Forest Park is a 1,300-acre public park in St. Louis, Missouri, with lakes, woodland paths, gardens and several of the city’s major cultural institutions. You can spend time outdoors, then visit the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Science Center or Saint Louis Zoo, all within the park. The grounds also hold The Muny outdoor theater and the Jewel Box greenhouse. Pack a picnic for a lakeside stop, or bring comfortable shoes or a bike to cover more of the park.
A park shaped by the 1904 World’s Fair
Forest Park opened in 1876 and later became the site of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition and Summer Olympics. At more than 1,300 acres, it is larger than New York City’s Central Park. The grounds combine woodland, waterways, meadows and recreation areas with cultural institutions and historic structures.
Some landmarks connect directly to the fair. The Saint Louis Art Museum, designed by Cass Gilbert in the Beaux-Arts style, is the only building from the exposition that remains in the park. The Cabanne House, built in 1876, is another of the park’s early structures. Art Hill, the Grand Basin and the World’s Fair Pavilion are among the places to look for as you explore.
Museums, a zoo and an outdoor theater
The park is home to the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Science Center and Saint Louis Zoo. The art museum and history museum have free admission; the zoo is also free. The Science Center is another major park attraction, though admission is not free. If you plan to visit more than one institution, set aside time for each rather than treating the park as a single walk.
The art museum’s collection spans periods and cultures. It includes the world’s largest collection of works by German Expressionist painter Max Beckmann, who lived in St. Louis after the war. A glass-and-stone wing designed by architect David Chipperfield was added in 2013. The Missouri History Museum has exhibits on the region, including displays connected with the 1904 fair.
The Muny is an outdoor theater in the park, and the grounds also host the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival. Performances and other events bring additional crowds, especially in summer, so check event details if you are planning your visit around a show.
Lakes, paths and places to pause
You can follow paved paths on foot or by bike, or seek out longer routes in the John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest. The park’s varied terrain includes hills, wooded areas and open green space. Its paths suit a quiet stroll as well as a longer run or ride.
Water is part of the park’s layout: lakes, streams, fountains and the Grand Basin create places to stop along the way. Boats can be rented for paddling on park waters, including Post-Dispatch Lake. Picnic areas include Picnic Island; the grassy area near Pagoda Circle is another option when Art Hill is busy.
The park also has facilities for sports and family outings, including tennis courts, a golf course, a playground and an ice rink. The Jewel Box greenhouse adds a garden stop to a day outdoors. With museums, recreation areas and paths spread across a large area, choose a few destinations and plan your route around them.
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Is Forest Park free to visit?
The park itself is a public space. The Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum and Saint Louis Zoo have free admission; some activities and attractions may cost extra.
How large is Forest Park?
It covers more than 1,300 acres, making it larger than New York City’s Central Park.
What museums and attractions are in Forest Park?
The park is home to the Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, Saint Louis Zoo, The Muny and the Jewel Box greenhouse.
Can you bike in Forest Park?
Yes. The park has paved cycling paths, and bringing a bike is one way to cover more ground.
