Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

This was a really neat series of trails. It starts in a learning center with lots of things for kids. It has great facilities. We saw a good bit of wildlife on our hike. And there are some great photo areas with the family.

STL had many beautiful parks, but Powder Valley conservation nature center is unique in so many ways: educational, kids-friendly, plenty of parking, close to the city…

Nice spot for some short and easy trails. there are a few different ones that you can pick from with the distance labeled out so you can pick and choose according to your group

There are persimmons and paw paws that are there as well. There is a restroom open near the trail start for the two easier trails.

The visitor center is closed on Sundays and Mondays

This is a great place to bring the family to enjoy. They have an indoor tree house for kids only. Be mindful that a lot of the trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Enjoy !

Powder Valley is a gem tucked just off the highway. The trails are fully paved but offer a good variety of elevation for a bit of a challenge.

nice spot for some short and easy trails. there are a few different ones that you can pick from with the distance labeled out so you can pick and choose according to your group
the trees and shade makes it nice with a number of the trees tagged so you can see what kind they are. there are persimmons and paw paws that are there as well
there is a restroom open near the trail start for the two easier trails
the visitor center is closed on Sundays and Mondays

The Conservation Center is awesome. Great exhibits for kids and adults. My 2.5 year old found endless entertainment running around looking and playing with stuff. The staff was also super friendly. Perfect spot to take a little one on a rainy day.

Parking is usually ample, but can get tight on a busy day.

STL had many beautiful parks, but Powder Valley conservation nature center is unique in so many ways: educational, kids-friendly, plenty of parking, close to the city…
Enjoy!

Amazing! Nice, paved trails. Beautiful fall colors and up close encounters with deer, turkies squirrels, and chipmunks!
I wish I could bring my pups, but that's ok.

What a great spot for toddlers and kids, especially on hot summer days. There’s a ton indoors to explore and then there are beautiful paved trails ideal for strollers outside. There’s also a water bottle filling station outside, a lending library of hiking sticks, a progressive story, and many well placed benches.

Such a beautiful place to walk. Also the meramec is right there and is easily accessible. I'll be coming back here more often. Definitely a good place to being kids although I'd bring bug spray. Good job to whomever takes care of the grounds there. We will be back for sure. 👍 👍 👍

Love the storybook along the trail! My 5 year old grandson enjoyed it and the game/mission!

Another gem in Missouri’s public lands. Close and convenient. Three paved, hiking trails w/longest just over a mile long. Some good up and down on the longer 2 trails. Can frequently spot a few deer or turkey if you’re quiet. Plenty of benches along the path if you need to stop. Visitor’s Center has interesting displays; great viewing for wild bird feeding area. Only negative, can hear the sounds of the interstate while in the hiking trails.

April 16 update-dogwood trees are in full bloom; red buds are still hanging in there; may apples are sprouting; other wildflowers along the trails. Get out and enjoy.

My family truly enjoyed our recent visit and hike at powder valley. We started at the nature center. Staff made necessary sanitary precautions to prevent the spread of any illnesses. Some exhibits were closed but the kids still enjoyed what was open. We were able to do two of the trails with a toddler. It was a hot day but we couldn’t tell because of the ample amount of shade and a nice breeze. We were able to see a doe and fawn while on one of the trails. The kids loved seeing a lizard on a log in front of the nature center. We’ll definitely be back for more visits in the future.

Really fun place to take the kids for a couple hours. Some neat trails too!

I went out and walked on the trails at Powder Valley Nature Reserve today. It was an awesome day to enjoy nature at its finest. I go hear at least 2 times monthly to walk. There's trees and birds everywhere. They do have an awesome Visitor's Center with a lot of educational information, hands on activities and live creatures in tanks. I always love hands on activities and some things you can take home to finish. This is a great place to bring the family to enjoy. They have an indoor tree house for kids only. Be mindful that a lot of the trails are not wheelchair accessible, but I did see one that was today and that's a great thing so everyone can be included. Wear tennis shoes or hiking boots and bring along bug repellent and sun screen. There are steep hills, but benches are placed throughout to give you a rest when needed. I saw some Boy Scout Troops out today walking around with guides and this is a common here. There's an awesome stream that flows through part of the reserve. There's ample parking and bathrooms inside the Visitor Center and one just before you enter the trail. Go alone like I did or with friends and family. Just enjoy being in nature. There's no cost at all. And keep in mind that no pets are allowed on the trails due to the wildlife that may peek out like deer. Be mindful of this.

Great place to walk, and it's in the county! The trees made it cooler on a hot day. We were very comfortable at 90 degrees. There is one flat trail, and 3 others that have ups and downs that made it more challenging.

The kids love the Nature Center. There is a lot more on the inside than we expected: snakes, turtles, bee hive, fish, displays, books, animal puppets, books, and many educational opportunities.
Every time we have been here, everyone has been very kind and helpful.
I must say, Bud is a superstar. When we have been there, he has actively invited all the kids he sees to come watch him feed the animals. We've got to watch Bud feed the turtles, sturgeon, and a snake. He also let us touch a snake. Great place!

A beautiful and clean park. Nice trails to explore, which are paved.... the conservation center is pretty cool also.

The interactive exhibits were perfect for young kids but informative enough for adults as well. The paved nature trails make for an easy "hike" through the wooded areas surrounding the nature center. We will definitely come back for one of the kids nature classes.

Great trails to walk and a place for kids the kids the learn.

We had so much fun here. There are many stunning walking trails but there is also a nice air conditioned center with animals and fun things for kids, including an indoor tree house!