We’ve been teased with unseasonably warm weather for months, but it seems spring has finally officially sprung in St. Louis. If you, like me, have spent most of this winter curled up inside with a good book and way too much comfort food, you may also be antsy to shake off the winter blues and dive headfirst into the season of flowers and sunshine. What better place to do so than one of South County’s many parks and trails?

Though not utilized or even thought of by the general public nearly as much as they should be, South County is home to not one, not two, but eight fabulous county parks full of unique trails showing off Missouri’s natural beauty  — a rarity in an area so close to downtown. Bee Tree and Cliff Cave are located in Oakville, Green Park has the Officer Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park, Jefferson Barracks and its many attractions reside in Lemay and Laumeier sits in Sunset Hills. Grant’s Trail snakes through multiple municipalities, while both Suson and Lower Meremac are situated further south. Each of these parks have beginner-level trails that can be completed in 30 minutes, though of course, those wanting to do more are able. 

I bring this up because when one thinks of South County, the outdoors may not be the first (or second, or even third) thing that comes to mind. Even though I was born, raised and now reside in St. Louis — and just so happen to be a lover of nature, having spent much of my weekends throughout childhood in some sort of park — before I started working at The Call, I was completely unaware of most of these gems just miles away. I personally think this lack of attention and appreciation needs to change. 

While we may get skipped over when it comes to thoughtful developments — as many have pointed out, unless it’s a storage facility, a car wash, a church or a dispensary, it’s unlikely to come to South County  — we do have some of the best parks in the county, and I think that should be celebrated and talked about more. We are very lucky to have these suburban oases, especially as many neighboring areas are not blessed with such.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your walking shoes and go forth — South County’s parks are beckoning.