Outdoors

The annual Open Space STL fundraiser invites paddlers onto Simpson Lake for an evening of kayaking, paddleboarding, live music, food, and bonfires—all while raising money for one of the nation’s longest-running river cleanup efforts.

Four ultra-endurance paddlers are attempting to break the 46-year-old speed record on North America’s longest river.

The Illinois Climbers Association does far more than organize outings—it preserves climbing areas, maintains routes, and advocates for access across Southern Illinois’ rugged landscape.

Looking for courses worth the drive? Grab your clubs, and hit the road.

From Shakespeare and scouting to telescopes and superconductor hockey, the Saint Louis Science Center’s free Great Outdoors Expo connects curious minds of all ages with the science behind nature, recreation, and discovery.

From free beginner classes to big-river catfish and stocked trout lakes, here’s how—and where—to cast a line.

Shalini Bhajjan is growing St. Louis’ trail running scene, making ultrarunning more inclusive, sustainable, and open to anyone willing to show up and take the next step.

New federal data shows the industry supports more than 95,000 jobs. Now, advocates want a statewide office to unlock even more growth.

Hundreds of volunteers will fan out across 28 sites on April 11 to remove tons of debris, boost river health, and celebrate community conservation—one strange trash find at a time.

The area also plays host to the Missouri Whitewater Association’s annual beginner’s clinic April 24–26.