Missouri's Charming Midwest City Near St. Louis Has Scenic Suburban Parks, Fishing, And Festivals

If you're craving a new adventure somewhere off the beaten path, consider planning a trip to Missouri. From the dramatic landscapes of the Ozarks to quaint communities for laid-back sightseeing, Missouri is so much more than just a flyover state. Outdoor lovers should make their way to a tranquil little city called Arnold, where picturesque public parks offer leisurely strolls and fishing. A handful of local festivals add a dose of small-town charm. Only about a 20-minute drive south of St. Louis, Missouri's bustling metropolis, Arnold is an ideal getaway spot from the daily grind.

Tucked right against the bends of the Meramec River, travelers will leave behind the hustle and bustle the minute they arrive in Arnold. Here, the roads are quiet, and there are groves of trees almost everywhere you turn. Step into the peaceful embrace of Arnold City Park, where rustling woodlands frame a tranquil lake, and you might almost forget you're actually in a city. Families can enjoy picnics amidst the trees, while anglers can bring their rods to the lakeshore. More outdoorsy travelers can spend the day hiking through countryside landscapes and watching for wildlife at the Arnold Hike & Bike Park.

Meanwhile, both solo travelers and families with children can join in on the merriment of Arnold's quirky local festivals. Whether it's the annual Arnold Days celebration with live music, or an Easter egg hunt for the kids, Arnold is full of surprises. Rustic local diners and barbecue shacks offer travelers a tasty meal to refuel, while hotels like WoodSpring Suites and the Pear Tree Inn make a relaxing overnight stay in Arnold a no-brainer. For an underrated Midwestern escape, make Arnold your next destination.

Anyone wanting to spend some time outdoors will find a scattering of suburban parks all around Arnold. Families should bring their children to Arnold City Park for a fun day at the playground. Surrounded by the shade of trees, the twisting slides, swings, and climbing frames will keep young adventurers occupied for hours. A shaded pavilion with picnic tables and grills mean everyone can enjoy a snack together afterwards. Benches on the edge of the park's small lake are perfect for soaking up the atmosphere as flocks of geese and ducks frolic along the shoreline. A paved footpath looping around the lake lets hikers set off on a relaxing stroll between towering trees.

Meanwhile, anglers can bring their rods to Arnold City Park to try their luck reeling in a catch. Though the fish might be elusive, the waters are home to warmouth, sunfish, and channel catfish. Bring lawn chairs to sit along the grassy shoreline and hope for a nibble. For even more angling opportunities, just a 10-minute drive away is Bee Tree County Park, where the tree-shaded lakeshore offers a picturesque spot to cast a line for some big fish.

Another great spot to spend quality time outdoors is Ferd B. Lang Park south of town. Paved trails weave through swaying woodlands, while a pavilion amidst sprawling green fields offers a tranquil backdrop for a family picnic. A shallow stream cutting through the landscape makes the park all the more scenic. Continue your adventures just 30 minutes away in Illinois at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, home to America's "largest prehistoric earthen mound."

Travelers who prefer to mingle with locals and experience unique, small-town happenings should stick around for Arnold's fun festivals. Stop by over the weekend towards the end of September to see Arnold City Park come alive with the Arnold Days festival. Visitors will be able to enjoy an entire weekend of carnival amusements and spectacles that have been bringing the Arnold community together for more than 50 years. As evening falls, the carnival rides illuminate the fairgrounds as locals wander around the food stalls to the merriment of musical performances. The excitement really ramps up as crowds gather to enjoy a parade and fireworks. Past spectacles have even included a cupcake-eating tournament just for kids, and a race for the fastest crawling baby, while aspiring young anglers entered the children's fishing competition.

Meanwhile, if you're in Arnold around Easter, be sure to bring the kids to the local high school to participate in the Eggstravaganza. Thousands of colorful plastic eggs filled with candy and redeemable tickets for prizes like water guns and sidewalk chalk are scattered across the school's football field. Children are then set loose to run around collecting as much bounty as possible while parents cheer them on. Even the Easter Bunny himself makes an appearance, while face-painting booths and bouncy play zones add even more excitement to the festival.

Aside from seasonal celebrations, lovers of fresh produce can visit the Arnold Farmers Market every Saturday during the summer and early autumn. For more Missouri excitement, just an hour's drive away is the Meramec Caverns, a fun tourist escape with notorious history, camping, and zip-lining. Also not far away is Washington, a friendly city on the Missouri River with local boutiques and art.