Top 4 Lakes in St. Louis County

Among the most popular lakes in St. Louis County are Creve Coeur Lake, a 320-acre oxbow lake known for non-motorized boating and fishing, and Mallard Lake, a serene spot particularly favored by birdwatchers. Other notable locations include the lake within Kirkwood Park and Central Park, both offering scenic environments for various outdoor activities.

St. Louis County features a diverse range of lakes, including natural lakes, park lakes, and oxbow lakes. Creve Coeur Lake is a prime example of an oxbow lake, formed from a cut-off section of the Missouri River. Many lakes are nestled within parks, providing accessible natural spaces for recreation.

For boating and paddling, Creve Coeur Lake is an excellent choice, offering non-motorized boating with ramps and rentals for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Simpson Lake in Valley Park also provides opportunities for canoeing and guided SUP classes. Additionally, Post-Dispatch Lake within Forest Park offers hourly rentals for rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

Fishing is a popular activity at several lakes in St. Louis County. Creve Coeur Lake is a well-known spot for anglers. Simpson Lake also offers good fishing opportunities. Many other lakes within St. Louis City parks, such as Benton Park Lake and O'Fallon Park Lake, also provide public access for fishing.

Yes, Simpson Lake in Valley Park is noted for offering activities including swimming, making it a suitable option for those looking to take a dip.

Absolutely. Mallard Lake, located at the south end of Creve Coeur Lake Park, is particularly renowned as a treasure for birdwatchers, offering a scenic environment to observe avian wildlife.

Beyond the lakes themselves, you can expect to see diverse natural features. Many lakes, like Creve Coeur Lake, are surrounded by parks with scenic views, paved pathways, and green spaces. Oxbow formations, like that of Creve Coeur Lake, are unique geological features. Mallard Lake offers a serene environment with opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially birds.

Many lakes in St. Louis County are very family-friendly. Creve Coeur Lake and its surrounding park offer picnics, playgrounds, and easy access for non-motorized boating. Kirkwood Park and Central Park also feature lakes within well-maintained parks, providing amenities like shelters, paved paths, and open spaces suitable for families.

Beyond water activities, the areas around St. Louis County's lakes offer various outdoor pursuits. You can find numerous running trails, such as those in Forest Park or the Lakeview Loop Trail. For road cycling, routes like the Gravois Greenway and River des Peres Greenway Loop are popular. Hiking options include trails in Cliff Cave County Park. For more details on routes, explore the Running Trails in St. Louis County, Hiking in St. Louis County, and Road Cycling Routes in St. Louis County guides.

Yes, several locations offer accessible options. Kirkwood Park and Central Park both feature fully paved pathways around their lakes, making them suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Creve Coeur Lake also has a fully paved pathway around its perimeter, ensuring accessibility for a wider range of visitors.

The lakes in St. Louis County offer beauty and activities year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and birdwatching, with fall foliage adding extra scenic appeal. Summer is ideal for water sports such as boating, paddling, and swimming. Even in winter, some parks offer serene landscapes for quiet strolls.

While the main lakes are well-known, exploring the numerous smaller lakes within various city parks can reveal quieter spots. Beyond the prominent ones, Forest Park alone contains several picturesque lakes like Angel Fountain Lake, Bowl Lake, and Deer Lake, offering more secluded settings within an urban environment. Similarly, lakes in parks like Benton Park, Clifton Heights, and Lafayette Park provide peaceful escapes.