Fall is upon us. With it comes colorful foliage and the beauty of nature. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages the public to explore the beauty, wildlife, and history of St. Louis City’s parks through a series of guided hikes. Each walk is led by MDC education staff. Each walk will highlight the unique natural features, plants, and animals that call each park home and uncover the rich cultural history behind these treasured green spaces. Each walk will take place in a different St. Louis City park on a different date, offering participants a fresh perspective on familiar landscapes. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. There are no age restrictions, either.
Through the A Walk in the Park series, they hope to help people see spaces not just as places to visit, but as vibrant habitats and cultural landmarks worth exploring and protecting.
Walks are designed to be short—just 1–2 miles. The pace will be relaxed, with plenty of opportunities for questions, conversation, and nature observation. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join the adventure.
Fairground Park – This takes place on Friday, October 16 at 9 a.m. This 2-mile walk will traverse through the 132-acre Fairground Park. It is arranged for people of all ages to participate and should take 1.5 hours. From its beginnings as the city’s grand fairgrounds and an early zoo to its more recent history, this walk will highlight the park’s large lake, a habitat for ducks, geese, herons, and turtles.
Benton Park – This walk takes place on Monday, October 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This 2-mile walk will traverse Benton, Carnegie, and Cherokee Parks, as well as the Cherokee-Lemp Historic District. Once the city cemetery, Benton Park has been a park since 1866. The Benton Park neighborhood is home to historic homes and breweries, including Bluewood Brewing, a local brewery based at the historic Lemp Brewery stables. You can plan on two hours for this evening walk.
Bellerive and Sister Marie Charles Parks – This occurs on Friday, October 23 at 9 a.m. This 1.5-mile walk will travel through Bellerive and Sister Marie Charles Parks along the banks of the Mississippi River. Participants will listen for a variety of bird species and learn about the prairie restoration efforts underway by MDC and the City of St. Louis. Plan on taking 1.5 hours.
Compton Hill Reservoir Park – If you are free on Monday, November 2 at 9 a.m., you might consider this hike. This 2-mile hike will wind through Compton Hill Reservoir Park and the tree-lined streets of Compton Heights. This autumn stroll will showcase the beauty of fall foliage while uncovering the area’s rich history. You will stroll broad boulevards that curve gently and were once home to some of St. Louis’s wealthiest residents in the early 20th century.
