We wanted to find the best city parks, public squares, recreational trails, urban kayaking spots and riverwalks, so we invited our readers to vote for their favorites. The results are in.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list.
Best City Park: Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri
Located in the heart of St. Louis, Forest Park encompasses nearly 1,400 acres of land. It’s one of the largest urban parks in the United States, nearly a third larger than New York’s Central Park. The park is widely used for outdoor recreation and features bicycle paths, jogging trails, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, boating and skating.
Full list of winners: Best City Park »
Best Public Square: Church Street Marketplace in Burlington, Vermont
Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace comprises the length of Church Street between Pearl and Main. It’s a designated National Register Historic District that welcomes 1.5 million visitors a year to shop, dine and mingle.
Full list of winners: Best Public Square »
Best Recreational Trail: Chuck Huckelberry Loop in Tucson, Arizona
The Chuck Huckelberry Loop in Tucson comprises 130 miles of paved paths and bike lanes (with more on the way). The path is open to cyclists, walkers, runners, horseback riders or skaters, and connects parks and trailheads throughout the city.
Full list of winners: Best Recreational Trail »
Best Riverwalk: Detroit International RiverWalk in Detroit, Michigan
The riverfront redevelopment in Detroit, a city with 14 miles of shoreline along the Detroit River, is one of the city’s most exciting initiatives. The East Riverfront of the Detroit International RiverWalk stretches from Joe Louis Arena to Gabriel Richard Park and includes several parks, restaurants, splash parks and natural areas.
Full list of winners: Best Riverwalk »
Best Urban Kayaking Spot: Roanoke River in Roanoke, Virginia
Roanoke sits in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, making it an excellent base for outdoor recreation. The 45-mile Roanoke River Blueway offers easy paddling for much of its length, with the exception of some Class II rapids near the gorge.
Full list of winners: Best Urban Kayaking Spot »
Congratulations to all of our winners! Remember to visit 10Best.com daily to vote in our Readers’ Choice contests.
