News & Alerts

Events

For information about events in Forest Park or to support Park maintenance, visit the public events calendar.

Allée Replacement on Grand Dr. on Oct 29-31

Forest Park Forever and the City of St. Louis are coordinating to remove and replace trees in Forest Park affected by the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle destroying millions of ash trees in North America. 

During the week of Oct. 28, parking will be closed and traffic will be detoured along Grand Drive near the Visitor Center and Dwight Davis Tennis Center while Forestry Division crews remove trees and grind stumps.

Once affected trees are removed, Forest Park Forever team members will begin planting replacement trees to recreate the Allee. Learn more about this project on our website.

October Pathway Restoration Near Jewel Box

On October 16-18, the paved recreational pathway east of the Jewel Box and southwest of Emerson Central Fields, between McKinley Dr. and Macklind Dr., is closed for resurfacing. We expect it to reopen in time for weekend enjoyment.

UPDATE: City's Bridge Improvement Project 

The City of St. Louis has restored Lafayette Bridge on Grand Dr. just east of Union Blvd in Forest Park.

Navigate Evolution Festival September 28-29

The 2024 Evolution Festival is taking place on Langenberg Field, Cricket Field and The Boathouse in Forest Park on Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, 2024. Whether you’re attending the festival or just visiting Forest Park, our guide will help you navigate Forest Park leading up to and during Festival weekend.

Navigate the Great Forest Park Balloon Race

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race returns to Emerson Central Fields Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21. This is a guide to help you navigate the largest event in the Park because parking spots are limited and many roads will be closed for safety.

Forest Park Trail Closure Monday, August 26

On Monday, Aug. 26, the Forest Park Arboricultural Crew will be removing a tree that requires closing both the dual heels and wheels path, as well as a portion of the multi-use connector path that travel around the Saint Louis Zoo from the Wells Dr. & Skinker Blvd. enterance to both Zoo entrances and through to Hampton Ave. 

This page will be updated as crews work to reopen one of the trails by the end of Aug. 26 and both trails by the end of Aug. 27.

UPDATE: Visitor Center Drinking Fountain is On

The drinking fountain inside of the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education center was out of service on August 19. The anticipated timeline for parts had been over a week but thankfully delivery and repairs happened and the fountain was repoened on August 21.

UPDATE: Basketball Court Work Complete

Basketball court surface work is complete and the courts are open.

Crews are applying the perimeter court striping at the Nicholas J. Booker Basketball Courts. The two full courts are currently taped off and not available for play until the paint is dry today. Anticipated time for the courts to be ready for play is 2:00 p.m. on August 19.

Handball Court Surface Work July 22-August 2

On Monday, July 22, a contractor will paint and add white stripes to the handball courts located north of the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center and they will be closed during work, however, the paint dries quickly and the surface should be available for play by 5:00 pm. the same day.

Soon, contractors will also seal the asphalt "out of bounds area" around the hanball court.  When that work occurs, the courts will be fenced off for 24 hours until they dry, weather dependent of course.

This page will be updated once a firm date for that surface work is known.

Spring Play Area in Nature Playscape is Open

The City of St. Louis is conducted water quality testing in the Spring Play Area of Forest Park's Nature Playscape temporarily closing that area off to visitors. The full Playscape is now open and the Spring Play Area is againaccessible to the community as of July 18.

City Bridge & Paving Projects in Forest Park

The City of St. Louis is starting two bridge and paving projects within Forest Park that will impact traffic, access and circulation in summer 2024. 

Lafayette Bridge on Grand Drive just east of Union Blvd. Grand Drive will be CLOSED to all traffic (vehicle, pedestrian and bicycles) between the Union Blvd. entrance to Forest Park and Theatre Drive beginning Monday, June 3 with an expected reopening in September 2024. 

Old Stable Bridge on Theatre Drive between Union/Grand Drives and Pagoda Circle. Theatre Drive will remain open to all traffic during its repairs but will have periodic lane closures starting in July 2024.

Saint Louis Zoo Bus Plan Trial Run, May 15-17

On May 15-17, the Saint Louis Zoo will run a three-day trial of a plan to find ways to mitigate bus traffic for the Zoo by creating a one-way zone will be from Tamm and Wells to the South Parking Lot Exit.

During the trial dates of the Bus Mitigation plan, the Zoo will make Wells Drive one-way (East to West) from their South Parking Lot Exit to Tamm/Wells from approximately 9:00am to 2:30pm.

Pelase visit the Saint Louis Zoo's website for further details.

Wells Drive Closure Evenings of April 15-16

Wells Drive between the Hampton Avenue roundabout and McKinley Drive roundabout will be closed on the evenings of Monday and Tuesday, April 15 and 16, for resurfacing. Closures will begin at 5 p.m. each evening, however no parking is allowed in the work area for the entire day and evening during the work period.

Vehicles entering the Park from Hampton will still be able to access Concourse Drive and Wells Drive west of the roundabout during this work.

Visitor Center Parking Lots April 15-16

The parking lots near the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center will be stripped and sealed between Monday and Tuesday, April 15 and 16. Our crews will close half of the lot at a time, leaving the other half open during construction. Weather permitting the entire lot resurfacing will be completed by the end of the day Thursday, April 18.

Visitor Center Closed Early March 19, Reopens March 20

Due to a power outage, the Dennis and Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center is closed for the remainder of Tuesday, March 19. 

UPDATE: Power has been restored, and the building will reopen as scheduled at 6 a.m. Wednesday, March 20.

Road and Path Closures on Feb. 23

Forest Park Forever will conduct a prescribed burn in sections of Kennedy Forest, Kennedy Forest Savanna and Deer Lake Savanna between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. today, Friday, Feb. 23. These plans are subject to weather conditions and could change or be canceled as late as that morning.

During prescribed burns, trails and roads may be temporarily closed to ensure public safety. Until 4:00 p.m. today, Friday, February 23, access to Grand Dr. between Cricket Dr. and Union Dr. will be closed when burning takes place in the Deer Lake area.

This web page will be used to share updates on locations and/or changes. If there are changes to the plans due to weather, we will also update this page.
 

Forest Park Visitor Center Closed on Feb. 16

Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center is closed for the rest of today, February 16, due to dangerous road conditions.

The Visitor Center will reopen with regular hours (6:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.) tomorrow, Saturday, February 17.

Possible Kingshighway Closures Feb. 14 - 20

Extensive utility work on northbound Kingshighway near the Hospital Drive "Steinberg entrance" to Forest Park, just north of Hwy.40/I64, will begin the evening of February 14 and continue through the morning of February 20. Traffic delays can be expected.

February 14 marks the start of six consecutive weekends of extensive utility work to support the new patient care tower at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Work on subsequent weekends will not be as disruptive and will take place Friday evening through early Monday morning.

Learn more about this BJC Project here. 

Visitor Center Closed Monday, Jan. 22

Due to icy conditions and a forecast for slick conditions through the afternoon, the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center and Forest Park Forever offices are closed on Monday, Jan. 22.

Visitor Center Delayed Opening Jan. 19

Due to weather-related conditions, the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center will delay opening until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 19.

Visitor Center Reduced Hours Sunday, Jan. 14

UPDATED: Due to extreme weather, the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center will be open but with reduced hours on Sunday, January 14. The building will be open from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Any other changes to regular operating hours will be posted here.

Possible Road and Path Closures on Dec. 20

Today, Wednesday, December 20, Forest Park Forever will conduct a prescribed burn in sections of Kennedy Forest Boardwalks. This will limit traffic and parking access near the burn site. On Government Dr., from Wells through the west boundary of the Zoo's North Parking Lot., as well as the boardwalks and multi-use connector paths inside Kennedy Forest may be closed while burning takes place in surrounding areas. "No Parking" signs will also be placed along the south edge of Government Drive adjacent to the burn site. 

Forest Park Visitor Center Holiday Hours

The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center  will be open with irregular hours on Sunday, December 24 & 31 (6am-2pm) and will be closed on Monday, December 25 and January 1.

Dec. 18 Daytime Closures on Clayton Ave, Hospital Dr. to Faulkner Dr.

Daytime closure of Clayton Avenue east of Faulkner Drive on Monday, December 18 and possibly Tuesday, December 19.

This page will be updated as details become available. 

Pathway Northwest of Steinberg Closed Dec. 15

On Friday, Dec. 15, Forest Park Forever is conducting a prescribed burn in sections of the woodland northwest of Steinberg Rink. These plans are subject to weather conditions and could change or be canceled at any time.

The dual "heels and wheels" pathway through Klein Prairie (northwest of Steinberg) will be temporarily closed to ensure public safety when burning takes place in the woodland area. 

As time and weather and weather permits, the Carr Lane, Wells and McKinley roundabout may be temporarily closed to ensure public safety when burning takes place in Successional Forest.

No Parking on Faulkner Drive, near Steinberg

Currently, there is no parking on Faulkner Drive near Clayton Ave., west of Jefferson Lake due to construction. This page will be updated once anything changes.

Grand Basin Fountains are Off Nov. 27

The large fountains at the Grand Basin are shut off due to the automated system detecting vibration. Our teams have arranged a check and repair for next week and this page will be updated once there is an estimated timeline.

Half Marathon Closes Forest Park Entrances Nov. 12

On, November 12 EVERY entrance into Forest Park will be closed from approximately 6:45am – 10:00am. 

Click here for more information and route maps.

Winterizing Water Systems Troughout the Park

Beginning in November, our crews will be working with St. Louis City Parks, Recreation and Forestry to winterize irrigation systems and the water-based play features in the Park. This includes the fountains and splash areas for Variety Wonderland Playground near the Visitor Center and Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape near the World's Fair Pavilion.  These systems will be off until early spring in 2024.

Navigating the Great Forest Park Balloon Race 

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race returns to Emerson Central Fields Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16.

This is the largest annual event in Forest Park and there will be several traffic disruptions and route closures.

Click here for our guide to navigating the Park during this two-day event so you don't miss any of the fun OR so you do miss everything.

The Loop Trolly Not Operating Due to Heat

There will be no Loop Trolley service on Thursday, August 24 or Friday, August 25 due to extremely high forecasted temperatures. Loop Trolley cars are not air-conditioned.

Loop Trolley operations will resume on Saturday, August 26.

Roads Close for Evolution Festival Aug. 25-27

Evolution Festival will occur in Forest Park from Saturday, August 26 through Sunday, August 27, with setup on Friday, August 25.

The following roads will be affected from setup on Friday through the festival closing on Sunday: Lagoon Drive in front of the Emerson Grand Basin through Grand Drive until Union Drive will be closed or have limited access. Also, McKinley Drive between the Festival & Parking Plaza Upper Muny Lot and Pagoda Circle will be closed.

The festival will be in LANGENBERG FIELD, directly behind the Dwight Davis Tennis Center. The best address for the festival's Main Entrance is directly across the street from the Dennis and Judith Jones Education & Visitor's Center at 5595 Grand Drive.

Click here for a map of road closures and traffic disruptions, as well as event and ticket info.

Roads Close for I Love Forest Park 5K Aug. 20

The route for the I Love Forest Park 5K & Kids Fun Run on Sunday, August 20, will close Lagoon Dr (Emerson Grand Basin) to Grand Dr (Visitors Center) as well as Theatre Dr (The Muny) and Fine Arts Dr (St. Louis Art Museum). Pagoda Circle will also be closed to through traffic. Race participants will occupy the east and west Visitor Center Parking Lots that morning but should be gone by the afternoon.

Click here for a route map and more information on the I Love Forest Park 5K & Kids Fun Run.

Fine Arts Dr in Front of SLAM Closed on Aug. 19

On Friday, August 15, the St. Louis Art Museum will celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop with a free Block Party held in front of the Museum on Fine Arts Drive and in the parking lot across the street from SLAM’s East Building. 

Fine Arts Drive will be closed in front of the Museum and the parking lot on the east side of Art Hill will be closed. There will also be no parking on the lot on the west side of Art Hill, except for a limited number of accessible parking spaces.

Paid parking is available in the Museum’s underground garage, which will be accessible to vehicles arriving from Government Drive.  Free public parking is available on Fine Arts Drive and anywhere parking is permitted in Forest Park. Additional parking is available in the Forest Park Visitor Center lots, where a shuttle will take visitors to and from the Museum during the festival. Those taking MetroLink should use the Skinker Station, which is about a 15-minute walk from the Museum, or the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station, which is a 25-minute walk from SLAM.

Phase II of the East Waterways Project Begins

Forest Park visitors will notice work at three water features this summer, part of the next phase of the East Waterways project. Work is underway to restore Seven Pools, a picturesque gradual waterfall that dates back to the 1930s as a WPA project.

Significant work has begun on the restorations of Round Lake, will be drained during construction so crews can build a temporary path to access and replace aging infrastructure at the fountain built in 1916, and Bowl Lake to improve the shoreline and construct a visitor pavilion

See full project details here.

Lagoon Drive Down to Single Lane Traffic on June 9 - Cascades Waterfall Being Repaired

Water is pumped to the top of the Lagoon Dr hill to form the Cascades waterfall, and that pump's motor is being replace on Friday June 9.

For the safety of Park visitors on Friday morning, one lane of Lagoon Dr will be closed to traffic as crews use a crane to take out the old pump and instal a new one.  

This page will be updated when Lagoon Dr is back to two lane traffic. Also when the motor is fixed and reinstalled, and the waterfall is cascading once again.

Concourse Drive at the World's Fair Pavilion Closed on June 8

Concourse Dr. will be closed between the Washington Ave roundabout and Carr Ln intersection until after 3pm on Thursday, June 8, to ensure the safety of guests attending our 32nd Annual Hat Luncheon at the World's Fair Pavilion.

Oakland Playground "Stump Turtle" Closed for Treatment May 31 – June 2

The award-winning Stump Turtle at Oakland Playground is undergoing treatment to get the wood finishes ready for summer, and will be fenced off from Wednesday morning, May 31st – afternoon of Friday, June 2nd to allow her sealant to dry completely. 

The remainder of the playground will remain open.

The Cascades Waterfall is Off for Repairs. 

Water is pumped to the top of the Lagoon Dr hill to form the Cascades waterfall, and that pump's motor malfunctioned this week. The Cascades waterfall has been temporarily turned off and we are working with our City partners to remove and repair the motor, however, there is currently no timeframe for when the waterfall will be turned back on.

This page will be updated when the motor is fixed and reinstalled, and the waterfall is cascading once again.

Carr Lane Dr will be closed in the AM on May 5

Carr Lane Dr. between Concourse Dr and Wells Dr will be closed for an event in the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape on May 5 from 9:00 a.m. until around 12 noon. Please use caution if you are driving around the Playscape or visiting the World's Fair Pavilion.

Earth Day Festival is in Forest Park April 22-23

Happening throughout the grounds of The Muny and Pagoda Circle, the two day St. Louis Earth Day Festival attracts thousands of visitors to Forest Park every year. Some roads and access points throught the Park will be closed. The Festival organizers, Earthday 365, encourage you to “walk the walk” by using low-impact transportation to get to this year's event.

Click here to get there by FREE shuttle, Metro, bike, food or car-pooling.

If you must drive, click here to find the best way to the Festival and what to avoid.

Here is a map with some parking options.

Path Northwest of Steinberg in Klein Prairie is Closed for Replacement, Detour Path is Open

The paved path northwest of Steinberg Skating Rink and Pavilion that runs along the Taylor Kindle River in Klein Prairie will be closed for replacement starting March 1. The process will take several weeks and this page will be updated.

The pathway from the intersection of Wells and Faulkner west of Steinberg will also be closed to allow for construction access. 

Crews will lay temporary asphalt over the existing chat trail to serve as a detour through Klein Prairie. Fencing and closures will then go up and path replacement will start. Once the paved path has been replaced, our team will remove temporary asphalt and restore the chat, and Klein Prairie will have two pathways again.

Road Closures in Forest Park During the GO! St. Louis Marathon on April 1-2

The 23rd annual GO! St. Louis Marathon Weekend brings runners of all age to the city streets, historic landmarks and into Forest Park on April 1-2, 2023.   

Routes on both Saturday and Sunday begin near Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center and will impact the following roads into the Park starting at 6:00 a.m. 

• DeBaliviere / Missouri History Museum entrance
• Cricket Dr and Union Dr along Lindell Blvd

Visit the GO! St. Louis Marathon Weekend website for details and route maps.

Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center Closing at 5 pm on March 7 and 8

Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center will close early, at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, and Wednesday, March 8.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding. Find Forest Park restrooms and destinations when you “search” for them in our interactive map: ForestParkMap.org.

Prescribed Burns May Affect Road, Path Access on Monday, March 6 (updated on 3/6)

Updated 1:00 p.m.: Forest Park Forever conducted a prescribed burn in portions of Successional Forest across from the Jewel Box on Monday, March 6, 2023.

As of 1:00 p.m., the team is controlling burns in sections of Kennedy Forest on the south west corner of the Park.

If time and weather permits, the woodland behind (west of) Steiberg Rink and Pavilion will also be burned between 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. today. Trails and roads may be temporarily closed during prescribed burns to ensure public safety. Specifically, the paved connector path behind Steinberg Rink and Pavilion, along Kingshighway Blvd., as well as Jefferson Dr. and the Steinberg parking lots may be closed. 

These plans are subject to weather conditions and could change or be canceled as late as that morning.

Callery Pear Tree Replacement Near Visitor's Center and Pagoda Circle Begins Feb. 28

Forest Park Forever, in partnership with St. Louis City’s Forestry team is removing the Callery pear trees along the “allée” walk that bisects the twin parking lots between the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center and Pagoda Circle.

In keeping with the original design intent of the allée, we will replace these trees with 60 ornamental “yellow bird” flowering magnolias sourced from a nursery in Kansas City. The project team plans to begin removal of trees on Tuesday, February 28, so the site is ready for installation of the new trees some time over the next month.

Learn more about the project here, including the benefits of replacing invasive pear trees.

Jewel Box is temporarily closed Feb. 13-24

The Jewel Box will be TEMPORARILY CLOSED for a short-term maintenance project from Monday, February 13 through Friday, February 24, 2023. 
During this time frame, there are no private events scheduled in the space and the greenhouse will not be open for public access. 

Prescribed Burn Feb. 13 May Affect Road, Trail Access in Forest Park

Weather permitting, on Monday, Feb. 13, Forest Park Forever will conduct a prescribed burn in sections of Deer Lake Savanna South, Langenberg Field, Kennedy Forest and Successional Forest between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. These plans are subject to weather conditions and could change to a different location in the Park or be canceled. 

During prescribed burns, which are conducted in coordination with the City and the Fire Department, trails and roads may be temporarily closed to ensure public safety.

For the most up-to-date information on that day, visit the Prescribed Burn Alert page on the Forest Park Forever website.

Pathway closed along Skinker, Wells Dr. through the Southwood bus stop from Feb. 6-15

Forest stand improvements are happening in Kennedy Forest, along Skinker, on Monday Feb. 6 through Feb. 15.

To allow safe access for equipment from Skinker, dual recreational path (both heels and wheels) traffic along Skinker between Wells Dr. and the Southwood bus stop will be detoured to the multi-use connector paths in Kennedy Forest.

This page will be updated as details are available.

Prescribed Burns Affects Road, Path Access on Monday, Feb. 6

Forest Park Forever is conducting a prescribed burn in Hidden Creek Savanna, Deer Lake Savanna South and Klein Prairie between 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6. During the burns, Union Drive, Grand Drive and the dual path near Klein Prairie will be closed at times.

Visit the Prescribed Burn Alert page for the latest info, including any changes to these plans, and to learn more about the prescribed burn practice, why it is a safe, managed and an efficient way to care for select natural areas in Forest Park.

Visitor Center Delayed Opening Monday, Jan. 30

Due to weather conditions, the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center will delay opening until 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 30.

MetroLink Service Changes Maintenance from Monday, Jan. 23 - Sunday, Jan. 29

MetroLink will operate on a single track at different locations on some weekday evenings (6 p.m. to end of service) and weekends (all day).

During these periods, Blue Line trains will only operate between Shrewsbury and Forest Park Stations. Riders will need to transfer between Blue Line and Red Line trains at the Forest Park Station.

This single-track operation is needed to allow Metro teams to make upgrades and add new customer enhancements to the light rail system. Visit Metro's website to learn more 

The Boathouse is Temporarily Closed

The Boathouse in Forest Park experienced damage from the winter storm and decided to jump-start kitchen renovations they had originally slated for January. They plan to reopen when work is complete in February. Visit their website here for the most current information.

Weather, Staffing May Impact Operating Hours for Visitor Center, Steinberg, Other Park Amenities 

The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center is scheduled to be open 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24, however the cafe will have reduced hours of 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

It was closed on Friday, Dec. 23, and several other institutions around the Park were closed or had limited hours due to the weather.

This page will be updated if any further changes to Visitor Center operating hours are made due to the winter storm.

Visit the web site or social media of other institutions within the Park for the latest information on any revised hours or closures due to weather - Steinberg Ice Rink, St. Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, Missouri History Museum, St. Louis Zoo, The Boathouse.

VISITOR CENTER HOLIDAY Schedule

Below are the scheduled hours for the Dennis &Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center for December 22 - January 2, however please note these are subject to change due to weather conditions and staffing availability affected by weather or illness.

22 - Thursday - CLOSED at NOON DUE TO STORM
23 - Friday - CLOSED DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER
24 - Saturday - 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.
25 - Sunday -  CLOSED
26 - Monday - 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Forest Park Forever Office is Closed)

31 - Saturday - 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.
1 - Sunday - CLOSED
2 - Monday - 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Forest Park Forever Office is Closed)

Oakland Ave closed at Tamm going west

Metropolitan Sewer District is executing a sewer relief project on Oakland Avenue – between Louisville and Tamm. Use caution when using the sidewalk along the edge of Turtle Playground and Oakland Avenue Playgrounds. 

Roads close before 7 a.m. on Sunday Dec. 4

The 2022 Hot Chocolate Run will swirl around Forest Park this Sunday, December 4. Several roads will be closed and blocked off before 7:00 AM for the event. Runners will hit the ground at 7:30 AM, so please expect traffic tie-ups into the afternoon. Click here for route map and road closures.

Visitor Center closing 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

Due to a staffing challenge, the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center will close early at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22.

Path Closed for Tree Removal Near the Visitor's Center Oct. 31.

A contractor will remove a hazardous Pin Oak located Southwest of the Visitor's Center on Monday, October 31. For everyone's safety, we will block off the path around the Playground, the West walkway in front of the building and the sidewalk on the North Side of Grand. 
 
Our partners anticipate completing the removal and having all obstructions cleared by the end of the day on Monday.

Paths Closed for Tree Removal Near Grand, DeBaliviere, Lindell intersection Oct. 27-28

On Thursday 10/27 and Friday 10/28 a contractor will remove three hazardous trees near the Missouri History Museum, between the dual paths about 100 feet west of the Grand/DeBaliviere/Lindell intersection. Both pathways to be closed, fenced off until hazards are removed and cleanup is complete. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Please consult the map of Forest Park for alternate routes. 

Bridge North of the Boathouse

UPDATE: The bridge over the waterway between the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center parking lots and the Boathouse is now open. Thanks for the repairs City of St. Louis!

Parking & Road Closures During 50th Great Forest Park Balloon Race Sept. 16-17

On Friday, Sept. 16, and Saturday, Sept. 17, Forest Park will be busy, parking will be limited and some roads will be closed as part of preparation and festivities for the 50th Great Forest Park Balloon Race, which includes the Balloon Glow on Friday night and the Race on Saturday afternoon at Emerson Central Fields. It is a very fun weekend, but also very busy!

If you are attending either day of this family-friendly event, please plan ahead. For example, I-64 exit ramps at Hampton will be closed on Friday evening, as will Hospital Drive at Kingshighway, among other closures.  During and after the events, traffic will likely be congested and slow. Park rangers may close additional roads or entrances for safety or due to traffic congestion.

For detailed maps, road closures, tips on getting around and other details to aid your visit, see the Great Forest Park Ballon Race website.

Handball Court Maintenance Sept. 1-2, 6-7

UPDATE: The front handball courts will be closed Thursday and Friday, Sept. 1-2, to power wash and prep for repairs. The courts will be open in the afternoon and remain open through the Labor Day weekend. The courts will be closed on Tuesday, Sept. 6, and Wednesday, Sept. 7, for repairs and surface painting.

Visitor and Education Center Closed Aug. 29

The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Educaion Center will be closed on Monday, Aug. 29.

Heels Path Between McKinley & Hampton

UPDATE: The "heels" part of the Dual Recreation path between McKinley and Hampton (where it joins the "wheels" path at the Hampton tunnel) will be closed for maintenance beginning Monday, Aug. 29 but will be open for the Labor Day weekend. Work was originally expected to be completed by Thursday, Sept. 1, but due to an equipment failure, work will resume after the holiday weekend.

Bridge North of Boathouse

The bridge over the waterway between the Visitor and Education Center parking lots and the Boathouse is closed until further notice due to a safety hazard requiring repairs. 

Playscape Access: Councourse, Carr Closed Aug. 25

Carr Lane and part of Concourse Drive, the two one-way roads that access the Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape from McKinley, will be closed from 4 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 25, while road striping maintenance is completed.

During this time, street access to the Nature Playscape will be through the portion of Concourse Drive that is south of the roundabout between the Playscape and World's Fair Pavilion.

Upcoming Tree Removal Affecting Access to Dual Path, Jefferson Drive, Steinberg Parking

As part of tree maintenance in Forest Park, City Forestry staff has identified hazardous trees near paths and roads that require removal. Upcoming work will affect the following areas:

• Monday-Tuesday, July 18-19: Full closure of Jefferson Drive and no parking at Steinberg from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 19: Full closure of paved path between McKinley Drive and the Mounted Police Stables (along 40/64). A detour for path users will be posted during the closure, between 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

These plans are contingent on weather conditions suitable for tree removal.

Skinker 'Heels' Path Closed for Resurfacing July 14

The “heels” chat path along Skinker from Lagoon to Wells is ready for its application of “chip and seal” and will be closed Thursday, July 14, while workers apply this surface. It is expected to reopen Friday, July 15.

This path’s black asphalt base was replaced late last year, which is why both parts of this stretch of the Dual Recreational Path were temporarily paved. Conditions for reinstalling the chip and seal surface require hot, dry weather.

COMPLETED: Nature Playscape Upgrade Work to Affect Water Features, Boardwalk July 7-22

Work to improve the water features at the Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape will affect access to the loewr boardwalk and bubblers this month, however the water play features should remain on over the weekends during this work. The work Forest Park Forever contractors will focus on improving water conveyance through the swale underneath the grated boardwalk, expanding the area where water play is accessible to visitors. The intended outcome will make more surface water available for Nature Playscape visitors, while reducing the amount of water used.

Work is expected to begin July 7, with public access to the bubblers, mudpit and boardwalk restricted primarily during weekdays from July 11 to July 22. (Bubblers are expected to be accessible during the weekends, but this schedule is subject to change depending on weather and work progress.)

• Thursday, July 7: Prep work begins, but Playscape Stream area will remain open over this weekend.
• Thursday, July 7: Bubbler spring adjacent to the Lower Boardwalk will be turned off.
• Monday, July 11: The top three bubbler springs of the Springs/Stream area will be turned off until about July 15.  Metal deck grates of the boardwalk in this area will be removed for work access.
• Friday, July 15: The Lower Boardwalk work should be finished and the three bubbler springs are expected to be ON for the weekend of July 16-17. 
• Monday, July 18: The top two bubblers will be turned off to allow for work on the swale from the second bubbler to the falls at the west pool of the Upper Boardwalk.  
• UPDATE July 21: These upgrades have been completed, and all bubblers are turned back on.

For more information about the Nature Playscape, maps of the area and educational resources, visit forestparkforever.org/playscape.

Visitor Center Closing Early June 30

Due to a staffing shortage at the front desk, the Visitor and Education Center will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 30. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please consult the Park map for other restroom locations.

Road Closures at Muny, Nature Playscape June 9

The 31st Annual Hat Luncheon is Thursday, June 9, raising funds to maintain and sustain Forest Park.

To facilitate this two-location event, the following roads will be closed until 2:30 p.m., with traffic stewards directing visitors at each location: 

• Concourse Drive and Carr Lane surrounding the Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape (Playscape remains accessible by foot)
• Theatre Drive in front of The Muny (the box office will remain open)
• McKinley Drive at Wells
• Summit Drive accessing Festival & Parking Plaza on the upper Muny lot.

Path Repair at Lindell and DeBaliviere

The paved path along Lindell at Debaliviere (near the Missouri History Museum) is receiving repairs and resurfacing beginning the week of May 31. During this work, a short detour is available via the section of the path that turns toward the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center.

UPDATED: Road Closure Near Zoo, Art Museum Now Planned for June 14

NOTE: The following road closure is a rescheduling of the closure originally planned for June 1. The road will be open on June 1. The plans for June 14 are subject to suitable weather.

On June 14, a large crane will be used to work on the roof of the Saint Louis Zoo's Penguin Puffin exhibit, requiring closure of part of Government Drive. Beginning about 5 a.m., Government Drive will be closed to traffic between Fine Arts Drive and Washington Drive for about 6 hours. Street parking along this stretch of Government Drive will be blocked off the evenings before this work is done.

Oakland Avenue Playground Work May 23-27

Contractors will be on site making several repairs and improvements to the Oakland Avenue Playground during the week of May 23-27. While the playground will remain open for most of this time, specific sections will be temporarily closed while work is done.

Planned improvements include:

• Replacing the chat path with a new aggregate improve accessibility. 
• Additional mulch around the play turtle.
• Removing the post and rope guards around two trees within the playground 
• Tamping down the playground perimeter edging that was pushed up due to winter freeze/thaw.
• Paving the approach path from the circular landing at top of the sidewalk.
• Applying a fresh application of boiled linseed oil to the natural wood elements. NOTE: The entire playground needs to be closed during this application.
• Drilling weep holes in the top of turtle head snout and lower jaw to help drain water off the wood.

Other playgrounds in Forest Park:

• Variety Wonderland Playground next to the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center (north side of Park)
• Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape (by World's Fair Pavilion)

• Hudlin Playground (east of Kingshighway and south of BJC complex)

Weekend Activity: Run, Bark, Watch

May 20-22 is a busy weekend in Forest Park, so plan your routes accordingly. Among the major events, the Shakespeare Movie Festival will screen films each evening on Shakespeare Glen, the Bark in the Park takes place around Cricket Field on Saturday morning, and the the St. Louis Children's Hospital Make Tracks Through the Zoo run takes place Sunday morning.

Visit the Events Calendar for details. 

GO! St. Louis Races April 2-3

It will be a busy weekend at the Park April 2-3 with the GO! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend, which will affect road access each morning. Visit the GO! St. Louis site for route details and roads affected.

• Saturday: Family Fitness Day activities begin at 7:30 a.m. and the last event, the Read, Write & Run Marathon, begins at 9:45. Expect traffic impact around the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center all morning.
• Sunday: The marathon begins at 7 a.m. outside the Visitor Center, but the race route then exits the Park. In-Park traffic should clear by mid-morning.

Carr Lane Closed March 25

Carr Lane, one of the two roads that circle the Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape, will be closed Friday, March 25, from 9 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. so crews can patch asphalt where recent drainage work was completed.

During this work, the Nature Playscape will still be accessible from Concourse Drive.

Partial Road Closures for Tour of St. Louis March 20

The Tour of St. Louis will race in Forest Park on Sunday, March 20, which will affect road access and parking. The circuit for the Mike Murray Classic Criterium in Forest Park includes parts of Cricket Drive, Pagoda Circle, Theatre Drive and Grand Drive, so plan your routes accordingly. The Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center will remain open.

See race and route details at Tour of St. Louis here.

Prescribed Burn March 16

A prescribed burn is planned for Wednesday, March, 16, in Kennedy Forest Boardwalk South, a 4-acre unit just south of Picnic Pavilion #11. During this work, Picnic Pavilion #11 will be closed from approximately 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 

If time and conditions permit, we may also address a small section in Round Lake Vista as well as Wildlife Island. We do not anticipate this will require any road closures.

Follow progress and updates on the Burn Alerts page.

Prescribed Burn, Partial Road Closure March 2-3

Forest Park Forever plans to conduct prescribed burns, in partnership with the City of St. Louis, in the Forest Park Nature Reserve Wednesday, March 2, and Thursday, March 3. The areas targeted for this land management effort include Kennedy Forest, which would involve temporary road closure on part of Government Drive between the Zoo North Lot and the Government/Wells roundabout).

As with every prescribed burn, these plans are subject to change or even cancelation based on weather conditions. Visit the Burn Alert page for the latest details and locations.

Visitor Center Opening at 9 a.m. Feb. 25

Due to the winter storm, the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center will delay opening until 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 25.

Partial Closure on Paved Path Feb. 14-17

The early February snowstorm interrupted work to remove dead trees and other tree maintenance in the southwest corner of the Park. To safely resume this work, the paved path along the woods south of Wells Drive (between Skinker and the picnic pavilion) will be closed during working hours (approximately 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day) beginning Monday, Feb. 14, up to and potentially including Thursrday, Feb. 17.

Path users will be directed to detour along Wells.

Prescribed Burn on Monday, Jan. 31

A controlled burn is planned for Monday, Jan. 31, starting at Deer Lake Savanna between 10-11 a.m.  During this time, there is a high likelihood that Grand Drive, between Cricket Drive and Union Drive will be closed.  We will be assessing weather and burning conditions throughout the day.  Depending on conditions, other high priority sites will include Kennedy Forest Boardwalk Northeast & Kennedy Savanna East, and secondarily Round Lake Vista & Hatcheries Prairie.

Follow updates and learn more about this ecological management process on our Burn Alert page.

Paved Path Closure Jan. 31-Feb. 4: Skinker to Tamm

The paved path in the southwest corner of the Park will be closed the week of Jan 31-Feb 4, 2022, during working hours (approximately 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. each day) for tree maintenance and removal. The closure will affect the path from where it crosses Wells Drive (near Skinker Boulevard) to Tamm Avenue. Crews will keep the gravel path next to it open when possible, but a a loader will run across that path to load branches. 

Alternatives: The walk along Wells, where the closure begins, is the most direct route to rejoin the path at Tamm Avenue.

Forest Perk Cafe Closed Till Spring

The Forest Park Cafe (inside the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center) will be temporarily closed for the season after Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022, with plans to re-open later in spring 2022.

Oakland Avenue Playground Opens

November 4, 2021— The City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and Forest Park Forever are pleased to announce the renovated Oakland Avenue Playground is now open to the public. The playground is located on Forest Park’s southern edge near the intersection of Tamm and Oakland Avenues. The $300,000 project was funded by donations to Forest Park Forever, including a lead grant from the PNC Foundation, and the City of St. Louis. 

For the full release please click here.

COVID-19 Update  

July 24, 2021— We are aware of the latest St. Louis City and County guidelines and are closely following the advice provided by our local health officials related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Per the City of St. Louis face covering mandate for indoor spaces, we will be requiring all Park visitors who enter the Forest Park Visitor Center to wear a face covering beginning July 26.
 
For the full City of St. Louis guidance, click here.

The Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape Is Open to the Public

June 2, 2021 — Forest Park Forever and the City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry are pleased to announce that the new Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape in Forest Park is now open to the public!

This highly anticipated opening follows nearly two years of construction to transform what had been 17 acres of turf grass into a one-of-a-kind experiential play space with natural landscapes that include native and diverse species. The project was funded by donors to the nonprofit conservancy Forest Park Forever and completed in partnership with the City of St. Louis. Read more here.

New World’s Fair Pavilion Comfort Station & Gathering Plaza

September 30, 2020 – The City of St. Louis Parks Division and Forest Park Forever are pleased to announce the opening of a significantly renovated comfort station and new gathering plaza in Forest Park near the World’s Fair Pavilion and the future Nature Playscape. What had been just a partial-year restroom has been transformed into a renovated and modernized building with year-round restrooms and a spacious new gathering plaza where visitors can meet, unwind and even charge their phones. Learn more about the highlights here.

Visitor Center