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™️ (Top Choice)
Your team can compete in a memorable culinary showdown during The Great Guac Off! This exciting guacamole-making competition will bring your team closer than ever.
Here is what to expect:
- a 90-minute experience led by a seasoned host
- premium guacamole ingredients and chips for dipping
- an optional secret ingredient for an extra dash of excitement
- avocado-themed trivia, captivating mini-games, and interesting facts
- a high-energy guacamole mash-off and judging session
In addition, we will bring all the necessary supplies to your preferred venue. We can host this experience for teams of any size, making it one of the top corporate retreat ideas for big groups in St. Louis. The Great Guac Off promotes camaraderie and enhances communication skills among your team members.
Learn more about The Great Guac Off.
2. Mix n’ Mingle (Great for Networking)
With Mix n’ Mingle, you can unleash the true potential of networking. This immersive experience fuels lasting connections and profound conversations.
Here is what to expect during Mix n’ Mingle:
- 90 minutes guided by a talented facilitator
- team challenges and conversations that help participants work together
- icebreakers that start thought-provoking discussions
- a wide range of interests, viewpoints, and goals
To simplify your planning, we will bring all the necessary supplies to your chosen venue. Overall, Mix n’ Mingle is a unique way to connect with your teams on a deeper level.
Learn more about Mix n’ Mingle.
Want some free team building tools?
$49 value (100% free)
- 100+ fully tested icebreaker questions
- 24+ themed Bingo generators
- 5+ PDFs (including the 8% Rule)
- 2024 team building calendar
- and more...
Enter your email for instant access
3. The Art of Storytelling (Popular)
You can boost your team’s communication skills and confidence through The Art of Storytelling. This transformative experience teaches the art of captivating an audience.
Here is what you can expect:
- a 120-minute session led by a world-class host
- the five essential elements that constitute a captivating story
- effective strategies and techniques to engage audiences
- practice time for participants to refine their storytelling abilities
- valuable feedback from the hosts
We can host this experience at any location you choose, and we will bring all the necessary materials. If you are looking to empower your staff to share engaging narratives, then explore The Art of Storytelling!
Learn more about The Art of Storytelling.
4. Flamingo Bowl
Teams looking for a friendly competition should check out Flamingo Bowl. You can either walk in or reserve a lane ahead of time. After 7:00 p.m., the lanes become 21 and up only. While playing, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks, including sandwiches and pizza. The kitchen is open late, which is perfect for group outings. You can book the space for a private party, which includes access to the bowling alley, party rooms, lounge areas, and a pool table. Local bowling enthusiasts can also join one of the alley’s leagues.
Learn more about Flamingo Bowl.
5. Funny Bone
For entertaining corporate retreat ideas for small groups in St. Louis, stop by Funny Bone! This comedy club has shows most nights of the week. Examples of past performers include Eddie Gosling, Tim Convy, and Katherine Blanford. On Tuesdays, you can enjoy open mic performances or even try your hand at a set. If you are looking for a private event venue, then ask Funny Bone about venue rentals.
Learn more about Funny Bone.
6. Narwhal’s Crafted
If you are looking for a unique happy hour location, then check out Narwhal’s Crafted! At this bar, frozen cocktails are the specialty. You can enjoy creations like Chai Eggnog, Chocolate Mudslides, or Cranberry London Mules. The venue also serves traditional cocktails, beer, and seltzers. For employees who do not drink, Narwhal’s offers delicious house smoothies. The space does not serve food, but you are welcome to bring your own in. Best of all, you can bring your furry friends to the patio and order them a pup cup!
Learn more about Narwhal’s Crafted.
7. The Sheldon
When looking for company retreat locations in St. Louis, consider The Sheldon. This event center holds over 350 events per year. Artists like B.B. King, Willie Nelson, and Judy Collins have all performed on this stage. You can also check out educational content, such as info and music about Lewis and Clark.
Along with events, the space has galleries to showcase art. Since 1998, the galleries have displayed more than 300 exhibits. The Sheldon rotates works from local, national, and international artists throughout seven exhibit spaces. In addition, the Sheldon offers four different spaces for event rentals.
Learn more about The Sheldon.
8. Escape From St. Louis
Escape rooms are among the top company retreat entertainment ideas in St. Louis.
Escape From St. Louis offers unique escape rooms:
- Carnival of the Cosmos: You and your team must uncover the secrets behind the disappearances at the carnival.
- Murder at Denbrough Mansion: In this Clue-like adventure, each player is a suspect in the murder of Philip. K. Denbrough. You must solve the murder to escape.
- Wizard Quest: This classic fantasy story pits you against an evil wizard. You must foil his plans before time runs out!
Each experience lasts 60 minutes, and Escape From St. Louis often adds new rooms to challenge players. Best of all, the venue never locks you in a room with strangers. This local- and woman-owned business is great for large groups!
Learn more about Escape From St. Louis.
9. Pure Perfection Candles
You and your team can make unique retreat keepsakes at Pure Perfection! This venue offers a candle-making bar that is a great fit for team outings.
The class includes the following:
- Candle jar
- Fragrance oil
- Label
- Wick kit
- Optional natural herbs
A candle-making instructor will guide you through the process. Depending on your group’s size, the session lasts for around 20 minutes. The candles need two hours to dry, so your team can grab some lunch or do a little shopping while waiting. After 5:00 p.m., you can even bring in your own wine and snacks!
Learn more about Pure Perfection Candles.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Left Bank Books
St. Louisans who love reading frequently visit 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Soulard Farmers’ Market
The Soulard Farmers’ Market, which first opened in 1779, has 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.
20. 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.
21. 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.
Grace He