{"id":316,"date":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","date_gmt":"2012-06-30T18:06:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.websitefix.net\/clients\/Generic\/?page_id=316"},"modified":"2018-11-17T17:04:45","modified_gmt":"2018-11-17T17:04:45","slug":"parks-nature","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/StLouis3\/?page_id=316","title":{"rendered":"Parks & Nature"},"content":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Parks & Scenic Getaways<\/strong><\/p>\n

Vast state and county parks combine with regional and municipal resources to provide a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Hiking and biking trails, bridle paths, campgrounds, hunting and fishing areas, wonderful botanical gardens, nature preserves, and lush forests are just a few of the amenities. In the case of Forest Park in St. Louis, recreational facilities combine with family entertainment and world-class museums or science centers, attracting throngs of regional residents and visitors from across the nation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Missouri State Parks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Missouri Department of Natural Resources<\/strong>
\nJefferson City 573-751-3443
\nToll Free 800-361-4827
\nwww.dnr.mo.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park<\/strong>
\n800 Guy Park Drive
\nWildwood 636-458-3818
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/babler.htm<\/a>
\nMiles of trails through towering forests and sheltered valleys combine with a wide range of sports and recreational facilities to make this park a popular retreat.<\/p>\n

Edward ‘Ted’ and Pat Jones Confluence State Park<\/strong>
\nOld Schoolhouse Road
\nWest Alton 636-899-1135
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/confluence.htm<\/a>
\nThe two great rivers of the nation meet near St. Louis, where 1,118 acres are being developed as the system’s newest state park.<\/p>\n

Castlewood State Park<\/strong>
\n1401 Kiefer Road
\nBallwin 636-227-4433
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/castlewood.htm<\/a>
\nThe vast 1,779-acre Castlewood State Park preserves the history of a former resort area along both sides of the Meramec River.<\/p>\n

Cuivre River State park<\/strong>
\n678 State Route 147
\nTroy 636-528-7247
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/cuivre.htm<\/a>
\nEnjoy the park’s wilder, Ozarkian flavor in the otherwise agricultural landscape of northern Missouri for a true nature lover’s paradise.<\/p>\n

Elephant Rocks State Park<\/strong>
\nHighway 21
\nPilot Knob 573-546-3454
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/elephantrock.htm<\/a>
\nMammoth granite rocks stand end-to-end like a parade of circus elephants for an unusual climbing experience.<\/p>\n

Graham Cave State Park<\/strong>
\n217 Highway TT
\nMontgomery City 573-564-3454
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/grahamcave.htm<\/a>
\nFeaturing a cave that preserved artifacts dating back 10,000 years, this 365-acre park offers scenic trails and a river boat ramp.<\/p>\n

Hawn State Park<\/strong>
\n12096 Park Drive
\nSte. Genevieve 573-883-3603
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/hawn.htm<\/a>
\nConsidered by many to be the loveliest of Missouri’s state parks, this 4,953-acre preserve encompasses the 2,880-acre Whispering Pine Wild Area.<\/p>\n

Meramec State Park<\/strong>
\n2800 S. Highway 185
\nSullivan 573-468-6072
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/meramec.htm<\/a>
\nYear-round access to camping, picnicking, and hiking areas are available on nearly 6,900 acres that include guided tours of Fisher Cave.<\/p>\n

Robertsville State Park<\/strong>
\nRoute 0 near Route N
\nRobertsville 636-257-3788
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/robertsville.htm<\/a>
\nThe 1,225-acre park features a variety of outdoor activities that include canoeing and fishing in the Meramec River.<\/p>\n

Route 66 State Park<\/strong>
\n2901 Highway 61
\nFestus 636-938-7198
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/route66.htm<\/a>
\nSet along the original Route 66 corridor, the 419-acre park attracts visitors who want to enjoy nature and see interesting historical displays.<\/p>\n

St. Francois State Park<\/strong>
\n8920 US Highway 67 North
\nBonne Terre 573-358-2173
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/stfrancois.htm<\/a>
\nFeaturing the beauty of the Pike Run Hills, this wilderness setting is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study.<\/p>\n

St. Joe State Park<\/strong>
\n2800 Pimville Road
\nPark Hills 573-431-1069
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/stjoe.htm<\/a>
\nThis sprawling 8,328-acre park is one of the state’s largest and preserves approximately 2,000 acres for Missouri’s premier off-road vehicle riding area.<\/p>\n

Washington State Park<\/strong>
\n13041 State Park Hwy. 104
\nDeSoto 636-586-5768
\nToll Free 800-334-6946
\nwww.mostateparks.com\/washington.htm<\/a>
\nThe highlight of this park is the historic attraction of Native American petroglyphs that are believed to have been carved around A.D. 1,000.<\/p>\n

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Regional Park Systems<\/strong>
\nParks offer sweeping green space for relaxation and exercise as well as amenities like bike trails, playground equipment, fishing ponds, campgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and horse trails. Contact the nearest regional administration unit for more information or visit their websites for more extensive information.<\/p>\n

Jefferson County Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\nHillsboro 636-797-5334
\nwww.jeffcomo.org\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n

Metropolitan Parks & Recreation District<\/strong>
\nSt. Louis 314-436-7009<\/p>\n

St. Louis County Parks and Recreation<\/strong>
\nClayton 314-615-PARK
\nwww.stlouisco.com\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n

City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry<\/strong>
\nSt. Louis 314-289-5300
\nhttps:\/\/www.stlouis-mo.gov\/government\/departments\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n

City of St. Louis Forestry Division<\/strong>
\nSt. Louis 314 613-7200
\nhttps:\/\/www.stlouis-mo.gov\/government\/departments\/parks\/forestry<\/a><\/p>\n

City of St. Louis Parks Division<\/strong>
\nSt. Louis 314-289-5300
\nhttps:\/\/www.stlouis-mo.gov\/government\/departments\/parks\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n

City of St. Louis Recreation Division<\/strong>
\nSt. Louis 314-289-5320
\nhttps:\/\/www.stlouis-mo.gov\/government\/departments\/parks\/recreation<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Major Metropolitan Attractions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Forest Park<\/strong>
\nSt. Louis 314-289-5300
\nhttps:\/\/www.stlouis-mo.gov\/government\/departments\/parks\/parks<\/a>
\nwww.forestparkforever.org<\/a>
\nDistinguished as one of the nation’s largest urban parks, Forest Park stands in a class of its own as a regional attraction. The park attracts more than 12 million people each year who visit the cultural institutions, enjoy recreational amenities, or attend special events. The St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Municipal Opera, Science Center, and History Museum share the park with golf courses, skating rink, tennis courts, an archery range, ballfields, handball courts, biking and hiking trails, and boat rides.<\/p>\n

Grants Farm<\/strong>
\n10501 Gravois Road
\nSt. Louis 314-843-1700
\nwww.grantsfarm.com<\/a>
\nThis living symbol of the Busch family’s love for animals and Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to wildlife conservation is also the 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family. More than 1,000 animals representing more than 100 different species from six continents make this one of the nation’s premier nature attractions. The farm takes its name from the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, who founded and farmed a portion of the land.<\/p>\n

Kiener Plaza & Morton D. May Amphitheater<\/strong>
\nSt. Louis 314-289-5300
\nhttp:\/\/stlouis-mo.gov\/government\/<\/a>
\nCommanding a dramatic view of the Gateway Arch, the park features a pool and fountain centerpiece with a statue known as \u201cThe Runner\u201d by sculptor William Zorach. Kiener Plaza hosts St. Louis Cardinal, Ram, and Blues rallies and victory celebrations as well as concerts, festivals and a myriad of other special events.<\/p>\n

Missouri Botanical Garden<\/strong>
\n4344 Shaw Boulevard
\nSt. Louis 800-642-8842
\nEvents 314-577-9400
\nwww.mobot.org<\/a>
\nFounded in 1859, the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the nation’s oldest botanical institutions and a National Historic Landmark. This premier center for botanical research and science education also provides an oasis of natural beauty for the City of St. Louis. Nearly 80 acres of beautiful horticultural displays, a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, the Climatron conservatory, and founder Henry Shaw’s original 1850 estate home are among the attractions.<\/p>\n

Tower Grove Park<\/strong>
\nSt. Louis 314-289-5300
\nhttp:\/\/stlouis-mo.gov\/government\/<\/a>
\nThe grand pleasure park that Henry Shaw gave St. Louis in 1868 is the nation’s largest Victorian walking park and registered as a National Historic Landmark. Sports facilities are surrounded by spectacular foliage, gazebos, fountains, Victorian pavilions, and sculptures.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Municipal Parks & Recreation<\/strong>
\nWith the metropolitan area municipalities, lush parks are brimming over with sports facilities and other recreational amenities to provide a scenic backdrop and open space for leisure activities. Many of these parks and recreation departments have developed wonderful supervised programs that appeal to residents of every age and interest, from sports leagues to arts and crafts, summer camps, and field trips.<\/p>\n

City of Ballwin<\/strong>
\n636-227-8950
\nwww.ballwin.mo.us<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Chesterfield<\/strong>
\n636-537-4000
\nwww.chesterfield.mo.us<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Clayton<\/strong>
\n314-290-8500
\nwww.ci.clayton.mo.us<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Crestwood<\/strong>
\n314-729-4860
\nwww.ci.crestwood.mo.us<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Creve Coeur<\/strong>
\n314-569-8999
\nwww.creve-coeur.org<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Des Peres<\/strong>
\n314-835-6150
\nwww.desperesmo.org<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Florissant<\/strong>
\n314-921-4468
\nwww.florissantmo.com<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Hazelwood<\/strong>
\n314-731-0980
\nwww.ci.hazelwood.mo.us<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Kirkwood<\/strong>
\n314-822-5855
\nwww.ci.kirkwood.mo.us<\/a><\/p>\n

City of Manchester<\/strong>
\n636-391-6326
\nwww.manchestermo.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

City of O’Fallon<\/strong><\/strong>
\n636-379-5575<\/strong><\/strong>
\n636-474-2REC
\nwww.ofallon.mo.us<\/a><\/p>\n

St. Charles City<\/strong><\/strong>
\n636-949-3372<\/strong><\/strong>
\nwww.stcharlescitymo.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

St. Peters City<\/strong><\/strong>
\n636-939-2FUN<\/strong><\/strong>
\nwww.stpetersmo.net<\/a><\/p>\n

University City<\/strong>
\n314-862-2727
\nwww.ucitymo.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Wentzville City<\/strong><\/strong>
\n636<\/strong><\/strong>–<\/strong><\/strong>327-7665<\/strong><\/strong>
\nhttp:\/\/www.wentzvillemo.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

SPORTS & RECREATION \/ PARKS Parks & Scenic Getaways Vast state and county parks combine with regional and municipal resources to provide a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Hiking and biking trails, bridle paths, campgrounds, hunting and fishing areas, wonderful botanical gardens, nature preserves, and lush forests are just […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/StLouis3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/StLouis3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/StLouis3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/StLouis3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/StLouis3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=316"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/StLouis3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":666,"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/StLouis3\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/316\/revisions\/666"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sunraydirect.com\/StLouis3\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}