Fort Bellefontaine – Hike and History
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Date and Time:
Thu, Jan 29, 2026; 9:30 AM
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01/29/2026 9:30 AM
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Fort Bellefontaine – Hike and History
Fort Belle Fontaine played a major role in early 19th century American history. Built in 1805 on the floodplain of the Missouri River, 4 miles from its confluence with the Mississippi River, many expeditions including Lewis and Clark stopped there. A second fort, including 30 buildings, was built on the bluff in 1811. It also served as a factory or trading post for Native Americans. In 1826, it was abandoned replaced by the new Jefferson Barracks post. None of the original buildings remain but to develop a public park, the WPA built numerous stone structures in the 1930s including the impressive Grand Staircase. We will also discuss the environmental concerns involving Coldwater Creek which enters the Missouri River at the edge of the park.
Fort Belle Fontaine, 13002 Bellefontaine Rd, St. Louis, MO 63138, USA
Webinar URL:
38.82459500,-90.21754300
Michael Copple
michael.copple@att.net
MM/DD/yyyy
amOUuwqNAzpGSXwtHmnd12740
Organized By: Eastern Missouri Group
Location: Fort Belle Fontaine, 13002 Bellefontaine Rd, St. Louis, MO 63138, USA
Map | Directions
Event Organizers:
Michael Copple
michael.copple@att.net
314-882-3366
Diana Miller
diana.miller3m@gmail.com
314-324-0809
Length: We will take 2 hours to walk the 3-mile loop. There’s a beautiful “Grand Staircase” we need to check out, that will add to your steps and present you with a great view of the Missouri River!
Location: Trailhead in Fort Belle Fontaine County Park; 13002 Bellefontaine Road, St. Louis MO 63138
Coordinates of the parking lot: 38.824595, -90.217543
Directions: From I-270 in north county, take Exit 32 onto Bellefontaine Road. Drive north for 3.8 miles. Because the park shares an entrance with a Youth Services Division facility, you will be stopped at the entrance. Just explain that you are there to hike. Michael will be driving a gray Honda Civic. Diana will be driving a dark gray F150 with license number MNMNM.
Description: Fort Belle Fontaine played a major role in early 19 th century American history. Built in 1805 on the floodplain of the Missouri River, 4 miles from its confluence with the Mississippi River, many expeditions including Lewis and Clark stopped there. A second fort, including 30 buildings, was built on the bluff in 1811. It also served as a ‘factory’ or trading post for Native Americans. In 1826, it was abandoned – replaced by the new Jefferson Barracks post. None of the original buildings remain but to develop a public park, the WPA built numerous stone structures in the 1930’s including the impressive Grand Staircase. We will also discuss the environmental concerns involving Coldwater Creek which enters the Missouri River at the edge of the park.
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate: Dirt and gravel trails with some climb. Climbing the grand staircase is fun but optional. There’s a view of the river from the bottom if you choose not to climb it. We will be walking along Coldwater Creek and ultimately the Missouri River. Great views without leaves on the trees!
Bring a snack and water. Wear clothes appropriate for the weather. Hiking poles are a personal choice. A leashed well-behaved dog is welcome. Guns are prohibited.
I HIGHLY recommend using a restroom before arriving.
Resources:County website:
https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/places/fort-belle-fontaine/National Park Service brochure:
https://www.nps.gov/places/fort-belle-fontaine.htm
Cost: A one dollar per person Sierra Club donation is requested. Dollar bills would be appreciated.
Signup Instructions: If you are coming, please RSVP on the EMG website. If you have any questions, ask Michael.