Best lakes around Ladue, Missouri, include the small Ladue Lake, primarily known for fishing, and several larger, more notable lakes in the surrounding areas. These lakes offer a variety of recreational opportunities and natural landscapes. The region features both natural formations, like Creve Coeur Lake, and man-made basins within urban parks. These bodies of water provide diverse settings for outdoor activities and wildlife observation.
Last updated: May 12, 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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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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Jefferson Lake is situated in the very east of the huge Forest Park in St. Louis. There are multiple picnic areas around the lake to enjoy a great natural setting in the city. The lake is a famous spot for fishing and the paths leading around the lake (and the rest of the park), are perfect for jogging.
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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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Several lakes offer great family-friendly experiences. Forest Park, which encompasses several lakes including Post-Dispatch Lake and Jefferson Lake, is ideal with its playgrounds, cultural institutions like the St. Louis Zoo, and activities such as pedal boats. Creve Coeur Lake Park also features playgrounds and a spray fountain play area, making it a good choice for families.
The lakes around Ladue offer a variety of outdoor activities. Creve Coeur Lake permits non-gasoline boats and is popular for fishing. Forest Park provides opportunities for biking, golfing, and exploring its extensive trail network. You can also enjoy pedal boats, canoes, or stand-up paddling at Post-Dispatch Lake within Forest Park. For more structured activities, you can find various hiking and road cycling routes nearby. Check out the hiking guide or the road cycling guide for detailed routes.
Yes, Mallard Lake, located at the south end of Creve Coeur Lake Park, is particularly appealing to birdwatchers. Its role as a catch-basin creates an environment that attracts various bird species. The wildlife area bordering the south and west shores of Creve Coeur Lake also provides excellent opportunities for observing local fauna.
Ladue Lake itself is primarily known as a fishing spot. Additionally, Creve Coeur Lake is regularly stocked by the Missouri Department of Conservation, making it a popular choice for anglers. Jefferson Lake in Forest Park is also a famous spot for fishing, stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, and carp, provided you have a valid Missouri fishing license.
Absolutely. Creve Coeur Lake has historical significance, once being a popular resort area with tales associated with its French name, 'broken heart.' Forest Park, which hosts several lakes, is home to major cultural institutions including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, the Science Center, and the Muny Opera. The Emerson Grand Basin in Forest Park, in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum, offers a picturesque setting with architectural surroundings.
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. Forest Park has a nice trail network perfect for a run or a leisurely walk. The park surrounding Creve Coeur Lake also offers various trails. For specific easy routes, you can explore options like the Kennedy Forest Loop or Des Peres Park Loop, which are detailed in the easy hikes guide around Ladue.
While specific loop distances vary, you can find options for running loops around Mallard Lake and Creve Coeur Lake. Forest Park offers an extensive trail network, allowing for walks of various lengths, including paths around its lakes like Jefferson Lake.
Yes, parking is generally available at the major parks hosting these lakes. For instance, Forest Park, which includes Post-Dispatch Lake, has parking facilities. Creve Coeur Lake Park also provides ample parking for visitors accessing the lake and its amenities.
Many parks in the area, including Forest Park and Creve Coeur Lake Park, typically allow dogs on leashes on their walking trails. It's always a good idea to check specific park regulations for any restrictions or designated off-leash areas before your visit.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Summer is great for water-based activities, though it can be warmer. Winter provides a different, often quieter, experience for walks around the frozen or partially frozen lakes, especially in Forest Park.
Yes, particularly around Forest Park. The park itself, which contains several lakes, features various cafes and bars. The surrounding St. Louis area also offers numerous dining options within a short drive from the park and other lake locations.
The komoot community appreciates the diverse experiences offered by the lakes around Ladue, from serene beauty to active recreation. Highlights like Forest Park are noted for their beautiful landscapes, extensive trail networks, and cultural attractions. Mallard Lake is a treasure for birdwatchers, and the overall area is recognized for its appeal for outdoor activities, as evidenced by 14 upvotes and 8 photos from the community.


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