Bernhardt Park Stairs

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bernhardt Park Stairs is a beautiful park located in St.


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Summary

Louis, Missouri that features a picturesque staircase that visitors can climb. There are several reasons to visit this park, including the stunning views that can be seen from the top of the stairs, the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of the park, and the opportunity to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors.

One of the main points of interest at Bernhardt Park Stairs is, of course, the staircase itself. The stairs consist of over 220 steps and wind their way up a hill, providing visitors with a challenging but rewarding climb. Once at the top, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the St. Louis skyline and the Mississippi River.

In addition to the stairs, there are several other interesting features at Bernhardt Park. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and rabbits, and there are several benches and picnic tables where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.

One interesting fact about Bernhardt Park Stairs is that they were built in the 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration, a federal program designed to create jobs during the Great Depression. The stairs were originally built as a way to provide access to a nearby hospital, but they have since become a popular destination for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The best time of year to visit Bernhardt Park Stairs is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park is at its most beautiful. However, visitors can enjoy the stairs and the park year-round, as long as they dress appropriately for the weather.

Overall, Bernhardt Park Stairs is a hidden gem in the heart of St. Louis that is well worth a visit. Whether you're looking for a challenging workout, a peaceful place to relax, or simply a beautiful view, this park has something to offer everyone.

       

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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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