Educational Sites and Outreach

Astronomy Viewing Area at Broemmelsiek Park

With its remote setting and limited light pollution, Broemmelsiek Park offers a wonderful opportunity to view the night skies. Open around the clock, the park's unique astronomy viewing area has 10 concrete viewing stations equipped with electrical service to accommodate the latest telescopes. The site is open on a first-come, first-served basis and serves as the primary location for fun weekly stargazing opportunities. Weather permitting, discover constellations and stars through complex telescopes. Guests also may bring their own telescope. The Parks Department and the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri (ASEM) offer educational stargazing programs every Friday night. 
 
Visit the ASEM website for more information.

Educational Playground

The area's only Certified Nature Explore Classroom at Towne Park is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn outdoors.

Historic Agriculture Educational Garden at Broemmelsiek Park

The 4-acre Agriculture Educational Garden (above) serves as an outdoor interpretive site that focuses on the history of agriculture in St. Charles County, it features a variety of crops, shrubs and trees that were harvested in the County. On occasion, department staff will host educational demonstrations on site. Many volunteer gardeners are needed to help with the heirloom and traditional planting and upkeep of the area, which consists of dye and herb gardens, orchards, an assortment of nut trees, array of flowering shrubs, perennials, and 3-acre corn maze. Interested volunteer gardeners should contact the Parks Department at 636-949-7535 or by email.

Historic Sites

St. Charles County Parks have several historic sites available for field trips and tours, including The Historic Daniel Boone Home.

Low Ropes Course at Missouri Bluffs Park

The low ropes course is great for team building and problem solving and consists of 10 obstacles, such as the Tire Traverse, TP Shuffle, Log Cabin and Log Swing. The course is never to be used without a Special Use Authorization from the Parks Department, and all participants must complete the appropriate Waiver of Liability form prior to participation. To check availability or make a reservation, call the St. Charles County Parks Department at 636-949-7535.

Park School Field Trip Opportunities

For a nominal fee, the St. Charles County Parks Department offers a variety of educational outreach opportunities in our parks. Teachers looking for unique experiences for their students to participate in during the fall and spring months are invited to register for an exciting class field trip to a St. Charles County Park. These fun outdoor experiences give children ages 4–12 the opportunity to participate in nature and history-based activities while exploring the park. Contact us at 636-949-7535 and we will help plan the perfect experience for your group.

Ranger-Guided Hikes

Let’s explore the outdoors together! The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department offers hiking programs that are suitable for adults and youth groups throughout the year. These popular guided-hikes provide a fun learning experience for all ages! Register for a standard hike that focuses on park history, native plants and animals, or request a personalized hike that fits your needs. Get connected with nature and learn about St. Charles County Parks while participating in a ranger-guided hike through one of our parks. Call 636-949-7535 or email for more information.