Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
A sprawling 2,145-acre park featuring a serene lake, extensive paved trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful trails, fewer crowds
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
Best Time
Peaceful trails, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling 2,145-acre park featuring a serene lake, extensive paved trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
"Beautiful calm lake with great multi use paths around the lake, parts of them shaded."
🚶♀️ Early Morning Jog
You're likely fine to jog before 8 AM; parking is usually available.
🛶 Bring Your Own Paddles
Rental paddles can be heavy; consider bringing your own for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Lake Loop
Around Creve Coeur Lake
Enjoy miles of paved, multi-use trails with shaded sections and cooling breezes. Perfect for walking, biking, and running.
Dripping Falls
West side of Mallard Lake
Discover a hidden gem at the Dripping Falls end of the parking lot for a picturesque waterfall experience.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Creve Coeur Lake
Explore the vast lake with your own or rented kayaks and canoes. A peaceful way to experience the park's natural beauty.
Arboretum Exploration
West side of Mallard Lake
Discover the newly established Level II arboretum, offering a delightful array of trees and plant life for nature enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Early Bird Access
Watercraft Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
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What to do in Creve Coeur
🚶♀️ Early Morning Jog
You're likely fine to jog before 8 AM; parking is usually available.
🛶 Bring Your Own Paddles
Rental paddles can be heavy; consider bringing your own for comfort.
The Greensfelder Memorial Pavilion Overlooking Creve Coeur Lake sure is pretty
How strictly is the "opening time" enforced at Creve Coeur Lake?
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The paved trails are great for walking, biking, and running.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
The lake is open for fishing, with opportunities for small watercraft.
Creve Couer Lake - Small lake access
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Early Morning Jog
You're likely fine to jog before 8 AM; parking is usually available.
🛶 Bring Your Own Paddles
Rental paddles can be heavy; consider bringing your own for comfort.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
The paved trails are great for walking, biking, and running.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
The lake is open for fishing, with opportunities for small watercraft.
🌳 Shaded Trail Sections
Enjoy cooling breezes and shade on parts of the lake trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the beautiful, calm lake and the well-maintained, shaded trails perfect for walking, biking, and running. The park offers great opportunities for fishing and watercraft rentals, with many appreciating the scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Some minor inconveniences include the weight of rental paddles and the lack of on-site dining.
"Beautiful calm lake with great multi use paths around the lake, parts of them shaded. Cooling breezes around some of the lake. Fishing and small watercraft allowed. You can rent kayaks and canoes. Recommend you bring your own paddles though as the ones they supply are heavy."
Dan Herrick
"Such a beautiful park! The trails are good for walking, biking and running and the lake is great for kayaking or paddle boarding ❤️"
Reba Nichols
"Paradise. The trails, the exploration opportunities, the scenery. Just Paradise. Make sure to stop by the Dripping Falls end of the parking lot and you will be immediately greeted with the falls pictured below 🙂"
Tommy Stokes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is accessible by car via major roadways. Parking is available throughout the park, with specific lots near popular areas like the lake and trails.
Information on public transportation routes to Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park can be found on local transit authority websites.
Ample parking is available in designated lots throughout the park, especially near the lake, playgrounds, and trailheads.
Yes, visitors often report being able to park and use the trails for jogging or walking before the official 8 AM opening time.
The paved paths around the lake are generally well-maintained and accessible, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is generally free to enter, with no admission fees required for general access.
The park officially opens at 8 AM, though many visitors utilize the trails for early morning activities.
Fishing in Creve Coeur Lake typically requires a valid Missouri fishing license. Check with the Missouri Department of Conservation for current regulations.
Boat rentals, such as kayaks and canoes, are available at the park. Specific rental fees and availability can be inquired about at the rental facility.
While many picnic areas are first-come, first-served, some larger shelters or pavilions may be reservable through the St. Louis County Parks department.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a wide range of activities including walking, biking, running on paved trails, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and picnicking. There are also playgrounds and tennis courts.
Yes, the park features well-maintained paved trails that are excellent for walking, jogging, biking, and running, with some shaded sections.
Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the park. Visitors may also bring their own non-gasoline-powered watercraft.
The lake itself offers beautiful scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset. Don't miss the Dripping Falls for unique photo opportunities.
Yes, the park has playgrounds, making it a family-friendly destination for younger visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. However, numerous dining options are available in the surrounding Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights areas.
Absolutely! The park has many picnic areas, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a packed meal or barbecue.
Many of the picnic areas are equipped with grills, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor cooking.
You can find a variety of restaurants, from casual cafes to sit-down eateries, just a short drive from the park in nearby commercial areas.
Alcohol policies can vary; it's best to check the St. Louis County Parks regulations regarding alcohol consumption in public parks.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful lighting for photography, with fewer crowds. The golden hour can create stunning reflections on the lake.
The lake's expansive views, tree-lined trails, and the unique Dripping Falls are prime locations for memorable photos.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in public parks. It's advisable to check with St. Louis County Parks for their specific drone policy before flying.
The park is home to various bird species, squirrels, and other small wildlife, offering opportunities for nature photography.
Yes, the paved paths provide easy access to various vantage points around the lake for capturing its beauty.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing your own paddles if you plan to rent a kayak or canoe, as the provided ones can be heavy for younger arms. The lake itself offers a calm environment for supervised water play, and the overall atmosphere of the park is relaxed and welcoming for all ages.
🏃♀️ Active Individuals & Athletes
The lake itself provides opportunities for swimming (check local advisories) and paddleboarding. If you're looking for a challenging workout, the varied terrain and distances available on the trails can cater to serious athletes. Early mornings are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying cooler temperatures.
🎣 Anglers and Boaters
Remember to secure your Missouri fishing license before you go. If you're renting a boat, consider bringing your own paddles for a more comfortable experience. The calm waters are perfect for a leisurely paddle or a focused fishing trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
Beyond the main lake loop, the park offers opportunities for more varied exploration. The mention of a new Level II arboretum on the west side of Mallard Lake suggests dedicated areas for nature enthusiasts to discover diverse plant life. This adds another layer of appeal for those seeking a deeper connection with the natural environment within the park.
For those interested in specific activities, the trails are ideal for recreational cycling and long-distance running. The smooth surfaces minimize impact, and the scenic surroundings make for an enjoyable workout. Remember to be courteous to other users, especially when passing, and adhere to any posted trail etiquette guidelines.
Lake Activities & Rentals
For those without their own equipment, boat rentals are available, offering a convenient way to get out on the water. However, a practical tip from visitors suggests bringing your own paddles if possible, as the rental paddles can be quite heavy. This small preparation can significantly enhance your comfort and enjoyment during your time on the lake.
Fishing is another popular pastime at Creve Coeur Lake. Anglers can cast their lines from the shore or from their boats. Remember to check the latest Missouri fishing regulations and ensure you have the necessary licenses before you begin. The lake's size and varied shoreline offer good potential for a rewarding fishing experience.
Family Fun and Picnics
The park is also dotted with numerous picnic areas, many of which are equipped with grills. This makes it an ideal spot for a family gathering, a casual lunch, or a celebratory barbecue. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting.
While there are no on-site restaurants, the abundance of picnic spots and the availability of grills mean that visitors can easily create their own dining experience. The combination of play areas and picnic facilities makes Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park a well-rounded destination for a family day out.
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