10 Outdoor Activities to Try in Forest Park

By Amy Bell

Worlds Fair Picture

In 1904, St. Louis hosted the World’s Fair. The planning of the fair transformed more than 1,200 acres of previously thickets and swamps into land filled with beautifully designed waterways, gardens, avenues, and buildings.The planning for the fair involved developing of neighborhoods and improving the St. Louis water supply as well. Much of the area for the 1904 World’s Fair was dedicated to the beautiful, 1,300-acre Forest Park. Two of the buildings are still standing today. The park now has so many different activities, indoor and outdoor, and most of them are free. Thanks to the fair, we have a wonderful park with endless amounts of outdoor activities! In my short time in St. Louis, I’ve spent a lot of time in the park. I made a quick guide for outdoor activities and sports that you can do in Forest Park. Enjoy!

1. Running/Walking Trails

In a busy, big city, the park is a place for refuge and relaxation. For some, that means leisurely walks and for others that means a more intense run. Whichever you choose, there are miles of trails running throughout the park. The trails travel to all major attractions in the park, by ponds, over bridges, and much of it is shaded.  The trails take you so many places that you see new sights every time. For those that want to learn more about the park, the Visitor’s Center provides a free, self-guided audio tour. The park is open to anyone, providing a free, safe place to take a stroll or get in a run while taking the beauty of nature. Forest park is a great place to get in some exercise, de-stress and escape the city.



2. Bike Trails

In addition to running trails, Forest Park has bicycle paths throughout the park. The paved trails can be used for biking or running, but many people take advantage of the safe, car-free trails for cycling. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, Forest Park is a great place to bike. The outside loop of the park is 6 miles, but you can take shorter path through the middle, or add additional paths to lengthen your trip. If you are vacationing or you don’t own a bicycle, there is a place to rent bikes, and you can even spend a couple hours taking a bike tour of the park, (visit http://citycyclingtours.com/) . Forest Park provides miles of safe road in a city where biking on the road can sometimes be dangerous. So gather your family or friends, get out there, and get some exercise in the 

beautiful Missouri weather!

3. Archery Range

One of my favorite places in Forest Park is the archery range. It may be surprising that people still have bows and arrows, but many people still shoot, whether it is for sport or practicing for hunting. For anyone who watched the Olympics, archery is still a sport that we participate in, and I think it’s pretty cool! If you can find a place to rent equipment, or if you have your own bow and arrow, the range is a great place to come. It is located right behind St. Louis Mounted Police Station stables (so you get to see the horses), and it’s basically a big field with targets. It’s like a free backyard. What could be better than that? It is another great activity offered for free in the park, and you don’t have to have a permit. It’s a great way to relieve stress, enhance your shooting skills, and be outdoors all at the same time. (Also, if you’re thinking this must be dangerous and you are afraid of flying arrows, don’t worry. There are plenty of signs and space behind the targets to prevent accidents from happening).

4. Tennis Courts

Tennis is a great way to get in shape and have a lot of fun. The Dwight Davis Memorial Tennis Center and the Highland Golf and Tennis Center are both located in Forest Park. The Davis Center consists of 18 lighted tennis courts plus a stadium court. They have tennis programs for anyone to learn how to play or improve their game. If you are a pass holder, you can play in special events as well. The courts are open to the public, but unfortunately they are not free. Depending on the time of the year, renting a court for an hour costs $10-$20 dollars, and an annual pass is $100 for college student. That allows you access to the courts, free lessons, and a discounted use of the ball machine. For more information, visit http://www.dwightdavistennis.com/home.  The Highland has 13 lighted clay tennis courts located on the opposite side of the park. Playing on these courts also costs money and they offer season passes, but the cost was not listed on the website. For more information, visit http://www.highlandsgolfandtennis.com/. If you are looking for a fun way to work out, tennis is a great option! 

5. Racquetball Courts

Racquetball, the cousin of tennis, is technically indoors, but I 
still consider it an outdoor activity with the clear wall and ceiling. Racquetball is like a fast-paced version of tennis that is usually much easier and more enjoyable for beginners. Forest Park has four racquetball courts that are first-come first-serve basis.  A benefit of these courts is that they are covered, so you can play rain or shine. So take a friend and a racket(you can get them for about $15 at Target,Walmart, or any outdoors store) and have a blast playing a racquetball game. You won’t be sorry!


6. Handball Courts

Right next to the racquetball courts are the handball courts. I have never played handball, but with some research I found out that it is similar to racquetball. Instead of using a racket, you hit the ball with your hand in its place. So if you go with handball, you can save 15 dollars on a racket. The Forest Park Handball Courts host tournaments that anyone can participate in as well as other events found on their website http://www.fphcbigblue.com/news.php.  Although I have never played, handball looks exciting and upbeat, and any excuse to get outside and get moving is a good one. Handball could be a great hobby and other than the ball itself, no equipment is required!

7. Golf

Forest Park has not one, but two golf courses located within the park. The Norman K. Probstein Golf Course is one of the beautiful golf courses, with three separate 9-hole courses to offer different 18-hole combinations.  Depending on the time, the fees run from about 15-25 dollars for nine holes for one to four people. For those who love to play golf, the Probstein Golf Course is a great option in a great location. As an added bonus, the clubhouse has a beautiful view of the city, the lake, and even a waterfall! With the location and the views, what more could you ask for? For more information, log onto http://www.forestparkgc.com/. The other course in the park is the Highland Golf and Tennis Center. This course has 9-holes are about 15-25 dollars as well and hosts the only driving range in St. Louis. The course and clubhouse were both renovated in 2010, making for another beautiful option for golfing in Forest Park. For more information, visit 
http://www.highlandsgolfandtennis.com/. 

8. Multipurpose Fields

Spread throughout the park are many different fields. There are four softball and four baseball diamonds at Boeing Aviation Fields that can be reserved. There is also a Cricket field and several other fields set apart that are commonly used for rugby, soccer, playing catch, football, ultimate Frisbee, and anything else you can dream up! On occasion, the fields also host events such as Loufest and other festivals and activities. With limited green space in the city, these fields offer a place for both children and adults to run free and have some fun playing silly games, practicing sports, or having some friendly competition.


9. Paddle-boating

Paddle-boating is a lot of fun and a great way to see the park from a different perspective.

You can rent a paddle-boat at the Boathouse restaurant for $17 an hour for up to four adults.  What’s even better is that you can go on a little tour of Forest Park in the boats. Post-Dispatch lake (where you start) is connected to Emerald Grand Basin, which is right in front of Art Hill and the Art Museum, Lake Eisenhower, which is next to the Probstein Golf Course, and Deer Lake. You can take your paddle-boat and visit the zoo, the World’s Fair Pavilion, wildlife, and much more!

10. Ice Skating Rink

The Steinburg Skating Rink, which happens to be the largest skating rink in the Midwest, is open from mid-November through February. The rink is open all day, every day (10am to Midnight on weekends and holidays) during these months, and admission is $7 for all day admission and $6 for ice skate rentals. Keep in mind that they only take cash. The rink also offers packages for season passes and 10-visit passes. In addition to skating, the rink also has lessons available, food and drinks, a fire pit, and indoor seating as well. I don’t know about you, but just reading about the skating rink makes me wish it was November already!

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