370 Lakeside Park Loop Hike

A scenic hike around a large lake and Dardenne Creek, abundant with waterfowl, can be enjoyed at 370 Lakeside Park, located just north of Missouri Highway 370 in St. Peters.

This 3.5-mile loop is paved and mostly level, with 33 feet of elevation gain.

Beginning the Hike

I parked to the left of the prominent Corporate Pavilion, which can accommodate up to 300 people. This is the park’s main parking lot.

I then walked to the right along the paved path toward the Sunset Pavilion on the east side of the park.

*Geese flying overhead above the archery range in the park.*

Over 100 Canadian geese were up in the sky and along the ground. It is winter, so this lake is probably on their migration route.

*Taking this trail to the east will add to the hike. The intersection is near a large bird sculpture.*

Then, I came to an intersection with a paved trail that crosses the park road and goes east.

The trail connection is at what is marked as the Blueway Creek Access. — *The trail connection is marked as the Blueway Creek Access.*

If you take this trail, you add another 1.2 miles to the hike. It goes through wetlands and along Dardenne Creek. I might do this part of the hike in the future, but not today.

I continued following the paved trail along the lake to the Sunset Pavilion.

Then, I came to a small dock with wood ducks swimming nearby.

Dog Park

The trail then goes in front of a black metal fence. On the other side is the St. Peters Rotary Dog Park, which is separated in the middle so the smaller dogs can be in another section. You have to be a member to use it.

Dock park is on the left and on the right is the connector trail to the section of trail I did not go down. — *Dock park is on the left and on the right is the connector trail to the section of trail along Dardenne Creek.*

Near the dog park sign on the right is a connector trail to the Dardenne Creek section of the Lakeside Trail. I decided to walk along the Dardenne Creek and away from the lake so I headed up the connector and went to the right along the creek. You can also continue along the lake, since both trails meet back together again.

*On the paved trail on a levee along Dardenne Creek*

Dardenne Creek First Section

Once I reached the Dardenne Creek section, I went to the left. You can also go right along the creek which will take you back towards the start of the hike.

Now, I was on a high levee that controls flooding in the Missouri River valley.

I came across a marker along Dardenne Creek that shows water levels important during floods.

Dardenne and Lakeside Together

Then I came to a pump station where the lakeside trail connected with the Dardenne Creek section, and now the trails were together.

I take in the views of the creek and lake along the walk.

It is cold outside, and I see a shallow section of the lake frozen.

Electric wires go through here high above the land, which can flood.

Then I noticed a small tree with three bright red leaves still holding on even though we were way into winter.

I hear a screech, and down in Dardenne Creek is a blue heron. If it was not winter, I would not have seen him among the creekside vines and bushes.

Further on, I see small trees cut down; beavers have been here. I see a large tangle of trees through the woods in the creek and wonder if this is their lair.

You can look far off and see distant 370 and Interstate 70.

Looking far off to see Illinois. — *Looking far off to see Illinois*.

The trail diverges from the creek, revealing Illinois hills. I have viewed this valley from the heights of Pere Marquette State Park.

Far Side of 370 Lake

Now, the trail goes back towards the lake along its swamy side. A bottomland forest is on my right.

Then, I come to another intersection. For a much longer hike, you can take the Dardenne Greenway towards Interstate 70.

I continue along the lake, passing by tiny islands and mud flats with ducks swimming around.

Then I spot a couple of black-and-white shorebirds; I’m not sure what they are, though.

Heading Back

The trail passes a large RV campground, where I can see many different styles, some of which look almost like small homes. The campground includes a playground and a sand volleyball court.

Next, I cross a metal railing bridge.

This part of the walk goes by benches and picnic tables along the lake’s shoreline. Out in the water is an alligator, a sculpture of an alligator on his own island.

I came to a triangular stone monument recognizing the park’s opening on May 19, 2011.

Then I am back by the Corporate Pavilion.

Final Thoughts

I appreciated that it is a loop trail featuring numerous water views, including a creek, a lake, and even a swampy area at the back. I was surprised by how many different birds I saw, and it is a good place to see them, especially in winter when there is less foliage from trees. You will probably see snakes, frogs, and turtles during warmer weather.

More 370 Lakeside Park Information

The park is 500 acres, and the lake is 140 acres. Amenities also include an archery range, a boat ramp, equipment rentals for kayaks and paddleboats, bikes, and a summer spray ground open from Labor Day to Memorial Day.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 70 to exit 225 and go north on Harry S. Truman Blvd., which becomes Lakeside Park Drive. Then, make a left onto the park road that leads to parking.

Hours: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. Although, it can be closed during river flooding.

Address: 1000 Lakeside Park Dr, St Peters, MO 63376