St. Joseph Parks and Civic Facilities

Rudolph Rau

Rudolph Rau was one of the earliest park superintendents in St. Joseph; he was largely responsible for the early aesthetics of the city's park system

2. Felix Street Square and Coleman Hawkins Park

Felix Street Square and Coleman Hawkins Park sits in the heart of historic downtown. In many ways, it is the heart of downtown. There is a gazebo/stage, covered vendor area, seating, public art, and a concession building. On summer weekends there is always at least one night of free live music. It comes alive with activity during the winter holidays, and it is frequently the site of activities associated with many of the civic festivals. Surrounding the park are the wonderful shops, restaurants, and bars of downtown St. Joseph where there is always something great to do and see!

3. Missouri Theater

The Missouri Theater is located at 717 Edmond Street in Downtown Saint Joseph. Alongside the Robidoux Resident Theatre, it is one of two performance theater venues operating within the community. Whether hosting symphonies, operas, musicals, concerts, or pageants, the Missouri Theater is the premier center for the performing arts. The theater is ADA compliant and has a seating capacity of 1,200.The Missouri Theater was built in 1927 and is an excellent example of a Great Depression-era movie palace. Its design combines Art Deco and Moorish Revival architecture. The exterior features blue and red tiling, a large Moorish arch in the center and several smaller arches, and four Art Deco piers. The interior can be described as "atmospheric," with Persian motifs and a tent-like canopy hanging from the ceiling. Directly adjoining the theater is a two-story building that was constructed after the theater; both were finished by the time of the grand opening on July 25, 1927. The two buildings were added, together, to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

4. Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center

The Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center is a 22,000 square foot facility offering fitness, games, a library with computer access, and a cafeteria for individuals over the age of 50. You do not have to be a resident of St. Joseph, nor do you need a membership to participate in activities; a membership is required for the use of the fitness center. There is covered parking below the center with elevator access.

5. Pony Express Memorial

Few images are a more iconic representation of St. Joseph than the Pony Express monument. The intrepid rider and his horse galloping westward is found on countless post cards. If you are looking for the perfect place to take a picture in St. Joseph – this is it! Located in a small triangle at the intersection of Francis and 10th Streets is a memorial to the Pony Express, which was a mail delivery service that operated from April 3, 1860 to October 1861. Mail was carried by men riding fast horses on a route that began here in St. Joseph and ended in Sacramento, California. The memorial consists of a large bronze sculpture of a rider on his horse atop a stone base inscribed with the words "The Pony Express." Artist Hermon A. MacNeil created the sculpture. The memorial is surrounded by a short metal fence and there is a bench for people for people to sit on. The memorial was dedicated on April 20, 1940, the 80th anniversary of the Pony Express.

6. John Lucas Park and Horace Mann

Located in the heart of historic Midtown, John Lucas Park and the Bartlett Center have available picnic tables and shelters, basketball courts, a playground, and horseshoe courts. John Lucas Park is a great place to shoot some hoops or have a picnic. Located in the former Horace Mann School, the Bartlett Center is a community center/child care facility; the gym is used for community events and basketball games.

7. Civic Arena

Located in the heart of historic downtown, the Civic Arena is St. Joseph’s large-scale indoor event venue. The arena opened in 1980 and has been host to a wide variety of events. It is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, both inside and out, to ensure that it continues to be an attractive place for people to come to enjoy all sorts of entertainment.

8. Marion and Goff Ballfield and Corby Dog Park

The Marion and Goff Ballfield is one of the municipal facilities created in the middle of the 20th century to accommodate the increasing popularity of both baseball and softball. For many years, there were dozens of local teams, many sponsored by businesses, that competed during the season. The Marion and Goff Ballfield offers concessions and restrooms as well as the ballfield. Sitting adjacent to the ball field is the Corby Dog Park, offering an off-leash space for dogs. There is a separate area for smaller dogs and agility equipment is available. A $5 annual membership fee is required to use the dog park.

9. Seitz Park

Located in the heart of South St. Joseph, Seitz Park is a charming neighborhood green space. There is a unique new play structure to provide hours of fun for children of all ages. This is the perfect place to have a picnic and throw a frisbee or just take a stroll.

10. Western Gateway Park

The city’s location at the hub of transportation routes – river, roads, and rails – made St. Joseph one of the primary jumping off points for people heading west; crossing the Missouri River and heading off to a new life. Much of the city’s wealth came from outfitting the travelers. The Oregon Trail, the California Trail, and the Pony Express Trail all ran right through St. Joseph. The Western Gateway Park commemorates that portion of St. Joe history.

11. Civic Center Park & Smith Park

Located adjacent to historic City Hall, Civic Center Park is the site for many municipal events and celebrations. It is where St. Joseph gathers to remember its history, to celebrate the Chiefs, and to eat amazing barbeque. It is a lovely open space with trees, paths, and the wonderful dolphin fountain. It is also the site of several memorials to veterans and fallen first responders.

12. Robidoux Landing

The city of St. Joseph began as a trading post created by the fur trader Joseph Robidoux. He chose to put his trading post close to the Missouri River. St. Joseph still retains its identity as a river town – Robidoux Landing is a great place to begin your exploration of that part of St. Joe history. There is a picnic shelter and this is a good place to start your hike on the River Walk.

13. William and Louis Park

Located at 13th and Patee, the one-acre green space of William and Louis Park offers a lovely scenic overlook. A description written in 1929 still holds true today, “While small, it is an ideal ‘lookout’ park from which a splendid view is had of the business district.” Today it offers grand views of downtown and is a favorite spot from which to watch air shows at Rosecrans Airport.

14. College Hill Park

Many places in St. Joseph were once something else and traces of their former lives can still be seen. That is the case for College Hill Park. Bounded by an impressive stone retaining wall and mature trees, taking up a full city block, this neighborhood park has not always been an open space for play. The park received a facelift in 2019 funded by Community Block Grant funds. It has new play equipment, basketball courts, and picnic tables.

15. Urban Outdoor Nature Center

Located in a historic neighborhood in the Cathedral Hill Historic District, the Urban Outdoor Nature Center offers a wonderful place to relax and contemplate the history and architecture all around you. It is located in the Cathedral Hill National Register Historic District and sits on the site of the former St. Joseph's (popularly Sisters) Hospital.

16. Lions Field

Lions Field, located at 11th and Grand, is one of the municipal ball fields. It offers concessions and restrooms. It is one of the most popular places for youth ball games in St. Joseph and is a great place to hone your batting skills or to pull up a lawn chair and watch the community teams compete.

17. Mitchell Park

The lovely open two-acre green space at 10th and Duncan boasts welcoming shade trees and plenty of benches on which to sit and enjoy the atmosphere of one of St. Joseph’s oldest neighborhoods. Duncan Street, which forms its northern boundary, is one of the few remaining brick-paved streets in the city.

18. Fort Smith

Offering stunning views across historic downtown, Fort Smith is one of the newest parks in St. Joseph, and one of the most recently rediscovered historic sites. The park has extensive interpretive signage, easily walkable paths, and replica canon.

19. Huston Wyeth Park

Huston Wyeth Park is one of the most scenic places in St. Joseph. Situated atop the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River this wonderful park has inviting walking trails and picnic facilities. It is a favorite place to watch the annual air show at Rosecrans Airport and the 4th of July fireworks.

20. Patee Park

Patee Park is a one-block park framed by Seneca, Penn, 9th, and 10th streets. It is well known to the residents of Saint Joseph as the annual venue for PumpkinFest—a fundraising family arts festival hosted by the Pony Express National Museum which features food, live entertainment, craft vendors, and, of course, Pumpkin Mountain. Although the physical footprint of the park is small compared to Saint Joseph’s much larger parks such as Krug or Hyde, it would nevertheless be difficult to understate the significance of Patee Park in shaping Saint Joseph’s community and history. From the Pony Express to PumpkinFest, Patee Park has existed as a launchpad for connecting people, near and far, for well over 160 years.

21. Corby Pond

Corby Pond, a part of Corby Grove (see separate entry), has long been one the primary fishing spots in the city. It is connected to the rest of Corby Grove by wonderful trails. One of the most charming public art installations in St. Joseph, “Catch Me If You Can,” is located adjacent to the pond.

22. France Park

St. Joseph has a lovely collection of small neighborhood parks which provide a communal green space for anyone who needs a place for peaceful contemplation. France Park, in the midst of a lovely historic residential neighborhood, is one of those gems. Its expansive lawn and mature trees make it the perfect place for a stroll.

23. Noyes Sports Complex and Aquatic Park

Spread across 23 acres, the Noyes Sports Complex offers a wide array of sporting facilities. These include 12 tennis courts, horseshoe courts, basketball courts, an exercise trail, bantam football fields, a ballfield – all with seating and concessions. A highlight of the complex is the Aquatic Park with its pool and lazy river it is a wonderful place to spend a summer day!

24. Fairleigh Terrace Park

Situated just off the attractive commercial corridor of Frederick Avenue, Fairleigh Terrace is one of the loveliest residential areas in the city. Fairleigh Terrace Park is an attractively landscaped half-acre of green space that provides the perfect place to lounge under the mature trees and enjoy the quiet.

25. Parkway A and Mary Park

Mary Park located on Parkway A is part of the Parkway system. This 13 acre park has picnic tables, a playground, and a hiking/biking trail. There is lots of open space for play. It was once the location of a municipal swimming pool. Today there is an inviting playground and mature trees to enjoy.

26. Remington Nature Center

“Where history and nature collide!” The Remington Nature Center is a visually stunning facility located on the banks of the Missouri Theater. You know you’re somewhere special as soon as you walk through the door and are greeted by a wooly mammoth! The Remington Nature Center tells the history of northwest Missouri through a better understanding of the rich biodiversity of the region. Featuring a 7,000 gallon aquarium with native Missouri River fish and live reptiles, the Remington Nature Center offers experiences like no other in the area. Open daily, there is a small admission fee. Be sure to visit the gift shop! The Nature Center offers a terrific place to park and begin your exploration of the charming River Walk. The River Walk is a level, hard surface trail that takes you along nearly 2.5 miles on the banks of the Missouri River, ending at the foot of Francis St.

27. Rest Square Park

Rest Square Park, sometimes known as Vories Park, is a 2.5-acre green space located in the midst of a lovely residential district. With plenty of room to run and inviting playground equipment, this is grand example of a neighborhood park. It provides a place for all to enjoy just as Willis Munger intended.

28. Maple Leaf Park

Maple Leaf Park at Marion and Goff, is one of the small municipal ball fields which are busy hosting local Little League and other ball games. Maple Leaf has both concessions and restrooms. There is lots of open to play in -- perfect for throwing a frisbee or just taking a relaxed stroll under the trees.

29. Corby Grove

Corby Grove is a 105 acre stretch of green space along the parkway. It offer picnic facilities, tennis courts, baseball fields with concessions, a fishing pond (see separate entry for Corby Pond), hiking/biking trails, and lovely natural scenery. It is a wonderful place to spend a day!

30. Heritage Park

Heritage Park is a 35-acre park holding five softball fields. Four of these are 300 foot fields and one sits at 250 feet. Within the park lies a playground, picnic area, concession stand, and scenic overlook. Some of the more functional facilities include restrooms, a shelter, and a meeting facility. Its close proximity to the St. Joseph Frontier Casino and the Remington Nature Center help ensure that the complex sees traffic even during the off-season for softball.

31. Bartlett Park

Bartlett Park is one of the most developed and appealing of the neighborhood parks. Covering 24 acres in a charming established residential neighborhood, Bartlett Park truly has something for everyone. There are lovely picnic shelters and tables nestled under the mature trees and within the charming landscaping if you just want to sit and enjoy nature. The hiking/biking trails on the site take you through the park and there is plenty of open space to run or throw a frisbee. There is an inclusive playground that welcomes everyone to enjoy themselves. Two lighted ballfields with restrooms and concessions have made Bartlett one of the most popular sites for baseball and softball in the city.

32. Eugene Field Marker

Located at Lovers Lane and the Northwest Parkway, the monument to the poet Eugen Field and his famous poem, “Lover’s Lane, St. Jo,” provides a lovely place to sit and contemplate life, love, and poetry.

33. Northside Complex

The Northside Complex, located at St. Joseph Avenue and Karnes Road, close to Krug Park, is one of the most extensive recreational areas in the city. Stretching over 25 acres, it offers picnic areas and shelters, ball fields, tennis courts, racquetball courts, basketball courts, a playground, a swimming pool, horseshoe courts, football field, and hiking/biking trails.

34. South Park Complex and Drake Field

South Park Complex and Drake Field are part of the group of municipal ball fields found in neighborhoods throughout St. Joseph. The field at South Park is one of the oldest fields in the city. This 40-acre complex has three lighted ball fields, a playground, concessions/rest rooms, and a biking/hiking trail.

35. Phil Welch Stadium, Bode Ice Arena, and the REC Center

Together, Phil Welch Stadium, Bode Ice Arena, and the REC Center make up the core of Saint Joseph’s public fitness and sporting facilities. The many league and winter sports provided among them ensure that all community residents, young and old, may enjoy the benefits of an active and engaging lifestyle. Phil Welch stadium is the home of the St. Joseph Mustangs, a minor league baseball team.

36. Krug Park

Spanning an impressive 162 acres, Krug Park is one of the oldest and most developed parks in St. Joseph. Among the amenities offered by the park are picnic areas and shelters, an amphitheater, an Italianate-style “castle”, playgrounds, scenic walking trails, and a lagoon that is regularly stocked for fishing. This charming park also boasts a history of holiday cheer. Between Thanksgiving and January 1, Krug is transformed into “Holiday Park,” filled with wonderful lights and decorations to drive through. An ambitious improvement program is underway for the park, funded by Parks Tax funds. What is already a wonderful place to spend a day is going to be truly spectacular!

37. Lura M. Story Sitting Park

There are few places in St. Joseph that are more beautiful than Ashland Avenue. Lined with wonderful houses set in lushly landscaped lawns, Ashland Avenue is a favorite for walkers – both the two-legged and four-legged varieties. The Lura M. Story Sitting Park is the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by. This charming little space is cared for by the St. Joseph Garden Club and has some of the most beautiful plantings in the city.

38. Fairview Golf Course

Fairview Golf Course is the municipal golf course for St. Joseph. With more than 200 acres, the 18-hole course of more than 6,300 yards accommodates players of all skill levels. Among the course amenities are a driving range, practice putting green, short game and bunker practice area, a concession stand and pro shop, and a banquet room. The course is open daily from 9-5, though hours of operation can vary according to weather conditions.

39. King Hill Overlook

King Hill Overlook offers absolutely stunning views of the city, particularly the history Southside and Downtown. The 13 acre site has walking trails and a flag pole that is visible for miles. But it is the view that makes it a truly special place! When you stand on the Overlook you have a wonderful view of South St. Joseph and can look toward the spires of historic downtown.

40. Westminster Park

Westminster Park sits on the site of the former Community Presbyterian Church in the part of North St. Joseph known as Industrial City. It is a lovely three-acre green space that provides a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is a valued amenity for the residents of the neighborhood which they are happy to share with anyone who wants to visit!

41. Outdoor Nature Center

Some places just brim with possibility; they are a place to wander, to connect with nature, to enjoy the peace and quiet. The Outdoor Nature Center at 5402 Diagonal Ave. is just such a place. There are paths to wander and trees to sit under, and lots and lots of quiet space to enjoy!

42. Gordon Park

Gordon Park is a lovely oasis of green between Pryor Avenue and Alabama Street. Its most striking feature is the wonderful sculpture “Planting America” which celebrates the contributions of the immigrant community. It is a lovely strip of green in the heart of a residential neighborhood in South St. Joseph.

43. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is the jewel of South St. Joseph. Spread over its 94 acres are a skate park, basketball court, six baseball fields, five shelters, a playground, three tennis/pickleball courts, and a hard-surface walking trail. In 2021 the Liberty Oak Splash Park opened, featuring five water features, dry playground equipment, seating, and restrooms. Admission is free. Since 1989, the Southside Fall Festival has been held on a September weekend in the park – featuring food, music, and vendors it is a highlight of the events calendar in St. Joseph. On Thanksgiving evening through January 1, Hyde Park opens as the “South Pole” featuring holiday lights.

44. Northeast Park

Northeast Park is one of St. Joseph’s newest parks, helping to fill a need in a part of the city that has recently experienced both commercial and residential growth. Located near the Campus Family YMCA, the park offers visitors a pavilion, outdoor exercise area, an accessible play structure, and a hike and bike trail.

45. Hochman Park

Hochman Park is a wonderful place to relax, have a picnic, and play. Its nearly 7 acres has a lovely playground with innovative new equipment, picnic tables and shelters, and ball fields. There is plenty of room to throw a frisbee or just relax in the shade of mature trees.

46. Katherine's Park

Katherine’s Park is a small park on the east side of St. Joseph, located close to Hochman Park. It is a lovely green space to enjoy the outdoors and spend a peaceful hour or two. It is a lovely memorial to a much-loved wife in a part of the city that is underserved in terms of open green spaces.

47. Leonard Road Acres

Leonard Road Acres Park is a nearly 6-acre neighborhood park in the midst of the Leonard Road Acres neighborhood. It offers green space for open play and a playground for children. It is the perfect place to throw a frisbee or just relax and enjoy the sunshine with your favorite book!

48. Coleman Hawkins Statue

This bronze statue commemorates one of the greatest jazz saxophonists of all time, Coleman Hawkins, who was born in St. Joseph in 1904. Created by artist Herb Mignery, it was unveiled in 2008, which was the tenth anniversary of the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival. Hawkins is known as the "father of the tenor saxophone" and performed with other great jazz musicians including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Duke Ellington in a career that spanned four decades. The statue depicts Hawkins playing his saxophone and is located in a park named after him.

49. Arrowhead Park

Sometimes all you need is an open green space to let your imagination run free! Arrowhead Park is just such a place. Absolutely perfect if you want to hit some balls, play frisbee, or just sit and contemplate life. Arrowhead Park is one of the relatively undeveloped pocket parks located in residential neighborhoods around St. Joseph.

Entries on This Tour

St. Joseph Parks and Civic Facilities

Description

Share