Castlewood State Park
"St. Louis visitors often come for a quick nature escape with hiking, biking, and river views close to the city. It is one of the easiest day trips in the metro area."
A scenic riverfront park in west St. Louis County known for bluffs, trails, and outdoor recreation.
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
"Visitors from St. Louis come for a quick nature escape without leaving the metro area. The park is close enough for a half-day outing, picnic, or trail hike."
A wooded day-use park in St. Louis County with scenic bluffs, picnic areas, and hiking and equestrian trails.
Don Robinson State Park
"Visitors from St. Louis often come for a quick escape into a quieter, more rugged natural setting without a long drive. The park offers a day-trip option for hiking and photography."
A secluded Ozark park with sandstone canyons, wooded ridges, and scenic hiking near St. Louis.
Pere Marquette State Park
"St. Louis residents enjoy a quick getaway to Pere Marquette for hiking, scenic drives, and eagle watching along the rivers, just a short drive from the city’s urban attractions."
Illinois’ largest state park, known for river views, bluffs, and outdoor recreation.
Washington State Park
"Visitors from St. Louis often come for a quick outdoor escape with camping, hiking, and a quieter setting than city parks. The park is close enough for a day trip or weekend stay."
A scenic Ozark park with bluffs, streams, camping, and CCC-era history.
Beaver Dam State Park
"St. Louis residents often visit Beaver Dam State Park for a peaceful retreat from city life, enjoying fishing, hiking, and picnicking in a natural setting."
Beaver Dam State Park is a scenic retreat with a lake, woodlands, and diverse outdoor activities near Carlinville, Illinois.
Cuivre River State Park
"St. Louis visitors come to Cuivre River State Park for a change of pace from city life. The park’s rugged terrain and lake recreation make it a popular weekend destination."
A large northeast Missouri park known for rugged hills, river scenery, camping, and outdoor recreation.
Graham Cave State Park
"St. Louis visitors can make a manageable day trip to experience a quieter side of Missouri history and nature."
A historic park centered on a significant prehistoric cave site in the Loutre River valley.
Meramec State Park
"Visitors from St. Louis often come for weekend camping, river trips, and a quick escape into the Ozarks. The park is close enough for day use but offers a more rustic setting than city parks."
A riverfront Ozark park known for caves, bluffs, camping, and paddling on the Meramec River.
Elephant Rocks State Park
"Visitors from St. Louis often make a day trip to see the park's unusual granite formations and enjoy a scenic escape from the city. It is a popular destination for families and photographers."
A geologic wonder featuring massive granite boulders shaped like a parade of elephants.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
"Visitors from St. Louis often make a day trip or weekend trip for Missouri’s highest point and a scenic Ozark escape. The park offers a quieter, more rugged experience than urban parks closer to the city."
Missouri’s highest point, with scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and rugged Ozark hiking.
Echo Bluff State Park
"St. Louis travelers visit for a longer getaway into the Ozarks and access to clear streams, hiking, and camping. Echo Bluff is a popular base for exploring the Current River region."
A scenic Ozarks park with bluff views, creek access, camping, and family-friendly recreation.