Sunset Park, Sunset Park Drive, Florissant, St. Louis, MO, USA
Bike the Sunset Greenway to the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine and the Missouri River, approximately 10 miles. Stop in and tour the shrine while there. This ride has one optional long hill down and back up from the river. Optional lunch on your own after the ride at Hendel’s. Register at www.stloasis.org or by calling 314-862-4859 ext 24.
Learn more about the Sunset Greenway: Old Town Florissant to Sunset Park here.
Mona Vespa is the President of GO! St. Louis. GO! is a local non-profit organization that encourages individuals and families in the #STL region to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle year round. They accomplish this through community collaborations, school-based programming and the creation of new and fun fitness events:
“Running is my sport, my hobby and my profession! Personally, I can’t imagine a better way to explore your own city than on foot, and the greenways are the perfect way to do that! Every time I run a greenway, I am reminded that our city is incredibly diverse in landscape and character, but is also comprised of neighborhoods and communities who are all working towards a similar goal: to make their part of our city a vibrant and welcoming home. And as a part of my job, what a joy it is to share that with the runners and walkers of our area. I’ve used greenways for several GO! St. Louis race routes, and our Summer Passport program’s entire focus is to introduce more runners to the incredible gem of these paths throughout our city. GO! St. Louis is thankful for GRG’s work and dedication to outdoor recreation in our region!”
Home Greenway: All of them!
Meet Karlton
Posted on Thursday July 25, 2024
Karlton Thornton is Great Rivers Greenway’s newest board member representing St. Louis County. He has dedicated thousands of hours to St. Louis area organizations and schools serving on the board of Hazelwood School District, The United Way, Annie Malone Children’s Home as a Child Advocate, Job Corps St. Louis Community Response Committee member, former Board member and Administrator advisor of Day Spring School of Arts and Education, The Black Rep and more. He is also a four-time cancer survivor. When you meet him, it’s hard to believe that he once weighed 300 pounds after a difficult recovery from cancer left him bedridden. He has survived cancer four times; Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma twice, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Melanoma. He shares why he said yes to serving on Great Rivers Greenway’s Board:
I remember feeling so sick I could not even walk down the hallway of my house. I decided to turn back to my childhood where I found energy and connection to nature through the joy of scouting, swimming and visits to my family’s farm. I wanted to tap into prayer and nature’s proven healing properties and get better so I could be there for my wife and daughters. Lucky for me, I lived close to the Sunset Greenway in Florissant. My recovery mirrored the progress of the first phase of the greenway as it was built from Sunset Park to St. Ferdinand Park. As construction progressed, I slowly started to walk from my house to the greenway. I would walk, and follow the path as it grew: one step at a time. I am so happy to be able to walk here with my family in good health…and to serve the agency that is connecting people to nature and the outdoors.
Home Greenway: Sunset!
Greenway Getaway: Postcards from the Sunset Greenway
Posted on Wednesday July 17, 2024
If you’ve never explored the Sunset Greenway, now is the time to plan a trip! This 3.9 mile paved route meanders through Florissant in north St. Louis County and offers stunning views of the Missouri River at Sunset Park along with connections to other parks, neighborhoods, and multiple historic sites along the way!
No matter the season, a walk or bike ride down the bluff in Sunset Park to the Missouri River is always a feast for your eyes. And speaking of feasts, there are plenty of local restaurants and “Mom-and-Pop” stops where you can enjoy a quick snack or delicious meal. ( See notes on dining options below and check restaurant website in advance)
If you are a history buff, you’ll love exploring a greenway that takes you through one of the earliest settlements in the state of Missouri. You’ll also enjoy Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, Sacred Heart Church, and dozens of historic buildings and homes in Old Town Florissant.
There is so much to see and do along the way, we’ve compiled a list of options so you can plan your own trip!
Sunset Greenway in Sunset Park
The Sunset Greenway is a flat, paved route that stretches 3.9 miles from Florissant’s Sunset Park to St. Francois Street near the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine. Less than a mile of the greenway lies within Sunset Park–but what a lovely less-than-a-mile it is! It connects the upper section of the park down to the banks of the Missouri River. You can walk, ride or push a stroller through the tree-lined path while enjoying views of the river. There are plenty of benches to stop and rest along the way. If you happen to be visiting when the sun goes down, you’ll understand why it’s called Sunset Park!
Sunset Park to Saint Ferdinand Park (2.3 miles)
From Sunset Park, the greenway parallels Humes Lane and then turns south along Patterson Road to Mullanphy Road where it passes through Florissant’s 64-acre Saint Ferdinand Park. There are pavilions, sand volleyball courts, restrooms, a lake, six ball fields and four playground areas.
Saint Ferdinand Park to St. Francois Street (.9 miles)
From Saint Ferdinand Park, the greenway continues south along Coldwater Creek, under Lindbergh Blvd, crossing St. Denis Street and through Coldwater Commons Park. The greenway ends at St. Francois Street. Immediately to the right (west) is the Historic St. Ferdinand Shrine. To the left, (east) you can walk or ride on St. Francois Street into Florissant Old Town. It is .7 mile from the greenway at St. Francois Street through Old Town to its eastern border at N. New Florissant Rd.
Historic Sites to See
Old St. Ferdinand Shrine The Shrine is at the site of one of the earliest European settlements west of the Mississippi. Although Spain controlled the area, early settlers were French farmers and fur trappers attracted to the fertile banks of nearby Coldwater Creek. The French called the valley “Fleurissant” which means “flowering” or “flourishing” while the Spanish called the tiny settlement “St. Ferdinand.” While it is not known when the first settlers came to the area, it is believed that the village was settled about the same time St. Louis was (1764). The king of Spain actually granted the village the site where the old church was built. The settlement was typical of French settlements at the time with a commons and common fields where the villagers did their farming. For a number of years a log church served the community until the original portion of the existing church was constructed in 1821. Tours are available from Monday thru Sunday by appointment. For more details, visit the Shrine’s website.
Sacred Heart Church In Old Town, the historic Sacred Heart Catholic Church is located at the corner of N. Jefferson and St. Denis Street. Founded by German families who settled in the area, the original church was completed in 1872. The existing church was completed in 1893. It is still an active parish of the Archdiocese of St. Louis. The historic Herz Jesu school building is the home of Sacred Heart Kindergarten, prekindergarten and preschool. There is a museum on the lower level of the Rectory that is open the second Sunday of the month from 10am to 2pm. To learn more about the church and school, visit their website.
Walking Tour of Old Town Florissant
Old Town Florissant is filled with many century homes, businesses, restaurants and shops housed in historic buildings. Florissant Old Town Partners has created a self-guided walking tour comprised of 13 historic sites. Click here for the map so you can take the tour!
Places to Eat:
There is something for everyone along the Sunset Greenway. Whether you’re craving some Mexican food, a donut, pizza, crab cakes, pastries, deli sandwiches or an ice cold beverage—you can find it just around the corner. Here are just a few of the local favorites:
Hendel’s—known for their historic building, Hendel’s Burger, crab cakes, and outdoor patio. (599 St. Denis Street, 63031)-Closed Sunday & Monday, online ordering available.
Ruiz—St. Louis’ oldest Mexican restaurant is located directly on the greenway! ( 901 N. US Highway 67, 63031)-curbside to go orders only.
Helfer’s Pastries & Deli Cafe—Family-owned bakery and deli. Their slogan is “Premium ingredients and expert skill make quality our specialty.” (380 Saint Ferdinand St., 63031)
Amore Pizza—family owned restaurant known for “pizza and pasta specials at reasonable prices.” (450 Saint Francois Street, 63031)
Fritz’s Original Frozen Custard—home of the Famous Turtle Sunday! (1055 St. Catherine, Florissant, 63031)***closed for season, reopens in spring 2022***
Old Town Donuts—recognized by the Riverfront Times as the best donuts in the St. Louis region. They are open 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week! (508 New Florissant Rd., 63031)
Important information to know before you go!
If you are riding your bike, the Rotary Club of Florissant has recently completed the installation of ten new bicycle racks to accommodate increased bicycle traffic in Historic Old Town Florissant! These are placed in strategic locations around Old Town including City Hall, Fritz’s Frozen Custard, Old St. Ferdinand Shrine, and more.
Parking Street parking is available in Historic Old Town. You can also park in Sunset Park or Saint Ferdinand Park.
Get out on a greenway to celebrate 3.14 Day or any day! We’ve plotted out seven 3.14 mile routes on greenways across St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County. Follow one of our suggested routes, or make up your own- you’ve got 135+miles of greenway to choose from!
St. Vincent Greenway: St. Vincent Park to Rock Road Transit Center
Start your walk by the tennis courts and playground in St. Vincent County Park. Follow the greenway south through the park; the Daughters of Charity Cemetery will be on your left. Continue walking or riding on the greenway through the woods (Check out the progress on our woodland restoration!) You will pass by Castle Park Apartments (the former St. Vincent Hospital.) Continue south on the greenway, parallel to St. Vincent Park Road where you will connect with the new section opened in 2023. Follow the greenway out to St. Charles Rock Road towards the Rock Road Transit Center. Turn around at the Rock Road Transit Center and head back to where you started! (Plan your trip here. You can find a printable adventure map with more information about St. Vincent County Park here.)
Centennial Greenway: St. Charles County Heritage Museum to Schaefer Park
Start your walk at the St. Charles County Heritage Museum. Follow the greenway to where it spurs north to cross over highways 364 and 94. Follow the greenway to N. Outer Road. Use the crosswalk to cross over to the new stretch of this greenway that opened in 2023 and follow the signs to Schaefer Park. Take a stroll around Schaefer Park and then turn around and head back to the Heritage Museum! Plan your trip here.
Busch Greenway: Duckett Creek Trailhead to KATY Trail
Begin your walk at the Duckett Creek Trailhead in Missouri Research Park. Follow the greenway towards the KATY Trail. When you reach the KATY Trail go left; follow the KATY Trail until you reach the path that connects to the walking and biking path on the Boone Bridge. Turn around and head back to Duckett Creek Trailhead. Plan your trip here.
Centennial Greenway: Shaw Park to Old Bonhomme
Start your walk at the Shaw Park Trailhead. Follow the greenway until you reach Old Bonhomme Road. Turn around and head back to the Shaw Park Trailhead. Plan your trip here.
St. Vincent Greenway: Missouri History Museum to Etzel
Begin your walk at the Missouri History Museum at Forest Park- walk around the museum and then cross over Lindell at the traffic light on the east side of the museum. Follow the greenway all the way to Etzel Ave. Turn around and head back to the History Museum. Plan your trip here.
Mississippi Greenway at Cliff Cave Park
Begin your walk at the Trailhead in the upper section of the park on Cliff Cave Road. Follow the greenway down the hill to the overlook and check out the amazing view! Walk back up the hill from overlook and take a left to follow the paved greenway to the lower section of the park. After you cross the bridge over cliff Cave Road, take a left. You will continue downhill, passing by the mouth of the cave! Continue on the greenway down the hill towards the River. Cross the railroad tracks and go left to follow the loop trail. Once you make the loop take a left and walk towards the large pavilion by the river. Enjoy the river view and then reverse your route and go back up to where you started! Plan your trip here.
Sunset Greenway at Sunset Park
Start your walk or ride in Sunset Park. Follow the paved greenway down the hill, all the way down to the river, where the paved trail ends. Enjoy the view of the Missouri River! Head back up to the parking lot and follow the paved path along Sunset Park Drive until you reach Hazelwood Northwest Middle School. Turn around and head back to the parking lot in Sunset Park for a 3.14 mile walk! Plan your trip here.
10 Great River Views You Can Only Enjoy From a Greenway
Posted on Monday July 15, 2024
Almost every greenway is either named for, connected to, meanders alongside or crosses over one of our region’s rivers or creeks.
Whether it’s the Mighty Mississippi or Dardenne Creek, greenways are great places to not only see stunning river views, but also enjoy the calming side effects of flowing water. There’s a good chance you’ll also spot some of the many birds and animals who make their home or migrate along the rivers. Here are 10 amazing river views you can enjoy on foot or bike via a greenway:
1. Mississippi River at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Take the Mississippi Greenway: Chouteau Riverfront to Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (Riverfront Trail) to its northernmost point and walk or ride out to the center of the Historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Depending on the season, you might spot a family of eagles. Look downstream and you can see the Gateway Arch. Listen closely and you can hear the water rippling over the chain of rocks below. If you want to drive, park on the Illinois side of the bridge here.
2. Missouri River at the Page Avenue Extension/364 Bridge Walking & Biking Lane The Page Avenue Extension/364 Bridge has a dedicated walking and biking lane that connects to the Katy Trail at mile 42.8 just south of the Family Arena in St. Charles County. On the east side, it connects to the 3.6 mile Creve Coeur Park Connector Trail. In the middle of the bridge there is a bump-out where you can pause to enjoy a bird’s- eye view of the Missouri River. The Centennial Greenway: Katy Trail to Schaefer Park and Spencer Creek Trail connects to this bridge on the St. Charles County side. In St. Louis County, you can take the Fee Fee Greenway: Aquaport to Creve Coeur Park all the way from the Maryland Heights Community Center, through the park to link up with the Connector Trail to the bridge.
3. Mississippi River from Mississippi Greenway: River City Casino to Jefferson Barracks Park This section of the Mississippi River Greenway offers magnificent views of the river as it stretches from Jefferson Barracks County Park north along the river. Be sure to slow down to watch the barges working the river. Plan your visit here.
4. Missouri River at Sunset Park The more the leaves fall, the better the views of the Missouri River in Sunset Park via the Sunset Greenway: Old Town Florissant to Sunset Park. Plan to spend the day exploring this greenway and finish with a sunset!
5. Mississippi River at Cliff Cave Park The Mississippi Greenway: Cliff Cave Park offers stunning views of the river from an overlook nestled into the rocky bluffs towering 170 feet over the river. You can also watch the river flow by on the paved 5 mile greenway in the lower section of the park.
6. Missouri River on the Boone Bridge The walking and biking path on the I-64 Daniel Boone Bridge lets you slow down and enjoy the Missouri River from the middle of the bridge—something you can’t do in a car. You can connect to the bridge via the Busch Greenway and Katy Trail in St. Charles County. The Missouri Greenway: Monarch Chesterfield Levee will get you there too!
7. Meramec River at Lower Meramec Park The greenway and St. Louis County Park not only offers great river views, but also serves as a natural flood plain so the river can spread out during high water and flooding. As you walk or ride, you’ll enjoy a mixture of woodlands and open fields. The trees are highly diverse with some of the best remaining woodlands in the Lower Meramec Valley. Plan your visit here.
8. Meramec River at Al Foster Trail Views of the river from the Al Foster Trail along the Meramec Greenway is sure to improve your mood as you meander through a bottomland forest next to soaring limestone bluffs. It’s a must see! Plan your visit here.
9. Meramec Greenway: Greentree Park to Arnold’s Grove The Meramec River makes a big turn near Kirkwood’s Greentree Park and it’s especially lovely to watch the light sparkling on the water in the morning and late afternoon. You can start your walk or ride in Greentree Park and follow the river all the way to Arnold’s Grove in Valley Park…or vice versa. Either way it’s a great way to enjoy the Meramec River. Plan your visit here.
St. Louis Audubon Society Beginner Bird Walk: Sunset Greenway
Saturday, August 26, 2023 • 8:00 am - 10:30 am
Saturday, August 26, 20238:00 am - 10:30 am
Event Details
SUNSET PARK
Sunset Park, Sunset Park Drive, Florissant, St. Louis, MO, USA
From Lindbergh Blvd., go north on Patterson Road for 0.7 mile. Turn left on Humes Lane and continue for 1.8 mile (Humes Lane becomes Sunset Park Drive). Turn right at the entrance to Sunset Park. Parking is available near the Sunset Nature Lodge.
Join the St. Louis Audubon Society for a guided beginner bird walk along the Sunset Greenway. Meet others who share your interest in nature, birds, and wildlife! All experience levels welcome. Bring binoculars, they will have a few extra pairs to borrow if you don’t have your own.
The bird walk is free, but all participants must register in advance at the St. Louis Audubon Society website. Click here to register.
From Lindbergh Blvd., go north on Patterson Road for 0.7 mile. Turn left on Humes Lane and continue for 1.8 mile (Humes Lane becomes Sunset Park Drive). Turn right at the entrance to Sunset Park. Parking is available near the Sunset Nature Lodge.
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