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Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 876 Google reviews · Running trail in East St Louis, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Malcolm W. Martin Memorial 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.
Open green space with a tiered river overlook & panoramic views, plus a geyser fountain.
What runners say about Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
“Louis area—even having my Uber driver wait since it was so quiet—the park itself is very well-maintained with an organized, easy walkway leading to the top viewing platform.”
“Was a great view on July 4th for fire works.”
“Came out around 9 and although the middle of the bridge looked full already, we found a peaceful spot just above the shoreline I think.”
“Louis area—even having my Uber driver wait since it was so quiet—the park itself is very well-maintained with an organized, easy walkway leading to the top viewing platform.”
Hidden gem in my hometown! Best place to see the STL Arch is at the top of the observation deck here! Great location for prom, graduation, proposal pics (I've witnessed all while there on different occasions). The park is quiet and a nice spot to walk, I'd imagine the loop is about a quarter mile.
Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park is hands-down the best spot for an iconic photo of the St. Louis skyline, offering a peaceful and supervised environment that feels like a safe sanctuary. While I was initially hesitant about the surrounding East St.
Nice big open lawn with a good view Ive the arch over the Mississippi River. Was a great view on July 4th for fire works. There’s also an overlook structure you can walk up. There was music and food and lots of people on July 4th, had a fun time.
Beautiful park. Clean, easy parking. The ramp is a bit of a hike, but doable. I was a little apprehensive because E. St. Louis has a bit of a reputation, but this place was safe and monitored. Beautiful view of the arch. Loved my visit!
Trail conditions & character
“We visited this humble little park to get a good view of the Gateway Arch across from the Mississippi River.”
“There is no playground or picnic tables that we could see from the parking lot, although we came just for the Arch view and didn't explore much.”
“Came out around 9 and although the middle of the bridge looked full already, we found a peaceful spot just above the shoreline I think.”
“This is a quick stop visit, the restroom was very clean during my visit.”
Plan your run at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitetheparkwithaview.com
- Phone+1 618-581-5811
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–10 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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