Wentzville: Lake and Stream Hike at Rotary Park

Enjoy hiking around the lake while watching for waterfowl and strolling alongside a clear, rocky stream at Rotary Park in Wentzville, MO.

This 1.2-mile walk goes along a paved trail, park roads, and even by the grounds of the St. Louis Renaissance Festival.

*Heading out along the lake. The main blog photo shows the first leg of the hike.*

Start of the Walk

I parked along Lions Lane on the lakeside. Next, I headed towards the Community Club Lake and went south on the trail to the front of the lake.

*Turtles catchings some sun rays out in the lake.*

As the trail curved to the other side, I noticed two large turtles sunning themselves on a log in the middle of the lake.

*Geese parents out in the lake with their gosling.*

Then I saw two geese heading from the shoreline, with their gosling between them.

*Ducks near the shoreline among the vegetation*

Next, I came across ducks among the vegetation near the shoreline. I encountered a lot of wildlife as I started walking.

Field Section

The trail then goes away from the lake and down to the dam by a shelter and a sand volleyball court.

Then, I walked along a field and came to a low-water bridge. I stopped on it, looking into the clear, flowing water.

Across from the low-water bridge, I saw a sign for the St. Louis Renaissance Festival. The grounds are across this brook.

I continued along the trail until I reached another low-water bridge. The stream was broader and deeper at this point.

*The entrance gate to the Renaissance Festival area*

Then I came where you could see parts of the St. Louis Renaissance Festival grounds.

It was cool to have a peek at it from the trail.

Walking back on a lightly used road. NOTE: I wouldn't hike in this area when the Renaissance Festival is going on since it becomes busy with people and traffic. — *Walking back on a lightly used road. NOTE: I wouldn’t hike in this area when the Renaissance Festival is going on since it becomes busy with people and traffic.*

The trail ends here, and I turned right onto the road to continue the loop.

*Going back towards the lake from below the dam.*

Heading Back

I followed this road around to the other side of the field. Up the hill from this road, you can find the St. Charles County Fairgrounds.

*The playground is located at the fairgrounds.*

The road to the fairgrounds is uphill, to the left of the dam. I noticed a lion sculpture and a fenced playground.

Then, I went back along the park road to the start of the paved trail. This section of the trail starts at a covered dock on the lake.

*Last part of the paved trail on the other side of the lake.*

I took this last leg back to where I parked.

*A Wentzville water tower is also located by the park road.*

Final Thoughts

It was nice to see waterfowls and turtles on the lake, peek at the Renaissance Festival grounds, and stop along the stream. It is a pleasant walk not to far from the shopping centers on Wentzville Parkway.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 64 out of St. Louis and continue where it becomes U.S. Highway 61, then take the exit for Wentzville Parkway and go west. Next, turn right onto Meyer Road, then another right onto Lions Lane to enter the park.

Hours: 6 am. – 9 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday; 6 a.m. – 9 p.m., Monday

Address: 2577 W Meyer Rd, Wentzville, MO 63385