Discover the Beauty of Forest Park
Located in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, Forest Park is a huge, beautiful green space filled with cultural landmarks, fun activities, and peaceful scenery. Covering about 1,300 acres, Forest Park is even bigger than New York City’s Central Park, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
A Look at the History
Forest Park opened on June 24, 1876, and has been an important part of St. Louis ever since. It became famous around the world in 1904 when it hosted the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the 1904 World’s Fair, and the Summer Olympics. This was the first time the Olympics were held in the Western Hemisphere.
Cultural Highlights in the Park
Forest Park isn’t just about nature; it’s also full of amazing places to learn about art, history, science, and theater. These attractions make the park a great place for people of all ages to visit and enjoy.
Saint Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum is one of the main attractions in Forest Park. It is in a beautiful building built for the 1904 World’s Fair. The museum has over 34,000 pieces of art from 5,000 years of history. You can see works by famous artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt, as well as artifacts from ancient civilizations. The museum also hosts special exhibitions, educational programs, and community events throughout the year.
Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum offers a look at the rich history of the region. It is located in the Jefferson Memorial Building and covers important moments in St. Louis history, like the westward expansion, the 1904 World’s Fair, and the civil rights movement. The museum features artifacts, photos, and interactive displays, along with events like lectures and family-friendly workshops.
Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center is a great place for anyone interested in science and technology. It has over 700 interactive exhibits about space, robots, the environment, and more. Highlights include the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, where you can learn about space, and the OMNIMAX Theater, which shows educational films on a giant screen. The Science Center aims to inspire curiosity and a love for science in kids and adults alike.
The Muny
The Muny is America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater. Located in the heart of Forest Park, it has been entertaining audiences since 1918. Each summer, The Muny puts on a season of musicals, from classic favorites to modern hits. It can seat 11,000 people, including 1,500 free seats for anyone who comes early. The Muny is a popular and beloved cultural experience for the St. Louis community.
Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is one of the best zoos in the country, known for its excellent animal care, conservation work, and education programs. The zoo is home to over 12,000 animals from about 500 species. Some of the most popular exhibits are River’s Edge, featuring elephants, hippos, and cheetahs, and the Primate Canopy Trails, where visitors can see different primates in natural settings. Best of all, admission to the zoo is free, making it a family-friendly destination.
These cultural attractions make Forest Park a place where you can learn, be inspired, and have fun, whether you love art, history, science, theater, or animals.
Fun Things to Do in Forest Park
Forest Park has tons of activities for people of all ages and interests. Whether you want to take a peaceful walk, enjoy the water, or play sports, there’s something for everyone.
Golf Courses
The park has two main golf courses: the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course and the Highlands Golf and Tennis Center. The Norman K. Probstein Golf Course has three nine-hole courses, so golfers can mix and match for an 18-hole round. It is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Forest Park, making it a favorite spot for locals and visitors. The Highlands Golf and Tennis Center has a par-3 golf course as well as tennis courts. Both courses are great for golfers of all skill levels.
Boating
The Boathouse at Forest Park is a great place to enjoy the water. You can rent paddleboats, kayaks, or canoes to explore Post-Dispatch Lake. The lake is calm and perfect for a relaxing boat ride, with beautiful views of the park’s trees and wildlife. In the warmer months, you can also eat at the Boathouse, making it a nice spot to relax after boating.
Trails
Forest Park has lots of trails for walking, jogging, and biking. The Dual Path system has separate paths for walkers and cyclists, so everyone can enjoy the trails safely. One of the most popular trails is the 3.5-mile Forest Park Running and Walking Trail, which circles the park and offers great views of lakes, open fields, and wooded areas. There’s also the Nature Reserve Trail, which goes through quieter areas of the park, giving you a chance to see wildlife and native plants.
Tennis
The Dwight Davis Tennis Center is a great spot for tennis lovers. It has more than a dozen courts and hosts local tournaments and events throughout the year. The courts are well-kept, and you can also take lessons or join clinics to improve your game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this is a fun place to play tennis.
Ice Skating
In the winter, the Steinberg Skating Rink is a favorite spot in Forest Park. It’s the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest, and it’s open every day, even on holidays. There’s also a cozy café where you can warm up with hot cocoa or a snack after skating. The rink, with its festive lights and fun atmosphere, makes skating here a magical experience.
Picnic Areas and Playgrounds
Forest Park has many picnic areas and playgrounds, making it perfect for family outings. The picnic spots have tables and some even have barbecue grills, so you can enjoy a meal outdoors. The Dennis & Judith Jones Variety Wonderland Playground is a favorite for kids, with plenty of fun equipment to climb, slide, and explore. These family-friendly areas are great for making memories in the park.
Athletic Fields
If you enjoy team sports, Forest Park has several athletic fields where you can play soccer, softball, or rugby. The fields are well-kept and are used for both casual games and organized leagues. There are also open spaces where you can play frisbee, do yoga, or just relax on the grass. These fields and open areas make Forest Park a great place for all kinds of physical activities.
These activities make Forest Park a lively and fun place to be, offering countless ways to enjoy the outdoors, stay active, and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Natural Beauty and Conservation
Forest Park is full of natural beauty, with forests, lakes, streams, and nature reserves. It is a perfect place to enjoy nature and see local wildlife. The park is managed with the help of Forest Park Forever, a nonprofit organization that works to keep the park healthy and beautiful. They have done a lot of work to remove and replace trees affected by the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that has been damaging trees across North America.
The park has also restored prairie and wetland areas to help reduce flooding and attract more wildlife. These efforts help make sure that Forest Park stays a beautiful and sustainable green space for future generations.
Events and Festivals
Throughout the year, Forest Park hosts many festivals and events that reflect the city’s culture. From art fairs and music festivals to charity runs and community gatherings, there is always something happening at the park that brings people together and offers fun for all ages.
Visitor Information
Forest Park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and gets about 13 million visitors each year. Admission to the park and its major attractions is free, though some places may charge for special exhibits or events. The park is easy to get to by public transportation, including MetroBus and MetroLink, making it convenient for both residents and visitors.
Conclusion
Forest Park is a special part of St. Louis that blends nature, history, art, and science to create a wonderful experience for everyone. It is a place where you can relax, learn, and have fun all at once, and it shows how much the city values both culture and nature.
Whether you want a quiet place to relax, an exciting educational experience, or a fun community event, Forest Park has something for you. Come explore all it has to offer and discover the heart of St. Louis.
