In many ways, Forest Park is the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. The 1,300-acre park is home to some of the city’s best cultural institutions and hosts many of the region’s most popular annual events. In the summer, it hosts free concerts, outdoor Shakespeare, and huge hot air balloon races. Winter means tobogganing down the Artistic Hill and ice skating. The forest park also has an extensive network of trails that are open all year round.
For serious art lovers, the free St. Louis Art Museum has over 30,000 works of art, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse and Picasso. The galleries and exhibitions range from ancient artifacts to 20th century modern art (and almost everything in between). Perhaps it’s the fact that the museum is in a forest park, or that it looks out over the kayakers in Grand Bassin, but the museum never feels stuffy or sleepy. In addition, the kid-friendly activities and events make the museum fun for families.
The St. Louis Zoo, considered one of the best zoos in the country, has over 20,000 animals, its own railroad, and many rides, shows, and shops. The best part is that admission is absolutely free.
At the Children’s Zoo, visitors love to gaze into the eyes of hippos, splash with penguins, and slide in the otter pool. The zoo also plays an important role in conservation around the world. Its WildCare Institute is a world leader in the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. Visitors can learn more about these efforts and how to support them at educational talks and events throughout the year.
The success of the St. Louis Science Center lies in its ability to make science fun for all ages. Preschoolers love learning about gravity, bugs, and biology in the Discovery Room. For older children, there are animated dinosaurs and hundreds of fun experiments. And all ages will be amazed by watching movies on the four-story, wraparound OMNIMAX theater. There’s also the bridge over Highway 40, where glass floor panels show cars moving below and radar shows the speed of each car. And, of course, there’s the classic Planetarium, where you can view a simulated night sky of 9,000 stars, but without the interference of city lights.
Few St. Louis traditions have deeper roots than summer evenings at The Muny. The nation’s oldest open-air theater has been a local favorite since 1917. Each year, the Muny produces seven Broadway-quality musicals, ranging from classics like Oklahoma to newer shows like High School Musical. The productions are always high-end (Miss Saigon had a helicopter flyover) and most shows have big dance numbers and often well-known actors. In addition, the 1500 back seats are always available on a first-come, first-served basis. But it’s the setting that makes Muny so unique. With the sounds of the forest park all around, the starry sky overhead, and two giant oak trees growing right on the stage, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer night.
In 1904, when Forest Park hosted the World’s Fair, Grand Basin was the heart and soul of the exhibition. Today, having benefited from a $94 million renovation, the pool is once again the shining jewel of the park. The restored pool is lined with classic promenades and eight fountains that lift the water 30 feet in height. It’s no wonder it’s a top spot in St. Louis for wedding photos, picnics, and boating from the nearby Boathouse. The area is also popular at night, when the lighted fountains and glowing Art Museum attract crowds to sit on the steps, sip wine, and gaze out over the water.
Despite its name, the World’s Fair Pavilion did not actually exist when St. Louis hosted the World’s Fair in 1904. Instead, the pavilion was built in 1909 with money earned from the expo. The building is located at the top of Government Hill between Muni and the zoo. Directly below the pavilion are a fountain and a reflecting pool that were built in the 1930s. The World’s Fair Pavilion is a popular choice for weddings, celebrations and other special events.