Fort Bellefontaine County Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Bellefontaine County Park is a historic park located in Missouri that attracts visitors with its scenic beauty and rich history.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is one of the oldest parks in St. Louis County and covers an area of 305 acres. The park is known for its picturesque views of the Missouri River and the Lewis and Clark Trail.

There are several reasons to visit Fort Bellefontaine County Park. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. The park also has a playground, a softball field, and a disc golf course.

One of the main points of interest in the park is the Old Fort Bellefontaine, which was built in 1805 as a military post. Visitors can explore the fort and learn about its role in protecting the frontier during the early 19th century. Another attraction in the park is the Lewis and Clark Memorial, which commemorates the famous explorers who passed through the area in 1804.

Fort Bellefontaine County Park is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is a prime spot for birdwatching and features several species of migratory birds. Visitors can also spot deer, coyotes, and other wildlife while hiking through the park.

The best time of year to visit Fort Bellefontaine County Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the foliage is at its peak. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique attractions.

In summary, Fort Bellefontaine County Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, outdoor activities, and natural beauty. With its diverse range of attractions and activities, it has something to offer visitors of all ages and interests.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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
View more

Featured Parks