IN ST. LOUIS FOR 1992: WHAT'S NEW IN THE CITY

ST. LOUIS ~Whether you've been to St. Louis before or are planning to visit for the first time, your family will want to know about some of the new attractions and events available in the "Gateway to the West" in 1992.

To help plan your visit, call 1-800-247-9791 and ask for the St. Louis Sampler. You'll receive information on all of St. Louis' new attractions as well as a free St. Louis Visitor Guide, a calendar of events, a map and a hotel packages directory.

Explore Space at the Science Center:

While a record number of visitors have been exploring the St. Louis Science Center's $34 million expansion, the Center's Forest Park facility has been undergoing a complete renovation that will open in late spring.

~~The Planetarium building will be dedicated to the space sciences and will trace the history of space flight through dozens of interactive exhibits. Connecting the Planetarium with the Science Center's new building, is a 212-foot tunnel with exhibits on Missouri's underground including a coal mine, l9th century sewers, and a modern lead mine. For more information on the expanded St. Louis Science Center, call (314) 289-4400.

All'~s Fair in St. Louis County:

As a tribute to the long and colorful history of aviation in St. Louis, an air show will highlight the first St. Louis County Fair Sept. 25-27.

The family oriented three-day event also will feature traditional country fair entertainment, educational exhibits, a variety of tempting food and many other special events. For more information on the fair, call (314) 530-9FUN.

Cruise on the Meramec:

Just outside St. Louis, visitors can ride a new riverboat down the historic Meramec River. The half-hour riverboat rides, which are the newest feature at 400 million-year-old Meramec Caverns, begin operation in April. For more information on the popular natural attraction or the Meramec River rides, call (314) 468-3166.

Learn on the Lanes:

Everything is adding up at the National Bowling Hall of Fame & Museum in downtown St. Louis. New interactive games like "That's Sum Score" and "Bowling Measures Up" have been developed to teach mathematics to elementary and middle school students by relating math skills to fun activities like bowling. The special math programs or regular tours of the museum are available for groups Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (314) 231-6340.

Art ~Meets Nature:

At Laumeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis, a new addition of more than 100 acres brings more rolling hills and wooded areas to the popular contemporary art park in 1992. Whether its hiking, picnicking, or exploring thought provoking site-specific sculptures, Laumeier has something to suit art lovers or outdoor enthusiasts. For more information on the sculpture park, call (314) 821-1209.

If you didn't visit St. Louis in 1991, you missed the opening of several other popular new attractions:

Scott Joplin House:

The restored home where Joplin, the "King of Ragtime," lived from 1900 until 1903 during some of his most productive years. Visitors can see the family flat, listen to authentic Ragtime tunes in the music room, or explore the exhibit galleries to learn more about the musician and turn-of-the-century life in St. Louis.

Belle of St. Louis:

The new 2,000 passenger riverboat offers day and evening cruises through the Port of St. Louis with lunch and dinner buffets, music and dancing.

Tidal Wave:

At Six Flags Over Mid America, visitors meet an 80-foot-wide wall of water as they plunge over a 50-foot- high waterfall for a wet, wild experience.

Home Gardening Center:

The Missouri Botanical Garden may be known around the world its pioneering rainforest research, but the St. Louis landmark's staff cares about your lawn, garden and house plants too. At the new Home Gardening Center, visitors can talk with experts about everything from getting the most production from vegetable gardens to growing championship roses.

St. Louis Galleria:

Look for retailers like Lord & Taylor, Eddie Bauer, FAO Schwartz, and many others seldom found in the Midwest in the Galleria's $337 million expansion.

Don't forget St. Louis' other well known attractions during your visit. It's still a thrill to ride to the top of the Gateway Arch or visit beautifully restored St. Louis Union Station. Bargain hunters find antiques and collectibles along the Cherokee Street Antique Row and smart shoppers look for produce and spices in historic Soulard Market. And the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, and Science Center always welcome visitors free of charge.