St. Louis, MO

Enjoy the beauties of nature in an urban environment as you walk through Citygarden in downtown St. Louis. This unique urban park and sculpture garden combines greenery with concrete. Bring your iPod along for a guided tour.

Address: 8th and Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63101 - MAP
Phone: (314) 241-3337
Web: www.citygardenstl.org

Don't miss out on Forest Park, one of the top parks in the nation! Home to the 1904 World's Fair, Forest Park remains the soul of St. Louis and the most popular park in the state of Missouri. It is home to acres of plants and greenery, sports areas, entertainment venues, famous museums and historical sites.

Address: 5595 Grand Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112 - MAP
Phone: (314) 367-7275
Web: www.stlouis.missouri.org

Since 1908, Fairground Park has hosted a variety of outdoor activities for people of all ages. Once home to the historic St. Louis County Fair, these fairgrounds have been transformed into a large park filled with sports fields, trails, and pools.

Address: 3715 Natural Bridge Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63107 - MAP
Phone: (314) 289-5330
Web: www.stlouis.missouri.org

Bike or hike along some of St. Louis's longest trail at the Great Rivers Greenway, the city's fastest growing and largest network of green belts, parks and trails. The Great Rivers Greenway is a developing system meant to connect new and existing parks and recreation areas.

Address: 1000 Saint Louis Union Station, St. Louis, MO 63103 - MAP
Phone: (314) 436-7009
Web: www.greatrivers.com

Stroll through the 30 gardens at the Missouri Botanical Garden, including the Seiwa-en Japanese Garden, English Woodland Garden, the Biblical Garden and the Ottoman Garden. Be teleported to the tropics in the Climatron, packed with exotic plants and birds. Younger guests will love the special Children's Garden, filled with educational and fun play areas.

Address: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110 - MAP
Phone: (314) 577-9400
Web: www.mobot.org

Missouri has over 6,000 caves, but the Meramec Caverns are the largest commercial caverns in the state. According to legend, Jesse James used these caves as a hideout during the 1870s. Located only an hour away from the Gateway Arch, these caves are considered St. Louis's "Buried Treasure."

Address: I-44, Exit 230, Stanton, MO 63079 - MAP
Phone: (636) 451-5400
Web: www.americascave.com

Visit the area where the Mississippi and Missouri rivers converge at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. This urban conservation area provides roads, trails, and river access through the wildlife habitats. Hunting and fishing is allowed, but regulated.

Address: 801 Strodtman Road, St. Louis, MO 63138 - MAP
Phone: (314) 877-6014
Web: www.mdc.mo.gov

Sample a slice of life along the most famous historical east-west route at the Route 66 State Park. See Route 66 showcases or just enjoy nature. This park contains history tours, campgrounds, trails, and swimming holes.

Address: I-44 and Lewis Road, Exit 266, Eureka, MO 63025 - MAP
Phone: (636) 938-7198
Web: www.mostateparks.com

Roam with the animals at the St. Louis Zoo. See creatures big and small interacting in their natural environments. Lions and tigers and bears, and more!

Address: 1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110 - MAP
Phone: (314) 781-0900
Web: www.stlzoo.org