Westwood MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Westwood, Missouri.
1. Meramec Greenway - Eastern Part
SCENIC RIVERSIDE TRAIL
Meramec Greenway - Eastern Part is a neat trail close to the Meramec River featuring a good surface for road cycling. The trail offers numerous turns which limit speed but add to its character. Visitors will enjoy the proximity to the river while exploring this hidden gem in the Westwood region.
2. Creve Coeur Lake
LARGEST LAKE NEARBY
Creve Coeur Lake is the largest lake in St. Louis County and the second-largest lake in all of Missouri. Visitors can enjoy watching sailboats on the lake when the wind is blowing, making it a picturesque destination. The lake features a paved footpath that circles the entire perimeter, complete with numerous shelters, water fountains, and public toilets for visitors' convenience.
3. Mallard Lake
BIRDWATCHER'S PARADISE
Mallard Lake is a treasure for birdwatchers located at the south end of Creve Coeur Lake Park. It serves as a catch-basin to contain sediment before it washes into the larger lake. This serene spot offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and peaceful nature walks.
4. Westwood Park
URBAN RECREATION AREA
Westwood Park offers visitors a convenient urban escape in the Kansas City area. The park provides various recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike. Nearby, visitors can experience additional attractions like the Kansas City Segway Tour and Kansas City Fun Tours.
5. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
HISTORIC OUTDOOR HAVEN
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is one of the top attractions in the Wildwood area near Westwood. The park offers extensive hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of Missouri while learning about the park's historical significance.
6. Rockwoods Reservation
NATURE & WILDLIFE AREA
Rockwoods Reservation provides visitors with several hiking options in the Wildwood area. The reservation is known for its diverse wildlife and natural landscapes that showcase Missouri's ecological diversity. Hikers can choose from various trail difficulties to suit their experience level while enjoying this natural preserve.
7. Wildwood Community Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION
Wildwood Community Park features a great friendly playground for children with modern facilities. The park boasts new pavilions, including a large one with restrooms, making it convenient for family outings. Its excellent maintenance and amenities make it a popular destination for local families and visitors seeking outdoor recreation.
8. Bluff View Trail
SCENIC HIKING EXPERIENCE
Bluff View Trail offers hikers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape in Wildwood. The trail is well-maintained and provides opportunities for nature appreciation and wildlife spotting. Visitors should remain alert for cyclists as this is a multi-use trail popular with various outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Al Foster Memorial Trail
RIVER-ADJACENT BIKING PATH
Al Foster Memorial Trail runs close to the Meramec River, offering visitors beautiful riverside views. Near the beginning of the trail, there is a large beach area suitable for fishing and swimming activities. This 2.5-mile one-way trail connects with other paths in the area, making it part of a larger trail network for extended adventures.
10. Hidden Valley
SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORT
Hidden Valley is a ski and snowboard resort located in Wildwood, 29 miles west of downtown St. Louis. The resort opened in 1982 and features a variety of terrain spread across 16 trails and two peaks. Its 110 fan guns ensure reliable snow conditions, making it a popular winter destination in the region.
11. West Tyson County Park
RUGGED OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
West Tyson County Park offers rugged terrain and challenging hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts near Westwood. The park features scenic overlooks of the Meramec River Valley and connects to the Chubb Trail system. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and exploring the diverse natural habitats within this county park.
12. Castlewood State Park
HISTORIC NATURE PRESERVE
Castlewood State Park was once a popular resort area in the early 1900s and now preserves the natural and cultural heritage of the Meramec River valley. The park offers hiking and mountain biking trails with spectacular views from the top of limestone bluffs overlooking the Meramec River. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, wildlife watching, and picnicking in this 1,818-acre natural area.
13. Lone Elk Park
WILDLIFE VIEWING AREA
Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area where visitors can observe bison, elk, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat. The park features a driving loop that allows guests to view wildlife from the comfort of their vehicles. Hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities are also available for those wanting to further explore this unique conservation area.
14. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
EDUCATIONAL NATURE EXPERIENCE
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center offers visitors an 112-acre oak hickory forest with educational exhibits about Missouri's natural resources. The center features three hiking trails totaling nearly two miles through the wooded area, perfect for observing local wildlife. Indoor facilities include interactive displays, wildlife viewing areas, and regular educational programs for all ages.
15. Laumeier Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR ART MUSEUM
Laumeier Sculpture Park is a 105-acre open-air museum and sculpture park with over 60 outdoor sculptures integrated with the natural surroundings. The park combines art and nature with walking trails that wind through woodlands, grasslands, and manicured lawns displaying contemporary sculptures. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year at this unique cultural destination.