Free Things to Do in Florissant, MO

Remember when you were a kid and found yourself without loads of computer games, cell phones and other toys? Do you remember the first moments of panic as you looked and looked for something to do? Near tears of frustration the epiphany occurred when your mind began to scream at you, "Imagination! Use your imagination!"

What a stretch of imagination this assignment turned out to be, especially after discovering some things that might be free weren't and some things that might have cost money didn't. In these days of instant communications, instant pudding and instant gratification, a new epiphany revealed that all those entertainments for which we are willing to pay hard cash are nearly as gratifying as some of the freebies discovered in Florissant, Missouri.

Florissant, Missouri is a town of approximately 50,000 residents situated in a neat cluster of similar communities in north St Louis County. Rich in history, Florissant, like its big sister, the city of St Louis to the south, was ruled by the Spanish then the French before the United States made the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

One of the easiest things to do for free in Florissant is stroll through Old Town business district and window shop at local merchants or you can just enjoy the mix of architecture and nature. The business district is anchored by City Hall Annex at the intersection of New Florissant Rd and Rue St Francois and the historic St Ferdinand Shrine built in 1821 at the northwest end of Rue St Francois. The distance is a short 10 blocks, just over ½ mile. Stopping to browse the shops or for a bite to eat might extend your walk but is well worth the intermittent forays. The local VFW Post is also open to the public and has a number of displays of military items that might be of interest.

While in Old Town Florissant don't forget a free side trip through the residential areas to see attractive houses with immaculate lawns and impressive shade trees from many eras of Florissant' history.

A trip along the 3 mile long Florissant bike trail which has plans to become a part of the famous Katy Trail might fit into your schedule of free things to do. A paved path for bicycling, jogging or walking, the trail gently twines through open, business, residential areas and beside some of the city's smaller parks and residents' gardens. Starting at the Coldwater Creek Commons Park that was once known as the Spanish Land Grant and that fronts the St Ferdinand Shrine you admired earlier, the trail heads towards the Missouri River and the Nature Lodge at Sunset Park.

The view at Sunset Park is spectacular any time of day and any time of year, but to fully grasp the reason the park was so named, a rest at the overlook at dusk is not only free, but eye catching. From the overlook a view of the Missouri River and the farmlands of St Charles County can be easily admired. Even though this view is northerly, the sunsets seen here can be magnificent. The park covers 90 acres and has 3000 feet of Missouri River shoreline. One of Florissant's best parks, Sunset Park can be reached by following driving, biking or walking to the end of Sunset Park Drive.

While at Sunset Park make some time to explore the recently completed Nature Lodge built by the nonprofit Florissant Parks Foundation and administered by the Florissant Parks department. The lodge is the first stage of improvements to Sunset Park that include a 4 acre scout camp, a marina, store and other amenities.

In Florissant there many opportunities to quench your spiritual thirst, too. One listing provides addresses and phone numbers for over 80 places of worship within the city, and includes most Christian denominations and a Thai Buddhist Temple.

In the summer months the city of Florissant sponsors a series of free concerts in St Ferdinand Park. Unlike the concerts in the park we tend to visualize as quaint little gatherings with entertainment by the local concert band playing John Phillips Souza marches, these series of summer concerts are given by professional musical groups that provide a wide variety of musical styles.

Another free entertainment provided by the city of Florissant is the annual Independence Day Fireworks. The annual event is preceded by a free concert, then, as darkness approaches, the fireworks begin, slowly at first, but building to a crescendo of spectacular lights in the sky and patriotic music. This annual 4^th of July celebration is considered by some to be the best Independence Day show in the St Louis area.

There are other free things to do in Florissant, MO, such as reading your favorite magazine at the Florissant Valley branch of the St Louis County Public Library system or even attending a Florissant City Council meeting on second and fourth Mondays of every month at City Hall. If you know of anything missed that should be included please leave a comment for all the readers to benefit.

Perhaps not as exciting as a Michael Jackson concert or a space shuttle launch, free things in Florissant do exist, and, as Robert Heinlein would say, TANSTAAFL (There ain't no such thing as a free lunch).