John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest is an urban oasis offering a deep woods experience within city limits, characterized by tranquility, beautiful native flora, and abundant wildlife. It serves as a peaceful, uncrowded escape from the urban hustle.
Key Highlights
- ✓Provides a 'deep woods' immersion where city sights and sounds disappear in some parts
- ✓Offers a variety of path types including concrete, gravel, and dirt
- ✓Opportunities for wildlife sightings, including deer
- ✓Abundant native wildflowers in spring and native savanna flowers in summer
- ✓Maintains a quiet, tranquil, and peaceful atmosphere despite its urban location
- ✓Trails are rarely crowded, even in Forest Park
Standout Features
- ⭐Genuine forest immersion experience despite being in the city
- ⭐Rich biodiversity with native wildflowers (spring) and savanna flowers (summer)
- ⭐Frequent wildlife sightings (e.g., deer)
- ⭐Consistently quiet and uncrowded trails
- ⭐Varied trail surfaces (concrete, gravel, dirt) offering different textures
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Be prepared for confusing trails; this location is best for wandering and exploration rather than structured loop hikes.
- →Consider visiting in spring to see native wildflowers or summer for savanna flowers.
- →Ideal for families seeking a quiet, peaceful nature escape rather than a strenuous or long hike.
- →Keep an eye on younger children due to the potentially confusing trail navigation and varied surfaces.
- →Embrace the short 'quasi loop' (barely a mile) for a manageable walk with young kids.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Trails are described as a 'cluster' that go off in 'crazy directions' without a clear, continuous loop
- ⚠The main 'quasi loop' is barely a mile long, which may not satisfy those looking for longer hikes
- ⚠Potential navigation challenges for parents wanting a straightforward path
Price & Value
No admission fee mentioned, suggesting it is a free public park. The value is high for offering a free, accessible natural escape and wildlife viewing within an urban environment.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Paths consist of a combination of concrete, gravel, and dirt. Concrete sections likely offer accessibility, but gravel and dirt paths may pose challenges for strollers or wheelchairs. No specific accessibility accommodations were mentioned.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Trails are 'rarely crowded'
- •Described as a 'quiet area', suggesting low foot traffic overall
⏰When to Avoid
- • Families looking for clearly marked, long, or highly structured hiking loops
- • If children get easily frustrated by unclear trail navigation or want a destination-focused hike
- • If you require consistently smooth, paved, or highly accessible paths throughout (due to gravel and dirt sections)
Pricing/Package/Events
Events & Schedule
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Park is patrolled by the St. Louis Police Department and Park Rangers.
- • All path users are encouraged to be respectful and responsible.
- • Pedestrians should be aware that cyclists, rollerbladers, and runners may pass on the left; walking single file helps make room.
📅Booking Policy
- • For Forest Park permits, including picnic pavilions, athletic field reservations, and special events, contact the Parks Department at 314.289.5300.
🚗Parking Information
- • Various parking lots available throughout Forest Park, including paid options at Saint Louis Art Museum (underground), Saint Louis Science Center, and Saint Louis Zoo (North & South Lots).
- • Free public parking is available on Fine Arts Drive and anywhere permitted in Forest Park.
- • Designated parking areas for buses with proper permits (four locations identified on a map).
- • Visitor Center East and West Lots are available and serve as additional parking with a shuttle for some events.
Photos
What People Say
What's Great
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Matt Alvino
6 years agoAbout as close to a forest oasis you are going to get within city limits. We were here in the winter so the pictures are not doing it justice. Some parts are deep enough in the woods where you don't see cars or building anymore. Combination of concrete, gravel, and dirt paths throughout. Trails are kind of a cluster that go off in crazy directions without a real loop. If you do the actual quasi loop I thinks it's barely a mile.
Rob
2 months agoLove this quiet area in the middle of the city. Nice to see deer and other wildlife still living in the park, too, with it being surrounded by the hustle and bustle.
Jarrod West
3 years agoGreat place to hike and meditate. Tranquility and Peace are abundant in this hidden gem in the heart of our urban forest.
Art Leverenz
a year agoHidden gem in Forest Park. Trails are rarely crowded, and the ecological restoration has produced wonderful results. The wooded areas are full of native wildflowers in spring, and the savanna areas are full of native flowers in summer. Urban oasis of wildlife.
Jimmy Conway
8 months agoBeautiful scenery in a city that's been run down by our terrible economy and tyrants... I highly recommend this park and forest if you need some quiet time and peace in your life.
Contact Information
6500 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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