River's Edge Park is an amazing place to get a workout in. This beautiful park has both gravel and…read moremulch paths for walking and running. Dogs seem to love this park. The lake has plenty of benches around the perimeter for viewing the scenery or taking a break. There is even a path to the river which makes for good photos. This Summer and Fall were both beautiful at River's Edge. I am looking forward to getting pictures of all four seasons at this park!

signage could have been better for those of us wanting to see the river. A word of caution though…read moreif you have kids or pets the bank is steep and can be slick and the river is unforgiving. Be careful!

We hiked 3 miles at the Matson Hill Park near Defiance/Augusta off 94. Within the fist 5 minutes,…read moreif you head counterclockwise, you'll come across a sinkhole on the right side of the path. There are several small stream crossings, but plenty of rock bridges to keep your feet dry. We were impressed that the trail was clear of rots/rocks/overgrowth. Makes sense that the trail was also intended for bikers. The trail was built by mountain bikes for mountain bikers, but the day we visited, there was a sign at the trailhead that said "hikers only." There was so much shade on this trail. Perfect for a hot summer day. The trail has a few loops depending on if you want to hike the smallest 1ish mile trail, the 3 mile hike on the Matson Hill Loop, or the 2 add-on trails: 3 miles Hays Trail and the 2 mile Oxen Mill Trail. The maps at the trailhead and throughout the trail indicate the historic 1830s stone homes on the property were closed to visitors. Checking out the St. Charles County website now, the Hays and Boone family homes are open to the public again after a renovation in 2020! We almost hit a deer on the side road after getting off 94. Just keep your eyes peeled and your speed appropriate on the curving roads.

If you want terrific trail cycling or hiking, this is the premier spot in the St. Charles County…read morepark system. The large park covers 475 acres--most of it natural, rugged, and forested. Trails include more than six miles of natural surface paths that wind and curve and roll across the landscape. Besides the trails a key feature is the 1830s stone home of a Daniel Boone's grandson, Daniel Boone Hays. The home/museum contains exhibits about the Boone and Hays families.

I am an avid walker, especially when the weather is nice. St Charles County boasts a large number…read moreof well maintained parks. This park is especially a favorite for me. The park has a walking loop throughout the entire park. The path is paved and easy to navigate. There is also a man made pond with path and bridges. There are three small jetty's if you are interested in catch and release fishing. I've brought my yoga mat on several occasions and enjoyed the peace of the water. The playground area is perfect for kids of all sizes. The restrooms are clean and well maintained. If disc golf is your thing, the course loops throughout the park.

When I lived in North O'Fallon I walked around the small lake in the late afternoons for health…read morereasons. I chose a different morning time when bikers came zooming along preparing for serious rides. There were plenty of trees, shade, birds, fish, frogs, picnic areas and I was never approached by criminals. I saw some children practicing "catch and release" in the large pond / small lake. It was serene, peaceful and beautiful.

Great hiking and bike riding location. Lots of trees and near Katy trail! Love this place!read more

(AUGUST 2025) I'd never seen the sunflower fields that my friends post about with their children…read moreand families until recently. It almost seemed unbelievable some of the imagery stemming from these 7,000 acres of natural beauty and outdoor recreation in the heart of scenic Missouri wine county. Once you are off highway 40, it's 50-55mph WINE-dy back roads to get there. Once you get into the turn in, it's a graveled road with a trailhead to the Katy Trail. Do not even think about having a clean car upon entering this place. It will get dirty and dusty. There are also (surprisingly) random humans running in the middle of the narrow driveway leading up to the sunflower field and ending at a boat ramp. I never understood why people never stick to one side of the road while on foot amongst VEHICLES. I find my friend and we exit our vehicles to begin our mini photoshoot in the sunflower fields. I felt like Candy(wo)man as the bees tended to the sunflowers while I freaked out thinking they'd sting me with my bright yellow shirt on and black skirt. It was so blissful to see sooo many beautiful BIG butterflies fly around us. The caterpillars were on like every leaf just hanging out like the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland. It was nature at its finest. Sunflowers for as far as the eye can see. The sounds of bees (and flies) buzzing about. I tried to relax, and we got a few non-frantic pictures of me. I will wear pants next time and try to relax more. I was invading THEIR space, not the opposite.

We've been coming here for years. It's a hidden gem in Kirkwood. Great paved (and hilly) trails…read more Lots of educational stuff for kids. Nice workers. Interactive nature center with plenty of animals. Lots of fun!!

I've been to powder valley a few times and I love that they offer scenic hiking trails that are not…read moretoo far from the city. The trails themselves are completely paved and easily accessible. The trails are 1/5 in difficulty and generally takes about an hour and a half if you walk through all 3 trails, so if you're a hiking enthusiast and looking for a more intermediate/advanced trail you won't find it here. But the trail does offer nice scenery and it's beautiful to walk through during the Fall to see the changing of the leaves.

It's nice that I live here, I'd probably die without this place. It's nice and clean, and great for…read moreactive movement. Scenery is also jaw-dropping. Shoutout to the horses, I went with my little sis and we both agreed they were cool. The entire trail is a nice break from everything, and I would recommend this trail.

I love Grant's Trail!…read more This trial is a great spot to get outside and enjoy the fall weather we're starting to have. It's 10 miles long and stretches from Orlando's in south county to I-44 in Kirkwood. I ran a half marathon a couple of years ago, and did a lot of my training runs here. Here's what I really liked about it: - the miles are marked; made it super simple to keep track of where I was - very little hills, great for endurance training! - scenery was amazing, I was training in the fall time. My favorite spot was the Gravois Road to Pardee Road. You get to see Grants Farm and the Clydesdales. It was beautiful with the changing leaves. - I felt super safe. - if you go early-ish in the morning, it isn't packed. - they've got a great layout of the trail online, section by section. It explains points of interest, Peking, facilities, and pictures. It's a great opportunity to get outside!

Broemmelsiek is a beautiful park. It is in a hilly and green area near O'Fallon, MO. The park is…read morelarge and has numerous picnic shelters, walking paths, hiking trails, kayak rental, catch and release fishing, lots of parking and a visitor center. The park is dog-friendly, as long as they are on a leash. But, they also have a pretty big dog park where they can run around unleashed. We will be here next weekend for our grandson's high school graduation party. The pavilions we will use are quite large, have lots of tables, ceiling fans, lights, a fire pit restrooms and a playground. This park can be enjoyed whether you have a group event or if you just want to chill out and soak in your surroundings.

Massive park with plenty of trails, green space, pavilions for rent! We went for a birthday party…read moreand had never been there before but found the park absolutely beautiful!!

Tucked in behind St. Charles Community College with woods that separate it from the Estates of…read moreFairfield Manor subdivision, this St. Charles County Park hides in plain site. It's easy to pass the park. It simply looks like open prairie on the edge of the college property. But if you're a fitness buff or disc golf enthusiastic you'll want to know about it. The gravel fitness trail winds through prairie grass and includes 10 exercise stations. There's also a fitness machine that's wheelchair accessible. The 9-hole disc golf course, with concrete pads, meanders across 80 scenic acres. Portable toilet onsite.