Outdoor Recreation
in and Around St. Louis
By Bob Carter
Photos: St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission

Sure I did the usual. Made the trip to the top of the arch; visited some of the best attractions including the world-famous Gateway Arch and the City Museum, perhaps my favorite; enjoyed the St. Louis blues; and ate like a king. But, a real plus was discovering the area's diverse outdoor recreation. After you've done the usual tourist trek, here's a brief survey of what's available in the great outdoors and a listing of some local campgrounds awaiting your stay.

Is golf your game? There are numerous public courses in St. Louis, many designed by the country's top players and course architects. Hikers and bikers find a variety of trails on the region's network of biking and hiking trails. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which was the original Route 66 span over the Mississippi River, is now the world's longest pedestrian and biking bridge. The Riverfront Trail is a paved recreational greenway beginning in Laclede's Landing and paralleling the Mississippi River. A short drive north of the bridge is the unspoiled confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.

There are plenty of paths throughout St. Louis perfectly suited to walkers and runners. The 1.7-mile route through Gateway Arch grounds offers a close-up view of the nation's tallest monument. Beautiful Forest Park offers a 7.5-mile path used by bikers, walkers, joggers, in-line skaters, and an occasional equestrian. Located only 20-minutes from downtown St. Louis, off fabled Route 66, Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center offers three trails perfect for trailblazers of every skill level. The 185-mile Katy Trail begins in nearby St. Charles, just 30 minutes west of downtown St. Louis.

OK, OK, I didn't walk it all, but did my fair share while I was there. Last, but certainly not least, the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway begins in Alton and follows the Mississippi and Illinois rivers past charming old- fashioned river towns and dramatic natural scenery.

St. Louis area camping includes:

KOA St. Louis South (636-479-4449) includes RV spaces, tenting, laundry, swimming, fishing within 5 miles, trails, and handicapped access.

Meramec Caverns Campground (573-468-3166) includes RV spaces, tenting, laundry, fishing within 5 miles, trails, and handicapped access.

Pinewoods Park Campground (800-328-0150) includes RV spaces, tenting, laundry, swimming, fishing within 5 miles, trails, and handicapped access.

Timberlake Marina (573-898-2077) includes RV spaces, tenting, fishing, and handicapped access.

For more information about traveling in and around St. Louis, contact St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, One Metropolitan Square, Suite 1100, St. Louis, MO 63102, 800-324-7962 or 314-421-1023, Web Site: www.explorestlouis.com.

Be sure to also read:

• The Tiny Trailer of Tragedy: Elvis's RV in St. Louis!
• Traveling Missouri's Weinstrasse

Bob Carter is the author of numerous books, including Food Festivals of Texas, Traveler's Guide & Cookbook. Click here to learn more about Bob.