Attractions and Places To See around Bellefontaine Neighbors - Top 8

Bellefontaine Neighbors is rich in history. You can visit Fort Belle Fontaine Park, the site of the first US military installation west of the Mississippi River, which also features ruins from 1930s Works Progress Administration structures. Other significant historical sites in the area include the General Daniel Bissell House and the Wilson Larimore House, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, a former Route 66 landmark, offers a glimpse into the region's transportation history.

Yes, several attractions are great for families. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge and McKinley Bridge are both open to pedestrians and cyclists, offering safe and scenic outings. Fort Belle Fontaine Park provides walking trails and historical exploration. For outdoor recreation, Bellefontaine Park features playgrounds and picnic areas, while the nearby Mississippi River is ideal for riverside walks and birdwatching.

For scenic views, Fort Belle Fontaine Park offers picturesque vistas over the Missouri River. The Confluence Trail, running atop a levee, provides gorgeous views of the Mississippi River. Natural features like Belle Fontaine Spring, Coldwater Creek, and a 50-acre upland prairie and wetlands can be found within Fort Bellefontaine Park. The Bellefontaine Conservation Area also features three ponds and a lake, accessible via paved trails.

The area is excellent for cycling. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, offering a unique 1.6 km ride over the Mississippi. The McKinley Bridge also features a dedicated bike lane. For a more relaxed ride, explore the Chouteau Island Country Road. You can find more road cycling routes, such as the 'Florissant and Mississippi River Trail Loop,' by visiting our guide to Road Cycling Routes around Bellefontaine Neighbors.

Yes, there are several trails for hiking and walking. Fort Belle Fontaine Park has a circular footpath and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail. Wilderness Park offers a 1.8-mile nature trail. The Bellefontaine Conservation Area features paved trails around its ponds and lake. For more options, explore our guide to Hiking around Bellefontaine Neighbors, which includes routes like the 'Fort Bellefontaine Loop Trail' and 'Lakeside Trail'.

Visitors particularly enjoy the unique experience of cycling across the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, appreciating its steel structure and the bend in the middle of the Mississippi. The scenic views over the Missouri River from Fort Belle Fontaine Park are also highly rated. Cyclists appreciate the dedicated bike lane on the McKinley Bridge and the laid-back ride on Chouteau Island Country Road.

Yes, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is noted as wheelchair accessible, providing a great opportunity for everyone to enjoy a crossing over the Mississippi River. The Bellefontaine Conservation Area also features paved trails, which are generally more accessible.

Yes, Bellefontaine Park is a scenic park that includes walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a great spot for families. Wilderness Park also offers a picnic table for visitors. Fort Belle Fontaine Park is another excellent option for outdoor enjoyment.

The nearby Mississippi River offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy fishing, peaceful riverside walks, and birdwatching. The Confluence Trail runs along the levee, providing excellent views and opportunities for walking or cycling right by the river.

Yes, there are several running trails available. You can explore routes like the 'Sunset Greenway Trail' or the 'Saint Vincent Greenway'. For a comprehensive list and details on these and other running paths, please refer to our guide on Running Trails around Bellefontaine Neighbors.

Bellefontaine Cemetery, while not strictly within Bellefontaine Neighbors' municipal boundaries, shares a historical connection and name. It is a non-profit, non-sectarian cemetery and arboretum known for its architecturally significant monuments, including the Louis Sullivan-designed Wainwright Tomb. It is open to the public and offers 314 acres with 14 miles of paved roads, suitable for walking, running, biking, and picnicking. More information can be found on its Wikipedia page: Bellefontaine Cemetery.