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St. Louis County Parks & Recreation

City Parks

Carondelet

• Located in South St. Louis City
• (314) 535-0100
• Carondelet is a large scenic park that maintains a bike trail, 2 fishing lakes, and several playgrounds.

Forest Park

• Located between I-64 (US40), Kingshighway, Lindell and Skinker Blvds.
• (314) 535-0100 or 367-6588
• Whether you are in town for business or pleasure, plan to spend at least a day at St. Louis’ emerald oasis, Forest Park. This beautiful 1,300-acre/525-hectare park boasts woodlands, statuary, gardens, lakes, and miles of trails, boating, golf, tennis courts, ice rink and more. These features make it an excellent place to stroll and picnic. Forest Park is open daily 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. There is something for everyone in this safe and well used park:
  • It is home to the world class St. Louis Art Museum (314) 721-0072;
  • The internationally famous St. Louis Zoological Park (314) 781-0900;
  • Jefferson Memorial Missouri History Museum (314) 746-4599
  • The St. Louis Science Center with hands on exhibits, and Omnimax Theater (314) 289-4444;
  • The Jewel Box an Art-Deco style floral conservatory (314) 531-0800;
  • The Muny an outdoor amphitheater (314) 361-1900;
  • Steinberg Ice Rink (314) 361-5103;
  • The Boat House, canoe and electric boat rental in the park’s scenic lagoon (314) 367-3423;
  • A public Golf Course (314) 367-6848, and
  • A seven mile jogging, walking, in-line skating, and bicycle path.

Tower Grove

• Situated between Arsenal St., Grand Ave., and Kingshighway in South St. Louis
• (314) 535-0100
• Donated to St. Louis by Henry Shaw, at the turn of the century, Tower Grove is the largest Victorian walking park in the country. Registered as a National Historic Landmark, this beautiful park contains such a great variety of trees, plants, and striking gardens that it could be considered a botanical garden in its own rite. Tower Grove is also known for its elaborate gazebos, statuary and fountains. Summer Concerts are held at the beautiful bandstand which is surrounded by the busts of famous composers. The park maintains soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, and picnic areas.

Blanchette

• 1900 W. Randolph, St. Charles, MO 63301
• (314) 724-9775
• This St. Charles City park maintains playgrounds, tennis courts, and a large aquatics park with lap pools, water slides, and water-based playground equipment. Park grounds are free, admission fee for aquatics area.

McNair

• 3200 Droste Rd., St. Charles, MO 63301
• (314) 723-0015
• McNair is also a St. Charles City park that features playgrounds, tennis courts, and a large aquatics park with lap pools, water slides, and water-based playground equipment. Park grounds are free, admission fee for aquatics area.

County Parks

Bee Tree County Park

• 2701 Firestown Rd. in South St. Louis County
• (314) 889-2863
• Bee Tree Park is situated on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The park maintains a Riverboat museum, a seasonal floral display, and hiking trails.

Bella Fontaine County Park

• Bellefontaine Rd., on both sides of MO Highway 367, just south of I-270
• (314) 889-2863
• This park maintains ballfields, hiking trails, playgrounds, fitness and bicycle trails.

Buder County Park

• Missouri Highway 141, north of I-44, on the Meramec River
• (314) 889-2863
• Buder Park maintains a Model-airplane facility, lighted ballfields and playgrounds.

Champ Ecological Park

• Vaille and Grand National Drive in North St. Louis County
• (314) 889-2863
• The St. Louis County Parks Department rates this as the best park for a wildflower walk in the spring.

Creve Coeur Park

• Located adjacent to Creve Coeur Lake
• (314) 889-2863
• The upper section of this park is situated on a high hill over looking the Missouri River flood plain. This section contains children’s playgrounds, pavilions, and many picnic areas. The lower section features Creve Coeur Lake, which is a small lake, ideal for small boat sailing, wind surfing, and sculling. Swimming and motorized craft are not allowed, except for special planned events.

Faust County Park

• North of I-64 (US40) on Olive Blvd., in West St. Louis County
• (314) 537-0222
• Faust Park is the home of the historic St. Louis Carousel. This is a ride your family won’t forget. 60 beautifully hand carved animals attract the young of heart to Faust Park where the carousel is installed in a climate-controlled facility. Rides are available Wednesday through Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. The Carousel is closed in January. Tickets are $1 adults, 50 cents children. Park grounds also have playground and picnic areas.

Greensfelder Park

• In West St. Louis County off I-44 north on Allenton Rd.
• (314) 889-2863
• A heavily wooded county park featuring an elaborate hiking and horseback riding trail system.

Jefferson Barracks Historical Park

• Located in South St. Louis County
• (314) 889-2863
• Established in 1826 as a supply post for troops in the West, Jefferson Barracks was once the largest military post in America. Both Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant served here. It is now a National Cemetery. Jefferson Barracks is situated overlooking the Mississippi and maintains a museum, field archery, picnic areas and corkball fields. Visitors will enjoy exploring the post’s military history as preserved in the museum.

Kennedy Recreation Complex

• 6050 Wells, south of Missouri Hwy. 21
• (314) 894-3088
• This Complex maintains an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor ice skating rink, a golf course, a creative playground, and picnic sites.

Lone Elk Park

• Take I-44 West, in Southwest St. Louis County
• (314) 889-2863.
• The entire family will appreciate the opportunity to see the small herds of elk, deer, and bison that roam freely through a portion of the park set aside as a drive-through area. The park also features nature trails and picnic areas.

McDonnell Memorial County Park

• Adie Rd. east of Lindbergh
• (314) 889-2863
• McDonnell Memorial Park features fitness and bicycle trails, a playground and picnic areas.

Powder Valley Nature Center

• 11715 Cragwold Rd., in Southwest St. Louis County, near the intersection of I-270 and I-44
• (314) 821-8427
• Powder Valley features hiking trails and a fantastic urban nature center.

Queeny Park

• Weidman Road in Ballwin, MO 63011
• (314) 391-0900
• Queeny Park maintains an exposition hall, playgrounds, an ice rink, and horse trails.

Sioux Passage Park

• Located at the junction of Old Jamestown and Vallie Roads on the Missouri River
• (314) 889-2863
• This park provides sledding, snowmobiling, ballfields, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and playgrounds.

Suson County Park

• Wells Road, south of Missouri Hwy. 21
• (314) 889-2863
• Suson County Park features an animal farm, picnic sites, and playgrounds. There’s also a free fishing pond for children.

Tilles Park

• Located in Ladue, just south of I-64 (US40) on McKnight Rd.
• (314) 889-2863
• A quiet park known for its Light Display during the Christmas Season. (“Tilles” is pronounced “TILL-us”.)

Unger County Park

• Yarnell Rd., north of I-44 on the Meramec River
• (314) 889-2863
• Families come for the picnicking, Model boating, and fishing.

Veterans Memorial County Park

• Redman Rd. and Lerries Lane
• (314) 355-7373
• This is a North St. Louis County Recreation Complex which maintains an outdoor swimming pool, indoor ice skating rink, fishing, and playgrounds.

West Tyson

• In West St. Louis County off I-44
• (314) 889-2863
• A heavily wooded county park with picnic grounds, hiking, and horseback trails. A portion of the trails follows the Meramec River.

State Parks

Babler State Park

• Located 20 miles west of St. Louis on Hwy. 109, between U.S. 40 and Hwy. 100 in Chesterfield, MO
• (314) 458-3813
• Babler is a heavily forested, 2,439-acre park nestled in the rugged Missouri River hills. Attractions include: tennis courts, horse rental, a nature center, an excellent visitors center, and a bike trail.

Castlewood State Park

• Located east on Kiefer Creek Rd., off New Ballwin Rd. from Hwy. 100 in southwest St. Louis County
• (314) 527-6481
• Castlewood’s appeal stems from the beautiful Meramec River which flows through the 1,779-acre park. Magnificent white limestone bluffs soar high above the river and are a great place to observe nature, hike, and picnic. Bike trail (both paved and dirt/mountain bike trails), boat ramp to Meramec River.

Cuivre River State Park

• 3 miles east of Troy on Missouri Highway 47
• (314) 528-7247
• Cuivre Park maintains more than 30 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. (“Cuivre” is pronounced “kwiver” and rhymes with “river”.)

Elephant Rocks State Park

• 2 hours south of St. Louis on Hwy. 21
• The park is named for the huge, billion year old granite boulders that are as big as elephants. The park maintains a paved path through the woods that allows you to wander around the boulders.

Hawn State Park

• Located off Hwy. 32, on Hwy. 144 in Ste. Genevieve County
• (573) 883-3603
• Hawn Park is a gorgeous example of the Eastern Ozark Sandstone Country. 4,804-acres of heavily forested, unspoiled land makes Hawn Park a great place to hike. Visitors will be treated to lush stands of native pines and hardwoods supported by dogwood, redbud and wild azalea. Hikers love the Whispering Pine Trail, a 10 mile hike through pine forests along Pickle Creek and the River Aux Vases.

Johnson Shut-Ins State Park

• Located 8 miles north of Lesterville on Hwy. N in Reynolds County
• (573) 546-2450
• Johnson Shut-Ins is one the most popular swimming holes in the Midwest. The unique canyon-like gorges or “shut-ins” form waterfalls, slides, and pools and are great fun for the entire family. The shut-ins are created by the Black River as it swiftly flows around some of the oldest exposed rocks in North America. A nature lover’s dream, the 8,470-acre park is still mostly wilderness where visitors can view more than 1,008 species of plants and wildflowers.

Katy Trail State Park

• Begins in St. Charles
• (800) 334-6946
• This hiking/biking trail was developed from an abandoned railroad right of way and is maintained by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. It will someday be the longest trail in the country. At present the trail leads from St. Charles to Sedalia. However, due to bridgework, a few sections may be impassable. Please call the number above for the latest information.

Mastodon State Park

• Located, off I-55 in Jefferson County
• (314) 464-2976
• The site of one of North America’s most important archeological digs for fossils of ice-age men and animals. Location of the Kimmswick Bone Bed, a Pleistocene fossil bed that yielded more than 60 mastodon skeletons. These elephant-like mammals roamed Missouri as recently as 8,000 years ago, and some tusks have been carbon-dated to be over 17,000 years old. The park’s museum displays a life-size mastodon skeleton replica and ancient artifacts discovered at the site. Visitors will also enjoy the hiking and picnic opportunities available at the park. Call ahead to see if archeologists are conducting an excavation during your visit.

Meramec State Park

• 4 miles east of Sullivan on Hwy. 185, about 60 minutes from St. Louis
• (573) 568-6072 or (573) 468-6519
• This scenic park is a popular site for river recreation. The beautiful, spring fed, Meramec River lures canoeing, boating, and swimming enthusiasts. The park also features several springs and more than 30 caves, with a guided tour of Fisher Cave. Visitors will also find cabins, a dining lodge, a nature center, and cave tours. For additional information call either phone number listed above.

Robertsville State Park

• Near the junction of Hwys. O and N in Franklin County
• (314) 257-3788
• Be sure to bring your binoculars to bird watch. The Meramec River and several sloughs off Calvey Creek create a wetland habitat that attracts a wide variety of waterfowl. Facilities include a boat-launching area on the river, picnic areas and a campground.

St. Francois State Park

• On U.S. 67 in St. Francois County
• (573) 358-2173
• St. Francois is located in the beautiful Pike Run Hills surrounding Coonville Creek and is adjacent to the Big River. This is a popular swimming, fishing and boating site. The park also features a popular put-in point for float trips to Washington State Park, horseback trails, hiking trails, and camping and picnicking facilities.

St. Joe State Park

• 2800 Pimville Rd., Park Hills, MO 63601
• (573) 431-1069
• The second largest state park is known for having the largest and one of the most popular off-road-vehicle areas in the Midwest, featuring 1,600-acres for riding. The 7,000-acres of forest provide horseback riding and hiking trails, picnic areas, and campsites. There is also a large swimming beach along Monsanto Lake.

Washington State Park

• DeSoto, MO 63020
• 9 miles south of DeSoto on Hwy. 21 in Washington County
• (314) 586-0322
• Washington State Park was once a ceremonial ground for prehistoric Indians. Visitors can view the petroglyphs (rock carvings) which have survived this ancient culture. The 1,822-acre park also provides opportunities to canoe, fish, or spend the night in cabins or at the park’s camp sites.

Pere Marquette State Park

• North of Alton, IL on the Great River Road
• (618) 786-3323
• Pere Marquette is a stunningly beautiful, heavily forested park situated on bluffs overlooking the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. The site was once sacred to Native Americans. Hiking the rugged trails or driving to the scenic outlooks are the primary activities, but visitors also enjoy fishing, boating and horseback riding. The historic lodge features an indoor swimming pool, a large scale chess game in the spacious Great Room, and home-style cooking in the highly rated restaurant. The park also features cabins, camping and picnic areas. (“Pere Marquette” is pronounced “pair mar-KET” with the accent on the last syllable.)

National Parks

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

• P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, MO 63965
• About a 3 hour drive from St. Louis, take I-44 to exits around St. James, south to the rivers.
• (314) 323-4236
• Encases the Jacks Fork River and the upper section of the Current River. Contains over 60 springs, including Big Spring, one of the nations largest. Spelunkers will enjoy the many wild caves along the rivers. Many outfitters offer canoe float trips of varying lengths.

St. Louis Gateway Arch (Jefferson National Expansion Memorial)

• St. Louis Riverfront, St. Louis, MO 63102
• (314) 982-1410 or 425-4465
• Rising to twice the height of the Statue of Liberty and towering above the St. Louis skyline, this monument to westward expansion has a tram system that carries visitors to the observation room at the top. The Museum of Westward Expansion is located underneath the Arch. Tram hours are 9:30 am to 5:15 pm in the winter, 8:30 am to 9:15 pm in the summer. Tram costs $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 13-16, $2 for children ages 3-12. Museum hours in the winter 9 am to 6 pm, in summer 8 am to 10 pm. See also the award-winning film Monument to a Dream that documents the construction of the Arch. Movie $1.

Other Parks

Busch Memorial Wildlife Area

• Weldon Springs, MO
• Take Hwy. 40 west to Hwy. 94. Turn left on 94 and drive about a mile, turn right on Route D. Entrance is a few miles down on the right.
• Busch Wildlife area features an auto tour designed to enable visitors to observe many facets of nature, hiking paths, fishing, and hunting in season with permit.

Amusement Parks

Grant’s Farm

• 10501 Gravois Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123, in southern St. Louis County, 20 minutes from downtown.
• (314) 843-1700
• Home to more than 1,000 animals, with a Game preserve and miniature zoo, is set on land once owned by Ulysses S. Grant. Grant’s cabin, animal shows and the Clydesdale barn are also on view. A train ride takes you through the wildlife park and to Grant’s log cabin. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm, but you must call first to make a reservation. Mid April through mid October. Free admission, but advanced reservations required.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

• 12580 Rott Rd., Near the intersection of I-270 and I-44 off Watson Rd. About a 20-minute drive from downtown.
• (314) 821-1209
• A Contemporary sculpture collection is displayed in a A 116-acre/47-hectare park features the largest single collection of works by sculptor Ernest Trova, as well as pieces by more than 30 other artists. Most of the exhibits are outdoors on expansive lawns surrounded by woods, picnic areas, and hiking trails. There’s also an indoor gallery containing additional exhibits. The park is open 7 am to a half hour past sunset. Museum hours Tuesday-Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm. Free admission.

Meramec Caverns

• Southwest of St. Louis on I-44 in Stanton, MO
• (314) 468-3166
• Boasts mineral formations which were 400 million years in the making, some the largest of their kind. The five-story cave’s year round temperature is a constant 60F°.

Missouri Botanical Garden (Shaw’s Garden)

• 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63166
• (314) 577-5100
• Enjoy a stroll through the oldest botanical garden in the nation, 79 acres divided into individual garden areas, including two rose gardens, a 14-acre Japanese Garden, greenhouses, and the Climatron, the world’s first geodesic-domed greenhouse. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm, until 8 pm in summer. $1.50 – $3; children free. County residents receive free admission on Wednesday and Friday mornings until 12 noon.

St. Louis Zoo

• Located in Forest Park
• (314) 781-0900.
• Set in more than 83 acres, this splendid zoo houses more than 6,000 animals, many of them rare and endangered, in their natural settings. The Living World is a high-tech educational center which teaches visitors about the balance of nature. The new Bird Garden opened in 1996. Daily 9 am to 5 pm; open till 8 pm on Tuesday during the summer. Free admission.

Shaw’s Arboretum

• 35 miles southwest of St. Louis along I-44
• (314) 742-3512
• A large nature preserve that features hiking trails, and displays of Midwestern ecosystems. An extension of the Missouri Botanical Garden, this 2,400 acre nature reserve is open year-round, except November deer season (not a good time to go for a walk in the woods). Includes a large prairie, wetlands, Missouri forest, evergreen forest, lakes, rivers, and other native land displays. A terrific hiking trail system. There are 12 miles of hiking trails and educational programs for children and adults.

The Wolf Sanctuary

• West on I-44 in Eureka.
• (314) 938-5900
• Faced with extinction, the wolf has found an ally in former St. Louis Zoo Director Marlin Perkins (of Wild Kingdom fame), who led the drive to establish this center. Here, visitors can get a close look at a variety of rare wolf species and learn that the wolf is not a mindless predator, but a vital member of its environment. Tours are available, or ask about “howls,” an experience you’ll not soon forget.

Poco-Loco Western Town and Museum

• 6004 Antire Rd., High Ridge
• (314) 677-5555 or (314) 677-3590.
• This replica of an 1880s Western town includes gunfights, movies, antiques arcade and shooting gallery. Memorial Day through Labor Day 10 am to 5 pm.

Raging Rivers

• 100 Palisades Pkwy., Grafton, IL, about 30 minutes north of downtown.
• (800) 548-7573.
• Water park with a half-million-gallon wave pool, body flumes and white-water rafting. About an hour and a half from downtown.

Six Flags St. Louis

• Allenton Rd., off I-44 in Eureka, about 30 minutes from downtown.
• (314) 938-4800 or (314) 938-5300
• Hundreds of rides including the famous Screaming Eagle roller coaster, arcade games, shows, and food. Children 54 inches and under can visit Looney Tunes Town, which features special scaled-down rides and entertainment. Admission (excluding tax): Adults $28.95, seniors (55 and older) $14.50, children (ages 3-11) $23.95, children under age 2 free. Season runs April through October, although the park is open weekends only during April, May, September and October.

Bike Trails

Babler State Park

• Located 20 miles west of St. Louis on Hwy. 109, between U.S. 40 and Hwy. 100 in Chesterfield, MO
• (314) 458-3813
• Babler is a heavily forested, 2,439-acre park nestled in the rugged Missouri River hills. Its main attractions are the bike trail, picnicking facilities, and horseback riding.

Bella Fontaine County Park

• Bellefontaine Rd., on both sides of MO Highway 367, just south of I-270
• (314) 889-2863
• This county park maintains bicycle trails.

Castlewood State Park

• Located East on Kiefer Creek Road, off New Ballwin Road from Hwy. 100 in southwest St. Louis County in Ballwin, MO
• (314) 527-6481
• Castlewood’s appeal stems from the beautiful Meramec River which flows through the 1,779-acre park. Magnificent white limestone bluffs soar high above the river and are a great place to observe nature, hike, and picnic. The park also features bike trails (both paved and dirt/mountain bike).

Forest Park

• Located between I-64 (US40), Kingshighway, Lindell and Skinker Blvds.
• (314) 535-0100 or 367-6588
• The best place to bike in St. Louis City is Forest Park. It maintains a scenic 7-mile path.

The Great River Road Bicycle Trail

• (618) 465-1204
• Begins in historic Alton and runs along the Mississippi River through Grafton along the river bluffs and north to Pere Marquette State Park. Of the trail’s 25 miles, about 10 miles are actually along the Great River Road and the remaining 15, from Grafton to the State Park, are a dedicated path along the bluffs. Because the trail is relatively flat, it is well suited to cyclists of any skill level. This trail offers spectacular views as well as access to many restaurants and taverns. The trail is the jewel of the Illinois bicycle trail system and provides a great opportunity for exercise and spectacular scenery. Bicycle rentals are available at The Great River Road Bicycle Shop located on Third Street in Alton.

Katy Trail State Park

• Begins in St. Charles, MO
• (800) 334-6946
• This hiking/biking trail was developed from an abandoned railroad right of way and is maintained by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. It will someday be the longest trail in the country. At present there are two sections available for use: a 53 mile section from St. Charles to Treloar and one from Jefferson City to Booneville. There are several bike rental locations on the trail.

McDonnell Memorial County Park

• Adie Rd. east of Lindbergh
• (314) 889-2863
• McDonnell Memorial Park features fitness and bicycle trails.

Boating Area Parks

Castlewood State Park

• Ballwin, MO 63021
• Located East on Kiefer Creek Road, off New Ballwin Road from Hwy. 100 in southwest St. Louis County
• (314) 527-6481
• Castlewood’s appeal stems from the beautiful Meramec River which flows through the 1,779-acre park. Boaters will appreciate the magnificent white limestone bluffs which soar high above the river. The park maintains a boat ramp to the Meramec River.

St. Francois State Park

• Bonne Terre, MO 63628
• On U.S. 67 in St. Francois County
• 573-358-2173
• St. Francois is located in the beautiful Pike Run Hills surrounding Coonville Creek and adjacent to the Big River. This is a popular swimming, fishing and boating site. The park also features a popular put-in point for float trips to Washington State Park.

Washington State Park

• DeSoto, MO 63020
• 9 miles south of DeSoto on Hwy. 21 in Washington County
• (314) 586-0322
• Washington State Park was once a ceremonial ground for prehistoric Indians. Visitors can view the petroglyphs (rock carvings) which have survived this ancient culture. The 1,822-acre park also provides opportunities to canoe and fish.

Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

• R.R. 1, Box 233, Vandalia, IL 62471
• (618) 425-3533
• Carlyle Lake is located near Vandalia, 50 miles due east of St. Louis. It is the largest man-made lake in Illinois, measuring 8,477-acres and a popular place to sailboat.

Creve Coeur Park

• Located adjacent to Creve Coeur Lake
• (314) 889-2863
• Creve Coeur Lake is a small lake, ideal for small boat sailing, wind surfing, and sculling. Motorized craft are not allowed.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

• P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, MO 63965
• About a 3 hour drive from St. Louis, take I-44 to exits around St. James, south to the rivers
• (314) 323-4236
• Encases the Jacks Fork River and the upper section of the Current River. Many outfitters offer canoe float trips of varying lengths.

Fishing Area Parks

For questions on Illinois fishing license and regulations, locations, boat access and camping sites call (800) ASK-FISH.

St. Francois State Park

• On U.S. 67 in St. Francois County, Bonne Terre, MO
• 573-358-2173
• St. Francois is located in the beautiful Pike Run Hills surrounding Coonville Creek and adjacent to the Big River. This is a popular swimming, fishing and boating site. The park also features a popular put-in point for float trips to Washington State Park.

Washington State Park

• 9 miles south of DeSoto on Hwy. 21 in Washington County
• (314) 586-0322
• Washington State Park was once a ceremonial ground for prehistoric Indians. Visitors can view the petroglyphs (rock carvings) which have survived this ancient culture. The 1,822-acre park also provides opportunities to fish.

Carlyle Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

• R.R. 1, Box 233, Vandalia, IL 62471
• (618) 425-3533
• Carlyle Lake is located near Vandalia, 50 miles due east of St. Louis. It is the largest man-made lake in Illinois, measuring 8,477-acres. Anglers fish for Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Sunfish, Catfish, Bullhead, Carp, White Bass, Walleye and Yellow Bass. The waterfowl are another major attraction.

Crab Orchard Lake

• West of Wolf Creek, Near Carbondale, IL
  A popular place for all water sports. Fishermen cast for Bluegill, Bullheads, Carp, Channel Catfish, large mouth Bass, and White Crappie.

Horseshoe Lake State Park

• 3321 Hwy. 111, Granite City, IL
• (618) 931-0270
• Located only minutes away from St. Louis on Hwy. 111, this land was originally the home of thousands of Native Americans who built nearby Cahokia Mounds. The 2,850-acre park, includes a 1,200-acre natural oxbow lake which is a popular place to fish for Bluegill, Large Mouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish, Catfish, Bullhead and Carp.

Kaskaskia River State Fish and Wildlife Area

• 108981 Conservation Rd., Baldwin IL 62217
• (618) 785-2555
• A favorite spot for local sportsmen, this area covers more that 20,000-acres. It is located 50 miles southeast of St. Louis, and contains 36 miles of river, the 2,018-acre Baldwin Lake, and a wide diversity of wildlife.

Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

• Rt. 1, Box 338, Bonnie IL 62816
• (618) 279-3110
• The state’s wildlife management program provides valuable habitat for a variety of animals and waterfowl, including great blue herons, and other species of shorebirds to observe while they fish. Rend Lake fishermen try to hook Bluegill, Crappie, Sunfish, Catfish, Bullhead, Carp, White Bass, Walleye and Yellow Bass.

Winter Sports

Sled Riding

• is permitted in all St. Louis County Parks except Lone Elk and the Kennedy Recreation Complex. Forest Park’s Art Hill has been a sledding tradition for many generations of St. Louisans.

Ice Skating

• on outdoor lakes is permitted in all county parks, except Lone Elk and Unger, as soon as the ice is at least four inches thick.

Cross Country Skiing

• is permitted in all parks except the Kennedy Recreation Complex.

Down Hill Skiing

• Hidden Valley Ski Resort, great downhill skiing and snowboarding is just minutes from St. Louis near Eureka, Missouri.

Snowmobiling

• is permitted in parts of Creve Coeur, Jefferson Barracks, and Sioux Passage county parks.

Steinberg Memorial Skating Rink in Forest Park

• Located in Forest Park between I-64 (US40), Kingshighway, Lindell and Skinker Blvds.
• (314) 535-1503
• Outdoor ice skating at Steinberg’s is a winter tradition in St. Louis.

Indoor Ice Rinks

• Queeny Park Complex (314) 391-0900
• North County Complex (314) 355-7373
• South County Complex (314) 894-3088
• Afton Ice Rink (314) 849-0605
• Brentwood Ice Arena (314) 962-1005
• Kennedy Recreation Complex (314) 894-3088

Roller Blading Parks

Forest Park

• Located between I-64 (US40), Kingshighway, Lindell and Skinker Blvds.
• (314) 535-0100 or 367-6588
• The best place to rollerblade in St. Louis City is Forest Park. It maintains a scenic 7-mile path which attracts large numbers of rollerblading enthusiasts.