Springtime Activities in The Lou
Springtime means fresh air, sunshine, and flowers in bloom! Read below for the best parks, hikes and outdoor activities in the St. Louis area to enjoy this spring.
1. Forest Park – Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Whether you want to take a stroll with your dog, rent a paddleboat, visit the zoo, play ball with friends or grab a bite at the Boathouse, Forest Park is the perfect place to spend your day this spring. The seventh largest urban park in the United States and the best “City Park” in the country according to USA Today, Forest Park is a treasure in the heart of St. Louis.
2. Gateway Arch Riverboats – Cruises run daily.
Hop aboard replica nineteenth-century paddle-wheel riverboats – the Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher – for a specialty cruise or a daily one-hour sightseeing cruise and discover the best view of the St. Louis skyline. Before or after your cruise, take a stroll or bike ride along the newly renovated riverfront.
3. Katy Trail State Park – Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Katy Trail State Park is the nation’s longest rails-to-trails project, stretching from Machens, Mo. to Clinton, Mo. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a five-day bicycle journey across most of the state, the Katy Trail offers activities to satisfy all adventure levels.
4. Laumeier Sculpture Park – Open daily from 8 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset.
A living laboratory where artists and audiences explore the relationship between contemporary art and the natural environment, Laumeier Sculpture Park offers multiple trails through the woods, populated by large-scale sculptures. It is one of the first and largest dedicated sculpture parks in the country.
Live music, sunshine, wine, cheese What better way to spend an afternoon? With plenty of wineries located within a couple hours of St. Louis, it’s easy to grab your friends and a few snacks and spend the day enjoying Missouri Wine Country. You can even make it into a weekend getaway and stay overnight at a quaint bed & breakfast.
6. Lone Elk Park – Open daily from 8 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset.
The 546 acres of Lone Elk Park are a wildlife oasis for wild turkey, waterfowl, elk, bison and deer. Hike the 4-mile loop through the wooded park (or simply drive through at your leisure), take in beautiful lake views while fishing, or picnic in one of the park’s approved picnic areas, all while experiencing wildlife in its natural habitat.