Forest Park, Missouri
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Located right in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, Forest Park is so much more than just a city park. It houses many of the city’s prized attractions and draws both tourists and locals to the area every year for a number of reasons. It’s often called “The Heart of St. Louis,” as it is considered the civic center of the city.
No matter what brings you to St. Louis, whether you want to see the arch or take in a baseball game, Forest Park should be somewhere on your radar. Offering everything from fun-filled afternoons tromping through the woods to educational opportunities to learn about anything from art to animals, there’s something for you—and the whole family—right here.
The St. Louis Zoo is considered one of the best in the country, and for good reason. There are over 18,000 animals that represent over 600 species inside the zoo. And what’s more: it’s absolutely free to visit. That’s right, free for everyone. How can you not love that?
It covers over 90 acres, so when you visit you should plan on walking some. But pick the right day, and it’s easy to wander without end. You can bring food and drink with you from home to save even more money. Plus with animals that range from both common and rare insects to reptiles to bears, jungle cats, and elephants, you’ll be able to spend plenty of time here without anyone in your crew getting bored.
You might not realize just how exciting Missouri’s history is until you visit the Missouri History Museum. And, like the zoo, the standard exhibits at the museum are free to the public, which means it’s an ideal place to bring the entire family and while away the afternoon without spending big bucks.
There are both long-term and rotating exhibits at the museum. Given the state’s long, complex history, you’ll find everything from information about the name of the city to its long trade routes along the Mississippi River, to the music that grew and became world-famous right from St. Louis. Reserve your tickets in advance to make sure you get to see everything you hope to.
While they’re still huge events taking place roughly every five years, you don’t hear as much about World’s Fairs (now called World Expos) as much anymore. Back when, though, they used to be major events that brought a global spotlight to the host city. That was very much the case when St. Louis hosted the World’s Fair in 1904.
Themed around the Louisiana Purchase, the Expo was held for eight months. While many of the buildings constructed for the fair were meant to be temporary, there were two that were permanent: Brookings Hall, and the Palace of Fine Art, which now houses the St. Louis Art Museum. Today, there’s also a Pavilion that sits on Government Hill. It was built in 1910 as a gift from the committee, after a promise to rebuild the park after the exposition was finished.
Forest Park owes much of its current existence to the 1904 World’s Fair. That’s also true with Flegal Falls. Originally built for the fair, the Cascades ran down Art Hill. The current falls were rebuilt in the 1930s as an homage to the Cascades. Today, Flegal Falls is a popular recreational spot for any number of reasons.
Visit the falls when you’re in Forest Park, and you may see proposals, weddings, picnickers, or other visitors just taking pictures. These 75-foot falls are one of the many picturesque places inside the park and are also the source for the entire river system that flows through the park.
Housed in one of the only original buildings built for the 1904 World’s Fair, the St. Louis Art Museum has a total of over 30,000 objects in its collection, dating back to up to 5,000 years ago. And you’ll find more than just paintings here, as the museum is a dedication to art forms of all kinds—even textiles.
Inside, you’ll find works from the great photographer Ansel Adams; the painters Vincent Van Gogh, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Pablo Picasso; the pop artist Andy Warhol; the designer Charles Eames; glass artist Dale Chihuly; and so much more. There are masterpieces and artifacts, all of which show us just how much art has changed over time, and around the world.
Technically the only RV park in downtown St. Louis, the aptly named St. Louis RV Park puts you in close proximity to Forest Park. There are full hookups on the site, plus wireless internet. A convenience store means you don’t have to do any runs to other local stores in order to keep your RV stocked up. There are clean restrooms, plus a large pool to enjoy when you’re not out and about in the city.
A short 20 miles outside of St. Louis, Sundermeier RV Park is in St. Charles, Missouri. The park itself has full utility hookups, but the area is brimming with fun, exciting things to do. It’s a historic town, so you’ll find quaint shops and a nice Main Street area to walk through. The city park is adjacent to the RV park, where you’ll also find a basketball court. Katy Trail State Park nearby offers hiking opportunities, and a larger city park just a bit further away has three pools and more sports courts to enjoy.
Despite the fancy spelling, Cahokia RV Park is your quintessential camping site. It’s loaded with amenities, starting with full utility hookups and available wifi. To keep the kids busy, there’s an outdoor swimming pool and playground. There’s also onsite laundry, propane fills available during the day, and a clean restroom facility.
Among St. Louis’s many attractions, casinos are a big draw. If that’s your kind of vacation, then consider staying at the Casino Queen RV Park. Technically located in East St. Louis, Illinois, the Casino Queen offers full hookups including an internet connection at each spot. There are large spots available if you happen to be in a Class A rental RV, plus a bathhouse and laundry are onsite as well. And of course, there’s also a 24-hour shuttle available to take you into the casino to try your luck.
Looking for more of a proper camping feel? Try out St. Peters’ 370 Lakeside Park. Clearly located on the banks of a lake, this park offers 75 campsites, both primitive and those with full hookups. The sites are level and on gravel, making it easy to set up camp. There are also showers, laundry, and restrooms available. Don’t forget about the lake, which is there for fishing and boating. It’s patrolled 24/7 by park rangers to keep you safe, and a convenience store onsite keeps your RV stocked up.
There are several restaurants inside the park, most of which are found inside several of the attractions. The museum and the zoo both have small cafe-style restaurants in them, perfect for a quick sandwich, cup of coffee, and other snacks. You’re allowed to bring your own food and drink into the zoo, which you can prepare in the kitchen of your RV before you head into the city.
You’ll find a ton of good eats surrounding Forest Park on all four sides. Banh mis and other sandwiches, cafes with quick pick-me-ups of coffee drinks and pastries, pubs, and ethnic foods are all around you. Keep an eye out for St. Louis barbecue—something you shouldn’t have any trouble finding. There are burgers and pizza joints as well. Lest we forget, this is the land where Budweiser was born, and since then, many craft breweries and brewpubs have opened in the area as well.
St. Louis has a thriving food scene, so even if you decide to stray farther away from Forest Park, you won’t have any trouble finding a good meal. From small neighborhood joints to fine dining, to family-friendly places that are perfect for even the pickiest of eaters, you’ll have no trouble coming away full (or filling back up) after a long day at Forest Park.