Our “rentals” page is the best place to start.

In general, for Forest Park permits, including weddings, picnic pavilions, Jewel Box and World's Fair Pavilion rentals, athletic field reservations and special events, you'll want to contact the Parks Department by calling 314.289.5300.

Lost something? Please call us at 314.367.7275. There is a lost and found location in the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor & Education Center.

Found something? Please turn it into the information desk inside the Visitor Center. 

You need a Park permit for an organized group activity and to rent a picnic pavilion, recreational field or other outdoor space. Please contact the City of St. Louis Parks Department & Division of Parks, Recreation and Forestry by email (preferred) or call 314.289.5300 for permit information.

You can play at an athletic field or picnic site or pavilion as long as it has not rained for over 24 hours, the location has not been permitted for other use and yours is not a group-organized activity.

Refer to our Key Contacts page for more information about facilities and institutions within Forest Park.

Report and injured or sick wildlife to the Citizen’s Service Bureau, or contact the St. Louis City Park Rangers by calling 314.289.5350.

Animal Care & Control does not respond to reports of nuisance wildlife. St. Louis City Animal Care & Control will respond to a report of injured wildlife, or wildlife that poses a safety or health issue.

Find more information on how Animal Control handles wildlife and additional organizations who may be able to offer guidance regarding wildlife on the City’s website.

If you would like to fly a drone in Forest Park, you will need to submit an application for a City of St. Louis Board of Public Service Permit to BPS Secretary Cherise Jones, Room 305, City Hall. With your application, you will need to submit a copy of your pilot's license, drone specs and a certificate of insurance for $1,000,000. Please contact the Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry at 314.289.5300 with additional questions.

• illegal substances of any kind

• grills of any kind (Revised Section Code 11.34.160). Grilling pits are available in designated picnic areas.

• tents

• large shade umbrellas

• unauthorized vendors or solicitations (sampling, giveaways, etc.)

Motorcycles, electric/motorized scooters and e-bikes are not permitted on the trails, pathways or sidewalks.

Per City  Ordinance 68607, visitors are not permitted to hang anything on the trees.

There is a “hammock garden” in Forest Park with posts for hanging freestanding hammocks in the grass north of Post-Dispatch Lake, between Picnic Island and the Boathouse.

No. Park visitors are not allowed to bring their own boats, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. into or on any park waterways or lakes.

Paddle Forest Park can help you rent boats and more.  

Yes. Per City ordinance, pets and companion animals are required to be on leashes. The leash may not be more than six feet long and must be held by a responsible party capable of controlling the animal.

No, horseback riding is not allowed inside St. Louis City parks. (Note: The Mounted Police Stables, located in the Park, are home to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Mounted Patrol Unit.)

Fishing is permitted in the lakes and lagoons in Forest Park, except where restrictions are posted. A valid Missouri fishing license is required. Jefferson Lake is the only lake stocked by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Fishing is not permitted in the Fish Hatchery, except through programs administered by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Fishing is also not permitted in Post-Dispatch Lake.

You can play on athletic fields provided it has not rained for over 24 hours. You can use the field, picnic shelter or space provided it has not been permitted for other use and yours is not a group-organized activity. 

For their safety and ours, it is essential that visitors avoid behaviors that encourage human-wildlife interactions. 

Animal Care & Control does not respond to reports of nuisance wildlife. St. Louis City Animal Care & Control will respond to a report of injured wildlife, or wildlife that poses a safety or health issue.  

Find more information on how Animal Control handles wildlife and additional organizations who may be able to offer guidance regarding wildlife on the City’s website. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation is a great resource for learning to live with the wildlife who share our habitats. 

If you would like to fly a drone in or over Forest Park, please refer to the “Flying a drone in or over Forest Park“ part of the “Who do I contact” section above.

Geocaching is not permissible in Forest Park. 

Winter sledding is permitted, and greatly enjoyed, in the Park unless restrictions are posted. We recommend sledding on Art Hill.

No, this is not allowed. We suggest paying a visit to Steinberg skating rink in The Glade during the open season (mid-November through March). 

Below are several locations to cool down in the Park: 

• West: Dennis & Judith Jones Variety Wonderland Playground 

• Central: Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape  

• East: (coming soon) The Glade splashpad 

Learn more about Forest Park’s 6-mile Dual Recreational Path, including how the different surfaces accommodate “heels” and “wheels” traffic. All visitors are encouraged to share the path. Please allow room for others to safely pass on your left.