Activities to Make the Most of Winter in St. Louis

By Emily Wasserman

Winter is a great time to visit St. Louis – that’s snow joke.

Throughout the season, the region is abuzz with fun activities for the whole family. Whether you want to lace up your skates, strap on your skis or bundle up for wild animal encounters, we can almost guarantee that you’ll have a good time.

Here are seven of our favorite activities to make the most of winter in St. Louis.

Ice Skating

Both shaky skaters and seasoned professionals enjoy taking laps around the ice rinks in St. Louis. Nestled in the sprawling acres of Forest Park, Steinberg Skating Rink is the largest outdoor skating rink in the Midwest. Glide around the festively lit venue and then snuggle up with hot chocolate by a fire pit. For a more rustic experience, head to Brookdale Farms in Eureka, where you can enjoy the natural setting while practicing your spins. While you’re there, refuel at the Sugar Shack, which offers hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, hot cocoa bombs, jelly donuts, boozy shakes and more.

Eagle Watching

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.

Skiing and Snowboarding

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 also 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.

Owl Prowls

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.

Sledding

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 in 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.

Wolf Howls

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 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, too.

Hockey Games

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 and burgers and fries from Hi-Pointe Drive-In, at the arena’s concession stands.

To see a full list of events happening this winter in St. Louis, check our events calendar.