Forest Park

Take a Tour of

As Forest Park celebrates 145 years of being one
of the best parts of St. Louis, take a closer
look at what makes it so special.

Opened in 1876, the founders’ vision was a park that
“the rich and poor, the merchant and mechanic, the
professional man and the day laborer, each with his
family and lunch basket, can come and enjoy his own
... all without stint or hindrance
... and there will be no notice put up to 'Keep off the grass.'"

(More than Busch Stadium and the Arch combined.)

Today, 1,300 acres of green space and
cultural attractions draw 12 million visitors a year.

It’s home to 5 major cultural institutions:
Saint Louis Art Museum
Saint Louis Science Center
Missouri History Museum
The Muny
Saint Louis Zoo

Plus:
World's Fair Pavilion
Jewel Box
Steinberg Skating Rink

Leaping lemurs!
The free St. Louis Zoo is home to more than 12,000 animals.

While you're there, walk or climb through the
Primate Canopy Trails (opened July 2021).

Want to splash in a stream or jump
from boulder to tree stump?

You can do that and more in the new Nature Playscape:
17 acres of experiential play space among
native and diverse plant species.

Hike through John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest
with an expert in your ear.
Take the guided audio tour available at

Stuck at your desk, but wish you could take a hike?

See the park through its waterways: rent a kayak,
paddle boat or canoe.
Try not to tip in Post Dispatch Lake (it's 20 feet deep in parts).

Make a wish on a shooting star.
See a star show on the largest artificial sky
in the Western Hemisphere at the McDonnell Planetarium.

Just watch out for dinosaurs nearby.

Bring your racket, glove or club - the park includes:
Tennis courts
Pickleball courts
Golf courses
Baseball, softball and soccer fields

Walk, bike or roll your wheelchair on the
6-plus miles of trails around the park.

Sled on Art Hill, a snow day tradition since 1905.

Fly a kite.

Read a book.

Pack a picnic.

Enjoy one of the most beautiful
urban parks in the world.