Top Rated Parks to Visit in Belleville

"New York City may have Central Park, but St Louis has the bigger (by 528 acres) Forest Park. The superb, 1371-acre spread was the setting of the 1904 World's Fair. It's a beautiful place to escape to and is dotted with attractions, many free. Two walkable neighborhoods, the Loop and Central West End, are close."

"One of the largest (and best) city parks in the country–it gives NYC’s Central Park a run for its money. You can walk, bike, golf, visit various museums & attractions, attend festivals, ice skate (in the winter), & more."

"Citygarden Sculpture Garden is an urban park in St. Louis that is owned by the City of St. Louis but maintained by an arts organization known as the Gateway Foundation."

"One of the only remaining Victorian walking parks in the nation, this landmark greenspace on the south side of the city is dotted with many delights for architecture fans including original gazebos, a bandstand, a beautiful palm house and even a set of faux ruins overlooking a picturesque pond. Visitors can enjoy a Saturday farmers market, take a carriage ride or take part in the many festivals that use the park’s avenues during the year."

"Tower Grove Park is a community park and arboretum retained, functioned, and programmed by an independent Board of Commissioners and staff. The mission of this park is to be an admirable, well-preserved, and well-introduced, that allows essential recreational, educational, and cultural changes for the public in a way that is consistent with its extraordinary and historic character."

"Tower Grove Park is located four miles southwest of Downtown St Louis. This Victorian-era, 289-acre park is one of the most beautiful green spaces in St. Louis. Directly north of Tower Grove lies the expansive Missouri Botanical Garden."

"Though minuscule in comparison to Forest Park Forever, Lafayette Park sits on 30 beautiful lush, green acres. The park is home to three historic cannons of the Revolutionary War; the relics were lost in South Carolina harbor in 1776, but once recovered, they were donated to the park. In addition to the state of the art playground on site, kids love to climb all over the cannons."

"Lafayette Park maintains and recovers the park’s historic heritage, and increases resources for those purposes. Today, they are functioning to proceed to build regional consciousness of and support for Lafayette Park throughout the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area and further, and to enlist personnel, volunteers, and donors in assist of its mission."

"You can explore the pavilions, find all the statues, and take a walk along the lake. But really, the highlight of the park is the bridge. It's gorgeous among all the trees and it's definitely an Instagram worthy photo."

"The downtown St. Louis green space didn’t have much going on until its recent makeover. Now it boasts a colorful playground, two water features, and free weekly Sunrise Yoga classes. There are also evening boot camps and family friendly days with storytelling and lawn games."

"An oldie but goodie, Kiener Plaza is a great spot for a family photo. You’ll get the Arch AND the Old Courthouse. It’s also been spiffed up lately with a nice new tile plaza and a playground for kids."

"Francis Park is one of two parks that serves the beautiful St. Louis Hills area, along with Willmore Park. The neighborhood that sides the park includes tree lined road, a college, churches on all corners, and lots of well-cared-for houses. While it functions as a place for tennis and handball for some, it furthermore is a great place to have a picnic, pay attention to a band concert, take the children to the playing field or observe a soccer or softball game."

"And outdoor, two-acre park by the Aquarium entrance will have a play area and splash pad. Best of all, it’s free!"

"An array of red bricked buildings stands side by side, grim and strong against a backdrop of blue sky and green grass. Sometimes, you’ll see fighter planes soaring up above while soldiers train on the lawns below them. Steeped in history and fascinating facts, stands the Jefferson Barracks Historic Park."

"This historic park is focused on Missouri’s military and civil war history. In addition to a large park with trails 7 picnic shelters, you’ll find museums & military exhibits to explore. This is not an exhaustive list of free things to do in St. Louis."

"Since they moved the Arch’s front door closer to downtown and demolished the north parking garage, you now walk by one of THE best spots to grab a family photo of the Gateway Arch: the Luther Ely Smith Square. (Unless you parked on the levee, but that’s another story.). Because it’s mislabeled as a “park” in Google Maps, you probably thought this little scrap of green space was local city park, especially when it was hemmed in by streets on all four sides."

"Opened over 125 years ago in 1876, Forest Park really has been around forever. In fact, the 1,371 acres hosted the World’s Fair, or Louisiana Purchase Exposition, back in 1904. The exposition was one of the grandest moments in St. Louis history and was rich with culture."

"Designated a National Memorial since the 1930s, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park is located by the Mississippi River and covers over ninety acres. Here, you will not only be able to take in the beauty of the park itself but also take in iconic sights such as the Gateway Arch. You will also be able to explore other features such as the Old Courthouse and the Museum of Westward Expansion so you can look forward to a diverse and educational experience when you visit."

"Next up is downtown's Gateway Arch National Park, situated at 11 N. Fourth St. With four stars out of 243 reviews on Yelp, the landmarks, historical building, museum and park has proven to be a local favorite."

"The focus is on the towering Gateway Arch, but the park also features the Old Courthouse, a museum, and walking trails. Read my Guide to the Gateway Arch"

"Citygarden Sculpture Garden is an urban park in St. Louis that is owned by the City of St. Louis but maintained by an arts organization known as the Gateway Foundation."

"Cafe Mochi debuted in 2009 and has since become a staple for Asian-inspired cuisine in South City. The restaurant features sushi and Japanese-style dishes alongside Vietnamese classics. Popular picks include the eye-catching volcano sushi roll with tempura shrimp, asparagus and avocado, topped with baked crab, scallops and spicy mayo."

"The Block in Webster Groves is your neighborhood Butcher shop that just wants to take care of you and your family. Here you will find full family-size meals that everyone will love, plus individual options for the times you stop by solo. Everything is locally sourced, so by eating and shopping here, you are also supporting your St. Louis community."

"South Grand isn’t lacking in creative plant-based fare, and some of the best can be found at Tree House Restaurant. Serving dinner and brunch, Tree House features a range of global influences, from jackfruit arepas and potato flautas that nod to south of the border favorites to seasonal risotto and wild mushroom-stuffed ravioli inspired by Italian classics. The brunch menu benefits from the same diversity in dishes such as the bánh mì sandwich (made with seitan or tofu) to the Desayuno Latino, a black bean- and vegetable-stuffed masa cake with housemade escabeche, malagueta and chimichurri with two eggs and housemade salsa roja."

"This modern vegetarian restaurant serves simple yet irresistible dishes for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Their selection of small and large plates make it possible to try a little of everything. Whether you're craving bibimbap or paella, Tree House has got vegetarians in St. Louis covered"

"Tower Grove South's Tree House Vegetarian Restaurant, located at 3177 S. Grand Blvd., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the vegan and vegetarian brunch spot 4.5 stars out of 338 reviews."