Neighborhood

Get to know St. Louis’ crown jewel, Forest Park.

Overview Attractions Activities Scenery Events Beyond

One of the nation’s greatest parks is just around the corner.

1,300 acres of beautiful scenery, bike trails, cultural institutions and the award-winning zoo are just a short walk away. No matter the season, the park is always buzzing with things to do and see. Whether you’re looking for a place to workout, picnic or see the stars, Forest Park has it all—and more.

#forestparkforever

Attractions

Enjoy every moment.

Saint Louis Zoo
Ranked among the best zoos in the world, the Saint Louis Zoo is home to over 17,000 animals. Visit our lions and tigers and bears any day of the week—admission is always free.
Visit the Zoo website
Saint Louis Science Center
The Science Center is host to more than 700 interactive experiences, an indoor-outdoor agricultural pavilion and gallery, the famous James S. McDonnell Planetarium and a four-story OMNIMAX® Theater. And that’s just the beginning.
Visit the Science Center Website
Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum is a nationally accredited institution focusing on local and regional history. The building is home to a variety of exhibits, programs, and events that dive deep into the history of the state. The museum is open 363 days a year, and admission is always free.
Visit the History Museum Website
Saint Louis Art Museum
With a collection that includes original masterpieces by renowned artists from around the world, the Saint Louis Art Museum is home to incredible objects and ever-changing exhibits. Wander around the galleries or take a guided tour. Admission to the museum is free, with free admission to exhibits on Fridays.
Visit the Art Museum Website
The Muny
The St. Louis Municipal Opera, or “The Muny” for short, is an open-air theater that has hosted musical productions every summer since 1917. The Muny season runs from June-August each year, with new shows each week. You can buy tickets or line up for first-come-first-served free seats.
Visit the Muny Website
Boathouse
Rent a paddleboat, canoe, kayak or paddle board and explore the 22 acres of waterways that wind around two islands. Keep an eye out for the locals, like fish, frogs, dragonflies, egrets, kingfishers and ducks. If you’d prefer to enjoy the views from land, you can post up on the restaurant patio.
Visit the Boathouse Website

Activities

Go ahead, get moving.

Golf Courses
You’ll find a 9-hole course, a driving range, practice area and tennis courts at the Highlands Golf and Tennis Club. If you’re looking for more variety, The Forest Park Golf Course features three unique courses, a club house, and a practice area.
Highlands Golf and Tennis Club Forest Park Golf Course
Steinberg Skating Rink
The largest outdoor ice-skating rink in the Midwest, Steinberg offers public skating from November through March, all day, every day—including all holidays. The cash-only rink offers skating lessons and season passes, so you can skate all winter long.
Visit the Steinberg Website
Trails
From islands and waterfalls to forests and gardens, the best way to see all that Forest Park has to offer is to explore its many trails. Take in the scenery on foot or by bike—you can venture around the perimeter of the park or explore the many paths within it.
Explore the trails
Courts
Up the competition at one of Forest Park’s eight handball and racquetball courts. The courts are located on the north side of the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center and available on a first-come basis. Bring some friends and have a ball!
Find them on the map
Playgrounds
Three playgrounds can be found around the park, with giant turtles to climb near Oakland Avenue, swings and slides at the Richard Hudlin tennis courts and a half-acre, state-of-the-art playground designed for children of all abilities near the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center.
Find them on the map

Scenery

Jewel Box
With hundreds of flowers on display year round, the Jewel Box is open to the public Monday-Friday, and admission is just a dollar. The greenhouse and event space is known for its picturesque displays and water features.
Learn More about the Jewel Box
Lakes
The park is home to several lakes, streams and the Emerson Grand Basin at the foot of Art Hill. Paddleboat around the Post-Dispatch Lake, picnic on the shores of Deer Lake, watch the historic fountain in the Round Lake or try your hand at fishing in the Jefferson Lake near the Planetarium.
Find them on the map
Art Hill
Located between the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Emerson Grand Basin, the expansive Art Hill is one of Forest Park’s most iconic and beloved locations. It is home to summer picnics, winter sledding, concerts, film series and much more.
World’s Fair Pavilion
The World’s Fair Pavilion was built in 1909 and overlooks Government Hill’s colorfully lit fountain and reflecting pool. A favorite spot for photos, the magnificent open-air shelter is one of the park's most popular and impressive attractions.
Learn more about the Pavilion
Schedule a Self-Guided Tour