Whether you are an experienced bird watcher or just beginning,this is definitely a place you want…read moreto visit . This huge nature preserve with visitors center offers bird exhibits as well as educational programs. We spoke to one of the employees who told us where to go to see various birds. You can walk the trails or drive around as there are numerous pull offs for picture taking. Plenty of parking as well as public restrooms and picnic tables. There is no admission fee but a small donation is suggested.

Do you love bird watching? If not, after a visit to Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, it may be…read moreyour new interest and hobby. There's 3,700 acres of diverse conversation land and 1,200 of wetlands, making it perfect for all types of birds. 60% of North American migrating bird species use the Mississippi River Flyway and they do it with no TSA or Flight Controllers. On any given day, you'll have a chance to see a variety of waterfowls including; Pelicans, Swans, Geese and Ducks. You'll also get a glimpse of, Herons, Egrets and Ring Necked Gulls. During the colder months, like January and February, you will definitely get to see an American Bald Eagle. In addition of bird watching, you can enjoy one of the many trails for hiking and biking. The staff from Audubon Center and the US Army Corps of Engineers are on site and can ask any questions you may have. I recommend that you get out and not only explore nature, but enjoy it too.

Sugar Creek Park is a cute little park with a walking trail, open field and a nice playground for…read morechildren. On our visit we did several laps around the trail with our dog. It was a hot day, so we appreciated that much of the trail was shaded. There was a family of deer right off the trail, which was fun to see up close. The children's playground area looked really fun for kids. There is a small parking lot. For us, this park is a convenient neighborhood option if we want a short walk.

Great place to take a mini stroll. They have a playground with a few swings and a kids activity…read morearea. I go to walk the trail with my dog. They also have a soccer field which they hold a few youth events. The parking lot is small. They have another area for parking and walking but it appears to be closed for construction.

We decided to go to the lake. It was serene. It has a very peaceful vibe. People are kayaking,…read more walking and riding bikes. The lake is beautiful. Unfortunately I didn't feel like taking a stroll. Therefore I sat and watch people. There were some interesting people and families.

I come here often. Sometimes for solitude, sometimes to get active with friends. My only issue was…read morethat the restrooms were not available -- likely because it was out of season when I went. Love how BIG it is.. and I can get my steps in with one lap! If you go when it's cold, the portion of the trail not blocked by trees is very cold! Dress warm!

Laumeier is a beautiful neighborhood park featuring a wide variety of art installations which are…read moresure to amaze and entertain, some great shaded walking paths with play area for the children. The park also hosts the annual art fair and other pop up events. My favorite thing about this park is that it is not super crowded. While the weekends might boost the number of visitors, the park is usually still fairly peaceful. We've met photographers here before as the sculptures and sceneries do introduce lovely backgrounds for photoshoots. We've also just spent some time strolling with our pup on beautiful days. There is an education center to learn about the park. Aside from beautiful nature scenes and flowers, there is a large eyeball which is quite an entertaining conversational piece, a very tall human piece, a leafy looking piece made of wood, a large moose (I think?) and so much more! If you haven't made the trip, take some time to check this place out on a morning or an afternoon stroll and check out some outdoor arts!

One of our favorite parks in St. Louis county! It's a perfect spot for a quick looped walk mixing…read moreart and nature. There's a woodsy trail that winds along the park with sculptures mixed in. There's also a long cement path that crawls all around the open grassy sculpture park part. It's a dog friendly park which is great because our dogs LOVE this park. It's even better because in the warmer months they offer a lot of weekend events like art fairs or food truck gatherings with live music. Awesome spot One of our favorite parks in St. Louis county! It's a perfect spot for a quick looped walk mixing art and nature. There's a woodsy trail that winds along the park with sculptures mixed in. There's also a long cement path that crawls all around the open grassy sculpture park part. It's a dog friendly park which is great because our dogs LOVE this park. It's even better because in the warmer months they offer a lot of weekend events like art fairs or food truck gatherings with live music. Awesome spot

We were at the park during a triathlon expo on a day with a heat advisory, and I was honestly blown…read moreaway by the kindness and thoughtfulness of the park staff. They came around with a cooler full of popsicles, handing them out to everyone to help keep us cool such an unexpected and appreciated gesture! The park itself is very well-kept and inviting. They even had chalk out for the kids to draw with, as well as a giant Jenga set for them to play. It's rare to see that level of care and community spirit, and it made such a positive impression. Huge thanks to the park crew for going above and beyond you can tell they truly care about the people who visit.

Such a lovely oasis in suburbia that has a nice sized lake to enjoy. There are ducks and Canadian…read moregeese on the property. There are picnic pavilions and especially a large one with permanent bathrooms. There is archery and I believe a members-only Dog Park. In the summer they have the St. Louis Shakespeare actors, do a one night performance, and on some Friday nights they host concerts with top local talent.

This St. Louis County park has several attractive amenities, but hasn't been overdeveloped despite…read moresitting in a residential area. There's a small playground next to a picnic pavilion. An asphalt paved trail winds through a mature forest and connects to the Gravois Greenway. Along the path fitness items offer opportunities to stretch or test muscles. The highest part of the park has two ball fields with a large, open grassy area between suitable for flying a kite, tossing a frisbee, or lying in the sun.

Clean park overall. Field between baseball fields held a great area to play football and catch…read more This area does not have bathrooms but maybe another area of the park that does. Plenty of parking. Big bold views of the skies. Great for families.

In Alton visiting a friend and we wanted to get outside and enjoy the day. She took me to this park…read morefor the amazing view. This park is located in a higher altitude to the places around and that affords an amazing view over the river. There is a steep set of stairs on one side or gradual slope to walk up on the other (also making it more accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, etc). There is a nice Gazebo with benches for weddings and events. My friend advised that the Alton Orchestra plays at the gazebo in the summertime. There was also a walking trail and nice views on the lower side of the park. I give it a 4/5 as there is no equipment or play area for the youngsters. Also there was a large construction area where it appears there was a landslide type situation. The city is addressing it and has the whole area sectioned off for the protection of guests. Overall I would recommend this area for a stroll, a view and maybe a picnic. Would also be a great wedding/event spot with the gazebo.

I came here today to check out a new park with my friend along the way to the state park, and I…read morefound this quaint city park with a great view of the Mississippi River overlooking St. Charles, MO. I played catch and fetch with my dog, and he got to run around the upper part of the park off-leash. (I recommend not doing the off-leash with your dog if they are not trained for recalls). I sat at the bench overlooking the river for 30-40 minutes, just enjoying the view and how the weather was also perfect for the park. This park will be one of my go-to whenever I revisit Alton, IL.

It's great scenery while taking a walk on a nice day. Plenty of parking, path is wide enough to…read moreaccommodate those walking and running.

Nice and peaceful place to walk or run. It's a 4 mile distance from one end and back (2 miles long…read moreeach way). Sits right off of a busy road but not so noisy that it disturbs. The levee overlooks all the shopping stores off of THF and Boone's Crossing so you can easily park and walk over or simply park on the gravel levee parking lot. I enjoy a change in scenery and the levee gives me that. There is also a beautiful mural along the concrete barrier wall at the beginning of the trail decorated by local school kids.