Best lakes around Creve Coeur are centered around Creve Coeur Lake, a 320-acre oxbow lake within the over 2,100-acre Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. This natural feature provides diverse recreational opportunities and significant natural beauty. The park offers extensive trails, water sports, and fishing, making it a notable destination in the St. Louis County area. Its historical background and ecological importance contribute to its appeal for visitors.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
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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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This is a lovely park and garden to run around that has a pretty lake, waterfall, fountain, public toilets and picnic shelters. A fully paved, flat path leads you around the entire park.
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This is a gem of a park in the Kirkwood area that is perfect for running. It features a fully paved pathway, lake, shelters, amphitheatre and beautiful scenery.
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The Emerson Grand Basin in St. Louis is a stunning water feature located in Forest Park. Spanning over 7 acres, it serves as both a picturesque gathering place and a recreational area for visitors to enjoy.
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Creve Coeur Lake is a 320-acre lake located in Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. The park dates back to 1945 and now offers a place for picnics, non-motorized boating, and fishing.
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Emerson Gran Basin is a manmade lake in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum. The architecture of the museum, the square, and the lake with water fountains make it a beautiful romantic scenery. Forest Park has a nice trail network and is a great place for a run.
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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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Creve Coeur Lake offers a wide range of recreational activities. You can enjoy non-gasoline boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. The park also features a 3.8-mile asphalt trail for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading, as well as unpaved trails for mountain biking and hiking. Other options include disc golf, tennis, athletic fields, and an archery course. For a unique adventure, the Go Ape! Zipline and Adventure Park is located nearby.
Yes, Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is excellent for birdwatching, especially for migratory birds. Mallard Lake, located on the south side of Creve Coeur Lake Park, is particularly noted as a treasure for birdwatchers. The park's wetlands and a dedicated observation tower further enhance birdwatching opportunities.
Creve Coeur Lake and its surrounding park have a rich history. It once served as a popular resort and vacation area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring hotels, dance pavilions, and boat houses. It also hosted the county fair for about thirty years and was home to Electric Park, an amusement park. During the Prohibition era, it was rumored to be a hideout for gangsters.
Absolutely. Many lakes and parks in the area are family-friendly. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park itself offers numerous reservable shelters, picnic facilities, four playgrounds, and a spray fountain. Other family-friendly spots include Mallard Lake, Sunset View of Creve Coeur Lake, Emerson Grand Basin, Kirkwood Park, and Central Park, all offering amenities suitable for families.
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park features a 3.8-mile asphalt trail, the Lakeview Loop, which is great for walking and running. The park also has unpaved trails for hiking and mountain biking, connecting to the Katy Trail. For more hiking options, you can explore various routes listed in the Hiking around Creve Coeur guide, which includes easy trails like Hawk, Goose, and Owl Creek Loop.
Yes, both Kirkwood Park and Central Park are noted for being wheelchair accessible. Kirkwood Park features a fully paved pathway around its lake, and Central Park also offers a fully paved, flat path around its lake, making them suitable for visitors using wheelchairs.
Creve Coeur Lake is a haven for nature lovers and wildlife. The park includes wetlands and a wildlife area, particularly along its south and west shores. It's known for a diverse bird population, especially migratory birds, and is used for waterfowl conservation. You might also spot various other local wildlife in the natural areas.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Lakeview Loop, a 3.8-mile asphalt trail around Creve Coeur Lake, is ideal for biking. The park's trails also connect to the Katy Trail. For more cycling routes, you can check out the Road Cycling Routes around Creve Coeur guide, which features routes like the Mallard Lake – Creve Coeur Lake loop.
The Emerson Grand Basin is a man-made lake spanning over 7 acres, located in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum within Forest Park. It's known for its picturesque setting, featuring water fountains and beautiful architecture, making it a popular gathering place and a scenic spot for a run or stroll.
Beyond the lake itself, which is a 320-acre oxbow lake formed from the Missouri River, the park boasts several unique natural features. You can find the Dripping Springs waterfall along the southeast shore, and a significant wildlife area is present along the south and west shores. The park's wetlands and diverse bird population also contribute to its natural appeal.
Visitors highly appreciate Creve Coeur Lake for its diverse recreational opportunities, natural beauty, and historical charm. Many enjoy the extensive trails for walking, running, and biking, the opportunities for boating and fishing, and the peaceful atmosphere for picnicking. The lake's role as a birdwatching spot and its unique oxbow formation also draw significant interest.


Still not found your perfect lake around Creve Coeur? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.