You and Your Kids Can Bike Through St. Louis’ Haunted History

Love a good ghost story, but afraid of creeping out your kids? Just in time for Halloween, Trailnet is hosting “Ghosts of the Past” - kid-friendly bike tours of local graveyards that get your entire family up close and personal with the city’s spirit world as well as help you kill off a few calories on a six-mile bike ride.

“Trailnet has teamed up with historian extraordinaire - Harold Karabell – who will lead riders through Bellefontaine and Calvary cemeteries,” explained Josie McDonald, director of communications and marketing for Trailnet. “Riders will visit some of the most important ‘ghosts’ from the city’s past and learn about their roles in the history of both our city and our country – among others, Tennessee Williams and Dred Scott.”

Your family can choose from either “Ghosts of the Past” tour or participate in both for a well-rounded history lesson.

• Ghosts of the Past Bellefontaine Cemetery Bicycle Tour, 4947 W. Florissant Ave. – On Saturday, October 12, take a guided ride through the first rural cemetery west of the Mississippi, one that provides an exquisite combination of rich history, amazing architecture and natural beauty.
• Ghosts of the Past Calvary Cemetery Bicycle Tour, 5239 W. Florissant Ave. – This legendary cemetery is the final resting place for some of St. Louis’ most prominent individuals, including the first St. Louisan and the man who saved the Union. The Calvary ride will be held on Saturday, October 26.

All cemetery tours are held within the confines of the cemetery gates, so car traffic is at a minimum – perfect for the littlest of riders. Registration for each ride begins at 9 a.m. at the cemetery itself with the group departing at 9:30 a.m. The cost to participate is $5 for adults and $3 for children age 10 and younger. Bike rentals can be reserved through Big Shark Bicycle Company.

A “Ghosts of the Past” tour is a great way to get in a Saturday morning workout and explore St. Louis’ vibrant history through the individuals who shaped our city and their ghosts who continue to haunt it. Best of all, since you’re on your bike, you can make a quick getaway if the cemetery inhabitants get a little too close for comfort.

For more information about the “Ghosts of the Past” rides or other upcoming family-friendly Trailnet events this month, including the Family Fest in Forest Park, check them out online at www.trailnet.org.