Jefferson Barracks Park: Mississippi River Greenway Trail

Mississippi River views and a military memorial are along the Mississippi River Greenway Trail starting at Jefferson Barracks Park.

Also near the trailhead are military museums to learn the history of this former base.

Information sign on the history of the military installation.

History of Jefferson Barracks Park

Established in 1826 as U.S. military installation, Jefferson Barracks was a gathering point for troops and supplies during Seminole Wars, the Mexican War, the Civil War, various Indian wars in the West, the Spanish-American War, and World Wars I and II.

In 1950 the Federal Government conveyed a tract of land to St. Louis County to operate as a historical park.

Start of the Hike

This 2.5-mile trail begins near the Missouri Military Memorial in Jefferson Barracks Park and ends at River Des Peres.

Missouri Military Memorial

The memorial is to those who have died in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Below the memorial are left flags and flowers. It is fronted by three stars. (Blog Featured Photo)

Crossing a Bridge

Along the black iron and stone bridge, information signs provide information about Jefferson Barracks.

A sign along the trial talks about the train station — A sign along the trail talks about the train station.

The train tracks below once went by a red brick train station in the park where men stepped off the train and then became part of the World War II war effort.

On the other side of the tracks is a swampy area. I looked down and saw some ducks swimming around.

Chugging up the river. — Chugging up the river

By the River

The paved trail curves and follows along the Mississippi River where I saw boats navigating the river and barges anchored along the shoreline.

Section of the casino modeled like a river captain home.

River City Casino

To the left, I began to notice a large parking lot then a hotel and casino. The expansive River City Casino parrels the walk here.

If I do this walk on my own without my son I can always stop in a gamble or eat a meal in the casino.

Part of the front of the casino looks like a river mansion with the third story with small windows which houses a restaurant.

River Des Peres

The walkway curves again at the confluence of the River Des Peres and the Mississippi River. An opening allowed me to walk out to the point. I would be careful here since it is a very narrow dirt side trail.

The trail comes to a swampy end. — Currently, the Mississippi River Greenway trail comes to a swampy end.

Then I continued to walk heading toward the train tracks where the trail ends. I look under the tracks to see if I can walk below through an opening but it is filled with water and debris.

Time to turn back around.

Jefferson Barracks Bridge

Walking back, I noticed this time I can see the high Jefferson Barracks Bridge in the distance. I tried to take a picture, but it is misty this morning.

Across from the casino in the distance is Notre Dame School and St. Louis Byzantine Catholic Mission with green pinnacles.

I continued to watch barges ply the river before heading back to the bridge and the car.

Greenway information sign near the trailhead — Mississippi Greenway Trail information sign near the trailhead

Final Thoughts

The Mississippi River Greenway Trail is an easy paved hike along the Mississippi River. A downside is the view of the casino, so it is not a wild walk. I did manage to see ducks and egrets along my stroll, so there is wildlife here. Also, if you want to extend the walk you can do the Dennis Schick Trail in Jefferson Barracks Park.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 55 to exit 199 and go southeast on Reavis Barracks Road then make a left onto Kingston Drive then and right onto Grant Road and then a left onto Gark Street.

Hours: 8 a.m. – 30 minutes past sunset

Address: 490 Bagby Rd, St.Louis, MO 63125

MUSEUMS BY THE TRAILHEAD

Near the trailhead, you can take a short walk to see numerous historic military sites.

Jefferson Barracks Visitors Center

Start at the Jefferson Barracks Visitor Center which houses the information center and gift shops.

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, Noon – 4 p.m.

Address: 345 North Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125

Powder Magazine Museum

The Powder Magazine Museum displays St. Louis County Parks’ core collection of artifacts that tell the story of the history of Jefferson Barracks from its inception in 1826 until its closure in 1946.

Veterans Memorial on the Powder Museum grounds

Admission: Free (Donations accepted)

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, Noon – 4 p.m.

Address: 399 CCC Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125

Laborers House and Ordnance Stable

The Laborers House and Ordnance Stable were built in 1851. The house was for civilian laborers that handled the movement and storage of powder and ordnance here at Jefferson Barracks. After the Civil War, the ordnance keeper and his family lived here.

Hours: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Wednesday- Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesdays

Admission: Free

Address: Located on the southeast corner of the Visitors Center grounds.

Old Ordnance Room

Displays Rotating exhibits with military themes.

Admission: Free ($3 Suggested Donation)

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, Noon – 4 p.m.

Address: 345 North Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125

OTHER MUSEUMS LOCATED IN JEFFERSON BARRACKS PARK

Missouri Civil War Museum

The Missouri Civil War Museum, located at Jefferson Barracks, is the state’s premier Civil War museum dedicated to honoring the thousands of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Through the weapons, equipment, items, and uniforms of those who lived during our nation’s defining moment in history, we aim to tell their story in an unbiased interpretation.

Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday- Sunday, Closed Mondays

Admission: Adults $8; Seniors $7; Students $6; Military $6, children under 5 Free and Museum Members Free

Address: 222 Worth Rd, St. Louis, MO 63125

Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum

Housed in a beautifully restored 1896 building, the museum features an extensive collection of telephones, telephone-related equipment, and memorabilia. For hours, pricing, or tour information, call visit their website at jbtelmuseum.org.

Hours: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Wednesday- Sunday; Closed Monday and Tuesdays

Admission: Adults $5; Seniors $4; 5-12- Children $3; 4-Under – Free; Military – Free

Address: 12 Hancock Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63125