Millennium Park: Hike by a Victorian House and Large Playground

An ornate Victorian Italianate house, an expansive playground, and a nature area are sights to see along this Millennium Park walk in Creve Coeur.

I walked along a paved trail loop around the park and then took the Fitness Trail around Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital for a 1.75-mile hike with an elevation gain of 82 feet.

Start of the Hike at Millennium Park

Parking is available in a lot at the end of Barnes West Drive. There is a circular building with a restroom located at the trailhead.

I entered the paved trail near a large playground and splash pad area and turned right onto a blacktop path.

Next, I passed by a large field used for baseball and then reached more green space for soccer fields.

Back Area

On the left side of the trail, there are trees with stone war memorials at their base.

The trail leaves the sports fields and enters a wild area filled with prairie plants and trees.

Next, the trail curves around a stream on the left, and then I pass by a trail marker for 3/10 of a mile.

*Full view of the playground from the parking area*

Playground Area

The trail becomes cement, and you enter the playground area. You can see a tall blue tunnel slide emerging from a tower. Climbing structures with rope ladders are near the trail.

Then, you pass by swings and a smaller play area for younger kids.

*A large gazebo where you can enjoy lunch.*

You come back around the playground once more, and a gazebo with a double roof.

Then I came to the front of the Tappmeyer House. (Seen in the main blog photo.)

Tappmeyer House

Built between 1880 and 1884, the homestead was situated on Olive Street, just west of Ross Avenue, on a 33-acre working farm.

For over 100 years, four generations of Tappmeyers lived in the house. Wagonloads of potatoes were driven to St. Louis, returning with lumber needed to construct the home. The house was moved to Millennium Park in 2003.

Today, the home features period-appropriate furnishings on the first floor, which has been restored and is open to the public for exhibits, tours, and special events.

Visit https://www.crevecoeurmo.gov/224/Tappmeyer-House for information on tour availability.

Nature Area

On the left of the home is the Tappmeyer Forest Rain Garden. Native plants hold large amounts of water and filter pollutants. A black and green sculpture is in the garden area above the creek.

*I took a moment to walk down to the creek. Be cautious when walking around here, as this is off-trail.*

After visiting the nature area, I returned to the parking lot.

*The trail is marked by this sign that shows the distance to Mason Road*

Second Loop: Fitness Trail

Near the parking area, you will find a trail heading west with a sign that says ‘Park to Mason Path 1.6 Mile,’ which is where I walked next.

The trail goes between the school and the hospital. There are information signs along the Fitness Trail to guide you in the right direction.

At 0.8 miles, I made a right onto a sidewalk to head north along Mason Road.

At 0.95 miles, a paved connector path branches off to the right. You can take this path back to the parking area if you want to shorten your walk.

Next, at 1.2 miles, I went to the right along Olive Boulevard. On the right, you can see a moving Fiddlehead sculpture done by Jeffrey Kahn.

Then, at 1.4 miles, you make a right to go south along Barnes West Drive.

Be cautious in this area, as it is frequently used as an entrance to the hospital parking lot.

Then the path ends back at the parking area. Strangely, there is no trail around the parking lot, so you will have to walk around it.

Final Thoughts

The hike around the park was the best part, as it allowed you to explore the woods, forest, and historic home. The section around the hospital adds mileage to walk, but it is not particularly scenic.

If I come across an opening date, I would like to check out the historic home. Additionally, if I return with my son, we’ll explore the nature walk area and the large playground.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 270 North to Exit 14. Turn left onto Olive Boulevard, then left onto Barnes West Drive. Continue on this road to the end for parking.

Hours: Dawn to Dusk

Address: 2 Barnes W Dr, Creve Coeur, MO 63141