Carondelet Park
A tranquil city park with a picturesque lake, abundant wildlife, and scenic trails, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful nature, fewer crowds
Carondelet Park
Best Time
Peaceful nature, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil city park with a picturesque lake, abundant wildlife, and scenic trails, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
"It's lovely how happy all the birds seem with snow on the ground."
🐾 Pup-Friendly Paradise
Your furry friends will love the park! Plenty of space for walks and enjoying nature together.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the lake, wildlife, and charming boathouse. Golden hour is magical!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Duck Pond
Central Lake
Watch happy ducks waddle and swim in the picturesque lake, a serene spot for relaxation and wildlife observation.
Scenic Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Enjoy well-maintained paved paths perfect for leisurely strolls, jogging, or cycling amidst lush greenery.
Boathouse Charm
Near the lake
A picturesque spot, ideal for photography or simply enjoying the park's tranquil ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Pup-Friendly Paradise
Your furry friends will love the park! Plenty of space for walks and enjoying nature together.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the lake, wildlife, and charming boathouse. Golden hour is magical!
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a lunch and find a scenic spot to unwind. Many benches and green spaces available.
🚴♀️ Trail Adventures
Explore the mountain biking trails – great for a fun ride!
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Pup-Friendly Paradise
Your furry friends will love the park! Plenty of space for walks and enjoying nature together.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Capture stunning shots of the lake, wildlife, and charming boathouse. Golden hour is magical!
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a lunch and find a scenic spot to unwind. Many benches and green spaces available.
🚴♀️ Trail Adventures
Explore the mountain biking trails – great for a fun ride!
🎣 Cast a Line
The stocked ponds are great for fishing, offering a peaceful way to spend your day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carondelet Park for its serene atmosphere, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained walking paths, making it a cherished urban escape. The park's picturesque lake, especially with its happy ducks, and the charming boathouse are frequently highlighted as favorite spots for relaxation and photography. While generally well-loved, some visitors note that parking can become challenging during large community events.
"Love this park and so does my pup! It's a great place to walk. The ducks at the pond are so happy and sweet to watch! There's plenty of good walking paths throughout the park, benches, shade trees in the spring and summer. Or recent visit was in January after a heavy winter snow storm. The pond was partially frozen over and watching the ducks waddle over the ice was quiet amusing. It's lovely how happy all the birds seem with snow on the ground."
J West (JWest)
"The neighborhood has such a lovely charm, especially the lakes, which are filled with ducks and other wildlife.
The parks surrounding the lakes create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for strolls or simply unwinding in nature. I appreciated the well-maintained paths and green spaces that invite you to enjoy the outdoors.
There are also nice spots for picnicking, making it a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Overall, Carondelet offers a beautiful setting to relax and connect with nature, and I found it to be a fantastic area to explore."
Natalia S.D.
"This is a beautiful park with great waterfalls. Great fishing areas and nice scenery. You can meet wonderful people here and enjoy yourself on a daily basis, with your family. Nice walking trails, nice pavilions, and it's enough space for everybody to enjoy they're on individual place."
Maurice Banks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carondelet Park is located in South City, St. Louis. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available throughout the park. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the area.
Yes, there are several parking lots available within and around Carondelet Park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Carondelet Park has dedicated mountain biking trails and paved paths, making it a great destination for cyclists.
The paved walking paths around the lake and throughout the park are generally stroller-friendly, offering a smooth surface for easy navigation.
Many visitors enjoy walking or biking the perimeter trail, while others prefer to explore the various picnic areas and natural spots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Carondelet Park is a public city park and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its amenities and natural beauty for free.
While specific hours can vary, city parks are generally open from dawn until dusk. It's always a good idea to check with the St. Louis Parks Department for the most current operating hours.
If you plan to host a large event, like a wedding or a significant gathering, you may need to reserve a pavilion or obtain a permit. Contact the St. Louis Parks Department for details.
Yes, Carondelet Park hosts various community events throughout the year, such as local markets and gatherings. Keep an eye on local event listings or the park's social media for updates.
Yes, the park features stocked fishing ponds, making it a popular spot for anglers. Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park is known for its abundant birdlife, especially ducks in the central lake. You might also spot other small wildlife.
Yes, Carondelet Park typically has playground facilities for children to enjoy.
Amenities include walking trails, picnic areas, pavilions, fishing ponds, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds.
Absolutely! The picturesque lake, boathouse, and natural scenery offer many beautiful photo opportunities, especially during the golden hours.
Restroom facilities are typically available within the park, especially near pavilions and playgrounds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within Carondelet Park itself. However, the surrounding Holly Hills neighborhood offers various dining options.
The Holly Hills area has several local eateries. 'Sugarwitch' is highly recommended for sweet treats.
Yes, Carondelet Park is an excellent spot for picnics, with numerous green spaces and picnic tables available.
During special events like local markets, food vendors are often present, offering a variety of treats and meals.
The surrounding neighborhoods offer a range of casual dining, from cafes to local diners, catering to various tastes.
📸 📸 Photography
The central lake with its ducks, the charming boathouse, and the tree-lined walking paths are prime locations for photography.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hours) offer the most flattering light for capturing the park's beauty. Midday can be harsh.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the St. Louis Parks Department regarding any restrictions on drone operation within the park.
The happy ducks, the seasonal changes of the trees, and the architectural details of the boathouse provide unique subjects for photographers.
It's ideal for nature photography, landscape shots, casual portraits, and capturing family outings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The duck pond is always a hit with kids, offering a chance to observe wildlife up close.
🐶 Dog Owners
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Runners
+1🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Carondelet Park's Natural Beauty
Beyond the main lake, the park features other natural elements that contribute to its charm. The boathouse, though not a functional rental facility, adds a picturesque architectural element to the landscape, making it a popular spot for photography.
The park's commitment to maintaining its green spaces ensures a pleasant experience for all visitors, whether they are looking for a quiet moment of reflection or a place to connect with the outdoors. Seasonal changes also bring unique beauty to Carondelet Park. Even after a heavy snowstorm, the park offers amusing sights, like ducks navigating icy ponds, showcasing the resilience and charm of nature year-round.
Community Events and Activities
These events often include activities like free yoga sessions and DJ music, creating a lively atmosphere for everyone. Beyond markets, the park is also a venue for community gatherings focused on giving back. Events like those organized by Coalition DJs STL have utilized the park's pavilions to collect donations and foster a sense of community spirit, often accompanied by free food and music.
These occasions highlight the park's role not just as a recreational space, but as a place for social connection and support. For active enthusiasts, Carondelet Park offers dedicated mountain biking trails that have become increasingly popular. These trails are not only enjoyed by adult cyclists but are also a hit with children, making the park a family-friendly destination for outdoor adventure.
+1 The park's versatility in hosting diverse events, from relaxed markets to active sports, underscores its importance as a central gathering place for the community. +3Family and Recreational Opportunities
The park's stocked fishing ponds are a unique attraction, offering a peaceful and engaging activity for both children and adults.
Even special occasions like quinceañeras have been celebrated at Carondelet Park, highlighting its beautiful setting and capacity to host memorable events.
Social
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