The creation and preservation of Forest Park is at its heart a very American story, in keeping with the character of a still-developing city on the cusp of the Gilded Age. St. Louis nurtured in its civic soul the tension of an upstart and self-made metropolis—filled with the dreams and schemes of the young country expanding ever westward—alongside a great desire to be counted among the centers of wealth, culture, and civility. Certainly older locales, like Philadelphia and Boston, had advantages on this western frontier outpost, but in the audacity of the size and scope of plans for our own central park, the spirit of St. Louis was unmatched.

From its signature institutions and events to the 15 million-plus yearly visitors who use Forest Park for solace, for refuge, for recreation, for family time, for self-expression, for mental health, and for connection, the park offers something for all. The durability and flexibility that came to define the green heart of the city have made it the unquestionable gathering place for residents and visitors alike, from 1876 until today. Explore these pages and be inspired anew by the history and spirit of Forest Park.