Activities to Make the Most of Winter in St. Louis

Both shaky skaters and seasoned professionals enjoy taking laps around the ice rinks in St. Louis. Although Steinberg Skating Rink is temporarily closed for renovations, visitors can glide beneath twinkling lights in Kiener Plaza as part of Winterfest, which runs until Jan. 11. Farther afield, the Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights has public skate sessions almost every day of the year – during the regular season, you might even catch the St. Louis Blues practicing here.

Winter in St. Louis wouldn’t be complete without cheering on the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center. You can watch an action-packed hockey game with some of the best fans in sports and, in between periods, grab hearty fare from local eateries, including barbecue from Sugarfire Smokehouse, burgers and fries from Hi-Pointe Drive-In, hot dogs from Steve’s Hot Dogs, Tex-Mex from Rosalita’s Cantina, ice cream from Bold Spoon Creamery and frozen cocktails from Tropical Liqueurs at the arena’s concession stands.

Walk on the wild side at the World Bird Sanctuary. Dark winter nights are the perfect time to join one of its Owl Prowls, where you can meet the amazing birds that fly by moonlight. Held on select evenings from November through March every year, Owl Prowls offer an exciting opportunity to learn more about the intriguing life of owls from a local naturalist. Come face-to-face with live owls, take an easy night hike across the grounds and try to call to an owl in the wild. Hoot. Hoot.

Believe it or not, St. Louis has a thriving ski scene. Located in Wildwood, approximately 30 miles west of downtown St. Louis, Hidden Valley is a winter playground for adventure-seekers from near and far. The resort has two peaks and 16 trails as well as state-of-the-art snowmaking machines to create the perfect base when Mother Nature has warmer plans. Ski and snowboard rentals are available, and Hidden Valley boasts the largest snow-tubing hill in Missouri. The Polar Plunge Tubing Park offers guests an opportunity to soar down the snowy hill without a care in the world.

A lone wolf howling to the moon is a popular winter motif, and the Endangered Wolf Center aims to eliminate some of the mystique. During its Wolf Howls, you’ll learn about wolf communication. Education coordinator Jimmy Parsons can imitate each howl, and you might be lucky enough to hear the wolves howl back. You can also take a deep dive into the Endangered Wolf Center’s astounding legacy, as it’s spent more than 50 years working to dispel the negative imagery of wolves and promote the conservation of Mexican wolves and American red wolves, among other endangered species of canids. The evening event includes a half-mile walk near canid habitats and light refreshments to boot!

Sledding on Art Hill in Forest Park is a rite of passage for St. Louisans and a must-do winter activity for visitors – if you’re here at the right time. After it snows, people of all ages haul their sleds to the hill in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum, get into position and let gravity do its thing. At the top, take a moment to enjoy the panoramic view of the park, and don’t forget to bail before you reach the Grand Basin at the bottom. If you’re in the mood to explore after sledding, stroll along one of the park’s picturesque walking trails.

After the trees have lost their leaves and the brush has thinned, you’re more likely to see eagles in St. Louis. Approximately 20 miles north of downtown St. Louis and three miles west of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, Fort Belle Fontaine is a prime eagle-watching spot. The former U.S. military base sits on 305 acres of parkland, where you can hike four miles of trails through peaceful upland prairies and beautiful wetlands to look for eagles. For another exciting eagle-watching experience, visit the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, which spans the Mighty Mississippi on the north edge of St. Louis. The pedestrian bridge has a dramatic 22-degree bend at the middle of the crossing, making it easier to spot eagles and other birds.

If you’re in town on Jan. 2 and 3, head to the Alton Eagle Ice Festival, which celebrates the return of wintering bald eagles to southwest Illinois in grand fashion. At FLOCK Food Truck Park, enjoy eagle-watching shuttle tours, live ice-carving demonstrations and fire pits with s’more kits. For a surefire sighting, join a meet-and-greet with a majestic bald eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary. Additionally, the National Great Rivers Museum will offer talks by eagle experts, spotting scopes aimed at eagle nests, eagle-themed crafts and other family-friendly activities. If you want to see even more birds of prey, stop by the Audubon Center at Riverlands, where you can embark on a guided bird hike, or take a tour of the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, where you can spot bald eagles from 50, 100 and 150 feet in the air!

One of St. Louis’ coolest signature events takes place in the Delmar Loop. On Jan. 24, the Loop Ice Carnival will celebrate the season with live ice-carving demonstrations, astounding ice sculptures, impressive fire performers and festive stilt walkers. You can also join the playful scavenger hunt, roast marshmallows for s’mores and have your face painted. The signature event will close with a mesmerizing drone show, adding a futuristic touch to the winter celebration.