About

Site of Fort Belle Fontaine, first U.S. military installation west of the Mississippi River and a stopover point for expeditions heading west. On their return trip to St. Louis in 1806, Lewis & Clark spent a night at the fort. The fort is gone, its site covered by shifts in the Missouri River, but interpretive signs explain the site's significance. FREE

13002 Bellefontaine Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63138

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TripAdvisor Rating:

6 Reviews | Write a Review
Cool to see! We walked the shortened trail.
Reviewed By JuwelAnn June 2026

Checking in at the guard gate was as simple as the Guard waving us through. We drove straight back through the Fort and parked near the Grand Staircase. We downloaded the map beforehand so we knew...

Full Review
Sunday walk at the Fort
Reviewed By Scott S January 2026

Fun place to walk and see a lot of cool sites. See eagle and some ruins,. You can just take in the views and relax or go explore the many ruins.

Full Review
Cool fort
Reviewed By thewanderingmeatball August 2023

Really cool fort with a few miles of trails. You have to check in with security on your way in but it only takes a second. The best part is the staircase leading to the river.

Full Review

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset.

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Museums & Galleries

TripAdvisor Rating:

6 Reviews | Write a Review
Cool to see! We walked the shortened trail.
Reviewed By JuwelAnn June 2026

Checking in at the guard gate was as simple as the Guard waving us through. We drove straight back through the Fort and parked near the Grand Staircase. We downloaded the map beforehand so we knew...

Full Review
Sunday walk at the Fort
Reviewed By Scott S January 2026

Fun place to walk and see a lot of cool sites. See eagle and some ruins,. You can just take in the views and relax or go explore the many ruins.

Full Review
Cool fort
Reviewed By thewanderingmeatball August 2023

Really cool fort with a few miles of trails. You have to check in with security on your way in but it only takes a second. The best part is the staircase leading to the river.

Full Review
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