Did you know the WashU campus includes a boathouse, a greenhouse, a zoo, a history museum, and a fish hatchery? OK, not really. But WashU might as well have these things, given you can walk right across the street from campus into Forest Park, which actually does boast all that and more. Approximately 500 acres larger than New York’s Central Park, Forest Park is one of the centerpieces of St. Louis City, and I spend much of my free time running and biking its trails. Though I’m sure the park often ends up on lists of things to do in St. Louis, there is so much more to it than what’s apparent at a first glance. It goes without saying that I highly recommend WashU students get out to explore everything this amazing park has to offer — even and especially the stuff a little off the beaten path. 

Art Hill and SLAM

Probably the most popular destination for WashU students, the Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) is only a 15-minute walk from WashU’s East End. The museum collections include ancient Roman statues, Van Gogh paintings, medieval armor, and abstract artwork, among works from many other cultures and styles. Even better, like all museums in Forest Park, it’s 100% free! 

Just outside the museum is Art Hill, a grassy expanse that consistently draws picnickers in the summer and sledders in the winter. At the bottom of the hill is the Emerson Grand Basin, a large fountain pool that you can sometimes ice-skate on in the winter — just make sure the ice is thick enough. The basin leads into the Post-Dispatch lake, where you can rent a boat (or bike) from the nearby boathouse. 

The Muny

The St. Louis Municipal Opera Theatre (Muny) is located near the center of the park and hosts outdoor plays and musicals during the summer. Among the lineup for this year is “Shrek the Musical”. The Muny leaves about 25% of its seats free on a first-come, first-served basis — perfect for students studying or working internships over the summer in St. Louis. 

The Zoo

The Saint Louis Zoo is another one of my favorite places in Forest Park, and like SLAM, it’s absolutely free. The zoo is huge, housing everything from polar bears to zebras. During the holiday season, it also hosts Wild Lights, where the entire zoo is covered in glittering lights. Definitely worth a visit!

The Jewel Box

The Jewel Box is my personal favorite hidden gem (no pun intended) in Forest Park. A tropical greenhouse located near the center of the park, it is also a beautiful example of 1930s Art Deco architecture. Plus, admission is usually only $1, and free on Mondays and Tuesdays before noon. Just west of the Jewel Box is the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape, a very pretty and funky garden that’s worth exploring. 

Steinberg Skating Rink

Steinberg Skating Rink is a charming outdoor skating rink that offers admission and skate rentals for $16 during the winter. Given the rink is on the far side of the park, it might be best to take the metro to the Central West End and then walk to the rink to start skating. 

Golf, Fishing, and Hiking Trails

There are two sprawling golf courses in the park, one of them right across the street from WashU’s East End, though be aware that playing nine holes will cost about $25-$35. For those interested in fishing (and who have a valid Missouri fishing license), you can visit any of the many beautiful lakes in the park, although only Jefferson Lake near the Central West End is stocked with fish. There is also a fish hatchery in the northeast corner. Finally, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest in the park’s southwest corner is home to some short but charming hiking trails, perfect for anyone who, like me, sometimes just needs a good walk in the woods. 

Other Surprises

While walking or biking through the southwest corner of the park, you might see the St. Louis Archery Club practicing their Katniss Everdeen impressions and horses belonging to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit. Just past these is the futuristic-looking James S. McDonnell Planetarium, where, along with IMAX movies, you can see genuine space capsules and Mars rocks. Nearby is an elevated bridge across the street to the Saint Louis Science Center. Forest Park also contains the Missouri History Museum, which has exhibits about the 1904 World’s Fair and the civil rights movement, and is known for hosting free outdoor concerts on Thursday evenings when the weather is nice. And lastly, the park has a pavilion built for the 1904 World’s Fair, an authentic 1783 Spanish cannon, and several life-size dinosaur statues that I will leave our readers to find for themselves. Happy exploring!