The Soul of
STL
Your quick tour of FOREST PARK. By Moe Godat
56
2022 RELOCATING IN SAINT LOUIS
Whether you’re moving to a spacious suburb or to an apartment in the heart of the city, you’ll always have access to the area’s “regional backyard,” Forest Park. Measuring 1,293 acres, Forest Park is nearly 500 acres larger than New York City’s Central Park and also ranks as the 6th most visited urban park in the United States. Since its establishment in 1876, Forest Park has served as a refuge for both local wildlife and its 13 million annual visitors. Many still consider Forest Park “the soul of St. Louis,” a nickname tied to its role in preserving the metropolitan area’s natural beauty while also containing several major cultural institutions. The founders of Forest Park intended for the area to be open to everyone regardless of economic status, so many of its attractions are free for general admission. The Saint Louis Zoo was recently voted America’s Top Free Attraction and also the best zoo in the United States, housing over 17,000 wild animals of roughly 560 species and drawing in three million visitors annually.
