Wapelhorst Park Walk Includes Lake Views

Take a walk by the lake to look for waterfowl and enjoy a break with the kids at a large playground at Wapelhorst Park.

This 78-acre park in St. Charles includes a lake, water park, and a paved trail that goes throughout the grounds.

In the park I walked 1.3 miles with 102 feet of elevation gain along a paved trail going by many areas of the grounds.

By the Playground

I parked by the main playground, there is a smaller one between the baseball fields. The playground has bridges, bars, poles slides and climbing walls.

The coolest thing on the playground was a merry-go-round that you can climb on bars on. Never seen this before and would bring my son to try it out in the future.

Also, a swing set includes sling swings, baby swings, an adaptive swing and modified expression swing.

Around the Baseball Fields

After walking through the playground, I went to the right along the paved trail going north. The trail follows the park road and baseball fields are on the far left. On the right is the parking and bathhouse for the water park in Wapelhorst.

Soccer Fields Area

The trail crosses the park entrance road then comes to soccer fields. You can shorten the walk and avoid stairs if you take the first left. I wanted a longer walk so I went to the right. Another trail goes to the left around the other side of the soccer field, but I kept going straight. The path finally makes a turn to the left.

Next I came to a bridge that crosses a small creek. I checkout the bridge before continuing along the trail. If you cross the bridge you can do a loop going by the park’s tennis courts and using a combination of sidewalks and paved trails. I decided to save this for another time.

The trail comes to a long row of stairs that you have to use to continue the trail.

Back of Wapelhorst Park

After passing by the other side of the soccer field I come to a three way intersection I stay to the right going around a parking lot on the left and woods on the right.

The trail continues around baseball fields. Large suburban homes face the park.

*Tree sculpture created by a local Girl Scout troup.*

Lake Area

Next, I come by the lake. Along the trail I come across the Ghost Tree. It was created by a local Girl Scout Troop. Sculpted out of recycled plastics such as grocery bags, water bottles, and packing materials. It is a reminder to recycle plastics to help preserve green spaces for future generations.

*View of the waterpark from the hill above the lake*

Then I veer away from lake going right up a hill. Up here you have far off views of the park and the Water Park.

Going downhill I can make a turn to go along the lake or take a paved trail that goes into woods crossing the spillway creek for the lake. I choose instead to wind my way back to the west side of the lake then make a right along the south shoreline.

Ducks swim up to me at one point near high grasses. Benches along the shore allow for breaks and lakefront views.

Across the lake a see a wooden gazebo out on a point on the lake. It is surrounded by geese.

Down by another side trail on the right is a rusting plow. I checked it out being careful not to get too close to this relic lost in time.

*Bench you can use by the lake for a rest stop.*

Then I take in one last view of the lake before making a beeline back to the parking lot instead of making a left to go around the other side of the lake.

If you look to your far left, you can see a windmill near the sand volleyball courts.

Once more I go through the playground to the parking lot.

Final Thoughts

This is a large park to explore in St. Charles, Mo., and I like the mixture of a small woods, creeks, a lake and then sports fields to walk by.

Naming the Park

Wapelhorst Park honors Norb Wapelhorst who was a longtime park superintendent for St. Charles, Mo., parks and is inducted in the Missouri Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame.

DETAILS

More Amenities: Pickleball Courts, George Gould Community Building, Concession Stand during games, and restrooms.

Drive: Take Interstate 270 north to exit 16 for Missouri Highway 364 and go west then take exit 13 for Muegge Road and make a left onto the park road and another left for the playground.

Hours: Dawn – 12 a.m. (April 1- Nov. 14)

Dawn – 10 p.m. (Nov. 15- March 31)

Address: 1875 Muegge Rd, St Charles, MO 63303