Hike Around a Lake and See Historic Cabins at Conway Park

Find two historic log cabins, stroll around a lake, and a prairie stand at Conway Park in Creve Coeur, Mo.

This is a one-mile hike on a paved path through fields with 76 feet of elevation gain. The park is located near Mercy St. Louis Hospital, just north of the intersection of Interstate 64 and Interstate 270.

Start of the Hike

Parking is located off Conway Road, just after it passes under Interstate 270, although there is no intersection with it.

I first walked by the tennis courts and a small gazebo.

Next, I passed a playground with slides, rock walls, a rope cube, bars, and poles.

Then I came to the cabins.

Clester Cabin

Clester Cabin dates back to the late 1700s or possibly the early 1800s and was relocated to Conway Park in 1994. The style is identified as a “settler’s cabin” with one room, a partial loft, and a fireplace. The name relates to a family that saw its restoration.

Hackmann Cabin

This log cabin was home to five generations of the Hackmann family and was originally situated on the current site of the Creve Coeur Golf Course and Dielmann Recreation Complex.

It started as a single room and was expanded to include a kitchen, dining room, loft, and porch in the mid-1840s.

Their son, the namesake of his grandfather John Herman, and his wife raised ten children here. The oldest, Oliver, was the last generation to bring up a family in the cabin.

Dog Park

After the cabins, I walk past a large dog park on the left. It is divided into two areas—one for small dogs and another for big dogs. I wish we had that in our town for our small dog. However, we cannot bring our dog here due to the membership requirement.

*You can proceed either to the right or left to complete a loop around the lake.*

*A fountain shoots out water in the middle of the lake.*

Lake View

Next, I came to a loop that went around a lake.

Native plants and grasses are long the way at Fischer Prairie.

Then, I stepped out onto the freshly mowed lawn to look closer at an orange metal sculpture that reminded me of a frame for a large stove.

Further along the trail, a large group of Canadian geese was enjoying their day at the park.

Located around the back of the lake is a natural landscape with flowers called Marcus Prairie.

*Walking up and around the lake, looking back.*

Then I walked up and down the hills around the lake before returning to the start of the loop and heading back to the car.

Final Thoughts

The main attraction of this area is the two authentic cabins. Walking around the lake provides a great workout. One downside is noticeable road noise, particularly along the park’s east side.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 64 to Exit 26 onto Forty Drive. Then, make a right onto New Ballas Road and a left onto Conway Road. Look for the entrance to the park just after crossing Interstate 270.

Alternatively, you can take Interstate 270 to the exit for Ladue Road. Then, turn onto Ladue Road, make a right onto New Ballas Road, followed by a right onto Conway Road. Look for the entrance to the park from there.

Hours: Open dawn to dusk

Address: 12301 Conway Rd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141