We’ve been enjoying the beautiful St. Louis weather lately — low 70s, plenty of sunshine and gentle breezes — perfect for hiking.
My family humors my love of the outdoors. I could spend all day outside; nature is my favorite place. When the weather’s right and the views are gorgeous, I want to be there as long as possible.
We recently discovered a local spot called EcoPark. What makes it special is how close it sits to the Missouri River — literally at the river’s edge. The area is mostly wetlands, and while much of it remains natural, conservation efforts introduced plants like arrowhead, swamp milkweed, great blue lobelia and cord grass. Those additions have blended in beautifully; hiking the trails feels like stepping into another world.
One sobering reminder of the area’s past is the Great Flood of 1993. Back then, homes stood where the park now exists; the floodwaters submerged those neighborhoods. I remember that year clearly — I had just graduated high school. The disaster cost many lives and caused massive damage across the region.
Walking the trails you still find traces from that time. The most striking relic we saw was a rusted bed frame with corroded coils — once a mattress and home furniture, now skeletal metal peeking from the undergrowth. Those discoveries give the place a layered history that’s both poignant and fascinating.
But what I love most here is the scenery — all of it. The river, the lush green, and the trees that show their years in the texture of their bark. There’s an undisturbed quality to the landscape that feels restorative.
There is some graffiti in places, which is unfortunate, but even that added a different sort of color and story to the area if you look for it.
The river views were peaceful and beautiful. I was especially happy my kids enjoyed the outing as much as I did.
Do you see the duck perched on the log? That little detail made us laugh.
We even brought baby Carsyn, who’s three months old. My wife wore him while navigating the trails, and watching her climb through the brush with the little one was priceless.
Some sections felt like a gentle obstacle course — not hard to pass, but enough to make you pause and laugh at the challenge.
My step counter logged about four miles for our outing. It didn’t feel that long because we kept stopping to take photos, look at wildlife, and enjoy the views.
Thanks for reading and scrolling through the photos. It was a perfect day — relaxed, scenic and memorable — and I’m glad the kids came along, even if they were a bit tired by the end.
Until next time!