St. Louis has a lot of unrecognized nature spots. Aside from its reputation for crime rates, the city has much more to offer.
Unfortunately in cities, there’s always an amount of homelessness, crime, and gross amounts of litter. The dark aspects of the cities are a result of too many buildings crammed together and not enough nature.
Citizens feel disconnected from nature in an urban setting. Hence why the people are not appreciating the environment around them. This forces individuals to focus on materialism rather than what they have. Of course, this has played a part in causing social issues such as poverty, unemployment, etc,. It all goes hand-in-hand.
Author Richard Louv talks about the effects a lack of nature has on children in the Last Child in the Woods. In his books, things start to click in our urban and technology-driven world. The further we are to nature, the further we are from connecting with the world. Therefore, the further we connect to ourselves on all levels.
In an article published by the University of Minnesota, they discuss the impact nature has on people. They include a study that proved that time outside has made depression, stress, and anxiety disappear. Feelings of peace and balance improved.
Accessible Nature Spots
A resident or a visitor, it’s important to take advantage of the community’s resources.
St. Louis has The Butterfly House if you’re in the mood to feel whimsical. The Butterfly House is an exhibit at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where they provide 79 acres of beauty. Tickets can be bought online, and are a bit expensive for families but children’s tickets cost $3-10.
There are a few sculpture parks that are a nice and cheap way to appreciate art in nature. Laumeier Sculpture Park is free to the public! They also have workshops for those interested in learning new skills, with a payment per class. Citygarden Sculpture Park is also free to the public and usually has beautiful fountains running when Covid-19 isn’t happening.
Forest Park, one of the biggest urban parks in the US, is free for all. The Park holds the Saint Louis Art Museum. Admission is free there and access to the main exhibits are free on Fridays. The Park also includes the Saint Louis Zoo. Admission is free; however, some admissions for some exhibits cost extra.
The Gateway Arch National Park is $3 for those over the age of 16. The Tram Ride is an additional price. There the Gateway Arch will be seen, representing the Westward Expansion of the US.
