OptionsSelf-Guided Tours – Guided Tours – Exhibits – Educational Programs – Special Events
Best Time to VisitSpring–Fall (March–October) for pleasant weather and park accessibility
Nearby AirportSt. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) – ~15 miles (24 km)
TransportationCar – MetroLink Light Rail – Walking – Public Transit
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/jeff/learn/historyculture/old-courthouse.htm

Distances from Old Courthouse St. Louis to Nearby Landmarks

  • Gateway Arch – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Laclede's Landing – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Citygarden Sculpture Park – 0.6 km (0.4 mi)
  • St. Louis Union Station – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • Busch Stadium – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Busch Memorial Stadium / Ballpark Village – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station – 1.5 km (0.9 mi)
  • National Blues Museum – 0.8 km (0.5 mi)
  • City Museum – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Missouri Botanical Garden – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Forest Park – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • St. Louis Art Museum – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Scott Joplin House State Historic Site – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • St. Louis Science Center – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Central West End / Shops & Restaurants – 6 km (3.7 mi)