Nothing much left to say that hasn't already been said. This park is a huge point of pride for STLers. So much to do, so beautiful and clean, so much of it FREE, so close to home, so full of win. This last time I went on the boats at the Boathouse for the first time, and I didn't realize how far out you could paddle! You get a really nice tour of a big chunk of the park! Had a blast convincing my boyfriend to drive our kayak directly into the fountains in front of Art Hill and get soaked. Beautiful day with all sorts of people enjoying the atmosphere. I saw more wildlife here than I did hiking at Castlewood earlier in the day. Mostly birds, but I'm a big bird fan. Mallards, Wood ducks (FAVORITE), different variaties of cranes and birds, turtles (*zombie kid voice* I like turtles!) and even a nest full of big eggs from some big ol' bird. Funnn! I have only started recently going to the park since the boyfriend moved in near here, but I have a feeling me and Forest Park will be BFFs this summer. read more

Not only is this park almost DOUBLE the size of Central Park in New York, it houses two museums and the St. Louis Zoo...which are all free! The green space for this park is immense with fountains and TONS of people. It is a MUST for a day of inexpensive cultural uplifting. read more

Easily my favorite spot to spend a Saturday. Wide open spaces, walking paths, lake benches, and free attractions. I love the art museum and can wander around there anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours. Being free I don't feel like I have to see everything in one visit. This relaxed tone definitely increases the enjoyment level. Paddle boating, drinking wine at the boathouse, lazy strolls, and a zoo - Forest Park has most anything you could want for a day out by yourself, a date, or your family. Jewel of the city for sure. read more

Something for everyone, all the time. I work nearby, so I often (though not often enough) run through the park during lunch. There are a gravel and paved paths, and it's easy to add or subtract distance while maintaining an enjoyable route. I especially enjoy a pit stop at the History Museum for a water, potty, and air-con break in the summer. It gets a little spooky as the weather gets colder, so I tend to stay on the perimeter when there are few people around. Earth Day is a fun spectacle, both the planned and unplanned activities. Went to the Balloon Race for the first time last year and would definitely recommend it---the energy is so positive. There is a restaurant in the History Museum---I haven't been there in years, but it affords a lovely view of the park, especially when everything is covered by a blanket of snow. The food at the Boathouse is meh, but the ambiance makes up for it. read more

An enormous park with something for everyone. For no charge, visit the art museum, history museum, science center, zoo, or grab a free seat at the outdoor theatre. There is also a golf course, paddle boating, and an ice rink that charge admission. There are many paths great for walking, biking, running, and rollerblading. There is a horse stable, lakes that some people fish out of, and many other sights to see. The environment here is great and many community events are hosted in the park throughout the year. Parking can be a nightmare during large events, so arrive early and have some patience when finding a spot. Be aware that the police do issue tickets for No Parking zones (yellow curbs and marked areas). A free spot could turn into $25 parking, so be aware! read more

The crown jewel of St. Louis! The city is lucky to have such a beautiful place to have fun and learn.

A historic area that has undergone loving restoration. We stop through whenever in town. Besides the great museums are charming dining spots as well great locations to hold special gatherings. A spring wedding ceremony brought us to the Pavilion....we witnessed exchanging of vows with a backdrop overlooking the park grounds. For those familiar with Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, think grander, more open, more to do and more refined. Most of the points of interest are on higher ground with the strolling and dining areas closer to ground level. Make sure to give yourself extra driving time! Yes, fantastic for children. Make sure to have a taxi lined up ahead of time if attending an evening event. read more

My boyfriend was in town visiting St. Louis for the first time, so naturally we had to go to Forest Park, despite the fact that it was the middle of December and the best parts of the park could only be experienced from the view of a well heated car. We still enjoyed it though and I enjoyed pointing out my favorite parts: the zoo, the history museum, art museum, Muny, boat house, Jewel Box, golf course, etc. and regaling him with tales of winters past when sledders would whoosh into the pond below Art Hill or how people would fuse the backs of their legs to their seats while seeing the Muny in the heat of July. Good times, good times. Forest Park is really a great space, and people in St. Louis are lucky to have the only free zoo in the nation and so many more other cultural spaces all at their fingertips in one place. Yes, I know it's not the safest after dark and the bikers and runners have an ongoing feud about who gets precedence for the paved paths versus the gravel ones, but those aren't enough to deter me from really liking this park (which is also larger than Central Park in New York, doncha know). The next time I take him back, we'll come in the warm weather so he can experience the zoo and the museums when they're open, but as an intro to St. Louis and all the grandness that is Forest Park and the surrounding houses, this was very good. read more

I love this place! It's big and there's so much to do here! Totally pet friendly. And there's so many attractions and so much parking. It's a must visit in STL. read more

Driving around you, walking around you, running around you, I love you in every light. Been lost in you dozens of times, distracted old men golfing in you dozens of times, had numerous picnics, the freakin ZOO, even my college graduation was in you (when I ran through the park barefoot and then up the hill inside the Muny and was sweaty and crying cause I was late to my own damn graduation) I love you Forest Park. read more

This place is huge and so, so pretty. The boathouse is a cute place to have a little lunch and the jewel box is just a unique place to check out. My husband and I took our engagement pictures here and my friend is getting married in October IN the Jewel Box! Perfect place to run, read a book, take pictures and relax. read more

This park is large and beautiful, so it's a shame it was raining (heavily) when we drove through there today. The view from outside the art museum is particularly nice, as it's high above the rest of the park and it looks out on a large fountain. As an aside, the neighborhood surrounding the park is *gorgeous*. read more

Went for a really sweaty, humid, hot, stuffy run this morning. The weather was 100% at fault for the discomfort from my run. The only saving grace was the beautiful well paved and friendly fellow runners around me in this gorgeous park! One of the parks that really does have everything you would want, and one of the prettiest (including comparing to Golden Gate Park and Central Park). Must-see. read more

Quite simply one of the best large Urban Parks in all of America is found right here. The secret to Forest Park is the right mindset. You need to be willing to explore as this park has so much to offer. Don't rush yourself trying to find the zoo, or the Jewel Box, or while trying to find a parking space for the Science Center. If you're in the right mindset you'll notice the bike trails, the pathways, the canals, the wooded areas, and the quiet spaces where in the middle of the city you can find peace and even a bit of solitude at times. 5 Stars? More like 5 x 5 Stars. Large urban parks like this are the visions of people that are no longer with us. They don't build parks like this anymore. Enjoy it, celebrate it, and help preserve it. Forest Park is truly a crown jewel, but it gets it's real sparkle from when people like yourself visit it and enjoy it. read more

You really can't ignore how awesome this place is by shear size alone. If anyone lives within 5 miles of this place and doesn't come at least on a monthly basis for... ANYTHING among the plethora of attractions and paths this place has to offer... there's something seriously wrong with them. Now let's say someone fit that criteria and is, say, agoraphobic. Well... uh... sorry. read more

Forest Park, those two words is one of the reasons that make St. Louis such a fun city to live in. Opening in 1876, Forest Park has been providing the St. Louis area with a great deal of entertainment for quite a while. For Forest Park to entertain, it is quite easy. The park has the zoo, The Muny, the Science Center, the Art Museum, Jewel Box, History Museum, Archery Range, Golf Course and numerous bike and running paths just to name a few of the fun activities that Forest Park has to offer. Say that Forest Park has a lot to due is like telling people a chicken has feathers, everyone knows, but it is good to be reassured at times. Having lived just a couple of blocks away from the park I really do miss the luxury that I had just down the street. Though, now living in the awful land of the mundane and horribly manicured lawns, I still make my way to the park as much as possible. read more

My first non-food review: Forest Park belongs on the list of great city parks: Bois de Boulogne, Central Park, Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Boston Gardens, Lincoln Park, etc., etc. I love good city parks and this one is a real treasure not to be missed. The perimeter path is a roughly 5.6 mile loop and I think anyone staying near the park (I rec Moonrise Hotel on Delmar) should run over to Forest Park and run the loop. It is clean, well kept, other runners/bikers/walkers are friendly, and it seemed very safe. Go and enjoy the respite that only a city park can provide. read more

Beautiful! That's definitely the first thing that comes to mind whenever I think about Forest Park. I love this park because it is so huge with so many things to do! There are many trails for walkers, runners and bikers. Best thing about them is that they are well kept and there are different distances available from a short half mile up to 6 miles. It is super accessible to many different neighborhoods that I also enjoy such as Delmar Loop and Central West End. Many spaces are available for parking and the Metro stop spits you literally right next to it. A lot of festivals and events are held here annually like St. Louis Earth Day, Great Forest Park Balloon Race, LouFest and many more! Last but not least the Art Museum, Missouri History Museum and the crown of all jewels which is the Zoo can all be found here which by the way all have free admission! Oh my goodness what more can you ask for? Most definitely my favorite spot in all of Saint Louis! read more

There are so many things happening at forest park during the summer. It's a beautiful, lively place. Running and biking tracks, ST Louis zoo, museum, archery, softball fields, handball courts, golf, tennis, etc. read more

My family and I love to come here. We visit the Zoo or the art museum even go to the Muny. We always bring a BIG picnic basket full of food and blankets and loaf around on the grounds. If we lived closer we'd be here all the time! Fun Facts: -Forest Park was home to the 1904 World's Fair. Which drew in over 19 million people. It also boasts to be the home of the invention of the ice cream cone. -Forest Park is the largest municpal park in the united states. Its even bigger than Central Park, NY. read more

Beautiful! Just beautiful!....besides girls trying to workout in the damn fountain and almost busting their a$$!! I love the fountain, the green grass, the ducks(babies and mommas), and the friendly people. Just one of the few places in STL that is very pleasing to the eyes. I really want to get a picnic basket together, lay out a blanket, and enjoy mother earth here in this park. read more

Forest Park is amazeballs! I love visiting this place. There are always free events going on here and the atmosphere is great! The park is huge; in fact, I manage to get lost every time I go. Every weekend there is something going on and I love making my way around the park to see everything. This is a beautiful park and I know when I have friends come into town they will love it as much as I do! The park is always clean and well maintained which makes it even better! I look forward to visiting this park and can't wait for the next event. Movies, music, museums, etc. It doesn't get much better. read more

yes this is the place to go to be outside. Golfing - check, running trail - check, paved biking trail - check, lake, zoo, paddle boats, tennis courts, diamonds, history and science museum, something of an important history check. Did i mention the hot hair balloon race? Check. So after takeing the light rail from the hotel. Our little group is looking for the balloons that are to take off at 4. Schedule doesn't allow us to stay and see the race but still we wanted to see what was going on. We found the running trail and biking trail that circles the park. We also found the golf course. We also found us clueless as to where we are going. This park is huge. We found the gold coursclub house. We braved ire and sliced balls getting there. One map and one beer later. we get the lay of the park. We find art hill and lake and tennis courts with one main court used for tournaments. We walked though the history museum on the way out. Like any lost soul. Where you are going is really just over the hill when you decide to head back. The museum has a replica of Lingburgh's plane. A little history on him. Annhiser Bush brewing company, the world's fair and olypmics that where hosted here. side note. the houses on Lindale are amazing, An obvious topic of lost conversation for us. The big hit. Huge back yards. Yes housing and gas prices are a must 5 minute conversation. read more

Forest Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

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Absolutely the finest park in all of the land. From the 6 mile track that weaves through the outer edges of the park, to the lakes and streams, to the world-class (and free!) Zoo, there isn't anything like it that I've ever experienced. I should point out that it's in the middle of the city!!! Yes, this is a city park that includes an 18 hole public golf course, multiple museums, a tennis stadium, a theater, and on and on... If you're visiting St Louis, Forest Park is a must see. Seriously, just drive around it. It's almost impossible not to stop and explore. read more

I have so many great experiences in Forest Park. About 90% of my trips to the park include running on the pathway or running up one of the many hills. I am fortunate enough to live a half mile away from the entrance to the park and can go running through the park at anytime. Two days ago, I ran down Lindell Blvd, which borders the park to the north, to the History Museum and back to Skinker. I felt like part of a runner's club because everyone I passed on the pathway waved as they went by. The grass along the path and on the golf course was bright green and inviting. I am proud to be able to use one of the nation's largest city parks. The park also features a beautiful pool in front of the Art Museum, complete with fountains. The Art Museum and the Zoo are world-renowned, and the golf course is one of the City's best. read more

One of my favorite places in St Louis ! Museums, boathouse, grand bassin... absolutely love this place and full of event through the year (more in the spring/summer though) read more

Forest Park - St Louis Fall - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

How have I not reviewed Forest Park yet? Especially since I go here all the time. No joke. Forest Park is magnificent. There are so many areas to explore and see. I even keep a map of Forest Park in my car so that if we get bored we can find a new spot to check out! Forest Park is home to the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Art Museum, the Muny, Art Hill, the Boathouse, the St. Louis Science Center, the Missouri History Museum and so much more. If you are visiting St. Louis, you should definitely go here and see how truly beautiful Forest Park is for yourself. And if you live in St. Louis, I'm sure we have crossed paths at one time or another here! read more

Totally agree with the yelper that called this 'world class.' Because it is. Well-kept trails going throughout the park allowing for a variety of walks and runs. The whole park has both gravel and pavement trails, which I love because running only on pavement hurts my joints. Forest Park has access to a variety of free activities- the zoo, visiting the jewel box, the art museum, etc. I definitely suggest going to the art museum then taking a walk around, the beautiful fountains and scenery can take you away. read more

I love this park! Beautiful landscape, wide walking paths, and a spectacular fountain are just the beginning. It is also the home of the zoo, art museum, history museum, MUNY, science center, and world fair pavilion just to name a few! Free admission and parking to each of these makes this a destination spot you don't want to miss. Having a dedicated trolley that only costs $2 a person for an all day pass is a huge bonus and makes getting around the park very convenient. Highly recommend! read more

Forest Park - View from in front of the art museum. - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

The boathouse restaurant is just lovely, great food and super service. Setting is serene, We love eating outside.

At some point, if you jog in Forest Park, you end up here to use the restroom, or snag a drink. I've found out that the café here isn't all that bad, and is a pretty decent place to get some coffee if you start your day at 11a.m., like me. I like drinking coffee, eating a bagel, and reading the paper (when I get the time) on their really nice patio. The visitor's center is also a great place to get the latest hubbub on events in Forest Park, as well as information related to other attractions in the Metropolitan St. Louis Area. There's handball and racquetball courts nearby, as well as a massive playground for the kiddos. read more

This is one of the largest parks in the country. There's tons to do, as well. Jogging/biking/rowing/games, you name it. Additionally, it houses some great venues - the Zoo, the Muny, the St. Louis Art Museum. It's very open and easy to get around, and in my experience, it's never hard to find parking. It also is in a good spot - right off the highway and near Washington University in St. Louis. Check out the Jewel Box for some pretty pictures. read more

The Zoo, Science Center, Steinberg skating rink, Probstein Golf Course, Boathouse, Art Museum, History Museum, bike trails, walking trails, fishing @ Jefferson lake, the Muny, Turtle Park, Art Hill, Tennis courts, playgrounds, baseball fields, year round events, and acre upon acre of green space - all located in the center of the St. Louis area. If you don't love Forest Park, there is something wrong with you! read more

Yeah I had a lot of fun in Forest park. It is one of the coolest parts of St. Louis! This is usually one of my favorite stops in St. Louis. The next time I go visit my sister I will have to stop by this place. read more

Forest Park was one of those places that I wished I lived closer to and could have spent more time here. I loved going to the zoo and just wandering around the grounds on a sunny day. The administration of the park was also very friendly to the community. My university was shooting a commercial for a student advertising class, and they graciously granted us permission to shoot the night scenes here. read more

Forest Park opened in 1876 and is 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York City and was the site of the 1904 World's Fair. Needless to say, it rocks! There are acres and acres of forests and paths to walk, bike or roller blade on. There are ample picnic areas, sometimes near neat little buildings. There are lakes, the St. Louis Zoo, The St. Louis Art Museum, The Jewel Box and much more. Nearly everything here is free, so come on out and enjoy the park! Forest Park is crowded every weekend during nice weather, and is usually crowded every day during the summer. There is plenty of free parking, if you are willing to walk to your final destination. Every year in the fall the Great Forest Park Balloon Race takes place. If you can't get to the park you'll still be able to see all of the wonderful balloons throughout St. Louis. In the summers you can catch the shows of the Shakespeare Festival. There is a wine festival....basically, anything you can imagine takes place at some point during the year in Forest Park. read more

The largest metropolitan park next to Central Park in NYC. I especially love it after a big summer thunderstorm when some of the gigantic trees have had a battle with nature and block roads making a crazy maze while all the lights are out. Seriously. read more

Phenomenal urban green space oasis! It's beautiful and big with so many amazing things to do and most are FREE. The Zoo was free and walking through the park to get to it was such a lovely walk filled with small bridges, tons of birds and paddle boats on the water. We first went to the Park Visitor Center to get a map and local brochures of places nearby that sound interesting. They have a small cafe. I got a mint tea, scone and cookie, which were all delicious. I took the kids next door, to the left of Visitor Center is Wonderland Playground. You have to access it from the outside by the main parking lot. The Zoo's main entrance has a great cafe and yummy falafel wrap with tzatziki. The Butterfly enclosure was amazing. Hundreds of unusual butterflies fluttering all around inside a jungle of butterfly plants. I thought the leaf cutter ant exhibit in the insect area was fascinating. I love learning things...who knew that the ants don't eat what they carry back, but use it to grow fungus! read more

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Forest Park is such a beautiful park. we enjoy walking in it and hope that the Muny is open this summer. The boathouse is a great place to eat! read more

Love love love forest park. Great place to visit, ride bikes through, go on a walk, or read a book on art hill. Highly recommend a visit to anyone in town. read more