Best attractions and places to see around Frontenac, Missouri, include a mix of natural areas and cultural landmarks. This affluent city offers access to scenic trails, lakes, and significant historical sites. The region is characterized by its proximity to the Meramec River and various parks, providing diverse outdoor and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore greenways, observe wildlife, and visit monuments that reflect the area's heritage.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
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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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The Meramec Greenway Trail is a scenic route that connects riders to the Meramec River and many parks in the region as it winds along the river and limestone bluffs through woodlands and several communities.
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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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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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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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The St. Louis Zoo is free to enter and offers nature lovers and zoo lovers a zoo park with animals from all over the world. From big cats and elephants to monkeys and reptiles, there is a lot to discover and absolutely free. There are paid events such as Ray-Cove where you can feed and pet rays for a fee, food is also relatively expensive, but those who are interested in nature and biodiversity can enjoy it for free. Also highly recommended for families with children, although it can get crowded on weekends.
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Friedrich Jahn, a German-Prussian gymnastics educator, founded the Turnverein, an international gymnastic and social society, in Germany in 1811. The monument was installed by the St Louis German community in 1913 which had over 150 German cultural societies including 12 gymnastics clubs.
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Frontenac offers a variety of outdoor activities, especially focused on trails and parks. You can explore the Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section for scenic walks or cycling along the Meramec River. For birdwatching and running, Mallard Lake in Creve Coeur Lake Park is a great spot. Additionally, the area boasts numerous routes for road cycling, easy hiking, and running.
Yes, Frontenac and its surroundings offer several family-friendly attractions. The Saint Louis Zoo – Wetterau Pavilion is a popular choice, offering free entry to see a wide array of animals from around the world. The Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section and Mallard Lake are also suitable for families looking for walks, cycling, or birdwatching. Many parks like Tilles Park, Longview Farm Park, and Queeny Park, mentioned in the region research, also provide playgrounds and open spaces for children.
For those interested in history, the Friedrich Ludwig Jahn Memorial commemorates a German-Prussian gymnastics educator and the St. Louis German community. Beyond the immediate highlights, Frontenac, Missouri, is home to the historic Old Des Peres Presbyterian Church and Cemetery (Old Meeting House), built in 1832, and notable historic homes like the Van Dyke home (1854) and the Drum home (1860).
Birdwatchers will find Mallard Lake in Creve Coeur Lake Park to be a treasure. It's known for its role as a catch-basin for sediment, which contributes to a rich habitat for various bird species. Longview Farm Park, a short drive away, also offers opportunities for birdwatching with its sprawling open spaces and a pond.
The Emerson Grand Basin in Forest Park offers a beautiful, romantic scenery with its manmade lake and water fountains, set against the backdrop of the Saint Louis Art Museum. The Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section provides scenic views as it winds along the Meramec River and limestone bluffs through woodlands.
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails around Frontenac. You can explore routes like the Hawk, Goose, and Owl Creek Loop, Des Peres Park Loop, Tilles Park Loop, Longview Farm Park Full Loop, and the Kirkwood Park Fitness Trail. These are generally short and accessible, perfect for a leisurely walk. For more options, refer to the Easy hikes around Frontenac guide.
Frontenac offers several options for runners. Mallard Lake in Creve Coeur Lake Park has running loops around its perimeter and marsh areas. Forest Park, home to the Emerson Grand Basin, also features a nice trail network ideal for running. You can find more detailed routes in the Running Trails around Frontenac guide, including options like the Kirkwood 5k run via Kirkwood Park.
Beyond the specific highlights, Frontenac is close to several significant parks. Tilles Park offers green space, walking paths, and picnic areas. Forest Park, a major urban park in St. Louis, is home to the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, and Science Center. Laumeier Sculpture Park blends large-scale art installations with natural surroundings, and Queeny Park provides wooded trails, meadows, and lakes for various outdoor activities.
While not directly outdoor attractions, Frontenac, Missouri, is known for its upscale amenities. Plaza Frontenac is a premier shopping destination featuring high-end retailers and fine dining options, along with a Landmark Theatre for curated film selections. This provides a different kind of experience compared to the natural and historical sites.
Visitors appreciate the diverse offerings, from the scenic routes of the Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section, noted for its good surface and connection to various parks, to the free and extensive animal exhibits at the Saint Louis Zoo – Wetterau Pavilion. The peaceful atmosphere for birdwatching at Mallard Lake and the beautiful architecture and scenery of the Emerson Grand Basin are also highly valued.
Absolutely. The Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section is a popular choice for cycling, offering a good surface and scenic views along the river. For more dedicated road cycling, you can explore routes like the Kirkland to Meramec River loop or the Kirkwood Train Station – Grant's Trail at Grant's Farm loop. A comprehensive list of options can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Frontenac guide.


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