Imperial, MO

Travel Guide

A city skyline with a prominent arch landmark, several high-rise buildings, and boats on a river.
A river with a forested hill in the background.
A city skyline with a prominent arch bridge over a river, illuminated buildings, and a clear sky.
A bridge with a water tower in the background, surrounded by fog.
A red cardinal perched on a bird feeder.

Get to know Imperial through its historical sites, family-friendly parks, and picturesque drives that highlight the region's landscape.

Imperial is an ideal destination for outdoor, family travelers. You can explore the Mastodon State Historic Site, which offers a glimpse into the area's history. Nearby, LaChance Winery provides a relaxing setting for wine enthusiasts. For those interested in outdoor activities, Chouteau Island is a notable natural feature, perfect for family tourism. You can also enjoy the scenic drive along Great River Road, which showcases the region's natural beauty.

Spend some time exploring the nearby neighborhoods of Imperial. Arnold and Barnhart are known for family-friendly outdoor experiences. In Arnold, you can visit the Arnold Historical Society & Museum or take your dog to Ozark Paw Park. Barnhart features Glen Park, a great spot for family outings. Another nearby area, Kimmswick, is known for its outdoor and romantic experiences, making it a unique destination for couples.

The best time to visit Imperial is from June to September, when the weather is warm, mostly dry, and often sunny. Demand for accommodations and attractions tends to stay steady throughout the year, with a slight increase in busyness during March and from June to July. If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider visiting from October to December, when there are fewer crowds.

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch

3 out of 5
2 South 4th Street St. Louis MO
$135 nightly
The price is $158 total per night from Dec 13 to Dec 14
$158 total
Dec 13 - Dec 14
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (3,841 reviews)
"Staff was incredibly friendly in every interaction. Always asking if all was ok, if we’re having fun, did we do anything interesting that day. On weekends there’s a free Buffett dinner and bar drinks (5:30-7pm). Free daily breakfast was extensive. Very close to Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium and downtown ..."

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2026

Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay

Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay

3.5 out of 5
7750 Carondelet Avenue St. Louis MO
$105 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Dec 6 to Dec 7
$122 total
Dec 6 - Dec 7
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,529 reviews)
"My room was clean and the staff were helpful and kind. Housekeeping did walk into my room while I was sleeping. The pool is always out of order and there were NO LIGHTS in the garage, so it was dark, dangerous and scary! The hotel was also noisy."

Reviewed on Nov 15, 2026

Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay
Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station

Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station

3 out of 5
2211 Market Street St. Louis MO
$104 nightly
The price is $122 total per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
$122 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in St. Louis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Near Union Station
See all 1,492 properties in Imperial
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Charming 2-bedroom house in nice Imperial with AC. Attn! Traveling Contractors

Charming 2-bedroom house in nice Imperial with AC. Attn! Traveling Contractors

Imperial MO
Stay at this vacation home in Imperial. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Mastodon State Historic Site and Kimmswick ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"This was the cutest place, enjoy the location."

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2026

Charming 2-bedroom house in nice Imperial with AC. Attn! Traveling Contractors
White House at Grand Central

White House at Grand Central

3.5 out of 5
3805 Lindell Blvd St. Louis MO
Stay at this apartment in St. Louis. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a garden. Popular attractions St. Louis Union Station and St. Louis Zoo are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (170 reviews)
"The accommodation was clean and in an excellent condition. The only down fall is you have to pay for street parking every 3 hours"

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2026

White House at Grand Central
Centrally located in the Tower Grove East neighborhood!

Centrally located in the Tower Grove East neighborhood!

St. Louis MO
Stay at this vacation home in St. Louis. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions St. Louis Union Station ...
Centrally located in the Tower Grove East neighborhood!
See all properties in Imperial
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Imperial attractions

Mastodon State Historic Site

9.4/10 (9 reviews)
Explore the great outdoors at Mastodon State Historic Site, a lovely green space in Imperial. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.
See properties

Frequently asked questions

Is Imperial worth visiting?
Imperial is worth visiting for its unique historical attractions, including the Mastodon State Historic Site and the Kimmswick Historical Society Museum. Travelers can also enjoy diverse dining, with local eateries offering delicious Italian and Latin American cuisine.
When is the best time to visit Imperial?
The best time to visit Imperial is from April through June, when the climate is generally pleasant. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering cooler weather for exploring.
What is Imperial known for?
Imperial is known for its Mastodon State Historic Site, a significant historical landmark. Travelers can also explore the Kimmswick Historical Society Museum and The Anheuser Museum and Estate. The area also offers an Italian food culture, providing diverse dining options.
What is a good itinerary length for Imperial?
A good itinerary length for Imperial is one to two days to explore highlights like Mastodon State Historic Site and Kimmswick Historical Society Museum. For an extended stay of three to four days, you can also visit The Anheuser Museum and Estate, and enjoy the local Italian, Latin American, or Asian cuisines.
What are the top things to do in and around Imperial?
Imperial offers historical sites, natural wonders, and local cultural experiences:

  • Explore Mastodon State Historic Site.
  • Discover the Kimmswick Historical Society Museum.
  • Tour The Anheuser Museum and Estate.
  • Visit LaChance Winery.

How do I plan a trip to Imperial?
To plan your trip to Imperial, search for places to stay and book flights and rental cars in advance. Explore attractions like Mastodon State Historic Site, Kimmswick Historical Society Museum, and The Anheuser Museum and Estate. For outdoor activities, plan for early morning or late afternoon to make the most of your visit.
What cuisines can you find in Imperial?
In Imperial you can find Japanese cuisine, offering dishes like sushi, ramen, and tempura. Travelers can also enjoy Italian options such as pasta and pizza, and Mexican favorites including tacos and burritos. North American and Mediterranean choices are also available for a diverse dining experience.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Imperial?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Imperial by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Imperial with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Imperial trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Imperial?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Imperial can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Imperial trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Imperial trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Imperial trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Imperial trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Imperial?
If it's your first trip to Imperial, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Imperial hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Imperial hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Imperial

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A river with a dam, surrounded by greenery and a clear sky.

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