Parks

Parks & Recreation Type Stuff 

Hugging a tree is always free.

You like parks? We've got parks! Large to little, artsy to woodsy, and fantastic waterways galore. And if you like trails, you're in for a real treat. Here are some highlights.

Missouri side

St. Louis County Parks (ALL of 'em)

Just a collection of some favorite wooded spaces to hang out and breath in the air. Click their respective names for specs on each.

 

Forest Park

The site of the 1904 World's Fair and the place where so much happens today. The Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, Science Center and Muny are all located within the grounds, with plenty of room to spare in its 1,293 acres. Lots of trails, green space and waterways allow for loads of recreation opps and major events. A true urban gem.

Gateway Arch National Park

In case you didn't know, our fantabulous 63 story Arch is actually located on the grounds of a great national park. While the Arch itself costs a bit to get to the top, it's always free to stroll the grounds and riverfront outside, which include North Gateway Park and the park over the highway connecting to the Old Court House and Kiener Plaza. The brand new museum down below remains free to explore as well.

A major overhaul of the entire site was completed on July 3, 2018 and the Arch grounds are once again the site of Fair St. Louis. (Thanks, Forest Park! We loved partying there.)

Confluence Point State Park

It's actually a bit overwhelming to consider how much rushing water suddenly merges here. Drive a ways through some farm fields to get to the Point (watching out for turtles), then take some time to take it all in.

Creve Coeur Lake & Park

Creve Coeur lake and surrounding has lots to offer. Here you'll find a rather popular photo spot by a spring, where legend has it a young Native American fell to her death due to a "broken heart" (or "creve coeur" in French). While there's no swimming, boaters are free to come sail away. Play in the sand at the beach and take to the paved path around the lake, or the more woodsy trails as you pass under the very high highway and through the bluffs above. You might even walk to dinner at Lakehouse, featuring evening entertainment. There are also plenty of shelters, sports fields, frisbee golf, regular golf, a zip line course and batting cages nearby.

Faust Park

There's a lot to do at this unique location. While it's the home of the Butterfly House, which offers limited first Tuesday free tix for residents, there's also a historic village and home, along with frequent special events. For a nominal fee, ride a painted pony on the fastest indoor carousel ever to spin me right 'round.

 

Katy Trail State Park

It's a trail. It's a park. And we've got a piece of it. Whether you bike it or walk it, this old railroad right of way, named for the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad or MKT, will actually take you not quite to the other side of the state if you keep on going. But there's plenty of Katy to explore right in this area.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

One of my favorite spots in town. As you play in the huge fields and hike along some great wooded trails, you'll come across strange and unusual sculptures of all kinds incorporated into the landscape. Free art exhibitions indoors, free docent led tours each Sunday, and a mix of free and paid events make this art park a must enjoy. They've recently added a brand new building to explore as well.

Lone Elk Park

Take a nice drive through a wildlife management area. You might spot bison, turkeys, deer, and maybe an elk or two. (The elk clearly aren't as lonely as the name implies.) You'll also pass by the entrance to the World Bird Sanctuary on your drive in, so it's a definite must for animal lovers.

 

Route 66 State Park

Stop by the old Bridgehead Inn Roadhouse to learn more about The Main Street of America, then spend some time outdoors when your head is full.

 

Turtle Park Playground

Just across the highway from the zoo you might spot some amazing critters guarding the entrance to Dogtown. Lots of large turtles, and a few Burtonesque serpents, dot the trails as you roam betwixt and climb atop them. You might even find yourself among some young hatchlings just coming out of their eggs. Designed by Bob Casilly, the beloved and much missed creator of the City Museum, this is another great spot for kids of all ages. Free parking is available.

Illinois side

Pere Marquette State Park

On the Illinois side, take a classic drive up the Great River Road to get to this scenic spot. (Fall season HIGHLY recommended.) Drive through winding park roads, or take a hike and get some photos along trails or scenic lookouts. Spend time at the rustic lodge dueling a friend on their giant chess set, or cuddle up in front of a fireplace. FYI, the lodge food is excellent, so if you're planning to eat anyway, sit down to dinner here. Keep alert for any flooding concerns if you're planning an outing this way.

Chain of Rocks Bridge

If you get your kicks every time you hear about Route 66, you'll definitely want to visit this link in the chain. Stroll, roll or cycle from IL to MO and back again on this slice of Americana, and consider how hard it was to pass oncoming traffic using actual motor vehicles at that crazy bend in the middle. Bundled up bird lovers (who don't mind massive crowds) will appreciate the free Eagle Days event held every January, weather permitting. The bridge is now typically open from the IL side only.

 

St. Charles County

Klondike Park

St. Charles County has some pretty cool parks too, and this short ride to Augusta is one we love. What was once an old quarry is now transformed into a park complete with white silica sand and some nice little lakes. Several miles of trails might take you to great views or special bike paths (one of which is called the Donkey Kong Loop, and includes a pretty amazing wooden bank for biking). Excellent, clean facilities and even cabins make this one a nice place to stay for a day or weekend.

 

Related Orgs
Missouri Dept. of Conservation: Free Fishing Days

Wanna go fish but don't have a permit? Sink a line on Missouri's Free Fishing Days, always the weekend after the first Monday in June. For endless hours of fishy fun, reel in a permit for a tiny fee.

Great Rivers Greenway

Great Rivers Greenway is dedicated to connectivity and trail expansion around our greenways to help us explore. On their site you'll find the master expansion plan, volunteer opportunities and more. They also host some major free events, including the Life Outside Festival, Eagle Days and the Mary Meachum Celebration, all of which we've had the privilege to experience.

REI (Brentwood, MO)

Our local REI store is naturally great for the outdoorsy-type shopper, but they also have related events each month which are discounted or free for co-op members. And if you plan to shop here, the benefits of the co-op make it definitely worth joining.

 

Trailnet

This group has also been phenomenal at helping develop parts of our great and expanding trail system. Use their site to learn more about local trails and bikeways, plus info. on events, some of which are free.