Vlasis Park Walk

Two ponds with a waterfall connecting them were part of a hike at Vlasis Park in Ballwin, Mo. just off Manchester Avenue.

There is even a historic cabin to check out.

This is a 1.4-mile walk winding through the 31-acre Vlasis Park in Ballwin, Mo.

Beginning the Walk

I parked near the World Peace Memorial a white brick structure with a small garden and an eagle sculpture on top.

Then I walked northwest along a sidewalk by Park Drive to check out a cabin near Park Drive and Holloway Road.

It is a two-story cabin and was built in 1849 by Joshua Harrison and moved to the park in 1992.

Next, I walked back from the park entrance along a paved trail.

In the distance, I saw tennis courts before heading into some woods behind the Ballwin Government Center.

I came upon a huge playground with swings, slides, tunnels, chain climbers, rock walls, and bars and poles to climb. The restrooms are close by.

Huge yellow umbrellas cover picnic tables to provide shade and if it is a hot day a good place to take a break.

Nearby is a metal sculpture of kids playing and climbing around on a tunnel.

Lake Walk

Now I headed around the bottom of a lake. In the middle, a fountain shoots out water.

I walked around the bottom of the lake and up to the top lake. Each lake has a boardwalk that goes out into the lake.

Between the two lakes is a waterfall that can be crossed at the top and bottom.

The water flows through rocks.

I took some time walking around the lakes and checking out the waterfall and boardwalks.

Away from the Lake

I walked back through the playground and then by the tennis courts. On the top of the hill are baseball fields.

Also, a large wood-shingled picnic pavilion.

Near the parking is a sand volleyball court. Then I was back where I parked.

Final Thoughts

This walk has a little elevation gain around the lakes at 95 feet. The waterfall going among rocks and flanked by two bridges and flowing between the two ponds is worth returning to if I am out shopping along Manchester Road. This is a nearby green oasis along the heavily traveled Manchester Road in West County.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 64 to Missouri Highway 141 and go south then exit onto Clayton Road going west. Make a left turn onto Baxter Road and then another left onto Park Road which leads to Vlasis Park.

Hours: 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Address:

300 Park Dr, Ballwin, MO 63011