Krug Park

Hiking, biking, fishing

Krug Park in St. Joseph, Missouri, is a 163-acre playground where manicured beauty meets untamed adventure. Up front, you’ve got the postcard-perfect lagoon, rose gardens, and stonework that date back over a century—ideal for a stroll or quiet afternoon by the fishing pond. But the real draw for explorers is tucked in the back: a wooded trail system made for mountain bikers and hikers alike. These dirt paths twist through dense forest, crisscross creeks, and traverse more than a dozen old-school wooden bridges. You’ll find a mix of smooth flow, steep climbs, and tight corners—plus some scenic overlooks to catch your breath. Near the main trailhead, a big open field with scattered boulders makes a perfect rest zone or kid-approved climbing course.

Keep your ears open as you move deeper into the woods—one of the park’s hidden gems is a small waterfall that sings before it shows itself. It’s just off the trail and easy to miss, but worth a stop for a splash or photo op. The trails are well marked with signs pointing out features like Halloween Hill and the Bridges section, each with its own vibe and level of difficulty. Whether you're looking to rip some technical terrain on your bike or wander through the quiet trees on foot, Krug Park delivers a surprisingly wild escape—right in the heart of the city.

Getting there

Krug Park is located at 3500 St. Joseph Avenue in St. Joseph, Missouri—just a few minutes off I-229. Take the exit for St. Joseph Avenue (U.S. Highway 59) and head north until you reach the corner of St. Joseph Avenue and Myrtle Avenue, where the main entrance welcomes you in with stone pillars and shade trees. Once inside, you’ve got a few solid parking options: down by the lagoon and rose gardens, near the lily pond, or up top by the historic castle structure that overlooks the park.

If your goal is trail time, head straight to the upper parking lot across from the amphitheater—that’s your launchpad for hiking or mountain biking. A quick walk across the road drops you right onto the main trail system tucked into the back hills. From there, it’s all winding singletrack, wooded bridges, and quiet forest vibes. Whether you’re in for a scenic stroll or a full-on ride, Krug Park’s setup makes it easy to jump into nature without leaving town.