Interesting Things To Do In St. Louis – Your Outdoor Adventure
Thinking about St. Louis probably brings the Gateway Arch to mind, not necessarily rugged trails or serene waterways. Many adventurers overlook the Midwest, assuming you need towering mountains or vast oceans for a real outdoor experience.
We’re here to show you a different side of the Gateway to the West. We promise this guide will transform your view of the city, revealing it as a surprisingly well-equipped basecamp for building your outdoor skills and launching unforgettable adventures.
In this article, you’ll discover the wild heart of St. Louis’s urban parks, the best nearby state parks for challenging day hikes, how to safely navigate local rivers, and practical tips for gearing up. Let’s get you prepped for exploration.
Urban Oasis: Exploring the Wild Side of Forest Park
Forget everything you think you know about city parks. At 1,300 acres, Forest Park is larger than New York’s Central Park and offers a perfect training ground for new and intermediate adventurers. It’s an ideal spot to test gear, practice navigation, and get your trail legs ready for bigger trips.
This is one of the most sustainable Interesting things to do in St. Louis because you can access a full day of activity without a long drive, reducing your carbon footprint.
Hiking and Trail Running Loops
Forest Park is crisscrossed with a network of trails perfect for a quick escape. The dual-path system often features a paved path alongside a gravel or dirt trail, letting you choose your challenge.
We recommend the 5.5-mile perimeter loop for a solid workout. It’s a great way to see the park’s diverse landscapes, from manicured lawns to dense woods. Use an app like AllTrails to track your progress and explore the smaller, less-traveled connector trails.
Paddling the Waterways: A Beginner’s Guide
The park’s waterways, like Post-Dispatch Lake, offer a calm, controlled environment to practice your paddling skills. This is a fantastic place for first-timers to get comfortable in a kayak, canoe, or on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP).
You can rent boats at the Boathouse, but if you have your own, it’s the perfect spot for a shakedown. Practice your basic strokes, get a feel for your boat’s stability, and test your PFD (Personal Flotation Device) fit before heading to more challenging rivers.
Essential Gear for a Day in the Park
Even for a city park adventure, you should carry a few essentials. Think of it as practice for a real backcountry trip.
- Daypack: A small 15-20 liter pack like the Osprey Daylite Plus is perfect.
- Water: Carry at least one liter in a reusable bottle like a Nalgene or a hydration reservoir.
- Navigation: Don’t rely solely on your phone. Carry a physical park map as a backup.
- First-Aid Kit: A small, personal kit for scrapes and blisters is always a smart idea.
Beyond the City Limits: Day-Trip Hikes for Every Skill Level
When you’re ready to leave the city behind, the rolling hills of the Ozark Highlands are just a short drive away. This region offers some of the best hiking in the Midwest, with rocky bluffs, lush forests, and stunning river views. This section of our Interesting things to do in St. Louis guide is for those ready for a challenge.
Castlewood State Park: Riverside Bluffs and Challenging Trails
Just 30 minutes from downtown, Castlewood State Park is a local favorite. The trails here offer serious elevation changes and rugged terrain along the limestone bluffs overlooking the Meramec River.
The 3-mile River Scene Trail is a must-do. It starts with a steep climb to the top of the bluffs, rewarding you with panoramic views, before descending to a flat, scenic path along the river. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support; the rocky sections can be tricky.
Pere Marquette State Park: Epic Views of the Illinois River
Head across the river into Illinois to Pere Marquette State Park for some of the most expansive views in the region. During the fall, the foliage is absolutely spectacular, making it a prime destination for photographers and nature lovers.
The Goat Cliff Trail is a short but steep climb that leads to a breathtaking overlook of the Illinois River Valley. For a longer day, you can connect several loops for a 5-7 mile hike. This area is also a major wintering spot for bald eagles, offering another reason to visit in the colder months.
Elephant Rocks & Johnson’s Shut-Ins: A Geologic Wonderland
About 90 minutes south of St. Louis, you’ll find two of Missouri’s most unique state parks. Elephant Rocks State Park features giant granite boulders that look like a train of circus elephants. The Braille Trail is a 1-mile accessible loop that winds through these incredible formations.
Nearby, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is a natural waterpark carved into ancient volcanic rock. The “shut-ins” are a series of pools, rapids, and waterfalls perfect for cooling off in the summer. A word of caution: the rocks are extremely slippery when wet. Wear water shoes with excellent grip, like those from KEEN or Chaco.
A Paddler’s Guide: Navigating St. Louis’s Waterways
St. Louis was founded at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, and its waterways remain a vital part of its character. For the outdoor adventurer, these rivers offer incredible opportunities for day trips and even multi-day floats.
Understanding how to Interesting things to do in St. Louis on the water means prioritizing safety above all else. Rivers are powerful and unpredictable.
Choosing Your Craft: Kayak vs. Canoe vs. SUP
The right boat depends on your trip. For solo trips or faster-moving water, a 10-12 foot recreational kayak is agile and stable. For family trips or carrying gear for an overnight camp, a classic canoe is hard to beat.
Stand-up paddleboards are great for a core workout on calmer stretches of river, but they are less stable and not recommended for beginners on rivers with strong currents.
Safety First: River Currents and Essential PFDs
Never underestimate a river’s power. The Missouri and Mississippi are large, commercial waterways with strong currents and barge traffic. We recommend beginners start on smaller, more manageable rivers like the Meramec, Huzzah, or Courtois.
Always wear a properly fitted PFD. It’s not enough to have it in the boat; you must have it on. Check the river levels and weather forecast before you leave, and always tell someone your float plan—where you’re putting in, where you’re taking out, and when you expect to be back.
Your Guide to More Interesting Things to Do in St. Louis
Adventure isn’t just about backcountry exertion. It’s about exploring new environments with curiosity. St. Louis offers several unique outdoor spaces where nature, art, and urban design intersect, providing a different kind of exploration.
The Citygarden: An Urban Sculpture Hike
Located downtown, Citygarden is an open-air art museum. A paved path winds through two dozen modern sculptures, waterfalls, and carefully curated gardens. It’s a perfect, low-impact activity for a rest day and a great example of eco-friendly Interesting things to do in St. Louis.
Laumeier Sculpture Park: Art Meets Nature
For a more expansive experience, head to Laumeier Sculpture Park. Over 100 acres of rolling hills and woodlands are dotted with large-scale contemporary sculptures. Paved and natural-surface trails connect the installations, allowing you to get in a few miles while engaging with world-class art.
Biking the Great Rivers Greenway
The Great Rivers Greenway district is developing a massive network of interconnected trails (greenways) throughout the region. Grant’s Trail is a popular 8-mile paved “rail-trail” that’s perfect for a leisurely bike ride or a long run. It’s flat, shaded, and connects several parks and neighborhoods.
Sustainable Travel & Outdoor Ethics: Best Practices in the Gateway City
Part of being a smart adventurer is knowing how to explore responsibly. The goal is always to leave a place better than you found it. This is the core of our Interesting things to do in St. Louis care guide—protecting the places we love.
Applying Leave No Trace Principles in Urban Parks
The seven principles of Leave No Trace apply everywhere, not just in the deep wilderness.
- Pack it in, pack it out. This includes apple cores and banana peels.
- Stay on the trail. Cutting switchbacks or walking on fragile vegetation causes erosion.
- Respect wildlife. Don’t feed the squirrels or geese. Observe from a distance.
Common Problems to Avoid: Overcrowding and Trail Etiquette
Popular trails, especially at Castlewood State Park on a nice weekend, can get crowded. One of our top Interesting things to do in St. Louis tips is to go early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds.
Practice good trail etiquette: hikers going uphill have the right of way, and you should announce yourself when passing someone from behind. Keep music to a minimum or use headphones.
Frequently Asked Questions About Interesting things to do in St. Louis
What’s the best time of year for outdoor activities in St. Louis?
Fall (September to November) is arguably the best. The temperatures are cool, the humidity drops, and the fall foliage is stunning. Spring (April to May) is also beautiful but can be rainy. Summer is hot and humid, so plan activities for the early morning or on the water.
Are there any good spots for camping near St. Louis?
Yes! Many of the state parks mentioned, like Pere Marquette and Johnson’s Shut-Ins, have excellent campgrounds. Hawn State Park, about an hour south, is another beautiful option with campsites nestled among pine and hardwood forests.
Do I need any special permits for hiking or paddling?
For day-use hiking in Missouri and Illinois state parks, you typically do not need a permit. For paddling, you just need to ensure your watercraft is properly registered if it’s motorized. Always check the specific park’s website before you go for the most current regulations.
How can I find trail conditions before I go?
The AllTrails app is a great resource, as users often post recent trail conditions. You can also call the park ranger’s office directly. This is especially important after heavy rain, as some low-lying trails along rivers can flood.
St. Louis is more than just an arch. It’s a vibrant, accessible hub for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of outdoor adventure or for the seasoned traveler looking for a new base of operations. From urban trails to rugged bluffs, there’s a surprising amount of wild to explore.
Use this guide as your starting point. Pack your daypack, check the forecast, and go discover the green spaces hiding in plain sight. Explore smart, stay safe, and enjoy the journey.
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