Missouri is home to so many natural treasures, that it would seem fitting to deem one of our state parks as the most enchanting place in Missouri. However, the unique blend of historical architecture, beautiful design and cultural points of interests make a day trip to Forest Park in St. Louis, one of the most enchanting experiences of all.
Forest Park was established in 1874 and has held a rich history ever since.
In 1897, the St. Louis Athletic Association was formed and they built a clubhouse, tennis courts, baseball diamonds and a nine-hole golf course. This was all to prepare for the World's Fair which was held in 1904. Today, three structures from the fair remain which include the bird cage (now used as a gardening space), the admissions building (now used as a Washington University department building) and the Palace of Fine Arts (now known as the St. Louis Art Museum).
A trip to Forest Park is a trip to one of the most beautiful urban parks in the country.
The 1,300-acre park offers a little bit of something for everyone. Utilizing the six-mile Dual Path loop, cyclists and runners can choose to go on a harder workout in one lane, while walkers can enjoy a nice leisurely stroll in the other lane.
Advertisement
Visitors choose to embrace the snow when Forest Park transforms into a winter wonderland.
Once the snow falls, hundreds of visitors head to the park for sledding and snowman-building fun. Art Hill and the Grand Basin area provide the best downhills for sledding in the park.
Ice skating at Steinberg runs from November 12th thru February 23rd. Admission is $7, but remember to bring cash because they do not accept credit cards. After a day of skating, relax inside Snowflake Cafe with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa.
Marvel at the beautiful masterpieces at the St. Louis Art Museum.
The St. Louis Art Museum opened in 1879 and has been showcasing some of the best artwork from local artists in addition to artists around the world since then. Admission is free, and the museum is open year-round.
Sharpen up your Missouri history at the Missouri History Museum
Admission to the Missouri History museum is free and open to the public and is located in the northern part of the park. The current exhibits on display include "Route 66: Main Street Through St. Louis," "TOYS of the '50s, '60s and '70s" and "Capturing the City: Photographs from the Streets of St. Louis, 1900–1930."
Forest Park is located right in the heart of the city at 5595 Grand Drive in St. Louis, Missouri. Whether you’re a local or an out-of-town visitor, I definitely recommend checking this place out, either for a full day or an evening visit. However, there’s so much to do here, that you may need an extra day to cover it all.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
