Victorian and Arts and Crafts homes overlook Clifton Heights Park with its fountain and boathouse.

Overview

This park was originally a private park for residents of the Clifton Heights neighborhood. The tract was conveyed to the city of St. Louis in 1921 which enlarged the park to its current size of 4.4 acres.

The park has the most unique topography in the city with a small valley with historic homes above it. Also, the park is surrounded by winding streets allowing it to blend into the neighborhood.

My Time Here

Starting the Walk at Clifton Heights Park

Since it has snowed recently, I parked at the bottom of the hill along Simpson Avenue near Esther Avenue.

I first walked towards the playground that was separated from the rest of the park by Simpson Avenue. Behind the playground is a basketball court.

Here you can take steps and sidewalks towards Columbia Avenue walking by Craftsman bungalows above and head back into the park along Clifton Avenue to Simpson Avenue.

By the Pond

Instead, I went towards the pond, which was partially frozen with ducks and geese gathering together in an open water section.

A brown plastered boathouse stood in the center of the lake along the shoreline.

Stairs lead up to a lookout from both sides. Behind a decorative railing, you can look out to the hills at the different styles of homes surrounding the park.

Going Towards the End of the Park

I next walked through the center of the park along a cement pathway. Trees surrounded me on both sides. 

At the top of the hill, I saw a white Victorian house with blue accents with a little free library out front.

Another house was accented with a rounded cupola.

I walked along Simpson Avenue that bordered the park on the north, Simpson Avenue is on both sides of the park.

In the Neighborhood By Clifton Heights Park

A green and brown house with a gabled roof faced the park, many unique homes here along Simpson Avenue. I walked away from the park for a short way up Bowman Avenue.

At a high point along this street, I had views of the Central West End and Barnes Jewish Hospital in the distance.

I didn’t go too far, I wanted to walk more in the park and turned back down Bowman Avenue.

If I had walked further to the intersection of Clifton and Elizabeth Avenues I would have passed by the turn of the century Episcopal Methodist Church now the Clifton Heights Inn.

One more house intrigued me on Bowman Avenue with its brick exterior, tower, and even a gazebo built into its front deck.

Heading Back to Clifton Heights Park

At Bowman Avenue, there are stairs that lead back to the pond in the park. I headed down them.

At the bottom is a small bridge that goes by a square fountain. Since I am here in winter it is off. It would be nice to see it in summer.

A cement sidewalk goes all around the lake and I took a moment to circumnavigate the lake.

Then I walked a little more around the park. I saw sled tracks, it looks like some kids were enjoying a snow day. This was definitely the perfect park for it with all the hills.

Final Thoughts

It is a small park, but you can linger longer here checking out the Victorian homes in the neighborhood or you can do all the paths around the park. It can be a workout if you go up and down through the hills!

DETAILS

Drive: Take either Interstate 64 or Interstate 44 to the exit for Hampton Avenue and go south. Make a right onto Elizabeth Avenue just past Interstate 44. Then a left onto Esther Avenue and then the park is head of you on Simpson Avenue where you can go left or right and find parking around the park.

Hours: 5 am – 10 pm

Address: 6100 Simpson Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139

Snack Stop

This bakery is known for its salted caramel croissants, but I found out they are only available on Saturdays, so I will have to go back for them. Instead, I had a homemade raspberry zinger which was much better than the Hostess version.

Hours: 7 am – 2 pm Tuesday – Friday, 8 am – 2 pm Saturday and closed on Sundays and Mondays

Address: 3133 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63139

MORE URBAN DAD HIKES

Favorite Urban Hike: Tower Grove Park

Victorian era Tower Grove Park has one-of-a-kind picnic pavilions, one with a circus tent-like roof or another with Chinese dragons. It is my favorite park in St. Louis.

Urban Dad Hikes: Compton Hill Water Tower

Compton Hill Water Tower stands 179 feet at the highest point in the city of St. Louis. It is an attraction in itself. Yet, it is also paired with a controversial statue in Compton Hill Reservoir Park where I took a hike in the city.

Urban Dad Hike: Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

The mile-long Old Chain of Rocks Bridge 60-feet above the Mississippi River with a 30-degree turn midway was my quest today.

NOTE: Although the bridge leads to St. Louis, parking is only available on the Illinois side of the bridge. Cross the Mississippi River on Interstate 270 towards Illinois then exit onto Highway 3 south then a right turn onto Chain of Rocks Road and the road ends at parking for the bridge.

Dad Hikes — I am venturing into exploring the urban side of hiking in the St. Louis area. Feel free to share suggestions for hikes to do. Also, share any questions you might have on the hikes!