Rules, Safety, Security & FAQs
Welcome to Forest Park!
Our nonprofit conservancy partners with the City of St. Louis to keep Forest Park welcoming, safe and accessible for more than 15.5 million visitors each year.
Forest Park Forever and the City work closely with the City’s Parks Department, Police, Rangers and the major institutions to remain vigilant and keep the safety and security of Forest Park visitors top of mind.
The City of St. Louis Park Ranger headquarters are in Forest Park. City Police officers and Park Rangers actively patrol Forest Park every day.
St. Louis City Park Rangers: call 314.289.5350
St. Louis City Mounted Police Horse Stables: call 314.444.1290
Photo by J.B. Forbes
Safety Tips for Forest Park:
Store valuables and personal belongings out of sight. Be mindful of auxiliary or charging cords, as they might allude to valuables in your vehicle.
Park in the Visitor Center lots. Park Rangers, Mounted Police and St. Louis Police officers monitor Forest Park daily. During early and mid-mornings, when the Park is used by many runners and cyclists, there is a special monitoring focus on the parking lots just south of the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center. We encourage all early morning Park users to use this convenient parking option.
Know your location with our interactive map of Forest Park.
Report suspicious behavior to the Police by calling 911. Forest Park has a light pole address marker system that a 911 operator can use to locate you.
In an emergency, look for the nearest light pole. Forest Park’s light pole address marker system allows a 911 operator to locate you even if you do not know exactly where you are.
We hope you enjoy your time in Forest Park!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the two side-by-side paths?
Forest Park has a 6-mile Dual Recreational Path that circles the Park, and in some cases cuts through it. The soft gravel surface is meant to accommodate walkers, joggers and others traveling at a slower velocity, while the hard surface is intended for bikes (including recumbent), blades, strollers, skateboards and non-motorized scooters (max speed is 15 MPH). As a general guideline, the gravel paths are ideal for "heels," the asphalt for "wheels." All visitors are encouraged to share the path, so that everyone can have an enjoyable, safe time in the Park. If you are a pedestrian needing to use the asphalt path, please allow room for others to safely pass on your left.
Can I fly a drone in Forest Park?
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.
Can I bring my own boat or kayak?
No, Park visitors are not allowed to bring their own boats, kayaks, paddleboards, etc. into or on any park waterways or lakes.
Is swimming allowed?
No, swimming is not allowed anywhere in Forest Park.
Is ice-skating allowed on frozen bodies of water in the Park?
No, this is not allowed. We suggest paying a visit to Steinberg Skating Rink during their open season (mid-November through March 1).
How about sledding?
Winter sledding is permitted (and greatly enjoyed) on Art Hill, unless restrictions are posted.
Can I hang a hammock in Forest Park?
Per the City of St. Louis Forestry Ordinance 68607, visitors are prohibited from hanging hammocks or attaching any wire, rope, sign, handbill or other thing to any Tree, Shrub or Plant growing on City Property. However, in Forest Park there is a “hammock garden” with posts for hanging freestanding hammocks in the grass north of Post-Dispatch Lake, between Picnic Island and the Boathouse.
Who owns, operates and takes care of Forest Park?
Forest Park is owned and operated by the City of St. Louis. Forest Park Forever partners with the City of St. Louis to provide maintenance, operations, education, visitor services and capital project management for Forest Park. This public-private partnership is now a national model.
Does Forest Park have closing hours?
Yes. The Park is closed from 10:00 p.m.-6:00 a.m. Hours for cultural institutions and staffed amenities vary; visit their sites for the latest operating hours.
Is the Park patrolled by security?
Yes. The Park is patrolled by the St. Louis Police Department and by Park Rangers.
Who do I contact about gaining a permit for an event?
This is the best page to start with. In general, for Forest Park permits, including weddings, picnic pavilions, Jewel Box, World's Fair Pavilion and Cabanne House rentals, athletic field reservations and special events, you'll want to contact the Parks Department by calling 314.289.5300.
Is there a Lost & Found?
There is a lost and found located in the Visitor Center. If an item is found, please come visit the desk inside the Visitor Center for the touchless process. Please call us at 314.367.7275 if you lost an item.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes. Per City Ordinance, pets are required to be on leashes.
Can I bring my horse?
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.)
Is fishing allowed in Forest Park?
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.
Are electric or motorized cycles, scooters or e-bikes allowed?
Motorcycles, electric/motorized scooters and e-bikes are not permitted on the trails, pathways or sidewalks.
Do I need a Park permit for a group activity in the Park?
You will need a Park permit for an organized group activity in the Park. Please contact Parks Department at 314.289.5300 for permit information.
Can I enjoy Emerson Central Fields with a few friends and have a picnic, throw a frisbee or kick a ball? If it has not rained for over 24 hours, yes, you can play frisbee or kick around a ball at Emerson Central Fields as long as it is not a group-organized activity.
Is geocaching allowed in Forest Park?
Geocaching is not permissible in Forest Park.