The World Famous St. Louis Zoo

There are many things that set Saint Louis, Missouri apart - one of the more popular attractions being The Gateway Arch. However, there is another attraction that doesn't obtain the amount of limelight that the Arch contains, but is equally as enchanting - The Saint Louis Zoo. Probably one of the more amazing qualities this zoo has is the admission price - nothing. That's right, this world-class zoo is free of charge for admission.

The zoo first originated with the realization Saint Louis came to at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904. They began the process of organizing and establishing a zoological park. It wasn't until 1910 the St. Louis Zoological Society was formed due to the amazing success the "zoo" had with the creation of a giant elliptical birdcage (which is still in operation today in all of its grandeur). With the pride St. Louis natives gained from the construction of this giant birdcage, the city of St. Louis set apart 77 acres of prime land in Forest Park for a zoo and named a Zoological Board of Control in 1913. It was with this formulation both of persons and of land that the stage legislation declared, "the zoo shall forever be free," which to this day those words still stand.

Now Forest Park is a thriving community of the zoo, art museum, science center, and The Muny (the nations largest outdoor musical theater - an amazing experience all in itself). There is free parking available as well as pay parking. Parking on the zoo's two lots runs for $9.00 per day. As stated, there is limited free street parking around the perimeter of the Zoo. Have an RV, bus, or motorhome? Than you are welcome to park on the South lot only (Wells Drive) for $18.00 per day.