Rules, Safety & Security
Forest Park: A Safe & Welcoming Destination
Welcome to Forest Park. Since it has been beautifully restored through a partnership between our organization and the City of St. Louis, Forest Park has become an incomparable destination for more than 15.5 million visitors each year. For visitors of every background and interest, Forest Park is welcoming, safe and accessible.
City of St. Louis Police officers and Park Rangers actively patrol Forest Park every day as part of their ongoing operations, and the Park Rangers are headquartered here in Forest Park. Forest Park Forever and the City work closely with the City’s Parks Department, Police, Rangers and the security staff with the major Forest Park institutions to keep the safety and security of Park visitors top of mind, always remaining vigilant.
Photo by J.B. Forbes
The Visitor Center lots are highlighted here in red. Click to view larger.
Safety Tips
To help provide you with the best possible time in Forest Park, we encourage you to review these tips and resources:
Prior to your arrival by car, store valuables and personal belongings out of sight (i.e. in your trunk). Be mindful to stash loose auxiliary or charging cords, as they might allude to valuables in your vehicle.
For morning Forest Park users, park in the convenient Visitor Center lots. Park Rangers, Mounted Police and St. Louis Police officers monitor the whole 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.
If you see any suspicious behavior in the Park, report it to the Police by calling 911. They will take your call quickly and handle it in the appropriate manner.
If you are in an emergency situation, look for the nearest light pole. The installed light pole address marker system means that a 911 operator will be able to locate you even if you are not quite sure where you are.
If you have questions, please call the Park Rangers at 314.289.5350 or the Mounted Police Horse Stables at 314.444.1290. If your question is related to Forest Park Forever, feel free to send us an email.
Thank you for keeping these tips in mind. 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’ Tree Ordinance, visitors are prohibited from using trees to hang hammocks. However, freestanding hammocks are permitted and there is a “hammock garden” with posts for hanging 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 call the Parks Department at 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.