Best attractions and places to see around Ladue, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis, offers a mix of natural landscapes and community-focused sites. The area features local parks and gardens, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and appreciating native flora. Its proximity to St. Louis also allows easy access to major urban attractions, including expansive parks and cultural institutions. This combination provides diverse options for visitors exploring the region.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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Forest Park is a huge recreational park in the heart of St. Louis. The park is perfect for relaxing, biking, golfing, and exploring the various cultural offerings at the Museum of History, St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, or Planetarium. It's also easily accessible by metro.
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The bike lanes here are wonderful. The connectors could be improved though!
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The Meramec Greenway Trail is a scenic route that connects riders to the Meramec River and many parks in the region as it winds along the river and limestone bluffs through woodlands and several communities.
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This is a scenic lake on the south side of Creve Couer Lake Park. There are options to do a running loop around the lake and marsh joining onto Creve Couer Lake to the north, or follow Creve Couer Connector to the Veteran's Memorial Bridge.
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Forest Park in St. Louis is a sprawling urban park spanning 1,371 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It offers a wide range of attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History Museum.
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Forest Park, with 1,326 acres, is considered one of the premier urban public parks in the US. It features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, and lakes and streams. It als contains cultural institutions including the St Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Science Center, and Muny Opera.
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Mallard Lake is a treasure for birdwatchers. It occupies the south end of Creve Couer Lake Park and acts as a catch-basin of sorts to contain sediment before it washes into the larger Creve Couer Lake. As such, you may notice that the waters of Creve Couer Lake are much clearer than the waters of Mallard Lake.
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In addition to sports, the huge park also offers cultural highlights such as museums, the St. Louis Zoo and bars and cafes. There is the possibility to sit and enjoy the weather and the silence, or you can try pedal boats, canoes or stand-up paddling. The north end is home to the Missouri National Museum and the south-west end is home to the Missouri Art Museum. In summer there are various festivals such as the St. Louis Blues Festival or the African Art festival. An oasis in the heart of industrial St. Louis.
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Ladue and its surroundings offer several natural spots. You can visit the Ladue Native Garden behind Ladue City Hall to see local flora, or explore Deer Creek Preserve with its shared-use path. For a larger experience, Forest Park in St. Louis features extensive landscapes, forests, and lakes, including Mallard Lake, known for birdwatching.
Yes, there are several excellent options. Deer Creek Preserve and Rodes Park are within Ladue. Nearby, Forest Park offers vast areas for walking, jogging, and cycling. For dedicated cycling, the River des Peres Greenway provides a network of trails, and the Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section offers a scenic route along the river.
Families will enjoy the diverse offerings in the area. Forest Park is home to the Saint Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Science Center, both offering free admission. Grant's Farm is another historic family attraction featuring animals and tram rides. For outdoor fun, the River des Peres Greenway and Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section are great for walks and bike rides.
Absolutely. The iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis symbolizes the city's historical significance and offers panoramic views from the top, with a museum underneath. Grant's Farm, originally farmed by Ulysses S. Grant, blends wildlife adventure with American history. Within Forest Park, you can find the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum.
For easy walks, consider the shared-use path at Deer Creek Preserve in Ladue. Forest Park also has numerous paved paths suitable for leisurely strolls. Additionally, you can explore easy hiking routes like the Kennedy Forest Loop or the Tilles Park Loop, which are part of the easy hikes around Ladue guide.
The area around Ladue is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on the River des Peres Greenway or the Meramec Greenway Trail. Forest Park offers opportunities for walking, jogging, and golfing. For more specific routes, check out the cycling guide or the easy hikes guide for Ladue.
Many parts of Forest Park, including its cultural institutions like the Saint Louis Zoo and museums, are designed to be accessible. The Gateway Arch also offers accessible options for visitors. For trails, paved greenways like the River des Peres Greenway often provide smooth surfaces suitable for wheelchairs.
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of natural beauty and cultural institutions. Forest Park is particularly praised for its vast recreational space and free cultural offerings. The bike lanes and scenic routes along the greenways, such as the River des Peres Greenway, are also highly valued for outdoor enthusiasts.
During the winter holidays, Tilles Park is famous for its dazzling holiday light displays, offering a magical experience with over a million lights and carriage rides. Forest Park also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including summer events like the St. Louis Blues Festival or the African Art festival.
The Ladue Native Garden, located behind Ladue City Hall, is a prime example of local conservation, showcasing native plant species. The Ladue Garden Club is a key organization in the community, promoting gardening and conservation through initiatives like this garden and offering native seeds to the public. You can find more details about city parks and beautification efforts on the City of Ladue website.
Yes, Mallard Lake, located at the south end of Creve Coeur Lake Park, is considered a treasure for birdwatchers. Its unique position as a catch-basin contributes to a rich habitat for various bird species.


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