Aboard the LST: Warship Decks, River Engineering, and Talk-n-Chic in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Aboard the LST: Warship Decks, River Engineering, and Talk-n-Chic in St. Louis

A full-day (9-hour) guided outing from St. Louis that visits the USS LST 325 at America’s Central Port in Alton, includes a Melvin Price Lock & Dam tour, and a lunch featuring Castelli’s Moonlight’s Talk-n-Chic fried chicken.

Aboard the LST: Warship Decks, River Engineering, and Talk-n-Chic in St. Louis.

Duration
9 hrs
Location
St. Louis
Operator
Are We There Yet? LLC
Category
Guided Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Anchors Aweigh threads maritime history and river engineering into a single, nine-hour day: a guided visit to the WWII landing ship USS LST 325 docked in Alton at America’s Central Port, an up-close tour of the Melvin Price Lock & Dam, and a lunch stop to savor Castelli’s Moonlight’s Talk-n-Chic fried chicken—an itinerary that pairs tangible history with local flavor.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE SHIP

USS LST 325 — Living History

Step aboard the restored USS LST 325 at America’s Central Port in Alton for a guided exploration of a WWII landing ship that anchors the day’s historical focus.

THE ENGINEERING

Melvin Price Lock & Dam Tour

Visit the Melvin Price Lock & Dam to see the river’s infrastructure in action and learn how locks and dams shape navigation on the inland waterways.

THE FLAVOR

Castelli’s Moonlight — Talk-n-Chic Lunch

The outing includes a lunch stop to enjoy Castelli’s Moonlight’s famed Talk-n-Chic fried chicken, a flavorful local highlight that complements the day’s tours.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

Anchors Aweigh unfolds as a deliberately paced, immersive day: morning pickup in the St. Louis area, a guided visit aboard the USS LST 325 at America’s Central Port in Alton, a separate guided stop at the Melvin Price Lock & Dam to observe river operations, and a sit-down lunch featuring Castelli’s Moonlight’s Talk-n-Chic fried chicken—an all-inclusive rhythm of exploration, explanation, and local tastes over approximately nine hours.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most out of Anchors Aweigh—and who should check first.

1
History BuffsIdeal for travelers who want hands-on access to a restored WWII landing ship and contextual interpretation of river history; confirm availability with the operator.
2
Engineering & River EnthusiastsA strong match for visitors curious about inland navigation and lock-and-dam operations, given the Melvin Price Lock & Dam component.
3
Food-Minded Day TrippersSuitable for those who prioritize a taste of local fare—the outing includes Castelli’s Moonlight’s Talk-n-Chic fried chicken as the luncheon feature.
4
Families with ChildrenFamilies may enjoy the tactile, shipboard experience, but should check with the operator about any age limits or other participant restrictions before booking.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This guided outing runs approximately nine hours.

Meeting & Pickup

Meeting point is STLCC with options for pickup—participants should refer to operator instructions for exact pickup choices.

Price & Inclusions

The published outing cost is $145 and the price includes the scheduled lunch featuring Talk-n-Chic fried chicken.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Anchors Aweigh outing?

The trip duration is approximately nine hours.

Where do participants meet for the trip?

The meeting location is STLCC, with a choice of pickup provided—follow the operator’s pickup instructions.

What are the main stops on the itinerary?

The day includes a tour of the USS LST 325 at America’s Central Port in Alton, a visit to the Melvin Price Lock & Dam, and lunch at Castelli’s Moonlight featuring Talk-n-Chic fried chicken.

Is lunch included in the trip price?

Yes—$145 covers the outing and includes the scheduled lunch.

Who operates Anchors Aweigh?

The tour is operated by Are We There Yet? LLC.