Countrylane Woods II is a secluded, rural clubhouse that's part of the Countrylane subdivision in West County. It has tennis courts, a pool and a playground. The clubhouse and pool are available for private rentals.
Wildlife Center of Missouri, a non-profit organization mostly run by volunteers, is a rescue center for sick, injured and orphaned wild animals. Its goal is to rescue the animal, care for it and release it back into the wild if possible.
As the oldest park in the city parks system, Blanchette Park has also seen many changes through the years. It has always been a gathering place for the community, however.
Today, residents head to Blanchette Park to swim in the aquatic facility, which is open between the end of May and the middle of August each summer. Children must be 12 to attend by themselves.
Memorial Hall in the center of the park, is a facility that can be rented for everything from a pancake breakfast to a reception. Rooms can be rented individually. Rau Garden is another popular outdoor garden that can be rented for outdoor weddings.
The park also has baseball diamonds, a football field, horseshoe courts and tennis courts. Bum's Hollow is a natural amphitheater that is used for concerts in the summer and for sledding in the winter.
The City of St. Charles Parks and Recreation Department's Administrative Center is located within Blanchette Park. Visitors can reserve facilities in any of the city's parks by calling the administrative center at 636-949-3372.
Located on Blackberry Ave., next to Kauffman Park in University City, the Green Center is an arts and environmental education organization. The Green Center helps people understand nature through hands-on experiences and restoring native habitats. Educational events are held on a regular basis. Call or go to the website for a schedule of events.
Laumeier Sculpture Park is a 105-acre outdoor museum in Sunset Hills, Missouri, near St. Louis. It features 60-plus outdoor sculptures including the iconic modernist sculpture "The Way." A popular destination for arts aficionados across the Midwest, it draws more than 300,000 visitors a year.
Parking and Public Transportation at Laumeier Sculpture Park
Parking at Laumeier Sculpture Park is both ample and free.
The Metrolink trains do not extend into Sunset Hills, so public transit is not an option.
Best and Worst Times to Visit Laumeier Sculpture Park
The park is so sprawling that it never really feels crowded, even on busy summer days. Still, if you prefer peace and quiet, plan your trip for a weekday during the school year. Throughout much of the summer, Laumeier hosts large art camps for youths.
Admission to Laumeier Sculpture Park
Admission is absolutely free, no strings attached. Donations are welcome, but no pressure from staff to donate.
The park hosts a few ticketed special events throughout the year, including the annual Art Fair, which costs around $10 to enter.
Must See/Do at Laumeier Sculpture Park
The indoor galleries; The behemoth outdoor sculptures are the main attractions, but Laumeier's inner substance is worth perusing as well.
The tours: the free, interactive tours led by a museum docent are a hit, as are the self-guided sight/sound tours. You can visit the park's website to download the self-guided audio tour to your smartphone.
Other Places to Visit Near Laumeier Park
The renowned St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park is just a 15-minute eastward trek down I-44. The king of outdoor monuments in St. Louis, the Gateway Arch, is 20 minutes away as well.
Insider Tip for Visitors to Laumeier Sculpture Park
Although mostly flat, parts of the park are quite hilly, so wear comfy walking shoes.
If you have a young child who likes to climb, take them to the Children's Sculpture Garden at Laumeier. Otherwise, keep them off the sculptures -- the otherwise laid-back staff frown heavily on using the art as jungle gyms.
Author's bio: Marcus Whelchel lives, works, writes, and stares at large outdoor sculptures in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife and daughter.
370 Lakeside Park is a recreational area located on Lakeside Park Drive in St. Peters. The 300-acre space is the largest park in St. Peters and offers a 140-acre lake for fishing and boating as well as a three-mile trail around the lake for hiking and biking. The location also has an RV park and will have added a playground, a picnic area, picnic pavilions, a volleyball court and a dog park in the near future. The campground has fifty RV sites, tent sites and a boat rental house.
