Exploring Cementland: The Forgotten Amusement Park of St Louis, Missouri
Updated: Sep 18
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Cementland in St. Louis is not your typical amusement park. It never opened to the public and remains a haunting, unfinished project that blends industrial history with artistic vision. This abandoned site offers a unique glimpse into a dream that never fully materialized, making it a fascinating destination for urban explorers, history buffs, and art lovers alike.
The Origins of Cementland
Cementland began as a bold idea by Bob Cassilly, a sculptor and entrepreneur known for creating the City Museum in St. Louis. Cassilly purchased a 54-acre former cement factory site on the city’s north side, envisioning an amusement park unlike any other. The plan was to combine large-scale sculptures, industrial relics, and playful installations to create an interactive environment that celebrated the city’s industrial past.
Cassilly wanted Cementland to be a place where visitors could climb, explore, and engage with art and history. The site was filled with massive concrete structures, old machinery, and towering cement silos, all repurposed into imaginative playgrounds and art pieces. The project promised to be a one-of-a-kind attraction that would draw visitors from across the country.
What Happened to Cementland?
Tragically, Bob Cassilly died in 2011 in an accident on the Cementland site. His death brought the project to a halt. Without his leadership and vision, Cementland was left unfinished and abandoned. Over the years, the site has become overgrown and weathered, with many sculptures and structures slowly decaying.
Despite its incomplete state, Cementland has attracted attention from photographers, urban explorers, and local historians. The site’s eerie atmosphere and striking visuals tell a story of ambition, creativity, and loss. It stands as a reminder of what could have been, frozen in time.
Exploring the Site Today
Visiting Cementland is not straightforward. The site is privately owned and not officially open to the public. However, guided tours and special events have allowed limited access to this unusual space. For those interested in exploring, it’s important to respect property laws and safety concerns.
Cementland's landscape mixes industrial ruins with artistic installations. Visitors can see:
Giant concrete sculptures shaped like animals and mythical creatures
Rusting machinery and cement silos repurposed as climbing structures.
Graffiti and street art have added new layers of creativity.
Overgrown paths and wild vegetation reclaim the space.
Each element tells part of the story of St. Louis’s industrial heritage and Cassilly’s artistic vision.
The Legacy of Bob Cassilly and Cementland
Bob Cassilly’s work has left a lasting impact on St. Louis. The City Museum remains a popular destination, known for its hands-on exhibits and creative use of reclaimed materials. Cementland was meant to continue this philosophy, blending art, history, and play.
Though Cementland never opened as planned, it continues to inspire artists and urban explorers. The site has sparked conversations about urban renewal, preserving industrial sites, and the role of public art in communities. Some hope that Cementland might one day be revived or preserved as a cultural landmark.
Why Cementland Matters
Cementland is more than just an abandoned amusement park. It represents a unique intersection of art, industry, and community. The site challenges traditional ideas about what an amusement park can be, emphasizing exploration and creativity over rides and attractions.
For St. Louis, Cementland symbolizes the city’s industrial past and its potential for creative transformation. It invites visitors to reflect on the stories embedded in the landscape and imagination's power to reshape forgotten places.
Tips for Those Interested in Cementland
If you want to learn more about Cementland or experience it safely, consider these suggestions:
Research local tours or events that offer legal access to the site.
Explore the City Museum to understand Bob Cassilly’s artistic style and vision.
Follow local urban exploration groups for updates and stories about Cementland.
Respect the site’s safety and ownership rules to avoid legal trouble or injury.
Document your visit responsibly with photos and notes to share the story.
Cementland remains a hidden gem for those willing to look beyond the usual tourist spots.
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