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Forest Park

Forest Park, St. Louis, MO 63112 · St. Louis, MO

Why you should go…

At 1,300 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest and finest urban parks in America, home to the zoo, art museum, history museum and science center, all free. Rent a paddleboat on Post-Dispatch Lake, bike the 6-mile loop, or catch a free summer musical at The Muny outdoor theatre. You could spend your whole trip here and never run out.

  • #park
  • #trails
  • #picnic
  • #free
  • #biking

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Forest Park, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    The Muny

    $25–$50

    America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, Broadway-scale shows under the stars in Forest Park, with nearly 1,500 free seats every night.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Saint Louis Zoo

    Free

    One of America's top-rated zoos, 14,000 animals in beautiful Forest Park habitats, and admission is always free.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Missouri History Museum

    Free

    From Lewis & Clark to Lindbergh and the 1904 World's Fair, St. Louis's epic story, told brilliantly and admission-free.

    0.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Date Night

    Missouri Botanical Garden

    Under $25

    79 acres of horticultural bliss, a grand Victorian glasshouse, a serene Japanese garden and blooms in every season.

    2.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Laumeier Sculpture Park

    Free

    60 monumental sculptures scattered across 105 wooded acres, anchored by a 65-foot scarlet steel giant. Free, open daily from 7 a.m. to past sunset.

    9.1 mi awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Hermann Wine Trail

    Free

    A self-guided wine trail linking family-owned wineries along the Missouri River near Hermann.

    62 mi awayMore like this