Regarded as one of America's premiere zoological parks, the St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park is both a local treasure and a getaway destination for tourists worldwide. More than 600 species of animals, including many endangered and rare breeds, live and thrive at the zoo, which draws 3 million-plus visitors a year. Guests range from infants to seniors and come from both across the street and across the globe, but none of them pay a dime to get inside this heralded national treasure.
Best and Worst Times to Go to the St. Louis Zoo
If it's nice outside, the St. Louis Zoo will be busy. Weekends and holidays during May, June, and July are particularly packed. Still, the place is sprawling enough (90 acres) that visitors have a measure of elbow room on even the busiest days.
To avoid heavy crowds, plan your trip for the mid afternoon on a weekday, when most of the school groups are gone for the day. Or else bundle up and go visit the zoo's 20,000 inhabitants during the frigid December through February months.
Must See at the St. Louis Zoo
Like any zoo, S.T.L has its share of bear and big cat habitats. More unique attractions, however, include:
- Penguin & Puffin Coast: A chance to get up close and personal with these beloved flightless birds in their natural arctic habitat
- Sea Lion Sound: Stroll through the underwater tunnel and watch the sea lions swim around you, then stick around to catch the famed Sea Lion Show
- The Herpetarium: If you say, "Ooh, not snakes!" and walk away, you're missing out on more than 700 unique lizards, toads, gators, turtles, and other amphibians and reptiles
Admission to St. Louis Zoo
Admission is free, no strings attached, but the highly interactive Children's Zoo does cost a few bucks. Most exhibits are free, although a few, like Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, cost a nominal amount ($3-$5). All-inclusive Safari Passes can be purchased in the 10-dollar range, while a round-trip ticket on the Zooline Railroad goes for closer to $5.
Parking at the St. Louis Zoo
Free parking is available throughout Forest Park, but finding a spot close to the zoo can be tough. Parking spaces in the zoo's north and south lots are ample but they cost a hefty (double digit) price.
If using public transit, take the Metrolink to the Forest Park station, then hop aboard the Forest Park Trolley. The MetroBus #90 Hampton transit drops commuters off near the zoo as well.
Food at the St. Louis Zoo
Casual fare — burgers, dogs, fries, nachos, ice cream, funnel cakes, etc. — is the standard. Numerous snack kiosks are spread throughout the zoo, while the Lakeside Cafe is the main eatery and offers the widest selection. Food and beverage prices are comparable to those at a professional sporting event.
Insider Tip for St. Louis Zoo Visitors
The early bird gets the worm at the St. Louis Zoo. Parking is often complimentary during the first hour the zoo is open, and the Children's Zoo and Conservation Carousel are free as well.
Also, to get the full experience, plan to spend two full days at the S.T.L. Zoo. Visit Red Rocks, Historic Hill, and Lakeside Crossing one day, then check out the other "half" on day two.
Author's bio: Marcus Whelchel lives, works, and writes in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife, daughter, cat, and endless stream of odd thoughts. Those who know him would say he is the intellectual rival of many of the inhabitants at the St. Louis Zoo.
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