Winter Is Coming! Visit These 10 Places In Missouri For Winter Fun!
The first day of winter is officially Dec 21st. It will be here sooner than we realize. I remember last winter, and we had a few brutal days of heavy snowfall, and cold temperatures. For some, this is just fantastic. Many people like being outside and getting all bundled up and having a good time skiing, or sledding, or ice skating. Missouri gives you a lot of options to do that. Perhaps check out these options:
Big Cedar Lodge
There is SO much to do here, and the rooms fill up in the wintertime, especially around the holidays. You can click HERE for my article about them and get more details. The Ozark Mountains are beautiful in the winter.
Stephens Lake Park - Columbia
As a former resident of Columbia, I can attest to this. When there are 4 to 6 inches of snow coverage, the sledding hill is open for you to bring your own sled and sled safely, looking for trees and rocks and staying out of the way of other sledders. And yes, plenty of skating and hockey. Click HERE for more info or HERE.
Penguin Parade At St Louis Zoo/Wild Lights
I think penguins are really cute. Adorable even. Why not plan on visiting the St Louis Zoo? Now the parade that they have had in the past is no longer going on, but they are doing a Wild Lights activity and you will be able to get up close to the penguins and other animals. The light will be impressive too. Click HERE for more info, and to secure your spot.
Trout Fishing At A State Park
Several state parks in Missouri offer some great spots for fishing. Montauk State Park, Roaring River State Park, and Bennett Spring State Park are a few options. It will be less crowded, clear waters, and easier to catch some fish.
Kansas City Curling Club
Considering this is an indoor activity, you may not think of this as a "winter" activity but is has become more popular over the years, and when the Winter Olympics come around, it seemed to get watched a lot. Why not play at the Kansas City Curling Club for a fun time? Click the website HERE for more info on hours of operation.
Loop Ice Carnival - Delmar Loop - St Louis
This January, the Delmar Loop in St Louis becomes the Loop Ice Carnival. You can walk along and check out all the ice sculptures, stilt walkers, human dog-sled races and more. You can click HERE to get more info and there are often giveaways that you can win too. 16 years running. Facebook link is HERE. Mark the January date on your calendar.
Steinberg Ice Skating Rink - Forest Park - St Louis
I never did learn to ice skate, but for those of you who did, you may want to check this place out. The rink has been in operation since 1957, and is a magical place outside under the stars. It is the largest outdoor skating rink in the Midwest, and was voted “the most romantic place in St. Louis”. Website link is HERE for more info. Open thru Feb.
Snow Creek, Weston - Marshall
Now this look like a whole lot of fun! In nearby Marshall, there is Snow Creek. Snow-skiing, snowboarding or tubing, yes please! The Tornado Alley Tube Park features a thrilling downhill ride with a relaxing ride back up to the top of the hill. Wintertime hikers can enjoy 12 different trails that range from beginner to advanced, and the Rattlesnake Terrain Park is a place for expert skiers and boarders. For more info click HERE. Open thru Mid-March. Website link is HERE.
Hidden Valley - Wildwood
If you are a skier then you probably already know about Hidden Valley in Wildwood. They are beginning their 40th season, and you can watch the video HERE. For expert skiers and boarders, they offer The Outlaw and Badlands, and lessons, season passes and group rates are also available. Website link is HERE.
Art Hill - Forest Park - St Louis
Art Hill in Forest Park is a must-do and a legend in St. Louis, with pictures depicting sledders going down the hill as early as during the 1904 World’s Fair. With every snowfall, snow enthusiasts come toting their sled of choice; the typical sleds and snowboards of course, but also trash can lids, cardboard boxes and pretty much whatever works can be found. Click HERE for more info.
Which one of these 10 options seems like the most fun for you this winter? Have you been to any of them? Wherever you decide to go, bundle up and have fun!