Attractions and Places To See around Crestwood - Top 17

The Crestwood area offers a variety of outdoor activities, primarily centered around its extensive forest preserve system. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and nature walks. Popular spots include River des Peres Greenway for cycling, and the Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section which winds along the Meramec River. For more structured routes, explore the road cycling routes or easy hikes available in the region.

Yes, several attractions around Crestwood are suitable for families. The Laumeier Sculpture Garden is a great option, offering large-scale sculptures in an outdoor environment with free admission. Parks like Queeny Park and Lemay Park also provide picnic areas, trails, and open spaces for family enjoyment.

Crestwood is surrounded by natural beauty, largely due to its proximity to the Cook County Forest Preserve system. You can visit Turtlehead Lake, known for its scenic views, fishing, and paved multi-use trail. McClaughry Springs Woods and Forty Acre Woods offer preserved forest areas with trails for hiking and birdwatching. The Tinley Creek Forest Preserve features diverse landscapes including prairies, woodlands, and wetlands.

The most prominent artistic attraction is the Laumeier Sculpture Garden, which displays dozens of large-scale sculptures in a beautiful outdoor setting, aiming to engage the public through art and nature. Admission is free, and it's open from 7 am to half an hour after sunset.

For scenic bike rides, consider the River des Peres Greenway, which offers a decent bike path along the river. Another excellent choice is the Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section, a scenic route that winds along the Meramec River and through woodlands. You can find more cycling options in the cycling guide for Crestwood.

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails around Crestwood. Queeny Park features a network of paved footpaths, including the Hawk Ridge Trail, Owl Creek, and Goose Trail, suitable for various fitness levels. McClaughry Springs Woods also offers mostly flat trails as part of the Palos Trail System. For more options, check out the easy hikes guide for Crestwood.

Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The Meramec Greenway Trail is loved for its scenic route along the river and through woodlands. The Laumeier Sculpture Garden is praised for its unique display of large-scale art in an outdoor environment. Many also enjoy the extensive network of trails and the peaceful atmosphere of the local parks.

Yes, many of the natural areas and parks around Crestwood are dog-friendly. Lemay Park is noted as dog-friendly, offering a nice spot for a break or to start a walk along the River Des Peres Greenway. Always ensure to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them.

Crestwood's history reflects a transformation from marshlands to farmland, and then into a suburban residential and commercial area. A notable historical development was the construction of the Cal-Sag Channel between 1911 and 1922, which played a role in draining marshlands and redirecting water flow. The former Howell Airport was also replaced by the RiverCrest Centre shopping complex in 1990, marking a shift in the area's landscape.

You can catch a professional baseball game at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, which is home to the Windy City ThunderBolts. They are a professional baseball team playing in the Frontier League.

Absolutely. Queeny Park is a sprawling park featuring beautiful nature, a collection of fascinating buildings, picnic areas, and a network of walking trails. It's one of the largest parks in St. Louis County, perfect for a stroll, run, or picnic. Lemay Park also offers picnic tables and serves as a good starting point for cycling along the River Des Peres Greenway.

McClaughry Springs Woods is an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers, with over 120 species recorded. It offers serene landscapes and trails along the Mill Creek. The Tinley Creek Forest Preserve also provides diverse habitats, making it a good location for observing local wildlife and enjoying the natural environment.