I will go out of my way to check out a covered bridge and especially so when it's not even that far…read moreout of my way. This bridge would have been worth the detour! Sandy Creek Covered Bridge is in excellent condition and while it has been closed to vehicle traffic, you can still walk across it. The bridge is the centerpiece of this park which includes parking, picnic tables, primitive bathrooms and lots of captions with historical information. I had a terrific visit and really appreciate what has been done to preserve this history for posterity. [Review 1261 of 2024 - 362 in Missouri - 22284 overall]

As one would expect, there's a lot of history of this bridge! This is one of four covered bridges…read morefrom the 19th century still standing in Missouri. However, it has been rebuilt, redone and repaired in various years. But Missouri lawmakers and residents see no reason to tear this one down, as it shows a lot of importance. This bridge was used to connect St. Louis and Hillsboro (MO). Oddly enough, Lemay Ferry Road, which is prominent in South County, once extended all the way to this park. The bridge is in very fine condition. I have visited four old covered bridges (a couple were restored) in Illinois and all of them have graffiti and at least some sort of vandalism on them (no exaggeration, sadly). This one looks untouched, and I hope it stays that way. Anyone can walk through the bridge, and even under it! As for the park, it is a bit tricky to get to, but there is a decent-sized parking lot and park there. Restrooms are available as well as picnic benches. There's even historical markers at the site that talk about the history of Missouri's covered bridges. Plenty of space to walk your dog. There are some nature trails - one that leads past the bridge (to somewhere?). Summer or any day with great weather is a perfect day to come out here. It is part of Missouri's State Park system so check it out! Winter? I'm not so sure...maybe for photographers when it snows.

Located in Edwardsville Illinois,this is a nice 40 acre park with wetlands,woodlands and…read moregrasslands. Paved and gravel trails are well marked . Most trails circle the small lagoon. Pets are welcome. Plenty of parking.

The Watershed Nature Center is a hidden gem in Edwardsville! The folks who maintain the place do…read moresuch a good job making sure this area is preserved for nature and humans to enjoy together. You never know what kind of animals you may run into out here, and there is a beautiful view everywhere you turn! The actual nature center itself is excellent for learning about local wildlife, you might even get to meet one of the amazing folk who helps keep this place beautiful!

This is a spectacular park! I wish I knew about it years ago. If you get a chance, check out the…read moreSt. Charles County Parks site and find a Ranger guided bird tour. Bring some water, save a map, note the restrooms. Plenty of trails, tables, trees. Parking is good. Be prepared for a 2-lane winding road to get here.

Great park for pictures. Go to the area with the bathrooms and two swings, walk down pavement to…read morethe sand area beautiful water and views! The bathrooms avoid, very gross and filled with wasps and stink bugs. So we changed in parking lot.

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!

My boyfriend, his parents, and myself came out here to go jet skiing…read more Formally called Cuivre Island Conservation Area, the way you actually pronounce Cuivre is 'quiver'. It is a nice nature area nestled off Dalbow Road and near Highway 79. Here you have water access for your boats and jet skis. There are some spots available for picnicking and such too. I'd advise to arrive early if you intend on parking near the water access area since it has limited spacing for vehicles. The water that you will be getting in is a tributary off of the Mississippi River. Lots of people come down here to go fishing since they've got such an abundance of different fish such as bass, crappie, and catfish. Enjoy your visit!

Perfect place to enjoy the forest and nature. The upper trail is a little more challenging but…read moreworth the trek.

What a fun place to enjoy a Sunday morning. Our dog Chloe love it here. I recommend to come here…read moreearly in the morning because this place gets really crowded after 11am. We saw quite a lots of minnows, one turtle and a few crawfish here. This place has several trees around so it does offer some shades to sit and enjoy the creek. The creek water feels cool and refreshing.

Love this park! It's really big! There is a road that circles around the park. You can use that for…read morebiking, walking or running. There are also off road bike trails. There are playgrounds for the kids and access to a creek! There are also quite a few picnic tables to choose from for your picnic!

Come here, quiet often and it's such a great part with a lot of different things to do…read more The Kids Play area is very nice with a great view of the wooded area behind it. The creek is also great, but just be careful when it overflows not to play in it as there can be some deeper spots and it also can be pretty fast. The park is always very clean. This would be great to take pictures at for families or any other special capture worthy moments.

Love this park! There is tons to do for those fishing, biking, picnics, walking, playground etc…read more The long path that trails along the lake is shaded and a great walk. Bathrooms are also open daily.

I've enjoyed this park a few times in the past and really enjoyed that it's large with big green…read moreareas, the lake is gorgeous to just sit and enjoy and they do have a pavilion and a playground. Most recently I came here specifically because they have a short, well shaded, flat walking path. It's paved and wide and amazing! The basic path it just about a mile and you can go from one parking lot to the other/boat ramp. This short path was very relaxing and mainly wooded with some peeks through to the lake. They also have more extensive bike paths for the bike riders. I highly recommend this for a nice walking path or a get together in the park.