Join us as we explore a short but significant stretch of Interstate 64 westbound in St. Louis, Missouri — one that packs a surprising amount of urban flavor, cultural landmarks, and major traffic transitions into just five miles of highway. This segment runs from the 14th Street entrance in downtown St. Louis to the Brentwood Boulevard interchange, just shy of I-170.
Our journey begins downtown as we merge onto westbound I-64 via the 14th Street entrance ramp. This part of the city sits in the shadow of the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium, though neither are directly visible from this portion of the highway.Almost immediately, we merge onto I-64 just west of the downtown double-decker section, where the westbound lanes have already separated from the lower eastbound deck. From here, the highway levels out as it begins its run alongside Midtown and the southern edge of Forest Park.
Shortly after entering, we exit at Forest Park Avenue — a brief detour that’s well worth mentioning. Forest Park Avenue provides access to one of St. Louis’s greatest assets: Forest Park. Larger than Central Park in New York, this sprawling green space is home to the St. Louis Zoo, Missouri History Museum, St. Louis Art Museum, and the St. Louis Science Center. It’s also a beloved local escape for jogging, festivals, and weekend relaxation. From this exit, we hop off the highway and skirt the northern edge of Forest Park before merging back onto I-64 via Boyle Avenue, about a mile to the west.
Back on the interstate, we’re now traveling along the southern border of Forest Park. The scenery shifts slightly — still urban, but softened by the greenspace buffer. To the right, beyond the trees, lies the St. Louis Zoo, one of the few major zoos in the U.S. offering free admission. Not far from here is the Science Center’s Planetarium, its white dome peeking above the treeline as a futuristic landmark against the more traditional cityscape.
Continuing west, the drive becomes more suburban. We pass under Kingshighway Boulevard and then Hampton Avenue, both major north-south arterials linking the heart of St. Louis with its western neighborhoods. These crossings are essential corridors for local traffic, and they help feed I-64 with commuters coming from places like The Hill, Clayton-Tamm, and Dogtown — neighborhoods with deep Italian and Irish roots, known for their eateries and tight-knit communities.
Our drive concludes just after passing Hanley Road, as we exit the interstate at South Haley Road. This exit is located in the city of Brentwood, a key retail and residential hub for western St. Louis County. Just beyond this interchange, Interstate 170 begins its short but vital journey north toward Lambert International Airport and I-70. This interchange is one of the busiest on I-64 in the metro area and marks the boundary between the denser urban neighborhoods and the more open sprawl of the western suburbs.
Though only five miles long, this stretch of Interstate 64 tells a compelling story about the evolution of St. Louis — from its downtown core, through historic parklands and cultural centers, to its transitioning inner suburbs. Whether you’re a local navigating your daily commute or a visitor en route to the attractions of Forest Park, this corridor is a vital artery in the city’s transportation network.
🗺️ Route Map
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