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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of St. Louis

Unique parks

A park that offers something different from the standard landscape.

Based on 469 Opinions
+466
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Updated May 2026
01
Turtle Playground image 1
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Concrete sculptures of turtles and snakes create a unique climbing experience for children. The playground sits near a small parking lot and a traditional play area with swings and slides, offering multiple play options. Proximity to a zoo and easy parking make it a convenient stop for families.

Concrete playground fixtures shaped like giant turtles and a snake offer a unique climbing experience for kids. The park includes a regular playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures, all in a clean, well maintained setting near a small parking lot.

Concrete playground fixtures offer a unique, creative, and inventive climbing and exploring experience. Turtle and snake sculptures add an adorable and distinctive touch to the park.

People are saying

"It's a cool park with giant turtles kids can climb on."

"I found the climbing and exploring experience here to be unique and inventive."

"I found plenty of free parking spots a short walk away."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available a short walk from the zoo entrance.

2

Parking at Turtle Park is limited on weekends.

3

The playground features unique turtle and snake sculptures for kids to climb.

02
Chain of Rocks Park image 1

Bridge crossing offers spectacular views including historic water towers and downtown skyline. Park features gated security, picnic pavilions, and free telescopes for river and city viewing. Atmosphere stays quiet and clean, with well-maintained trails and a safe parking area on one side.

Security stands out with a guarded gate and cameras everywhere. Trails and landscaping create a clean, safe space with great Mississippi River views and picnic areas.

Interesting historical markers and plaques explain unique features of the park. A distinctive way to see the mighty Mississippi up close adds to the experience.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here are just portable toilets."

"The park's restrooms and picnic tables were clean and available."

"It's a unique spot to see the Mississippi River up close."

Good to know

1

The park opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes shortly after sunset.

2

Security opens the bridge gates at 8 a.m. for access.

3

Parking is available only on the Illinois side of the park.

03
Citygarden Sculpture Park image 1

Urban park combines unique sculptures with interactive water features like splash pads and fountains. It offers a serene atmosphere amid downtown, with well-kept grounds and a cool waterfall. The space attracts families and those seeking a quiet spot to relax and enjoy art and nature.

Clean and well-maintained, the park offers a great mix of unique sculptures and green space. Kids enjoy running around in the fountains and exploring with a sculpture map.

Unique sculptures stand out throughout the park, paired with a very cool waterfall. The space transforms an urban area into a beautiful spot filled with artful sculptures and vibrant plants.

People are saying

"It's really kid friendly, especially the splash pad and fountains."

"This park's sculptures are fun, creative, and interesting."

"I found the sculptures to be unique and the artful use of space beautiful."

Good to know

1

Citygarden Sculpture Park is free to visit.

2

The park is clean and well-maintained.

3

Parking was hard to find at Citygarden Sculpture Park.

04
Turtle Playground Sculptures image 1

Gigantic concrete sculptures of turtles and snakes create a unique playground where children climb and slide. The area offers good shade and ample grassy space for play and picnics. Noise from nearby highways is noticeable but fenced off, and the park stays quiet on weekdays.

Playground sculptures create a unique and charming park experience. The area offers photo opportunities and appeals to families and kids with its unconventional scale and design.

Turtle-shaped sculptures create a playful and unique playground that fascinates kids. The area stands out with its fun and distinctive design.

People are saying

"It's a fun place for kids to climb and play on the turtles."

"The gigantic turtle sculptures here are unique and fun to climb on."

"The parks have huge turtle sculptures kids love climbing on."

Good to know

1

The park is within walking distance from the zoo.

2

You can climb around on the giant turtles.

3

You can slide down one of the turtles.

05
Fort Belle Fontaine image 1

Grand staircase overlooks the Missouri River, offering breathtaking views and a unique architectural feature in the area. The park combines historic ruins with lush greenery and quiet trails along the riverbank. Visitors find a peaceful atmosphere that connects nature and history in a spacious, off-the-beaten-path setting.

Trails wind past old military ruins leading to a fort, offering a mix of history and nature. The park features a grand staircase overlooking the river and is known for being dog friendly and very clean.

Grand Staircase offers a unique view overlooking the river. The Overlook and its structure stand out as one of a kind in the Missouri-Mississippi confluence area.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful place to explore history."

"The park's grand staircase is breathtaking, leading down toward the river."

"I found the grand staircase overlooking the river to be unique."

Good to know

1

There are no restroom facilities at Fort Belle Fontaine.

2

Expect to encounter mosquitoes; bug spray is recommended.

3

The Grand Staircase is a sight to see, but some stairs are crumbling.

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St. Louis, Missouri

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