Being cooped up in the house all day is no fun, especially when Spring weather is finally here in St. Louis. While the city is under a stay at home order, it is important for our mental health to get out and enjoy the fresh air while still practicing social distancing of at least 6ft from others. Here is a list of top rated parks and trails in the area. We recommend going in the morning or around lunch time to avoid the most people.
City Garden
Citygarden is an urban park and sculpture garden in St. Louis, located between Eighth, Tenth, Market, and Chestnut streets, in the city’s “Gateway Mall” area. 801 Market St, St. Louis
Forest Park
The Park’s 1,300 acres feature beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes and streams, as well as five of the region’s major cultural institutions and endless opportunities for recreation. Do note that in Forest Park, Government Drive from Wells Drive to Washington Drive, will be closed. So will Fine Arts Drive from Government Drive to Lagoon Drive and Lagoon Drive from Fine Arts to DeBaliviere Circle. 5595 Grand Dr, St. Louis
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Laumeier Sculpture Park is where art and exercise combine. The park displays more than 20 sculptures amongst its paved and unpaved trails. The park also has several events worth attending throughout the year. 2580 Rott
Castlewood State Park
This park is great for both beginning and experienced hikers and bikers. Offering eight different trails, Castlewood is nestled between the Meramec River and surrounding meadows. 1401 Kiefer Creek
Cliff Cave Park Trails
Although Cliff Cave is the primary attraction, the 222-acre park also features five miles of hiking trails. The cave offers a wonderful opportunity to cool off during hot summer months. 806 Cliff Cave
Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park offers 90+ acres of land and beautiful views of America’s tallest monument. There are plenty of ways to spend time outside in the park. Walkers, joggers and cyclists can enjoy the more than 5 miles of trails through the park with views of the Arch, Mississippi River and the dazzling reflecting ponds. If you’re looking for some downtime, bring your yoga mat and practice your downward dog or catch up on your reading with a book. 11 N 4th St #1810, St. Louis
Dr. Edmund A. Babler State Park
Sporting six trails for hiking and paved paths for bicycling, Babler Park puts together several events throughout the summer. The park also has facilities for bird watching, basic campsites, and electric campsites. 800 Guy Park
Edgar M. Queeny County Park
Named after the former president of the Monsanto Chemical Company, Queeny Park is home to the Greensfelder Recreation Complex and the Dog Museum. The 564-acre park also has trails, fishing, and hayrides. 550 Weidman and 1675 S. Mason
Grant’s Trail
Great for biking, The Ulysses S. Grant Trail, otherwise known as Grant’s Trail, is an eight-mile long trail that passes by Grant’s Farm and Whitecliff Park. The first six miles are paved pathways and the concluding two miles are unpaved. 3900 Reavis Barracks]
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area Trails
This park meets at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers. The area has trails and a picturesque viewing area of the two rivers. Before planning a trip, double-check the park’s availability— it’s prone to flooding. 801 Strodtman
Katy Trail State Park
Clocking in at 225 miles long, the Katy Trail is the longest trail in Missouri. The path is open to both hikers and bikers, and certain mile markers are designated for equestrian use. The trail is available for a quick 30-minute walk or a 10-day marathon. Machens, Mo., to Clinton Mo
Little Creek Nature Area Trail
Owned and operated by the Ferguson-Florissant School District, this area has several different trails and ponds. It serves as a place to teach ecology, environmental science, and field biology to local districts. Be sure to sign in at the office when you visit. 2295 Dunn Road
Route 66 State Park
With 420-acres and four trails that are hiker, biker, and equestrian-friendly, Route 66 State Park offers a startling view of nature. The park is in close proximity with Castlewood State Park and Rockwoods Range and boasts that 40 types of birds have been spotted in the area—the perfect place to scratch that ornithological itch. 97 North Outer Road, Eureka
