Hendrickson Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Hendrickson Park is a popular destination in Missouri for those who love outdoor recreation and natural beauty.
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Summary
Located in the city of Valley Park, the park offers many activities for visitors including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and bird-watching. The park is named after its founder John Hendrickson who donated the land to the city in the early 1900s.
One of the main points of interest in Hendrickson Park is the Meramec River, which runs along the park's western edge. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the river or taking a scenic walk along its banks. The park also features several hiking trails, including the Chubb Trail which is considered one of the best hiking trails in the state. The park's scenic overlook offers stunning views of the Meramec River Valley, making it a great spot for photography.
Another popular attraction in Hendrickson Park is the park's wildlife. Bird watchers will enjoy spotting various species of birds such as bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons. The park is also home to many other animals such as deer, foxes, and raccoons.
The best time of year to visit Hendrickson Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. The park is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves change colors and offer a stunning view of the Meramec River Valley.
Overall, Hendrickson Park is an excellent destination in Missouri for those who love the outdoors and natural beauty. With its scenic views, hiking trails, and wildlife, it's a great place to enjoy a day of outdoor recreation and relaxation.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Bacon Memorial Park
Jerry F McClane Park and Recreation Area
Lake Wappapello State Park