Explore the beauty of the spring flowers budding around the St. Louis area.
Is it really Spring after approximately 8 million snow days this year!? Joking (mostly)! But truly, those little shoots of daffodils and tulips sprouting from the ground have given me so much joy! Spring officially arrives on March 20th, and the following day is National Flower Day! In honor of these 2 milestones, here is a roundup of my favorite places to see flowers around St. Louis.
These spots are truly treasures – providing a needed dose of sunshine and beauty after months of snow and freezing temperatures. BLOOM TIME will vary with temperature and rainfall. Typically, mid/late March and April are ideal times to visit any of the following places:
Rock Hollow Trail
Walk along a sea of bluebells along this trail in Wildwood. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s just darn right magical. The blooms are concentrated at the intersection of the Rock Hollow Trail & Al Foster Trail.
This area typically blooms in April but I would definitely start checking social media for updates in March since they last only for a few short weeks.
For more information on this trail, CLICK HERE.
Tower Grove Park
Flower Must Sees: Piper Palm House, Lily Pond, and Fountain Pond Areas
This park is one of my favorite places in the city in all seasons! You’ll find the most beautiful magnolia trees and gorgeous tulip beds near the Piper Palm House. Bonus: my kids LOVE to climb on the ruins nearby.
Lafayette Park
Your fun fact of the day: Lafayette Park was designated the first public park in St. Louis City. Many consider it to be the oldest public park west of the Mississippi! It definitely shines in the spring with beautiful flowers. We’ve seen tulips, redbud trees, bleeding hearts, and more!
My favorite spot in the park is the section near the Betsy Cook Pavilion that has an iconic bridge and pathway around a pond with swans! I would suggest parking near the corner of Lafayette Ave and Mississippi Ave.
Bonus: This park has a recently renovated playground with climbing features!
Missouri Botanical Garden
Your spring bucket list needs to include visiting our city’s botanical gardens! Their flower bulb garden is truly breathtaking. You’ll find it near the entrance, right next to the rose garden.
There truly isn’t a bad month to visit. In March and April, you’ll find the gardens brimming with cherry blossoms, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths. Irises usually start to bloom in late April through early May. Last, but certainly not least, May brings my personal favorite- PEONIES! The walkway leading up to the bridge in the Japanese Garden is a MUST SEE!
Bonus: Look for the Children’s Garden area to open on March 29th! This incredible area has a nature-inspired playground with so many learning invitations!
2 ROADTRIP IDEAS:
Have I traveled just to see flowers? Why, yes, I have! These destinations are farther out from the city but so, so worth it!
Shaw Nature Reserve
307 Pinetum Loop Rd, Gray Summit, MO 63039
Located in Gray Summit (about 40-50 minutes from St. Louis), you’ll find an area dedicated to preserving wildflower and nature habits in Missouri. The fields starting near the main entrance all the way to the Bascom House come alive in the Spring with THOUSANDS of tulips!
My birthday is in late March, and we always plan a trip to see this amazing sea of sunshine!
St. Francois State Park
8920 US Highway 67 North, Bonne Terre, MO 63628
Have you ever wanted to step into an enchanted forest of bluebells? You don’t have to go too far! Hike the Swimming Deer Trail at St. Francois State Park, located a little over an hour away from St. Louis. We’ve done this mini road trip twice, and it’s absolutely incredible!
Yes, those are all bluebells! The full trail is over 3 miles long. We usually only follow the portion (about 1 mile) that hugs the river. You can find additional TRAIL INFORMATION here.
Cheers to beautiful flowers in St. Louis, longer days, and sunshine!
