One of our absolute favorite parks in St. Louis is Powder Valley Nature Center. The park is located in Kirkwood, making it a fairly central park for everyone in the St. Louis area. Additionally, it is located at the 270/44 connection, making it even easier to get to. Powder Valley is a nature conservation that offers hiking trails, a nature center, and a variety of classes.

There are three hiking trails, that are all paved; however, they range in length, but all of them are under 2 miles, so typically we combine all three! All of the trails are well maintained, but have some incline, making them great trails for a lunch break or if you want to get a workout in. Additionally, since it is a nature conservation, there is always the opportunity to spot wildlife. Typically we have come across birds, deer, and turkeys.

The nature center is a two-story building that is well-maintained, with a variety of exhibits about the wildlife in Missouri, as well as a theater and classrooms. The center backs up to the woods with a lovely viewing area that wildlife frequents. There is also a beehive and the opportunity to view a pond from underground. Also, there is a nice interactive children’s section that allows children to learn more about nature, wildlife, and conservation. The nature center also offers a variety of classes. Growing up Margaret and her family actively participated in classes that the park offered and learned various skills such as how to use a compass or the history of Lewis and Clark. There were also guest classes, such as a tutorial on how to paint rocks like animals for your garden.

Powder Valley continues to be one of our absolute favorite parks! It is an easy reprieve from the city and the opportunity to explore Missouri wildlife.