Things To Do
in Hazelwood
Hazelwood, Missouri is a working suburban city in north St. Louis County with a mix of residential neighborhoods, light industry, and convenient access to greater St. Louis. It serves as a practical base for visitors looking to explore St. Louis attractions while staying in a quieter community. The area is close to major highways and Lambert–St. Louis International Airport, making it easy to reach regional parks, museums, and sports venues.
Expect typical Midwestern small-city character—friendly residents, local shops, and easy access to outdoor recreation nearby.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey with a refreshing morning hike at Hazelwood Park, known for its stunning natural landscapes and serene atmosphere. As the sun rises, enjoy the vibrant colors of the flora and the sound of birds chirping. Don't forget to take some picturesque photos along the scenic trails.
After a lovely morning, have a picnic lunch at one of the park's designated areas, surrounded by lush greenery. Once re-energized, explore the park's various activities such as mini-golf or disc golf. The friendly atmosphere allows you to mingle with locals and enjoy the outdoor facilities.
As the day winds down, find a cozy spot at the park to watch the sunset paint the sky in vibrant hues. Bring a blanket and some snacks; perhaps even enjoy some stargazing as the night falls. The peaceful ambiance provides the perfect end to a day spent in nature.
Start your day by visiting the Hazelwood Art Gallery, where local artists display their remarkable works. Take your time to admire the creativity and get inspired by the art that captures the essence of the region. Engage with some of the artists during morning workshops and learn about their techniques.
After a deep dive into the local art scene, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café with a view of the gallery. Spend your afternoon participating in an interactive art session where you can create your own piece to take home. The friendly atmosphere fosters community engagement and appreciation for the arts.
Wrap up the day by attending an art show featuring local talent, where you can connect with fellow art enthusiasts. Enjoy complimentary refreshments while mingling amongst the creators and appreciators. The sense of community and artistic expression creates a memorable evening experience.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3-4 |
| 🚌Public transit fare (one-way) | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-140 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Convenient access to St. Louis attractions without staying in the city center
- Affordable lodging and dining options with suburban calm
- Good gateway to outdoor recreation and parks in the St. Louis region
- Close to Lambert–St. Louis International Airport and major highways
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions directly in Hazelwood
- Public transit access is more limited than in the city center—car recommended
- Weather can be extreme at times (hot humidity in summer, storms in spring)
- Some areas are industrial or less scenic compared with central St. Louis neighborhoods
Places to Visit in Hazelwood
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic riverfront landmark—great for sunrise/sunset shots, reflections on the Mississippi, and skyline compositions.
Calm water, marshy edges and wooded trails offer serene nature photography with wildlife and sunset opportunities.
Large park with classical architecture, lakes, sculptures and seasonal blooms—excellent for landscapes, candid city life, and cultural institution exteriors.
Dramatic views of the Mississippi River, interesting industrial textures and long bridge perspectives—particularly striking at golden hour.
St. Louis neighborhoods near Hazelwood feature murals, historic homes and streetscapes that make for colorful urban photography.
Food in Hazelwood
Hazelwood Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A St. Louis staple—breaded and fried ravioli served with marinara. Try it at Italian restaurants on The Hill or local taverns.
Must-Try!
Very thin crust with Provel cheese and a distinct cut-into-squares presentation; available at regional pizza spots and pizzerias.
A dense, sweet cake that originated in St. Louis—found at bakeries and many dessert menus across the region.
Local barbecue joints serve smoked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork—pair with classic sides like baked beans and coleslaw.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Nearby community farmers markets (spring–fall) offer fresh produce, baked goods, and occasional food trucks—great for sampling local ingredients and snacks.
Food trucks and pop-up vendors appear near events, parks, and breweries—expect tacos, sandwiches, and regional comfort foods during weekends and festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally polite and conversational—greetings and small talk are common. Use please and thank you and be respectful in service settings.
Avoid trespassing on private land, follow posted signs in parks and respect residential neighborhoods by keeping noise down, especially at night.
During storm season, follow local alerts, and be ready to seek shelter if warnings are issued—this is an important safety norm in the Midwest.
Safety
Tipping in Hazelwood
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary: ~15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and $2–5 for valets, bellhops or hotel housekeeping per night. Tip delivery drivers and taxi/ride-share drivers a few dollars or 10–15% for longer rides.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Carry some cash for small vendors, tips, or occasional cash-only businesses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures moderate and the landscape greens up; spring also brings severe thunderstorm and tornado risk—check forecasts and have a shelter plan for stormy days.
Hot and humid with temperatures often in the 80s–90s°F (mid-20s to mid-30s°C); pack light clothing, sunscreen and plan outdoor activities for morning or evening to avoid peak heat.
Pleasant, cooler weather and attractive fall foliage make it a great time for hiking and park visits—bring layers for variable temperatures.
Winters are cold with occasional snow and ice; some services and outdoor activities slow down—dress warmly and expect possible travel delays during storms.
Hazelwood at Night
Hiking in Hazelwood
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy lakeside walking paths and natural areas—suitable for families, birdwatching and gentle hikes.
Larger area with trails through prairies and woods—offers more rustic hiking and seasonal wildflowers.
Popular bluff-top trails and river views a short drive away—excellent for longer hikes, rock outcrops and fall colors.
Interconnected urban trails along the Mississippi that provide scenic walking and cycling routes and access to riverfront viewpoints.
Long-distance rail-trail along the Missouri River—sections are within driving distance for day hikes or bike trips on relatively flat terrain.
Airports
How to reach Hazelwood by plane.
Primary airport serving the St. Louis region, about a 15–25 minute drive depending on traffic—offers domestic and some international flights, rental cars, taxis and rideshare access.
Smaller regional airport located in Mascoutah/Scott Air Force Base area (roughly 40–60 minutes’ drive), useful for some low-cost carriers and seasonal routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Established households and family-oriented neighborhoods with many residents who have lived in the area for years.
A significant segment of the population works in manufacturing, logistics, services and nearby industrial employers.
Hazelwood and the surrounding region include a mix of racial and ethnic groups, including African American, European-descended and immigrant communities that contribute to local culture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is hugely popular—Cardinals games at Busch Stadium draw fans from across the metro and region.
The Blues have a passionate following; NHL games are major events in the city.
Growing interest in professional and amateur soccer, with local leagues and St. Louis-based teams gaining support.
High school football and basketball are community focal points across suburban neighborhoods.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hazelwood.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most casual restaurants and diners offer salads, pasta, and vegetable-forward options; larger St. Louis restaurants and many cafés provide clearly marked vegetarian dishes.
Vegan options are available but more limited in suburban Hazelwood—plan to visit St. Louis neighborhoods for a wider selection of vegan restaurants and dedicated menus.
Gluten-free options are increasingly common; check menus or call ahead if you have celiac disease, especially at bakeries and pizza places that use shared equipment.