A New Year, New Memories, and Unforgettable Moments

Cheers to an extraordinary 2021! The Parks Department is proud to offer the more than 4.5 million guests who visited last year, the perfect places to make even more unforgettable memories this year! It's special moments like the one captured at Klondike Park in the photo above that helped so many last year cope with the ever-changing world around us.

Despite all the challenges and hurdles of 2020, citizens flocked to our parks in record numbers to enjoy the outdoors during the pandemic. Park staff stepped up to keep up and attendance doubled in our parks from 2019. While Veterans Tribute Park was the most popular park to visit in 2020, the Youth Activity Park's attendance increased by 245 percent despite being closed for two months during the heightened period of the pandemic. Here's how the numbers stacked up at our five busiest parks:

• Veterans Tribute Park: 1,068,613
• Quail Ridge Park: 728,231 
• Broemmelsiek Park: 696,329
• Klondike Park: 678,202 
• The Youth Activity Park: 56,921

And we are ready to do it again! The department is proud to serve so many throughout the area and will continue to go above and beyond to keep the parks open, safe and maintained for your adventures!

Today, the department operates 17 parks that total 3,947 acres of acquired parkland. From historic homesteads to a youth skate park; from camping, hiking, biking, and fishing to weddings and educational classrooms, there’s something for everyone's enjoyment in our regional parks system. Visit us at stccparks.org and plan your next park adventure.  

Upscale Rentals That Don't Break Your Pocketbook

Whether you're seeking the perfect place to say, 'I Do!' or just looking for an upscale and affordable venue for a shower, work event, or family reunion, the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department has beautiful and affordable indoor and outdoor spaces. From scenic areas in the parks to spacious shelters, cozy meeting rooms, and popular lodges, we've got event spaces for all your needs.

• NEW! The Landhaus at The Park at New Melle Lakes: Overlooking a 25-acre lake, this one-of-a-kind event space boasts spectacular views of the 400-acre park. Inside, elegant décor, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows are certain to be the perfect backdrop to make lasting memories. Outside, a spacious patio with night lighting can accommodate 150 and is sure to be the favorite gathering spot for guests. The calendar is open for the next two years and reservations are available from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The cost is $750 during the week and $1,000 on weekends, plus a refundable security deposit of $250.
  
  
• Quail Ridge Lodge and Gazebo at Quail Ridge Park: Voted The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” and the Wedding Spot’s “Best of Missouri,” the cedar banquet facility and gazebo in the park have become popular places for many couples to tie the knot and celebrate other special occasion. This stunning facility accommodates up to 180 guests and features vaulted ceilings, a warming kitchen and wooden deck that overlooks a nearby lake and the gazebo. The facility is available to reserve from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; costs $750 during the week and $1,000 on weekdays, plus a refundable security deposit of $250.
  
  
• Klondike Meeting Facility at Klondike Park: This three-story, modern facility accommodates up to 88 guests on the first floor and features high ceilings and a fully functioning kitchen. The facility is nestled in Historic Missouri Wine Country, making it an ideal setting and space for any formal or informal event, corporate retreat, presentation, meeting or family gathering. This beautiful space is available to reserve from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; rental is $250 during the week and $400 on the weekend, plus a refundable security deposit of $250.
  
  
• Old Peace Chapel and The Grand Pavilion at The Historic Daniel Boone Home: This charming church seats 100 guests and is part of a quaint park village situated in scenic Historic Missouri Wine Country. The chapel is available to reserve for four-hour increments between the hours of 12 and 10 p.m. and rental is $1,000, plus a refundable $500 security deposit. After having the storybook wedding of your dreams, walk across the historic village grounds to The Grand Pavilion to entertain your reception. Open to the outdoors, this grand structure features a large wood-burning fireplace and wood beam ceiling. It can be reserved until 10 p.m.; the cost to rent is $500 for the day, plus a $250 refundable security deposit.
  
  
• Broemmelsiek Visitors Center Meeting Room at Broemmelsiek Park: This cozy meeting room seats 50 guests and is connected to the Day-Use Visitors Center in the park. Perfect for small indoor gatherings, the facility comes with a microwave, refrigerator, freezer, and sink and can be reserved daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The cost to reserve the meeting room is $150, plus a refundable $100 security deposit.
  
  
• Hilltop Group Area at Broemmelsiek Park: This spectacular outdoor space features two oversized shelters with four grills, ceiling fans, electric and is separated by a spacious paved courtyard with firepit area. A large playground with fort-like playsets, swings, roundabout and more is situated next to the shelters. This unique space accommodates up to 300 guests and is $300 to reserve per day from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. with pre-approval. 
  
  
• Lakeside Pavilion at Indian Camp Creek Park: This octagon-shaped pavilion offers gorgeous lakeside views and is surrounded by a rocky landscape with an Eco Playground nearby. With scenic views and accommodating up to 100 guests, this specialty shelter has become a popular place to recite wedding vows and host special events. It has electric and lights and is available to rent from 9 a.m. to 30 minutes past sunset for $120. 
  
  
• Outdoor Events in Natural Park Settings: Ask about reserving a scenic area in the park for a ceremony or other special occasion. The costs to reserve these spaces vary. 

Promote Healthy Lifestyles––Support Our Foundation 

New Development Coming Soon to Riverside Landing! 

Exciting new amenities are coming in 2021 to Riverside Landing, located at 600 Kampville Drive in St. Charles along the Mississippi River. Purchased in March 2018 by the Parks Department, the 7.73-acre park will be developed into a unique outdoor recreation attraction with several small and large campsites that can accommodate recreational vehicles (RV), day-use picnic areas, a walking trail, and a play area for children. Restroom facilities, water and electric will also be installed.
 
“Riverside Landing is going to be the place to go for water sports, camping, fishing, and for anyone who wants to enjoy the great outdoors,” says St. Charles County Parks Director Ryan Graham.

To prepare for construction, the park will close Monday, Feb. 1. It is anticipated that Riverside Landing will reopen to the public by the end of 2021. For the safety of the public, the park boat ramp, including the dock, boat slips, and kayak launch area, will be unavailable for use. Fishermen and recreational boaters are encouraged access to the Mississippi River using the Park Department’s other free boat ramp at Hideaway Harbor Park, 1550 Hideaway Harbor Drive in Portage des Sioux. 
 
For construction updates, follow us on Facebook. Guests also can call the Rainout Line at 636-707-0011 or visit the app on our website for up-to-date information.

Winter/Spring Parks Program Guide Available 

Our Winter/Spring 2021 Park Activity Guide is here! This digital guide is your ticket to fun in St. Charles County Parks and features information about events, activities, classes and volunteer opportunities offered through April. Learn how to make maple syrup at The Historic Daniel Boone Home; experience crafting, roasting marshmallows, and sipping hot chocolate around a roaring fire outside the Heritage Museum; search for Easter eggs at the Youth Activity Park; and much, much more! After taking a look at the list of fun programs planned this season, be sure to share the link to the digital guide and download a printable copy.  

Mark your calendar! Information about our summer camps will be released in March, and the next guide showcasing park events happening from May through August will be available in April. Follow us on Facebook to learn more when details are released. 

To register for park programs or for more details about each event, visit Activity Registration online or call the Parks Department at 636-949-7535.

And remember, if there is inclement weather on the day of an event, please check the Rainout Line app on our website to stay up-to-date on the status of the program or call 636-707-0011. 

More Events and Important Dates

Ongoing: Private Skateboarding, Scooter and BMX Bike Lessons
Ongoing: Ranger-Guided Hikes 
Ongoing: Ladies in the Park (call us to register your group)
Ongoing: School Field Trips

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