Updated: August 04, 2022

20 Unique Company Retreat Ideas in St. Louis, MO

You found our list of the best company retreat ideas in St. Louis, Missouri.

Company retreat ideas in St. Louis are offsite events that help foster camaraderie among employees and promote open dialogue and increased cooperation. Examples include The Great Guac Off, escape rooms, and food tours. These retreat activities can boost employees’ attitudes toward their job and teach lessons on innovation and productivity.

These ideas work as company retreat locations, group retreat activities, and executive retreat ideas. These activities are similar to things to do with groups in St. Louis and St. Louis team outings.

This article includes:

  • corporate retreat ideas for big groups in St. Louis
  • corporate retreat ideas for small groups in St. Louis
  • company retreat entertainment ideas in St. Louis
  • company retreat locations in St. Louis
  • staff retreat activities in St. Louis
  • team retreat ideas in Missouri

Here we go!

List of company retreat ideas in St. Louis

If you are a team operating in St. Louis or planning to visit the city for a company retreat, then you have numerous options.

1. The Great Guac Off

The Great Guac Off is a go-to activity for teams looking for corporate retreat ideas for big groups in St. Louis. Group members may bond and have fun during the guacamole-making contest. The Great Guac Off can accommodate large groups of up to 300 participants. Once you have finished playing lighter games and activities like trivia and puncado, the group will whip up a batch of guacamole using your best recipe. You may throw in mystery ingredients for the task as an extra challenge. Everyone on your team will have a fantastic time as the hosts assess the guacamole and announce the winners. A rented retreat space or conference room is perfect for hosting The Great Guac Off.

Find out more The Great Guac Off.

2. Gingerbread Wars

Gingerbread Wars is much more enjoyable than the average office holiday party. Every worker in the workplace can get into the Christmas spirit with this interactive and exciting gingerbread house decorating competition. Participants will participate in mini-games and team bonding activities before unleashing their edible architectural genius and creating themed cookie decorations. When you have the elves at Gingerbread Wars plan your company’s Christmas party, your employees will be begging for more.

These holiday-themed games and activities include a professional host, all necessary competition supplies, and optional add-ons. Gingerbread Wars lasts 90 minutes and is available seasonally.

Learn more about Gingerbread Wars.

3. The Art of Storytelling

The Art of Storytelling is a wonderful way to foster personal and collective development through shared experience. The hosts will teach your team a simple yet effective structure for telling effective stories for message delivery. Regardless of their department, workers will find the lessons interesting and beneficial.

The ability to hold an audience’s attention from the beginning of a message till the very end is a valuable skill. If you can keep your target demographic interested, you will increase conversion rates, advertising ROI, and product sales revenue. Participants in the workshop get immediate hands-on experience crafting and telling stories in a safe group setting that includes helpful feedback.

Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.

4. Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier

Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier is one of the finest enduring family companies. The tale’s French origins highlight the fact that fantastic tastes may appeal to folks around the world.

Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolatier is filled to the brim with exquisite sweets. French macarons, truffles, and delicious caramels are all available. Each treat comes from the highest quality materials and attention to detail. Going to Bissinger’s is one of the finest staff retreat activities in St. Louis, since you can indulge in chocolate and other sweets while having a great time.

Learn more about Bissinger’s Handcrafted Chocolate.

5. Budweiser Brewery Tours

A tour of the Budweiser Brewery is an excellent way to learn about the history of a beer that has been a part of American culture for more than 140 years. Although Anheuser-Busch has breweries in other places, this site has been in operation the longest.

This brewery has provided delicious brews to thirsty customers over the decades, from the 19th to the 21st. Budweiser Brewery Tours are some of the best fun you can have in the city. Participants in this retreat activity will get a firsthand look at the machinery and labor that go into producing Budweiser. The flavor is far better when you taste the drink on-site. You can plan to go on a Budweiser brewery tour if you are seeking company retreat entertainment ideas in St. Louis.

Learn more about Budweiser Brewery Tour.

6. Bogart’s Smokehouse

St. Louis has some of the best barbecue spots. You will hardly find finer barbeque in Missouri than at Bogart’s. Although many traditional barbeque selections are available, creativity is evident in all the creations.

While relaxing at the restaurant, you can try the Old Joe Platter and the very tasty BBQ salad. VooDoo Sauce, a hot sauce fan favorite, stands alongside Mad Maddie’s Vinegar and Pineapple Express as essential condiments. If you have a small team, then spending part of your weekend in St. Louis eating at Bogart’s Smokehouse is a fantastic retreat idea. You can also purchase some extra food or takeout later in the evening.

Learn more about Bogart’s Smokehouse.

7. The Muny

Getting tickets to a play at The Muny is a great retreat idea for teams in St. Louis. This stage has hosted outdoor musical theaters longer than any other in the United States. Outdoor settings are ideal for a spectacular show with enthusiastic singing and dancing.

St. Louis’s Muny dates back to 1917, and was built to give community members access to live performances. The theater has also hosted shows such as “Guys and Dolls” and “Kinky Boots” in the past. Visiting The Muny and enjoying a performance is one of the best team retreat ideas in Missouri.

Learn more about The Muny.

8. Sweetology

When it comes to delicious desserts, Sweetology is one of the best options in St. Louis. These cakes could be the finest and most exquisite in Missouri. Sweetology offers a wide variety of baked goods, including cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. You and your team will get the chance to make unique decorations. With some instruction from professional bakers, you can make beautiful and tasty works of art. This company certainly deserves the “sweet” half of its name.

Learn more about Sweetology.

9. Skyline Dinner Cruise

For your company retreat, consider having a cruise on a riverboat. Skyline Dinner Cruise offers riverboat cruises at the Gateway Arch. You and your team will indulge in a leisurely hour-long afternoon boat ride guided by the captain or a National Park Service ranger and take in the sights. Live music, a dinner meal designed by a chef, and awe-inspiring views of the city’s night skyline are some of the exciting aspects of the two-hour trip on the Skyline Dinner Cruise.

Learn more about Skyline Dinner Cruise.

10. Rockin’ Jump

If you prefer indoor locations for your company retreat, consider including Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park. Rockin’ Jump is where you can get your heart pounding. This trampoline park provides many fun activities. Ninja course, in which players ascend a swaying ladder and plant a flag at the top, Slam Dunk Zone, which takes the popular arcade game of basketball into the air, and Ultimate Dodgeball, an innovative gym class sport, are just some of the many games available.

Learn more about Rockin’ Jump.

11. Left Bank Books

St. Louisans who love reading frequent Left Bank Books, the city’s oldest independent bookstore. The shelves pack a variety of fantastic literature. After enjoying a delicious supper at one of the fantastic local restaurants nearby, you and your team can visit Left Bank Books to relax and unwind.

Any time you visit this Missouri bookstore, you can find some excellent books and other intriguing items on the shelves. Year after year, Left Bank Books plays home to several events, usually at no charge. Even if you are not a bookworm, the kind staff and friendly patrons should make Left Bank Books one of your favorite spots in St. Louis.

Left Bank Books may seem to be nothing more than a run-of-the-mill bookshop, but sometimes the little attractions provide the greatest joy.

Learn more about Left Bank Books.

12. World Chess Hall of Fame

The World Chess Hall of Fame is one of the top company retreat locations in St. Louis. Visiting this West End landmark will give you an idea of the global influence of this game. You should check out the Missouri museum dedicated to the game of chess and its history, complete with exhibits honoring the game’s greatest players.

The facility commemorates chess greats like Sammy Reshevsky, Bobby Fischer, and Garry Kasparov. Each of these experts reached their current level by planning for every conceivable scenario in their game. Likewise, this location can teach your teammates valuable lessons about life and strategic planning.

Learn more about the World Chess Hall of Fame.

13. St. Louis Escape

You and your team members can put your brains to the test and try to beat an escape room. Each team member will get clues before they are “locked” within a specially constructed room and instructed to begin the mission. It is a race against the clock as you try to figure out the enigmas and mysteries before time runs out. Whether trying to escape a secure vault or scouring a crime scene, this activity demands you to stay alert and attentive. If you feel anxious about completing the tasks, remember that this is just a game.

St. Louis Escape features seven escape rooms, including the brand-new Jurassic Island, Dracula’s Castle, Frankenstein’s Laboratory, The Wizard of Oz, Blackbeard’s Revenge, The Haunted Hotel, and The Cellar. Additionally, St. Louis Escape is home to the only Blacklight Retro Mini Golf course in the world, transporting players back to the 1980s. The establishment has a large waiting area and an arcade with classic pinball and video games.

Learn more about St. Louis Escape.

14. Market Street

Market Street is close to the Gateway Arch. Therefore, a trip to this district of St. Louis, Missouri, is high on the list of fun activities in the area. St. Louis’s prominence in Missouri reflects in the many significant landmarks.

If you are a baseball fan, then you should not miss a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium, located on Market Street. The stunning St. Louis City Hall and the International Bowling Hall of Fame are well worth a visit. The Soldiers Memorial Building is the place to go if you want to honor the sacrifices made by American soldiers.

Learn more about Market Street.

15. City Museum

City Museum includes St. Louis artifacts that may have outlived their intended purpose but may still be put to good use, although in a more imaginative context. In this former shoe factory, the adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” comes to life. This St. Louis museum can make you feel like you have stumbled into one of the hippest exhibit halls ever. The City Museum is unlike any other since it constantly evolves with new exhibits.

You will find attractions like a huge praying mantis and a decommissioned school bus. Every visitor will find new items to marvel at in the museum. The building features enormous stairwells to descend, and the architecture is generally brilliant, with the four stories and the rooftop garden. You can also challenge your fear of heights, ride the rooftop Ferris wheel, or discover the slides that cross through numerous stories.

Learn more about City Museum.

16. Soulard Farmers’ Market

The Soulard Farmers’ Market, which first opened in 1779, existed for over 200 years. The structure follows the “H” plan popularized by the Italian Renaissance, with a central section and four wings housing various booths. The outdoor market is home to more than 140 merchants selling a wide variety of items, including fruit, meat, fish, cheese, snacks, baked goods, spices, and flowers. In addition, the market has playgrounds, a park, a plaza, and free and metered parking.

Fruits and vegetables you like eating may be in season during your retreat. If you take the time to visit this farmer’s market, you will quickly understand why it has thrived for so many years.

Learn more about Soulard Farmer’s Market.

17. The Wheel at Union Station

Union Station’s Wheel is not your regular Ferris wheel. Regardless of the weather, you may travel in style in your best attire in the climate-controlled comfort of the Wheel’s luxury gondolas at Union Station. Also, you will not have to deal with the wind messing up your hair during your selfies! You can book a private gondola with leather seats, a glass floor, and a free snapshot from The Wheel. While on The Wheel, Be sure to take in the magnificent view of St. Louis too!

Learn more about The Wheel at Union Station.

18. Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym

Rock climbing demands mental and physical endurance. You can plan this retreat activity for the weekend, so your team members have the time to learn a new skill and recuperate. Surmounting a challenging and exciting course while climbing may have a profoundly uplifting effect. Since you require a companion to function as your belay partner, rock climbing is also a highly social exercise that helps build trust and cooperation. This activity should be part of your list of corporate retreat ideas for small groups in St. Louis. You have the advantage of developing both your muscles and your social connections at the same time.

Learn more about Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym.

19. Castlewood State Park

Ballwin’s Castlewood State Park is located in the beautiful valley of the Meramec River. Several outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and biking, are available. Other amenities at the park include picnic areas, a playground, and trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Cricket frogs, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and great blue herons are just some animals visitors may see. You may even catch catfish, gar, carp, or bass in the Meramec River. In addition, Castlewood State Park is a great place to go bird watching, with over 191 different kinds of birds to look for, including the Bufflehead, Purple Finch, and Olive-sided Flycatcher.

Learn more about Castlewood State Park.

20. Bowood Farms

The activities available at Bowood Farms revolve around plants. You may join an indoor lesson to learn how to paint flowers, veggies, and houseplants. You may also learn how to design your own flower arrangements! Potted plants and containers are available for purchase, or you can take a leisurely tour around the greenhouse. Also consider stopping for a meal, snack, or drink at Cafe Osage during your stay.

Learn more about Bowood Farms.

Conclusion

The St. Louis area has several state-of-the-art parks and venues for company retreats. These retreat ideas may promote communication and collaboration within the group while offering a chance to obtain practical experience applicable back at the workplace. After a successful event, your team’s morale will soar since every employee had a nice time.

Next, check out St. Louis team building experiences and corporate event ideas in St. Louis.

FAQ: Company retreat ideas in St. Louis, Missouri

Here are frequently asked questions about company retreat ideas in St. Louis.

What are some good corporate retreat ideas in St. Louis?

Some good corporate retreat ideas in St. Louis include indulging in treats at Sweetology, riding The wheel at Union Station, visiting the City Museum, or exploring Castlewood State Park. These locations are great for promoting cooperation and team spirit among co-workers.

How do you plan a fun team retreat in St. Louis?

Asking around for suggestions from locals in St. Louis might provide several options for group activities that you can include in your retreat. You may tailor this event to each participant by including a range of engaging and useful exercises. Workshop-style activities where participants focus on one or two actual issues or opportunities at work are also a good idea.

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Author:

People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com.
Grace is the Director of People & Culture at TeamBuilding. She studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, Information Science at East China Normal University and earned an MBA at Washington State University.

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