Activities for Everyone at Creve Coeur Park, Missouri

No matter what age you are or what type of hobbies you like, some outdoor fun is waiting for you at Creve Coeur Park in the St. Louis County area of Missouri. At Creve Coeur Park you will find a huge lake with a 3.7 mile trail that wraps around the water and creates a path of adventure for anyone willing to take the stroll. Over 1 million people visit the lake each year, topping the charts for the most visited park in Missouri. Cared for by the St. Louis Parks and Recreation department, the area is well maintained and offers a wide range of activities for residents and visitors alike.

The walking trail is the main attraction for outdoor fitness enthusiasts. When the weather starts to warm up in March and April, the path fills up with walkers, runners, bikers, and hikers. You can even roller blade with ease on the completely paved trail around the entire lake. Kids, Teens, adults, even elderly can find something of interest in the vast acreage of nature that resides in and around the Creve Coeur Lake.

Here is a list of activities that are available:

Roller Blade, Hiking, Walking, Running, Biking the trails

The trail is 3.7 miles and wraps around the lake with several places to stop and rest.

Ride with a Bike Group

Riding in groups can be fun or competitive, just remember to use path etiquette.

Ride a Quad Cycle

A cute yellow four-seater can be rented at the lake for $10 per half hour.

Picking Wild Flowers or Dandelions

Take flowers home and create a centerpiece for your table that reminds you of a wonderful day spent at the lake. Dandelions are a special treat and can be used for painting or coloring things yellow. Try rubbing the head of a dandelion on the back of your palm and you will see the brilliant yellow "paint" that is emitted from their petals.

Taste the Honeysuckle

If picked at a height above the average large dog, Honeysuckle is safe for the tasting and is a wonderfully sweet treat. Sample some while you are at the park. There are several trees along the path that offer the delicious nectar.

Playing Kickball or Soccer on the fields behind the lake

Just beyond the back of the park and near the gazebo is a huge soccer field. You can stop and kick a ball with some friends or the kids. Or you can watch from the gazebo as the teams practice before their games. Either way, it is fun to watch or play.

Swinging in the park

Little ones love the swings and so do adults. Join in with your little one and show them how you used to do it as a kid. It is fun to pretend we are young again.

Wading at the Water Falls

The water falls are very romantic and have a history. Signs will tell you the romantic story of a young Indian maiden with a broken heart. While signs advise you not to climb on the rocks, many people find it irresistible to cool off in the gently falling springs.

Windsurfing

For beginners, windsurfing can be a real challenge. Again, if you can't do it yourself, it is still a lot of fun to watch others as they learn.

Sail boating with small sailboats

Sailboat Cove is not exactly for huge sailboats. But a small one might work. Try brining a remote control boat to sail around the big lake.

Boating and Fishing

The lake does have fish, so bring your fishing pole and see if you can catch dinner. Be sure to check the catch and release rules and get a fishing license if you are required to do so.

Kayaking

The Parks and Recreation department offer lessons for boating. If you don't know how to row a kayak, take a class this summer when the water is warm. Beginners sometimes find it hard to stay dry.

Fishing from the shore or bridges

With over 4 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of places to find a quiet fishing hole or you can join a group of people on the beach and cast your line.

Bird Watching

Creve Coeur Park has a ton of beautiful birds including Pelicans and Egret that are magnificent to watch or photograph. The Geese and Duck are also very friendly but the park encourages you to avoid feeding them. Birds that are hand fed become beggars and nuisance to visitors.

Rock Climbing

While there are no mountains to climb, there are a few rocks and the water falls are a great place for climbing. Again, the park will advise you to stay off, so climb at your own risk.

Taking Photographs

Creve Coeur Park and Lake is the photographers dream. It is a great setting for wedding photos, senior pictures, or just random photos of beauty.

Have a Picnic

Pack a lunch and make a day of it. There are plenty of grassy spots to throw down a blanket and have a meal with the ones you love. It is also a very romantic idea for a date.

Walking the Dogs

Dogs absolutely love the park. Don't forget to bring them a bowl and some clean bottled water to drink after a long walk around the lake.

Watching Airplanes and Jets Fly Overhead

There is a nearby airfield and you can spot the occasional fly by. The jets are pretty loud and kids find them amazing. Try laying on the ground and looking up at the sky. On a cloudy day you can pick out cloud images with the kids.

Meet People

You might be surprised at how open people are at the park. Say hello to a stranger and you might make a new friend. And keep your eyes peeled for someone you already know.

Have a Party at the Pavilion

You can reserve a pavilion for a party or a Wedding reception. It is a great place to entertain friends and family for a cookout or get together.

Host an event or Marathon at the Pavilion

Many events are held at the park including walks, marathons, and fundraisers. Recently, petitioners against Missouri Puppy Mills were asking for signatures at the park and a walk for clean water by Inspiration Salon was held at the park.

Lay in the sun and get a tan

Although you can't swim, you can lay out on the beach or on a bench and get some sun.

Play Sand Volleyball

There are at least 2 sand volleyball courts and anyone can use them if they are available without reservation.

Whatever your interests or hobbies are, there is something for everyone at Creve Coeur Park and Lake. Pack a lunch, load up the family or friends and make a day of it.