Opened in downtown St. Louis in 2016, the National Blues Museum offers a deep dive into the blues, a genre that served as the bedrock for all American music. Here, historical exhibits and immersive experiences teach visitors about everything from electric blues and early rock ’n’ roll to prominent female artists and those who contributed directly to the city of St. Louis. For the ultimate experience, head to the on-site sound booth, where you can write and record your own blues record with different piano, harmonica, and guitar styles. The museum is robust, but small enough to navigate, making it ideal for an afternoon visit.