No matter the temperature, spending time outdoors is one of the best ways to conquer cabin fever. Whether the sun is shining or snowflakes are flying, Missouri offers dozens of spots perfect for a quick and easy adventure. Check out these outdoor winter activities in every region of the state.
Northeast
Steinberg Skating Rink
St. Louis’ Forest Park is a lush oasis in the summer, but winter offers new views – and activities. The park’s Steinberg Skating Rink is one of the largest outdoor ice-skating rinks in the Midwest. If there’s snow on the ground, grab a sled and head to Art Hill, considered by many to be the best sledding spot in the city.
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
Hike across a piece of history at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge – a span that crosses the mighty Mississippi River. Once a part of Route 66, the bridge – now limited to pedestrians and cyclists – features an unusual bend in the middle of its 5,353-foot-long deck. The iconic structure is a popular place to watch eagles fish for their dinner in the river.
City Garden
Take in interesting art and architecture at Citygarden, just a short walk from Gateway Arch National Park in downtown St. Louis. Travel winding, paved paths past interactive sculptures created by two dozen artists.
Central
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Two easy-to-navigate trails at Ha Ha Tonka State Park at Lake of the Ozarks will lead you to one of Missouri’s beautiful natural springs and the imposing ruins of a “castle” with an intriguing history. The absence of leaves on the trees during the winter makes the park’s towering bluffs and overlooks even more impressive.
Joe Dice Swinging Bridge
Walk, jog or bike along scenic waterfront trails in Warsaw. The Drake Harbor trail and footbridge leads to the historic Joe Dice Swinging Bridge, a 660-foot-long suspension bridge, which once carried vehicles over the Osage River. The area is a great place to watch for wildlife – deer, wild turkeys, eagles and a variety of other birds.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Find fascinating rock formations at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park near Columbia. A boardwalk and several trails provide plenty of opportunity for outdoor winter activities. Travel past numerous sinkholes and caves to a natural rock bridge.
Northwest
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
Six trails of varying lengths await at Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center, located just minutes from downtown Kansas City. Travel alongside Burr Oak Creek, past massive limestone boulders, and through restored woodlands and prairies. The conservation area includes a wheelchair-accessible trail and wildlife-viewing platform.
Truman Walking Trail
Follow the footsteps of Harry Truman, the only president from Missouri, through the neighborhood where he once lived in Independence. The 2.7-mile Truman Walking Trail takes you down the favorite route of the country’s 33rd president. More than 40 plaques embedded in the sidewalks tell the story of Truman and his hometown.
Weston Bend State Park
Catch a commanding view of the Missouri River – the longest river in the United States – at Weston Bend State Park. A wheelchair-accessible overlook provides one of the most expansive views of the river valley in the state.
Summit Ice
Lace up your skates for a spin around the 8,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink at Summit Ice in Lee’s Summit. Take a break on the patio and warm up around one of the fire pits.
Southwest
Springfield Conservation Nature Center
Experience an 80-acre slice of the Ozarks in the city of Springfield at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Three miles of trails offer opportunities for hiking and birding.
Branson Landing
Stroll along beautiful Lake Taneycomo on a 1.5-mile boardwalk at the Branson Landing. Don’t miss the outdoor water, fire, light and music show in the town square.
Grand Falls
Joplin is home to Missouri’s largest continuously flowing natural waterfall. Grand Falls plunges 12 feet down a 163-foot-wide ledge before crashing into the jagged rocks below. Nearby Wildcat Park has a 3.4-mile trail that will take you through rare chert glades.
Southeast
Hickory Canyons Natural Area
See impressive box canyons and sandstone cliffs on two scenic hikes at Hickory Canyons Natural Area, located 10 miles northeast of Farmington. Take the loop trail that’s just under a mile to see the area’s distinctive steep-walled bluffs. A mile-long loop trail travels through a sandstone forest and crosses a scenic creek in several spots.
Mississippi River Tales Mural
Add some art and history to your outdoor winter activities. Explore Cape Girardeau’s history and connection to the Mississippi River at the 1,100-foot-long Mississippi River Tales Mural. The mural’s 24 panels, 15 feet tall, are framed by stone arches. Access an audio tour on your cell phone and hear the city’s past come to life.
Big Oak Tree State Park
A mile-long boardwalk will guide you into Missouri’s only cypress swamp at Big Oak Tree State Park, located near East Prairie. In addition to cypress trees with their woody “knees,” towering oaks and hickories – the tallest in the state – thrive in the rich soil.
Millstream Gardens Conservation Area
Watch the St. Francis River rush around the igneous rock shut-ins at the Millstream Gardens Conservation Area near Arcadia. The Tiemann Shut-Ins Trail (1.8 miles out and back) leads to an observation deck overlooking the river.