Bellefontaine Neighbors MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bellefontaine Neighbors, Missouri.
1. Bellefontaine County Park
RECREATION AND FISHING
Bellefontaine County Park is a large county park located within the community offering multiple recreational opportunities. It features athletic fields, tennis courts, and a lake stocked for fishing. Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities in this spacious green space.
2. Bellefontaine Recreation Center
FITNESS AND FUN
The Bellefontaine Recreation Center is located in Bellefontaine County Park and offers comprehensive recreational facilities. It features a gym, gameroom, racquetball courts, outdoor swimming pool, and saunas. The center also includes a miniature golf course for family entertainment.
3. Tanglewood Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RELAXATION SPOT
Tanglewood Park is a small St. Louis County park providing a peaceful setting for visitors. The park features a playground and picnic tables for families to enjoy. It offers a convenient outdoor space for residents and visitors of Bellefontaine Neighbors.
4. Gibson House 'Tanglewood'
HISTORIC 19TH CENTURY LANDMARK
The Gibson House 'Tanglewood' is a historic landmark built in 1866 by the Gibson family. It represents one of the few remaining structures from Bellefontaine Neighbors' early land-owning families. The historic home provides visitors a glimpse into the area's 19th-century architectural heritage.
5. General Daniel Bissell House
EARLY AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE
The General Daniel Bissell House is a historic landmark built in 1817 by the Bissell family. This structure represents one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Bellefontaine Neighbors area. It serves as an important connection to the early American history of the region.
6. Bellefontaine Methodist Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS ARCHITECTURE
The Bellefontaine Methodist Church was built in 1854 and stands as a historic landmark in the community. The church represents over 165 years of religious heritage in the area. Its architecture and continued presence provide insights into the community's historical development.
7. St. Cyr Park
HISTORIC FAMILY LEGACY
St. Cyr Park is named after the St. Cyr family, one of the original landowning families in the area. The park offers recreational space for residents and visitors of Bellefontaine Neighbors. It serves as a living reminder of the community's early settlement history.
8. Wilderness Park
LARGEST CITY PARK
Wilderness Park is the largest city park in Bellefontaine Neighbors, offering expansive green space for visitors. The park provides opportunities for recreation and connection with nature within the city limits. Its size makes it an important natural resource for the community.
9. Gateway Arch
ICONIC AMERICAN MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a striking 630-foot catenary curve that symbolizes the 'Gateway to the West,' located about 20 minutes from Bellefontaine Neighbors. Visitors can ascend to its observation deck for stunning city and river vistas, and explore its museum showcasing westward expansion. The monument, completed in 1965, remains a testament to innovation and American ambition.
10. Missouri Botanical Garden
WORLD-CLASS BOTANICAL COLLECTION
The Missouri Botanical Garden upholds its commitment to sustainability through conservation initiatives that protect endangered plant species globally. The garden educates visitors on ecological stewardship principles through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Its various centers and exhibits showcase botanical diversity just a short drive from Bellefontaine Neighbors.
11. Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum
HISTORIC RESTING PLACE
Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum is a tranquil burial site with more than 170 years of history, also serving as a beloved local landmark and example of environmental stewardship. Throughout the year, it hosts more than 300 events covering topics from history to horticulture, while welcoming visitors to explore the grounds independently. Notable individuals buried here include American explorer William Clark and Anheuser-Busch co-founder Adolphus Busch, along with many whose surnames identify St. Louis buildings and parks.
12. Fort Belle Fontaine
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Belle Fontaine was the first United States military installation west of the Mississippi River, established in 1805. The historic site features stone steps and structures that were part of a 1930s WPA project. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the fort's role in early American westward expansion.
13. St. Louis Mercantile Library
HISTORIC LITERARY COLLECTION
The St. Louis Mercantile Library is one of the oldest libraries west of the Mississippi River, founded in 1846. It houses rare books, manuscripts, and historical artifacts that document the cultural and intellectual history of the region. The library offers exhibitions and events that showcase its extensive collections related to western expansion, transportation, and St. Louis history.
14. The Griot Museum of Black History
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Griot Museum of Black History preserves and presents the stories and artifacts of Black Americans with a special focus on those with connections to St. Louis. The museum features life-size wax figures, art, artifacts, and memorabilia related to African American history and culture. It serves as an important educational resource on the African American experience in the region.
15. Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI CROSSING
The Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic mile-long bridge spanning the Mississippi River featuring a distinctive 30-degree bend in the middle. Originally part of Route 66, it now serves as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge offering spectacular views of the river and the St. Louis skyline. The bridge provides visitors with a unique perspective on the region's geography and transportation history.