Fall 2024

Another hot Missouri summer ends and brings the relief of fall temperatures. Life brings all of us challenges, but a Missouri fall can help us to gather our resources as we prepare for another cycle of seasons.

Crisp fall nights provide a welcome relief from the humid heat, and crisp apples provide refreshment that we are eager to enjoy. Fall is a great time to explore Missouri either on the highways or on the internet. We can use the internet to plan IRL trips, or to take a relaxing trip from the comfort of our computer screen. As always, I have researched some web sites to help you travel through your computer or on the IRL road.

I remember childhood trips to the St. Lois Zoo. On one of those trips the sea lions were all inside their shelters. My mother barked loudly and other patrons laughed. That laughter stopped when the sea lions came out and barked back.

The zoo recently announced an exciting new development with an expected opening in 2027. The project, called “WildCare Park”, will occupy 425 acres near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. There will be tours on open buses to let visitors see the animals in natural habitats. These animals will include many endangered species including rhinos and the rare Grevy’s zebra. You can watch an animated rendering at
StLZoo.org/about/wildcare-park. You will definitely want to visit in person with the park opens.

The park will also feature walking tours, glamor camping, displays, an educational center, a gift shop and a restaurant. Research facilities are also included. There will be an 11-story high observation tower from which visitors will be able to see the whole park and the confluence of the rivers.

The project will cost 230 million dollars, much of this will be funded from donations. Guest fees will be announced later, but for now, residents of St. Louis County will have free admission.

Missouri is shows off some beautiful fall foliage. This site (
OnlyInYourState.com/missouri/beautiful-fall-destinations-mo) lists 11 places around the state to see the spectacular fall views, many of which are free. The site also includes photos.

Of course, we all hope our Missouri baseball teams make a run into October. The Royals are doing well, and my favorite Cardinals have begun to show some promise. You can purchase tickets online to Cardinal games at
GetYourGuide.com/st-louis-l1443/st-louis-cardinals-baseball-game-at-busch-stadium-t693892/. The site also lists information about what you can and cannot take into the game. I have been watching the Cardinals on TV, and I have also watched my 16 year old grandson play club baseball this summer by using an app called Gamechanger (gc.com) on my computer. In fact, while I am writing this, he is getting ready to play in Atlanta, Georgia. I will be watching from Glasgow, Missouri.

Speaking of Glasgow, our little town has many nice things to do. We are the site of the first all-steel railroad bridge in the world, a civil war battle and the oldest single family-owned drug store in the United States. You can make a quick online visit at
DowntownDifferent.com/glasgow/Missouri. Our friendly people will be happy to greet you in person.

I hope you have a great Missouri fall. If we should cross paths at a baseball game or while you are visiting Glasgow, be sure to say hello. A Missouri fall day is a perfect time for friends to meet and visit.