Forest Park: What's in your backyard?
Rachel Cohen
Issue date: 9/26/05 Section: Scene
Last weekend Forest Park hosted one of its most famed traditions: the Great Forest Park Balloon Race. I got on my bike and made the trek to the far side of the park to watch the launching of the brigade of brightly-colored balloons, led by the Energizer Hot Hare Balloon, a giant floating pink rabbit. Despite perfect weather, the Bunny fell early due to technical difficulties. But the race and surrounding spectacle were a success, attracting thousands of participants and spectators from across the region, as well as a variety of ice-cream vendors, which kept many of those spectators happy.
For the many Wash. U. students who did not make it to the park last weekend, fear not. Forest Park is chock full of entertainment year-round. If you went on a campus tour or took a look around the city for yourself during your first visit to Wash. U., you surely came across Forest Park. Our "beautiful backyard" may have even been one of the reasons you decided to come to school here.
Yet many students rarely take advantage of what the park has to offer. So what really lies beyond the golf course and art museum? And (a question pressing on the minds of all freshman, who may never make it past Kayak's), is it really worth the walk?
Most Wash. U. students know about SLAM, if not by its full name, the St. Louis Art Museum, which is located atop Art Hill in the park. In addition to the Art Museum, History Museum and Science Center (all of which are free), Forest Park has a variety of other attractions worth checking out. Tired of the heat? Try the paddle boats. On a nice fall day, check out the zoo or the six-mile trail that winds around the park, perfect for an afternoon bike ride or for the serious distance runner.
When the weather gets cold, finding the motivation to layer up for a trip to Frat Row becomes nearly impossible. As an alternative, find a friend (or RA) who has a car and head over the Steinberg Skating Rink on the East side of the park. Starting in November, the rink is open Friday and Saturday nights from 10:00 p.m. to midnight and features live music and a café. Though we were blessed with a light snow season last year, a favorite Forest Park pastime for many students is sledding on Art Hill.
Highlights in Forest Park's history include the grand opening in 1876, hosting the World's Fair in 1904, and playing host to Charles Lindbergh and his Spirit of St. Louis upon the pilot's return from his historic trans-Atlantic flight. In recent years, the city has put millions of dollars into upkeep and renovations at the park, revamping the ice skating rink and the World's Fair Pavilion.
Aside from the museums and regular attractions, Forest Park is a central St. Louis meeting place that hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. In October, Forest Park will host the St. Louis Wine Festival, with drinks, music and cooking classes for those of age. For the minor in all of us, hayrides through the park start at the end of September and continue throughout the fall.
College students constantly complain of a lack of entertainment, especially of the non-alcoholic variety. We at Wash. U. are lucky to have a world-class facility for sports, recreation and cultural activities literally across the street from our campus. So even if you missed the boat (or the balloon) this weekend, make an effort to get to the park while the weather is still good. Take a day off from studying to paddle, picnic, people-watch and play. Forest Park is a place to both relax and engage with the St. Louis community, and you can always stop at Kayak's for an iced mocha to break up the walk back.
For more information, check out Forest Park's Web site at stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark.
For the many Wash. U. students who did not make it to the park last weekend, fear not. Forest Park is chock full of entertainment year-round. If you went on a campus tour or took a look around the city for yourself during your first visit to Wash. U., you surely came across Forest Park. Our "beautiful backyard" may have even been one of the reasons you decided to come to school here.
Yet many students rarely take advantage of what the park has to offer. So what really lies beyond the golf course and art museum? And (a question pressing on the minds of all freshman, who may never make it past Kayak's), is it really worth the walk?
Most Wash. U. students know about SLAM, if not by its full name, the St. Louis Art Museum, which is located atop Art Hill in the park. In addition to the Art Museum, History Museum and Science Center (all of which are free), Forest Park has a variety of other attractions worth checking out. Tired of the heat? Try the paddle boats. On a nice fall day, check out the zoo or the six-mile trail that winds around the park, perfect for an afternoon bike ride or for the serious distance runner.
When the weather gets cold, finding the motivation to layer up for a trip to Frat Row becomes nearly impossible. As an alternative, find a friend (or RA) who has a car and head over the Steinberg Skating Rink on the East side of the park. Starting in November, the rink is open Friday and Saturday nights from 10:00 p.m. to midnight and features live music and a café. Though we were blessed with a light snow season last year, a favorite Forest Park pastime for many students is sledding on Art Hill.
Highlights in Forest Park's history include the grand opening in 1876, hosting the World's Fair in 1904, and playing host to Charles Lindbergh and his Spirit of St. Louis upon the pilot's return from his historic trans-Atlantic flight. In recent years, the city has put millions of dollars into upkeep and renovations at the park, revamping the ice skating rink and the World's Fair Pavilion.
Aside from the museums and regular attractions, Forest Park is a central St. Louis meeting place that hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. In October, Forest Park will host the St. Louis Wine Festival, with drinks, music and cooking classes for those of age. For the minor in all of us, hayrides through the park start at the end of September and continue throughout the fall.
College students constantly complain of a lack of entertainment, especially of the non-alcoholic variety. We at Wash. U. are lucky to have a world-class facility for sports, recreation and cultural activities literally across the street from our campus. So even if you missed the boat (or the balloon) this weekend, make an effort to get to the park while the weather is still good. Take a day off from studying to paddle, picnic, people-watch and play. Forest Park is a place to both relax and engage with the St. Louis community, and you can always stop at Kayak's for an iced mocha to break up the walk back.
For more information, check out Forest Park's Web site at stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark.
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