Most people in St. Louis know of or have visited Forest Park. It is home to many of our most beloved museums and attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Art Museum. But there is so much more to this huge park, hiding in plain sight! Read below to see some of the other amazing things you can do on a visit to Forest Park.
There are many different woodland scapes to explore at the Deer Lake Savanna.
Forest Park Forever Website This 24 acre portion of the park is dedicated to restoring the natural beauty of the wooded area of Forest Park. You’ll find a prairie, savanna, wetland and planted - forested areas, in this ecologically diverse section of Forest Park.
Picnic Island is perfect for….
David Blank - Flickr Picnics of course! But this beautiful island and suspension bridge are also a favorite place for wedding pictures.
There are seemingly endless options for walking, running, hiking, or biking in Forest Park.
Karen G. - Yelp One of the most popular trails is in The John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest. The John F. Kennedy Trail, nicknamed the Boardwalk, is a fully ADA compliant, 1/2 mile trail that follows a gentle slope over ravines through the forest.
You can go fishing in Forest Park…
Christy A. - Yelp The most popular lake for fishing in Forest Park is Jefferson Lake. This lake is fully stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, and carp. It is a great fishing spot for all skill levels and does require a Missouri fishing license. You can purchase a license at many sporting goods stores and at local Walmart stores.
…Or just relax and spend some quiet time by one of the many lakes here.
Alessia E. - Yelp
There are many outdoor sports fields at Forest Park.
Dwight Davis Memorial Tennis Center - Facebook You can play tennis at the Dwight Davis Memorial Tennis Center. Or play a round of golf at the Norman K. Probstein Golf Courses.
You’ll find both golf and tennis courts at the Highlands Golf and Tennis Center.
The Highlands Golf and Tennis Center - Facebook There are also four handball courts and four racquetball courts available. These centers and sports fields are separate identities with in Forest Park and can require a fee or a membership.
You can navigate the waterways with a paddle boat rented from the Boathouse.
Boathouse Forest Park - Facebook Known for their great food and outstanding service, the Boathouse Restaurant is a must visit in St. Louis. An added bonus of renting a paddle boat is getting to see places you couldn’t otherwise. One such place is Wildlife Island. It’s located in the western half of Post Dispatch Lake and is a favorite for bird watching.
It’s no secret that Art Hill is the place to sled on a snowy winter day. But we’ve included it for those who might be new to the St. Louis area.
Paul Sableman - Flickr
Also perfect for a winter day is ice skating at Steinberg Ice Skating Rink.
David Shane - Flickr
Any day or time of year there is something to do in Forest Park. Forest Park is located at: 5595 Grand Dr., St. Louis, MO 63112.
Forest Park Forever Website
This 24 acre portion of the park is dedicated to restoring the natural beauty of the wooded area of Forest Park. You’ll find a prairie, savanna, wetland and planted - forested areas, in this ecologically diverse section of Forest Park.
David Blank - Flickr
Picnics of course! But this beautiful island and suspension bridge are also a favorite place for wedding pictures.
Karen G. - Yelp
One of the most popular trails is in The John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest. The John F. Kennedy Trail, nicknamed the Boardwalk, is a fully ADA compliant, 1/2 mile trail that follows a gentle slope over ravines through the forest.
Christy A. - Yelp
The most popular lake for fishing in Forest Park is Jefferson Lake. This lake is fully stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, and carp. It is a great fishing spot for all skill levels and does require a Missouri fishing license. You can purchase a license at many sporting goods stores and at local Walmart stores.
Alessia E. - Yelp
Dwight Davis Memorial Tennis Center - Facebook
You can play tennis at the Dwight Davis Memorial Tennis Center. Or play a round of golf at the Norman K. Probstein Golf Courses.
The Highlands Golf and Tennis Center - Facebook
There are also four handball courts and four racquetball courts available. These centers and sports fields are separate identities with in Forest Park and can require a fee or a membership.
Boathouse Forest Park - Facebook
Known for their great food and outstanding service, the Boathouse Restaurant is a must visit in St. Louis. An added bonus of renting a paddle boat is getting to see places you couldn’t otherwise. One such place is Wildlife Island. It’s located in the western half of Post Dispatch Lake and is a favorite for bird watching.
Paul Sableman - Flickr
David Shane - Flickr
Have you been to these places in Forest Park? Share your experience with us in the comments below.
These St. Louis coffee shops are a perfect stop after a trip to Forest Park.
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