The DeSoto Parks and Recreation Department manages a 56-acre park system. The largest park in the system is Walther Park, covering 18 acres adjacent to Joachim Creek. This park supports a variety of activities such as the Soccer Program. The Soccer Program is for boys and girls from pre-K through 12th grade and is held in the spring and fall. Walther Park also has two sand volleyball courts, a basketball court, baseball field, four playgrounds, and fishing areas.

Under the mature trees lining Joachim Creek, there are benches, which provide an excellent place to come for quiet meditation and to enjoy the occasional heron or other wildlife. An enchanting gazebo located in the park is the perfect setting for weddings, concerts in the park and a variety of events held there.

A great place for bird watching, there is a walking trail meandering through a Tree Museum, with trees traceable to 50 historic figures and events. Lighted pavilions are scattered throughout the park, with outdoor grills nearby, making a perfect place for family reunions or other festive gatherings. One of the largest events to be held here is the DeSoto Fall Festival, where vendors come from all across the Midwest to enjoy a day filled with food, crafts, and endless entertainment.

Nine other parks can be found in DeSoto. Spross Park is a gently sloping hillside located near the DeSoto high school, with a basketball court, pavilions, and one of nature’s many striking backdrops that can be found throughout the community. One of the best features of DeSoto is the ability to be so connected to nature and yet so close to the city.

Just outside of the city limits you will find Washington State Park. Located on Highway 21, Washington State Park has been a favorite vacation destination for generations of Missourians. It is known for its prehistoric petroglyphs, steep cliffs, scenic overlooks, peaceful glades and towering forests. Washington State Park is one of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ most beautiful parks, consisting of 1,800 acres with 50 campsites, fully equipped cabins, picnic areas, shelters, canoe, raft and tube rentals, a large public swimming pool, and endless hiking trails. Big River Outfitters’ Canoe Rental is located just outside of DeSoto, and offers day trips that end up at the campgrounds of Washington State Park.

Nature at its best can also be found on the golf course. Cottonwood Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course surrounded by mature trees, with a 2,000 square-foot pro-shop and a screened deck overlooking the last hole. The golf course is bordered by a 65-acre lake community. Residents can ski, scuba dive, fish or ride jet skies on the pristine waters of Briarwood Lake Community. Gleaming bodies of water surround DeSoto on many sides. Private lake communities such as Summerset Lake with its three lakes, the largest of which is just over 85 acres, are great for year-round recreation in your own back yard. Valley Lake is another lake community with a lake large enough to provide all the water sports you can imagine, as well as the opportunity to enjoy a nice cup of tea on the back deck overlooking a glistening body of water. Many residents have constructed their own private lakes upon the endless sprawling acres that surround our community.

The nearby Pevely Raceway is always a great time. Promoted by Ray Marler and Winston Cup Driver Ken Schrader, this track runs three classes of cars from April through September every year.

DeSoto is served by almost two dozen restaurants. If your idea of a good time involves cuisine, check out the variety found here. Greek, Italian, Chinese and good old American bar-b-q are all served up on plates throughout our community. Of course life just wouldn’t be the same without the fast food restaurants, and DeSoto has most of the major chains waiting to serve your drive-up needs.

If square dancing is your passion, DeSoto Opry can provide endless hours of fun. If you enjoy bowling, then sign up for a league at Ball Creek Bowl. The 500 items on display at the DeSoto Historical Society offers another way to spend some leisure time. The Continuing Education Department at Jefferson College also provides pages of things to learn and do. Take in a movie at the Melba Theatre on historic Main Street, one of the state’s oldest operating movie houses.

Put your mind to it and imagine your favorite hobby. From bingo to canoeing, from tennis or swimming to movies or dining out, you won’t have to go farther than the "City of Pride" to fill your dance card.

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