Longview Farm Park has a paved path around a horse pasture and lake in the woods and a large playground for kids.
This is a walk I did with my young son who rode his dirt bike along the paved path.
Arriving at the Park
Parking is near a big red barn and farmhouse that dates from the 1940s.
Red Shingled Barn
Andrew and I checked out the barn used for the horses with hay for them in each stall.
The original part of the barn is approximately 120 years old. The logs on the barn were hand-hewn by the Native Americans.
Starting the Walk
We headed down through the forest to a lake below.
Along this route, there are side natural surface trails going around the lake and into the woods.
Boardwalks and overlooks lead you closer to the lake.
On the other side of the lake, we headed back uphill.
Pasture Section
Then the trail heads out along a green field where two horses chomped on grass.
We passed in front of tennis courts before walking by an open range.
Sculpture Walk
Two sculptures are in the field to the right of the house.
One is like a round man possibly working on a computer, at least that is what it looks like to me.
Then closer to the house is a sculpture that is a grey metallic wavey structure.
By the Back of the Barn
The trail then wraps around to the middle of the park by the barn. In the back of the barn are restrooms.
He played on the playground for a while. It had separate sections for older and younger children and swings. We also had a snack and water taking a break after walking around the park.
Final Thoughts
This is about a mile paved hike. My son likes seeing the horses and stopping at the lake. If you are out in West County and want to take a moment out in nature just off of Interstate 64 in Town and Country this is a perfect stop.
Shorter Loops
Woodlands Loop: .65 mile loop using part of the Full Loop Trail but branching off from it by the pasture area.
Pasture Loop: .67 mile loop again using part of the Full Loop Trial but only staying on the outside of the woods and in the pasture area of the park.
Park Facts
The history of the Longview Farm goes back to William Hibler who acquired the property in the 1820s.
The City of Town and Country purchased the property in 1977 to turn it into a park.
DETAILS
Drive: Take exit 24 off Interstate 64 and go south down Mason Road. Then make a right onto Clayton Road and the park entrance will be on the right.
Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m., Daily
Address:
13525 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63141
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