We love Lafayette Park. The perfect size for a nice walk, huge pond with ducks you can watch for hours, walking trails and free concerts. A gorgeous bridge and plenty of beautiful things to see. We took our engagement photos here and also enjoyed coffee together the morning of our wedding, so it has so much meaning to us. We love walking around, especially in the spring and fall, and enjoying this beautiful city! read more

Lafayette Park: where the grass is lush, the bandstand is iconic, and the summer concert series is the closest thing St. Louis has to Coachella--if Coachella had lawn chairs, wine tumblers, and that one guy who insists on dancing solo in front of the stage like he's possessed by jazz itself. The music? Surprisingly awesome. Local bands bring the heat, the horns, and sometimes even a keytar. The crowd? A delightful mix of retirees, toddlers, dogs in bandanas, and millennials who wandered in after hearing drums while walking their compost bins. It's BYO everything--chairs, snacks, wine, existential joy. The energy is peak Midwest wholesome with just enough chaos to keep it interesting (watch out for rogue frisbees and unsupervised toddlers with glow sticks). Truly, if you haven't awkwardly clapped along to a Stevie Wonder cover while holding a sweaty brie wedge and dodging bubbles... are you even living? read more

This park is truly beautiful. Came to St.louis to visit a friend and she took us here. It was a nice fall crisp day when we came. Well more like crisp winter day as we were there in November. We walked around this park before we had brunch nearby. There was a pond too! Truly beautiful and a must see if ever in this area of St.Louis. read more

Lafayette Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Gorgeous, peaceful park in a lovely neighborhood. My daughter works nearby and wanted to show me around the area. I took a bit of time and strolled through the park. Wide paths wind through the park with entry points on all sides. Inside you'll find historical markers, a pretty fountain, a playground, and loads of big, fabulous trees. There was plenty of parking available around the perimeter, and this morning only a handful of people and some pup companions were enjoying a stroll with me. Most definitely seems like a serene place for a daily walk...if I didn't live 2000 miles away. read more

See all

This place is a treasure hidden in plain sight. I'm born and raised in St. Louis, and have driven past this park COUNTLESS times, yet I had never set foot here before two years ago. My mom came here for an event and told me how nice it was so I made a drive to check it out. I was blown away! This park is a hybrid between Forest Park and Tower Grove Park. It's not as large as either of those parks, yet it has really picturesque views, paths, ponds, and planters. There are a many historical statues and artifacts here, amid an enchanting Victorian style park. While everyone and their mom go to Forest Park and Tower Grove to take their wedding and engagement photos, I will definitely go to Lafayette Park instead. Because this park is not as well known or well attended, there isn't much traffic in the park making this a photographer's dream. There's a playground here as well for kiddos, along with a large pond with ducks, geese, and swans. This is one of the best parks in town, so if you need a change of scenery from some of the other wonderful parks in our fare city, do yourself a favor and come here. You won't be disappointed! read more

See all

One of STL's greatest staples right here! Watch this park change colors over the seasons. They have ponds with wildlife and short trails to walk throughout the park. The surrounding neighborhoods are full of stunning architecture and great restaurants as well. read more

See all

One of the gems of our city, Lafayette Park offers so much for park go-ers. While the park is not as big as other city parks, it still has all the amenities you need for a perfect afternoon. Lafayette Park is nestled in the middle of Lafayette Square and that's part of what makes this park standout. The homes that line the perimeter of the park are absolutely jaw dropping. The elegance of the surrounding homes give the park an unparalleled vibe. The park feels so chic! From the giant planters to the manicured ponds, there's so much beauty that you forget you're in the city. The park is so picturesque that it's not unusual to see photographers working with clients. In fact, today when we walked our dog in Lafayette Park we lost count of how many families were having their photos taken by photographers. At times there was a wait to get into the most photographic spots. Here's a little history: The park was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), a French statesman who served as a volunteer under General George Washington in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The land was part of the St. Louis Common. When the Common was divided in 1836, an ordinance preserved the 29.95 acres for public use as a park. In 1972, Lafayette Square was declared a historic district by Saint Louis If you are a runner, Lafayette Park is a great spot to add on some miles. The rolling hills of the park make your workout challenging. read more

See all

This is such a great park to visit if you are in the area. They have lots of open space to hang out with friends (from a distance) and they have plenty of park benches and even tables for enjoying a picnic. Pro tip-order something for pick up from any of the Lafayette Square businesses and walk over to the park for a fun picnic! The park has a large pond area with so many geese and ducks to watch (and maybe feed if that's allowed?). The walkways are super wide so people can walk and run without bumping into one another. There is a playground in the center for the kiddos to play on, but I think it might be closed now due to the Rona' (?) since I didn't see any kids playing on it, but I can't remember if it's closed off or if it was just empty? I'll have to go back to check that part out again. I know this is a popular park for weddings and photographing so you may even catch a wedding party when you visit. The trees this time of year are lush and there is plenty of shade to go around. Overall, this is just a beautiful park to visit in a beautiful city with a rich history! read more

Lafayette Park sure has a lot of great history to it. Not many people know that it is the oldest park in St. Louis. That's right, older than Carondelet and Forest Park! And it is a bit smaller than most of the big-boy parks in St. Louis, but its best to keep it that way, in this case. The entire park has a big iron gate around it, so it looks a bit "private" if you know what I mean. For me, I really like the trails that are put in through the park. Public restrooms are available. Huge playground for the kids. A lot of hidden walkways in the park. Well, I shouldn't say "hidden", but not many people know that they exist. I really like the one where you feel like you are walking in a dry creek area! And at the risk of being non-PC, I really like the fact that you could just chill and be calm, as there are no homeless or aggressive beggars here. read more

Really nice little park! Came here on a weekday afternoon, parked on the street, lots of parking. I really like the bodies of water, and the park was really pleasant. There's a playground too. Saw some people walking but not too many. read more

I have family who lives only across the street so this place for me is like a second home. It's something always going on here. I personally like to grab wine and play my violin when I come out. Beautiful park & I do exercise here a lot. I Meet friends and some of my friends are brave they stick their feet in the grass & lake. This park holds history for my family because my husband proposed to me twice at this very park. Its fun and I definitely will return many times. My mother use to volunteer at this park. So it's definitely family friendly and beautiful. I got to stop by and take a few selfies. You find lost of entertainment on this street. You can grab breakfast or lunch and come relax in the park. I think I may start doing my yoga here. I give it 5 stars. read more

Beautiful little park located in the center of (you guessed it) Lafayette Square. Great for dog walking, exercise, kids playground area, people watching, festivities such as bike riding, movie night in the park, fairs or just a plain ol' moment of solitude on the park benches overlooking the pond. The park is surrounded by great attractions within walking distance: 1. Park Avenue Coffee (Gooey Butter Cake heaven) 2. Bailey's Chocolate Bar (Dessert/cocktail bar) 3. Laredo on Lafayette (Mexican) 4. Eleven Eleven (My favorite neighborhood fine dining restaurant) 5.Square One Distillery 6. Sqwires (Great brunch) 7. Clementine's Ice Cream 8. Four Muddy Paws (Dog lover's domain) 9. Gorgeous homes Enjoy the park; Lafayette is an amazing neighborhood to explore. read more

Lafayette Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Lafayette Park is beautiful. The homes around the square are among the most beautiful homes in St. Louis! And the park in the square is lovely as well. We were visiting St. Louis this past weekend, and we stopped by Lafayette Park for a walk as it's one of my favorite St. Louis spots! The little lake/pond had dozens of geese and swans swimming, and the bridge is beautiful. Of course if you're visiting St. Louis for the first time, Forest Park is a must visit. But St. Louis has other wonderful parks as well - Lafayette and Tower Grove are some of my favorites! Lafayette Park is a great opportunity to take in some of St. Louis's most beautiful architecture and a wonderful park! read more

See all

Some my say that Lafayette Park is the Red Headed step-child to Forest Park, but it is not. It is the petite and prettier little sister. It is also proof that size does not matter. It may be smaller, but it has all the amenities and beauty of FB without all the traffic congestion of the tourist attractions. It is a great park to stroll before or after enjoying dinner at one of the many restaurants on Park Avenue. Also, it's a paradise for a photographer. That is why you see so many weddings being photographed within the well manicured grounds. I'd say don't stop with weddings, do your engagement, senior and family portraits as well. Heck, bring you camera or smartphone and take a couple of cool pictures of just the natural beauty and landscaping. We are so lucky to have so many beautiful and well maintained parks in Saint Louis. Get out and enjoy them today. read more

Lafayette Park - Cakeway to the West - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

This park is beautiful and truly a hidden treasure. As a STL native I was so surprised that I'd never heard of this park. It has history, ponds, wildlife, and beautiful trails. I will definitely be returning- my dog had a blast! read more

Lafayette Park - Pond and ducks - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

I think this is my first Park I've reviewed. That says something...now I will. Pros- Free, near coffee shops, playground for kids, beautiful layout, peaceful and a rod iron fence surrounds the park Cons- None read more

Lafayette Park is a wonderful place to enjoy the Lafayette Square Neighborhood. Walking around this park gives you views of some of the Painted Ladies flanking the park. These Victorian Treasures help make the area even more alluring. Lafayette Park was the first public park in the City of St. Louis. In fact, many Historians believe Lafayette Park is the oldest urban park West of the Mississippi. This 30-acre park includes a pond, wildlife, statues, cannons, bridge, a pavilion, playground, picnic benches, and walking paths. Take time out to enjoy this Historic St. Louis Treasure. read more

I echo that this is one of the many gems of STL. This park isn't huge but it is BEAUTIFUL. You need to check it out in the fall when the leaves are golden and orange. The colors are so vivid in Lafayette Park that you don't even need to add saturation to your photos. It's a great photo shoot spot. Also great to run laps around. read more

Five stars for the park in Lafayette Square. Its old and beautiful and filled with history. It has a pond with swans, a canopy with trees and they are restoring the bandstand!! Amazing houses surround with lovely people who care about them and for them. Shops and restaurants are all around. Just a lovely place to spend a day or an hour. Concerts in the summer months. I am in love...... read more

Lafayette Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Pictures, pictures and more pictures when I'm in this neighborhood. From the ornately beautiful doors to the vivid colors, the homes of Lafayette Park are reminiscent of wealthy neighborhoods in Paris. You can tell the owners take serious pride in their homes. This is THE spot in St.Louis to go for a leisurely stroll. To top it off, there are several charming businesses nestled within in the neighborhood. read more

See all

This is a great park located in Lafayette Square neighborhood. It is never too crowded which is nice. The houses that surround the park are so fun to look at while walking. There is a lake with swans. There are so many flowers and hidden pathways and benches. Also Park Ave is close to get a coffee for before your walk. read more

Lafayette Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Hidden Gem. Need I say more? This park may not look too special from the road but that IS what makes it special. Once you're out of your car walking through the park you get to discover all of the hidden paths, gorgeous gardens and quaint fountains. Because the park is just one mile square you can do all this in an afternoon but the best part is coming back to see how it changes throughout the season as flowers bloom and plants grow and ducklings lose their downy fuzz. Don't miss the free concerts and movie nights that happen almost every weekend in the summer and make sure to say hello to the friendly, caring people that put these events on. read more

Lafayette Park - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

This historical Victorian era park is one of the oldest in the city of Saint Louis. It serves as the centerpiece of the lovely French-inspired neighborhood of Lafayette Square. I come here quite frequently. I love taking a stroll in the park and looking at all the floral gardens. The old bridge with the gazebo and flower garden surrounding the little pond is probably my favorite. Park benches are surrounded all around the scenic lake and throughout the park. You can relax under the shaded trees or you can feed the ducks, geese, and swans that occupy the lake. There are many historical statues along the walking paths. Notice the old cannons that are there too. Believe it or not they do not actually have any significance to the park itself. They were actually donated to the park in 1894. If you have kids, this is perfect for them to have a play date. There is a large playground that has all the amenities for a lot of fun. Being a nanny myself, I love bringing the kids here to enjoy this area. Beautiful park in a beautiful neighborhood. Might I mention it is also quite romantic as well. :) read more

Lafayette Park - baby geese :) - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

I had intended to only give it 4 stars, because in a town that has Forest Park, Lafayette Park is simply not the best park in town. It's... a great park near my house a habitat for geese, swans, and ducks possessed of a great playground for kids and great little walks, mini-gardens, statues, and artifacts (there are cannons salvaged from a British ship from the American Revolution!) And once you mention all those things, add to the fact that it is generally safe, clean, and groomed, and you get to put that 5th star on top. :-) read more

Like all true gems this one was found accidentally. I stumbled upon this park on a rainy day when I was in need of a place to run that was close to downtown. At first I was hesitant because it was downtown and I was wary of the neighborhood but I was surprised because what was the "projects" of downtown quickly gave way to a nice serene brownstone historic neighborhood. Now in terms of the park itself the perimeter of the park is about 1.93 miles around which is ok for jogging and I wasn't really impressed with the size but more so the scenery! The park seemed straight out of the botanical gardens with it's bridges, ponds, and flowers. Overall I recommend this park as it was a nice relaxing evening spent filled with wonderful green surprises. read more

Lafayette Park - Swan house - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Great walking trails and special events. It is definitely the gem of the beautiful and historical neighborhood.

A nice, quiet and surprisingly large park. Surrounded by beautiful architecture. Features tons of statues and points of interest (old buildings, cannons, ponds, etc). The on-street parking is excellent and seems to surround this giant square park. We actually picked this park at random because it was the closest one to Pappy's Smokehouse and we wanted somewhere outdoors to chill out before heading back to the hotel. It was perfect. Their kid's playhouse area is HUGE also. read more

See all

We took photos for my brother's wedding at Lafayette Park on Saturday. It was my first time at the park and it is very beautiful. The pools and footbridge are very cool and there was a lot of shade. There was also a really nice gazebo in the park as well. I definitely would visit again once we have more time. read more

What a gorgeous area. I'll need to come back in the spring when everything is green and pretty. But it is just lovely. Definitely worth the time to see. Rich in history and surrounded by such lovely architecture. If you live in STL it is worth the trip. read more

Lafayette Park is easily one of the most underrated parks and destinations in St. Louis. First off, the Lafayette neighborhood is a fairytale. It's so beautiful it's stupid. It's much smaller than Forest Park and Tower Grove Park which makes it a lot more accessible for just a quick stroll. Let's face it, you don't always want to talk 5 miles. One of my favorite things to do is grab Clementine's Ice Cream nearby and walk around the park and neighborhood. This is also a great place to take people who think they know a lot about St. Louis. Hit em' with that cool hidden gem :) read more

OMG!!!!! What have we been missing. This park is a gem and we've passed it soo many times without a second thought. We walked around here after visiting Four Muddy Paws and Park Avenue Coffee with the baby. What a great park with nice trails, the lake with the swans and plently of benches throughout with great views. We even caught a wedding taking place. We got soo caught up in swan watching, crossing bridges and just the pure beauty of nature around us. Great park for chilling, strolling, getting married and walks with the baby. The park is in a great location because you have great shops and eateries and I love looking at houses. They also have movie nights on Friday's in the summer. We just loved that the baby enjoyed herself. read more

Highlights: - Outside loop is 0.95 miles - inside loop is 0.6 miles - great field on NW corner for frisbee, and playground close by for the kiddos - water fountain by the playground - very close to Park Ave Coffee (coffee!!!!! yum!) - recent replacement of much of the sidewalk on the outside loop - beautiful fall colors read more

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood, A beautiful day for a *decapitated bunny corpse falls from tree* Or not. *looks up to see a hawk gobbling down the rest of the poor bunny.* Welcome to St.Louis, one of America's most dangerous cities. That's pretty much the memo I got after my first 24 hours here. I believe the arch was built in hopes of imitating a rainbow because skies will never be sunny here nor will there ever be joy or laughter. When I first saw the park in Lafayette Square, I thought there was some hope for this city but nope. It's basically all mosquitoes and I was bit 5 times in a matter of 2 minutes. The cute ducks and swans do not disguise the poor excuse of a pond they have here either. The water in it looks like it came from a dump. This was possibly the worst park I've ever been to. read more

This is seriously the most underrated park in St. Louis. The design is wonderful. It is essentially a perfect square sealed in by a metal gate, with entrances on every leg and corner, leading to multiple paths within the park. I like to run around this park because the circumference is almost exactly a mile (I think it's about 0.95), which makes it easy to track your distance. The trails inside the park are great for enjoying beautiful scenery and shade during a cool down walk. It's also a nice spot to take a leisurely walk for some mental refreshment. There's a lake in the middle of the park with a fountain and families of ducks and swans. You can even fish here! Adjacent to the lake is a sizeable playground for kids, and scattered all around are wide open spaces for playing fetch with your dog and picnic tables for snacking. Here and there, you'll find statues with informational plaques and actual canons from historical battles. On the Southeast end of the Park, there is a gazebo and a bridge over a small pond with absolutely gorgeous flowers, vines, vegetation and willow trees everywhere. It's incredibly picturesque. I've seen so many couples taking engagement photos here, and every now and then I see someone sitting on the stone bench by the pond drawing sketches or reading. A legitimate oasis. In the months of fairer weather, the park hosts free yoga once a week, a concert every few weeks and movie screenings on the grass. There are always families playing with their kids here, couples walking their dogs and runners doing laps. There is an incredible community surrounding this park, and it's probably my favorite aspect of Lafayette Square as a neighborhood. Notes: I've seen bikers here, but I don't recommend coming on a road bike, as the paths are not paved very smoothly. Also, if you plan on doing yoga on the grass, bring some bug spray because it's goddamn mosquito central out here lately. read more

This beautiful park with it's winding walkways, beautiful lake and birdhouse, and the grotto, is a great respite from city life! It is bordered by magnificent "Painted Ladies" (three-story mansion's from from the 1860s!). Walking over the bridge and looking down to the grotto makes one feel like they're in a fairytale, with the lush greenery, occasional duck, and benches to help you immerse in the tranquility... The Park bands out to a large lake, filled with geese and ducks and a beautiful bird house... There are benches surrounding the area; it is a wonderful place to read a book and escape from the rush of the city! There are statues of note, magnificent flowers and greenery, and peace at every turn.... This is a gem and the oldest Park west of the Mississippi.... I walk here daily and it's as if I entered another world, from another era! read more

See all

Being less than 2 blocks from my apartment I visit this park often. It's the perfect place to take my dog for a long walk or go for a jog. I love the sprawling paths with plenty of greenery all around. I also thoroughly enjoy sitting by the lake and just relaxing. They also do movies and concerts in the park once a monthish in the summer and those are a blast, we bring our lawn chairs, some wine and sometimes a picnic, then sit outside and enjoy whatever free event they have to offer, and everything is always better when its $Free.99. Recently I visited the park with my camera on a rainy weekday afternoon and enjoyed finding little nooks and crannies to take pictures of that I completely lost track of time. Even during the winter this park is still beautiful especially when it snows and who can beat picking up some coffee from Park Avenue Coffee and then a snowy walk through the park. No matter what season and no matter what weather, this park is my sanctuary. read more

Lafayette Park is a great neighborhood park for everyone. There is a great walking trail, a large playground for kids, a beautiful lake perfect for watching the ducks or fishing for a few hours, and plenty of open space to play ball or just hang out. There is a committee in the neighborhood that keeps the landscaping beautiful and up to date. The park also offers concerts every other Saturday during the summer and usually 2-3 movies as well. The concerts are fun for all ages and really create a sense of community. Another gem of this park is the Perfectos Base Ball Club which is a vintage baseball club that plays in Lafayette Park during the Spring, Summer and early Fall. If you haven't been to Lafayette Park, grab a friend, your dog, or your kid and go have a great time! read more

We visited this park for the first time today and it is incredibly beautiful. There was a large group of swans swimming in the lake and fall leaves blowing all over the ground. In addition to the beautiful lake and trees, they have one of the best playgrounds in the city. There are other parks closer to our house but this one is worth the longer walk. read more

It's fun and clean. Not really any bums. Mostly people jogging outside of it. Dog walkers on the inside. Lots of squirrels--can't take Roxy there because she wants to climb every tree to get to them. Baseball diamond, soccer field, concert area, good for weddings. read more

I LOVE THIS PARK. I'm not going to blah blah the historic aspect and whatever events are held. It's a park, so let's rate it for the park! Love the size. Love the location. The dog loves it. I love how the playground is separate from the park, it make it more diverse for the age groups that come here. Personally I hate taking my dog to a park crawling with screeching kids and parents yelling or constantly asking the same damn question over and over again (whatever happened to a good spanking??). Parks were not made for children only! The lake is beautiful and the breeze is lovely. Definitely a regular spot. read more

Lafayette Park - Swan! - Parks Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri