Overview
Forest Park is a 1,300-acre public park located in St. Louis, Missouri. Larger than Central Park in New York City, it sits just west of the city's Midtown and is widely regarded as one of the finest urban parks in the country. The park is free to enter and operates year-round, making it accessible to a broad range of visitors.
The park gained international recognition as the site of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition (World's Fair) and the 1904 Summer Olympics. Remnants and monuments from that era are woven throughout the landscape, giving the park a layered historical identity that goes well beyond green space.
Today, Forest Park contains five major cultural institutions — the Saint Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Muny (an outdoor amphitheater), and the Saint Louis Science Center — several of which offer free general admission. A network of trails, lakes, and open meadows fills the space between these anchors, making the park popular with joggers, cyclists, families, and picnickers alike.
Getting There
By Car
Forest Park is located in the western portion of St. Louis, bounded roughly by Lindell Boulevard to the north, Skinker Boulevard to the west, Oakland Avenue to the south, and Kingshighway Boulevard to the east. It is accessible from Interstate 64 (US-40), which runs along the park's southern edge. Parking lots are available at various points around the park; most are free, though this can vary by location and event.
By Metro
St. Louis's MetroLink light rail system serves Forest Park via the Forest Park–DeBaliviere station on the Red and Blue lines. This is a convenient and affordable option for visitors staying in downtown St. Louis or arriving at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Verify current fares and schedules at the Bi-State Development / Metro Transit website before travel.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate throughout St. Louis and can drop off directly at park entrances or individual attractions.
Getting Around
The park is large enough that walking between all attractions in a single outing can be tiring. Cycling is a practical alternative — bike-share options have operated in the St. Louis area, though availability and operators change; verify current options locally.
A free shuttle (the Forest Park Trolley) has operated seasonally in the past, connecting major attractions within the park. Check with the Forest Park Forever organization or the City of St. Louis Parks Department for current seasonal schedules, as service details can change year to year.
For visitors with mobility considerations, most paved paths and institution interiors comply with ADA accessibility standards, though terrain between areas can include hills.
Where to Stay
Forest Park itself contains no lodging. Hotels are concentrated in the surrounding neighborhoods and in downtown St. Louis. The Central West End and Clayton (a neighboring municipality to the west) both have established hotel options within a short drive or MetroLink ride of the park. Visitors should search current inventory through standard booking platforms and verify proximity to park entrances before booking.
Short-term rental properties are also available in the surrounding residential neighborhoods, which can be a practical choice for families or longer visits to the greater St. Louis area.
Things to See & Do
Cultural Institutions
Most of Forest Park's flagship cultural venues charge no general admission, though special exhibitions or specific programs may carry a fee. Always verify current admission policies directly with each institution before your visit.
- Saint Louis Zoo — One of the most visited zoos in the United States, with a large and diverse animal collection spread across a well-maintained campus.
- Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) — Situated atop Art Hill, the museum holds a substantial permanent collection spanning ancient to contemporary works.
- Missouri History Museum — Focuses on St. Louis and Missouri history, including extensive 1904 World's Fair exhibits.
- Saint Louis Science Center — Family-oriented facility with interactive exhibits; connected by a bridge over Interstate 64.
- The Muny — A 12,000-seat outdoor musical theater operating summer seasons; some seats are traditionally reserved as free on a first-come basis (verify current policy with the Muny directly).
Outdoor Activities
Forest Park has several miles of paved trails suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. The park includes multiple lakes — Horseshoe Lake, Post-Dispatch Lake, and others — where paddleboats and other non-motorized watercraft have historically been available seasonally (verify current rentals on-site). There are also disc golf courses, tennis courts, and athletic fields scattered throughout.
Art Hill and the Grand Basin
The Grand Basin at the base of Art Hill is a focal point of the park. In winter, the hill becomes a popular sledding destination when conditions allow. In warmer months, the lawn hosts casual gatherings and is a favored spot for photographs.
Food & Drink
Food and beverage concessions are available within several of the park's institutions and at seasonal kiosks, particularly near the Grand Basin and the zoo. Options tend toward casual fare — sandwiches, snacks, beverages — rather than sit-down dining.
For a broader restaurant selection, the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the park offer good choices. The Delmar Loop (near the park's northwest corner) and the Central West End (along the park's northeast edge on Lindell Boulevard) both have concentrations of cafes, restaurants, and bars spanning a range of cuisines and price points. These areas are walkable from the park's perimeter.
Picnicking is permitted in most open areas of the park and is a popular option, particularly on weekends. Grocery stores and delis in the surrounding neighborhoods can supply provisions.
Practical Information
Restrooms and Facilities
Public restrooms are available at the major institutions and at several standalone facilities within the park. Availability and maintenance can vary by season.
Park Hours and Admission
Forest Park itself is a public park with no gate admission. Individual institutions set their own hours and fee schedules — verify directly with each venue, as hours often differ by season and may change for holidays.
Accessibility
The park and most of its institutions are committed to ADA compliance. Visitors with specific accessibility needs should contact individual venues in advance to confirm accommodations.
Useful Contact
Forest Park Forever, the nonprofit that partners with the City of St. Louis to maintain the park, maintains a website with maps, event calendars, and facility information. The City of St. Louis Parks Department is the official governing body.
Safety
Forest Park is a heavily used public park and is generally considered safe during daylight hours, particularly in the areas around major attractions. Like any large urban park, it is advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, especially in less-trafficked wooded or remote sections, and to avoid isolated areas after dark.
For emergencies, dial 911. St. Louis city police patrol the park, and park rangers are also present. Visitors should secure valuables in vehicles out of sight and avoid leaving bags unattended.
St. Louis as a city has elevated crime statistics compared to national averages; however, the park and immediately surrounding cultural district neighborhoods (Central West End, the Loop) see substantially lower incident rates than other parts of the city. Standard urban awareness practices apply.
