Since its opening in 1876, Forest Park has been one of the most treasured public assets in St. Louis.
Being one of the largest urban parks in the U.S.A., it is 500 acres larger than New York's Central Park. With so much history, Forest Park also has a lot of entertainment to offer. Museums, trails for biking and other kinds of unique attractions are scattered around the large scenic landscape of one of St. Louis' favorite hot spots. Centrally located off Highway 40 and bordered by Skinker, Lindell and Kingshighway, there are a variety of Metro stops you can take to visit this cool location.
A favorite zone for children and adults alike in Forest Park is the St. Louis Zoo, which houses an exquisite collection of fauna for all to view. Continually being augmented and improved since its opening in 1891, our Zoo contains exhibits that are quite impressive. The newest exhibit--one of which this writer is still waiting to see--is the stingray exhibit at the Caribbean Cove, where you not only view the small stingrays but actually touch them in the aquarium where they are housed. In addition to the sting ray exhibit, the Children's Zoo is another hands-on place for children and adults who like to experience more direct interaction with animals.
Forest Park is also packed with cultural institutions, including the St. Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum and the Muny. You can read more about the Art Museum in the "Art Museums and Galleries" article and the History Museum and Muny in the "Special Attractions" article but you might want to note that one of the best places to eat in Forest Park is Meriwether's in the History Museum which has a lovely view of the park too.
The St. Louis Science Center is another cool attraction that offers its visitors an educational excursion. The Science Center's Discovery Room is full of areas that contain experimental and hands on learning for children ages three to seven that introduces them to fundamental scientific knowledge that can jumpstart their interests in the sciences. The Science Center is not just for kids; adults can have a blast there too. The OMNIMAX shows a variety of captivating films on the four-story domed screen daily. There are also a variety of temporary exhibits on display that come and go year round.
The Boathouse is a historic treasure in St. Louis that has been enjoyed by generations. Although it used to be just a boathouse on the Post-Dispatch Lake, it is now rebuilt and includes a restaurant and boat rentals. The restaurant menu includes a variety of hearty meals like fish and chips and Boathouse baby back ribs.
Other old favorites in the park, especially as wedding locations, are the Jewel Box greenhouse and the World Fair Pavilion.
Lastly, in early summer, Forest Park becomes the site of the annual St. Louis Shakespeare Festival.
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