There are few better ways to beat the stifling St. Louis heat this summer than by spending a day paddling on a nearby lake or river. Go on an adventure along a local waterway, get up close to wildlife, and unwind while admiring the stunning scenery that surrounds you. The best part: You don’t have to own a canoe or kayak to enjoy all of the fun that a day on the water entails. Whether you are a seasoned paddler or merely a beginner, these convenient, nearby destinations can help you find your next aquatic adventure.
Big Muddy Riverfront Adventure
Where: Launch location varies; typically begins at North Riverfront Park and ends on the levee in front of the Gateway Arch
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Cost: $75 for adults, $65 for kids
In a nutshell: Join an experienced guide for a one-of-a-kind trip along the Mighty Mississippi. Travel up and down the St. Louis riverfront and take in the sights, including the Chain of Rocks Bridge, a hard-to-reach sandbar island, and some of the historic architecture along the St. Louis waterfront. The crew will provide all required gear, including life jackets, paddles, and dry bags. Trips are available to book every Monday and Friday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The Boathouse at Forest Park
Where: 6101 Government Drive
Cost: Canoeing ($20 for one hour; $35 for two hours), single kayaking ($15 for one hour; $30 for two hours), tandem kayaking ($20 for one hour; $35 for two hours), stand-up paddleboarding ($15 for one hour, $30 for two hours); paddle boating ($25 for one hour; $40 for two hours).
In a nutshell: Located in the heart of the region’s crown jewel park, The Boathouse offers something for all kinds of water lovers. Experience the park from a different perspective on a paddle boat, canoe, kayak, or SUP. The park’s boating program, which is overseen by Big Muddy Adventures, is open for daily reservations during the warmer months. Keep an eye out for special events, such as paddleboard yoga classes, sunset picnics aboard the paddle boats, and more. To rent a boat, guests must be at least 16 years or older. Kids 12 and younger may paddle their own boat, as long as a supervising adult is nearby.
Creve Coeur Lake
Where: 13171 Dripping Springs, Maryland Heights
Cost: Canoeing ($20 first hour; half price for each additional hour on weekends; free second hour on weekdays), single kayaking ($15 first hour for singles; half price for each additional hour on weekends; free additional hour on weekdays), tandem kayaking ($20 first hour for tandems; half price for each additional hour on weekends; free additional hour on weekdays), stand-up paddleboarding ($15 first hour; half price for each additional hour on weekends; free additional hour on weekdays)
In a nutshell: Nature lovers flock to this 320-acre lake to relax and take in the sights. It’s also a popular home for bald eagles, which are known to swoop down to the water and catch fish. There’s plenty of shoreline to explore, plus a water trail to navigate on the lake’s south end.
Dardenne Creek Blueway, Riverside Landing Park
Where: 101 Riverport, St. Peters
Cost: Single kayaking ($20 per four-hour session), tandem kayaking ($30 per four-hour session)
In a nutshell: The first of five segments along the new Dardenne Creek Blueway opened in 2022, featuring a 3.5-mile water trail that stretches from Riverside Landing Park to 370 Lakeside Park. Even if you’re a boating beginner, navigating the waterway can be done without much of a learning curve. Along the route you’ll see a variety of birds, as well as jumping fish. If you’re hoping to rent a boat, just be sure to book in advance.
Simpson Lake
Where: 1234 Marshall, Valley Park
Cost: Canoeing ($20 for one hour; $30 for two hours), single kayaking ($15 for one hour; $22 for two hours), tandem kayaking ($20 for one hour; $30 for two hours), stand-up paddleboarding ($15 for one hour, $22 for two hours)
In a nutshell: The lake at Simpson Park has long been a great place to fish, as well as to walk and bike along the trails. Rentals are available every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Arrive early to make sure there’s a boat ready for you; the rental program does not accept reservations. The lake gets as deep as 40 feet, so you will need to wear a life jacket.
