While writing this blog, so many activities located within Forest Park have crossed my mind. However, because of their interconnectedness and close proximity, if I mention one, I feel like I have to mention them all! In this Forest Park Feature, I’ll elaborate on some of the bigger spots - but make sure you check out https://forestparkmap.org/ so you don’t miss any of the smaller spots either!
The Muny
The Muny began as a small stage between two trees in 1919. Today, the Muny has grown to be the nation’s largest outdoor theatre, producing seven professional shows each summer for St. Louis to enjoy. Although the Muny was closed for the 2020 season due to the coronavirus, it will be open for the 2021 season with classics such as The Sound of Music, Chicago, and Mary Poppins. Don’t want to pay for a ticket? The last nine rows - being 1,400 seats - are always free! Be sure to get there early as the free seats are first come first serve.
Steinberg’s Skating Rink
As The Muny is only open during the summer, Steinberg’s Skating Rink is the opposite: only open during the winter! The largest outdoor skating rink in the U.S. is open every day throughout the season to the public, even on holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve and Day. Steinberg’s Snowflake Cafe sells snacks and drinks such as hot dogs, burgers, chips, hot chocolate, soda, beer, and wine for skaters taking a break. If you’d prefer to eat elsewhere but aren’t done skating, Steinberg’s welcomes you to come back later, as admission is valid all day. Just make sure you don’t lose your big, bright Steinberg admission sticker!
The Boathouse
The Boathouse at St. Louis is comprised of two places: The Boathouse, which is a restaurant, and Boathouse Paddle Co, which rents out canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and stand up paddle boards for locals to enjoy during the summer months on Post-Dispatch Lake, located steps away. The Boathouse is open year-round, but with limited days and hours during the colder months due to the fact that most seating is outdoors on the dock. There is indoor seating, but it is limited. The Boathouse is always serving a different special item, so be sure to check out what it is!
The Zoo
Home to over 12,000 animals and 500 species is the St. Louis Zoo! The Zoo is currently open to all ages, provided visitors wear masks. The best part? It’s free! Just bring along a dollar or two for when you pet the stingrays - since trust me, a dollar for petting stingrays, and two dollars for feeding them is 100% worth it. The Zoo also has various restaurants and food stands for if you need a refreshment during your visit. You’ll want to plan to spend a whole day at The Zoo since there is so much to see - from penguins, to lions, to reptiles!
After your next visit to Forest Park, let me know what you thought! Tag @livininthelou1 on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook and share your experience!
As always, keep exploring!
~Mary
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