River Des Peres Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

River Des Peres Park is a beautiful recreational area located in Saint Louis, Missouri.


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Summary

It spans over 100 acres and boasts a range of activities for visitors. The park is particularly popular among families and outdoor enthusiasts, who come to enjoy the lush greenery and scenic views.

There are several reasons to visit River Des Peres Park. The park offers miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, and walking. It also has a playground, soccer fields, and picnic areas for families to enjoy. The park's fishing pond is a great spot for anglers, and there are even boat ramps for kayaking and canoeing.

One of the main points of interest in the park is the River Des Peres itself, which runs through the park. The river is known for its diversity of fish species, including largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish. Visitors can also see a variety of wildlife in the park, including deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species.

Interesting facts about River Des Peres Park include its history as a landfill and its subsequent transformation into a beautiful park. The park's location on the former site of a landfill is a testament to the power of conservation and environmental restoration.

The best time of year to visit River Des Peres Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park's foliage is at its most vibrant. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating and sledding in the winter months.

Overall, River Des Peres Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Missouri. Its range of activities, diverse wildlife, and fascinating history make it a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

       

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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.
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