Home › Missouri › University City › Heman Park
Heman Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 718 Google reviews · Running trail in University City, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 24 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Heman Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
City's largest park, with sports fields & courts, a community pool & a jogging course.
What runners say about Heman Park
“Tables were clean and the surrounding area was well maintained.”
“Very dog friendly with multiple paths and ample parking.”
They say if you wander too deep into Heman Park after sundown, you’ll hear the sounds first—something between a growl and a man’s coughing laugh, echoing low through the trees. Most folks chalk it up to raccoons or teens trying to spook each other. But some, especially the old-timers, they know better.
Pretty nice park near the the Delmar Loop. Very dog friendly with multiple paths and ample parking. One full loop around the park equates to almost exactly 1.5 miles.
This is a large park that is also home to an aquatic center and a variety of sports fields/courts. There are multiple entry points for parking, and plenty of spaces when you get there. This was the first time I've ever seen River Des Peres in a natural state with water visibly flowing, so that was a pleasant sight.
Woo Hoo! The Heman park pool is about to re-open. A new water park is planned to expand the offering to kids next year. Ruth Park Golf course is rocking! I moved across the street in 2018. I had 3-4 maybe 5 golf balls shanked into my yard for 3 years. Last year I got 8! The parking lot is full all week now.
Trail conditions & character
“There are multiple entry points for parking, and plenty of spaces when you get there.”
“Very dog friendly with multiple paths and ample parking.”
“Restrooms were actually to our surprise very clean and well maintained.”
“Nice sized park with baseball fields, basketball court, beautiful pools, playground, pavilions, and a wonderful paved track for jogging and walking.”
“The newly lit driving range is on the near term horizon.”
“Judging by the old water fountains, this must be a very old park.”
Plan your run at Heman Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance24 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteucitymo.org
- Phone+1 314-505-8560
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
Running trails near University City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Janet Majerus Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 56 reviews
Little, peaceful park featuring a playground for kids, a walking path and a lake.
Lewis Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 152 reviews
Neighborhood outdoor space that has swings, slides and other play equipment for children.
Millar Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 355 reviews
Spacious neighborhood park featuring a playground and baseball field, plus a shaded walking trail.
Kaufman Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
Casual neighborhood spot featuring tennis courts, playgrounds, benches, swings and slides.
St. Vincent Greenway Trailhead: Trojan Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 309 reviews
Park with a playground, picnic tables, a splash pad, and basketball courts, plus a centralized location.
Fogerty Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 232 reviews
Park boasting a playground and a splash pad as well as picnic tables and a barbecue grill.