Patriots, Fireworks and Fisherman's Trails

St. Louis is well known for this monument, which was built as a monument to those who had explored the frontiers and enabled the western expansion of the United States. It towers over the city skyline, demanding to be noticed and claiming its dominance. The Arch is located in Gateway Arch National Park, a riverfront plot of land with small ponds, trails, some parking areas (though you may need ...

If you're in St. Louis, make sure to add the City Museum to your to-do list.  This indoor-outdoor space features incredible slides, hidden stairways, and the craziest most random playgrounds. Here's what their website has to say – “Expect the unexpected. City Museum is a hundred-year-old warehouse in downtown St. Louis in which artists have repurposed the pieces of old cities to build miles ...

Perfect for getting steps in or spreading out a blanket and having a picnic.  The grounds are beautifully manicured, with lots of vibrant flowers and greenery.  The park boasts multiple water features which are lovely to sit out and relax by. This is a very busy park, with lots of runners, people having picnics on the green lawns and dogs on their daily walk.   For more information and to view ...

This hike or bike ride in Castlewood State Park is rated as moderate and starts out with pleasant views on the bluffs. Follow the orange blazes as the trail descends into Kiefer Creek Valley, where you will hike alongside Kiefer Creek. The trail was originally built so that bicyclists could access the bluff area, but is great if you want to get outdoors for a hike, run, or walk too. You’ll be...

Located in the Weldon Spring Conservation Area, this hike links together the Lewis and Clark Trails. At first the two trails overlap one another. When the trails split, for a shorter, 5.2 mile hike, you can stay on Clark Trail for the entire loop. For a longer hike take the 2.3 mile Lewis Trail loop, which circles back to the Clark Trail as it returns to the trailhead. Both trails are well mark...

Beautiful rolling hills and woods surround Lake Murphysboro and provide opportunities for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and hiking. Paddling is a perfect past time here. Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Boards are all allowed much of the year. If fishing is on the agenda, a 10 hp maximum outboard motor is all that is allowed. A smaller lake, appropriately called Little Lake, is located just nor...