Forest Park

Forest Park showing flowers, a garden and modern architecture
Forest Park featuring a park and interior views
Forest Park which includes heritage architecture and a house
Forest Park which includes a garden, a river or creek and a bridge
Pagoda Circle featuring a pond, a bridge and a garden


Nature, history and cultural institutions come together in one of the United States’ largest urban parks, which buzzes with St. Louis’ dynamic community spirit. 

Get to the heart of St. Louis life by setting aside at least a day to explore Forest Park. Across about 1,300 acres (530 hectares), this vast green space incorporates a wide range of environments, including forests, creeks and lakes. Use the great sports facilities by coming ready to fish, golf, play tennis or play baseball. Reserve time to see the many famous St. Louis cultural attractions here too, some of which are housed in beautiful historic buildings.

Look for history everywhere you go as you wander the park. It opened its gates in 1876 and attracted over 20 million people in 1904 when it hosted the St. Louis World’s Fair. Since then, its significance has only increased, as several important buildings have sprung up within its boundaries.

Travel the world through art as you explore the many galleries of the sprawling St. Louis Art Museum. The collections within this grand turn-of-the-century building span the continents. Afterward, learn about Missouri’s fascinating past at the Missouri History Museum. See exhibits on topics such as the state’s civil rights struggle, St. Louis’ changing neighborhoods and the 1904 St Louis World’s Fair.

Bring your children face-to-face with nature at the St. Louis Zoo, which contains hundreds of different species and has a dedicated insectarium, a penguin and puffin area, and much more. Kids will also enjoy the Science Center, which is full of engaging, child-friendly exhibits, including a captivating planetarium.

In the evening, head to the Muny Opera, the largest outdoor musical theater in the U.S. Admire the beautiful setting, which offers the most magical way of seeing live music.

Reach Forest Park easily by car. The surrounding streets are also well served by public transportation. On a sunny day, the appeal of the park’s beautiful expanses of green is obvious. Come here in any weather and you will have a huge array of interesting indoor activities to choose from.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Forest Park

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Cruises & boat tours

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Reviews of Forest Park

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
724
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
283
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
36
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I thought they were talking about the Forest Park Parkway Hotel... not the actual park. We didn't go to the park Once I clicked the face I couldn't unclick it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very close to St. Louis zoo less than a five minute drive

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

St Louis Zoo and Busch Stadium

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We drove around Forest Park to get to the zoo. Parking is free on hte side streets if you get there early enough, you won't have to walk far. The park is very beautiful, but we did not see much other than the zoo. I would have dedicated more time, but a local advised me there is not too much else for kids and more enjoyable for adults. We opted to spend more time at the City Museum instead.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Parking can be tough. Plan accordingly on weekends

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Enjoyed eating at the boathouse. Would recommend the kayaks or canoes if you want to head over to the grand basin on water - we did the paddle boats and they were too much work/effort. But our whole five person family fit into one and now we can say we did it. The kids had fun.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Forest Park

 The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
4.5 out of 5
212 N Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park
2.5 out of 5
5650 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park
Moonrise Hotel
Moonrise Hotel
4 out of 5
6177 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Moonrise Hotel
Forest Park Hotel by MDR
Forest Park Hotel by MDR
3 out of 5
5915 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO
Forest Park Hotel by MDR
AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End
AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End
4 out of 5
215 YORK AVENUE, St. Louis, MO
AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End
Central West End by Barsala
Central West End by Barsala
4 out of 5
275 Union Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Central West End by Barsala
The Cheshire
The Cheshire
4 out of 5
6300 Clayton Rd, Richmond Heights, MO
The Cheshire
275 On The Park - Senate Apartments By Barsala
275 On The Park - Senate Apartments By Barsala
4 out of 5
275 Union Blvd, St. Louis, MO
275 On The Park - Senate Apartments By Barsala
Central & Equipped Homey Oasis! Bordering forest park
Central & Equipped Homey Oasis! Bordering forest park
St. Louis
Central & Equipped Homey Oasis! Bordering forest park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.