Sports Recreation
Sub heading hereFor outdoor enthusiasts, St. Joseph offers an extensive parkway system with amenities such as baseball diamonds, tennis courts and swimming pools.
Professional Sports
St. Joseph is the home of the Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp. Beginning in 2010, thousands of NFL fans traveled to St. Joseph and Missouri Western State University to watch the Chiefs prepare for the next season. A state-of-the-art indoor practice facility, renovations to Spratt Stadium and much more improved Western’s facilities for the Chiefs.
Outdoor Activities
Lewis & Clark Trail aficionados can follow the footsteps of the Lewis & Clark Trail in Northwest Missouri. In celebration of the bicentennial of this historic journey, historical markers have been placed along the Lewis & Clark trail in the St. Joseph area. These interpretive wayside signs with visuals and text describe the experiences of the Corps of Discovery as they traveled through today’s Buchanan County.
St. Joseph Riverwalk, a 1.2-mile-long trail, winds along the Missouri River, connecting you with the beauty of nature. As you run, pedal or stroll along the trail, you will encounter two wetland overlooks at which to stop and enjoy nature, and a river overlook offering a beautiful view of the Missouri River.
The 342-acre Pigeon Hill Wildlife Area has firearm and archery target ranges in Buchanan County south of St. Joseph, one-half mile east of Highway A.
Bluffwoods Conservation Area has nearly 2,300 acres (mainly forestland) with a scenic overlook, 2.5-mile hiking trail, two-mile horseback riding trail, and picnic areas nine miles south of St. Joseph off Highway 59.
The French Bottoms River Access to the Missouri River provides boat ramp facilities at MacArthur Drive and Waterworks Road.
The Mark Youngdahl Urban Conservation Areaincludes 85 acres of fields and forestlands, and 2.5 miles of hiking trails at 36th Street between Faraon and Messanie streets.
The Parkway System
The 93-acre Hyde Park Recreational Complex is at the parkways southern end and offers lighted tennis courts, swimming pool, horseshoe courts, a baseball complex, basketball goals and four picnic shelters. It is located at Alabama and East Hyde Park Avenue.
Heritage Softball Complex is a five-field complex, featuring four slow-pitch fields (one of which is championship grade with stadium seating) and one fast-pitch field. The complex is open for league play and weekend tournaments, and features a sports bar-type concession open during all activities. Heritage Complex is at 2201 Waterworks Road.
Billed as the finest boulevard system in the United States, St. Joseph’s Parkway ribbons through the city for 26 miles. Developed in 1918 by internationally- known landscape architect, George Burnap, St. Joseph was one of the first cities in the United States to create an imaginative and comprehensive parkway plan. Popular for hiking and hiking activities, the completed system connects principal parks and recreation facilities, providing a greenbelt throughout the city. St. Joseph’s Parkway is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Located at the northern end of the parkway, Krug Park’s 163 acres house an amphitheater, rose gardens, picnic areas, a “castle,” scenic walking trails and a playground. Also featured is a North American native animal exhibit featuring buffalo, deer and long-horn cattle. Krug Park “lights up” during the holiday season as Holiday Park at St. Joseph Avenue and Krug Park Place.
Just for sports lovers, the Northside Recreational Complex features a swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, softball, outdoor racquetball and a playground at 3541-A St. Joseph Avenue.
The 23-acre Noyes Sports Complex has 12 lighted tennis courts, a new aquatic center, horseshoe court, running track and baseball fields at Noyes
Boulevard and Messanie Street.
The Bode Sports Complex features a six-court outdoor, lighted basketball complex, seating, scoreboards and pro-style glass backboards. A lighted iceskating rink complements this complex, complete with a scoreboard. Two sand volleyball courts as well as a full concession area and restrooms add to the complex. Available for private parties and lessons at 2500 Southwest Parkway.
A 5,000-seat stadium, Phil Welch Stadium is home to the St. Joseph Mustangs. With an average attendance of 1,853 fans per game, the Mustangs ranked No. 9 nationally in summer collegiate baseball attendance in its first year. It is next to Bode Ice Arena, 2500 Southwest Parkway.
Golf
The Golf Club is a nine-hole, par-three golf course, with a driving range, pro shop and snack bar at 6480 S.E. Highway 169.
Fairview Golf Course is an 18-hole course featuring a fully equipped clubhouse with snack bar, driving range and pro shop. Cart rental and lessons are available at 3202 Pacific St.
Moila Shrine Temple and Golf Course is a private 18-hole, par 70/6,015-yard course. Guests must be a Shriner or guest of a Shriner at 701 North Noyes Blvd.
St. Joseph Country Club Golf Course is a private 18-hole, par 71/6,503 yard course. Guests must be a member or guest of a member at 50 Ridgeland Road.
A favorite of residents and visitors alike, Cool Crest Garden Golf, where flower gardens, cool waterfalls and nostalgic music combine for a relaxing family atmosphere. Open seasonally at 1400 North Belt Highway.