ST. LOUIS Research Studio
Initial Research: Greater St. Louis Area An investigation of St. Louis’ rich history and background
Parks
Forest Park Forest Park is over 50% larger than New York's Central Park It contains several attractions including: The Saint Louis Zoological Park, the McDonnell Planetarium, The Saint Louis Art Museum, The Missouri History Museum, The Muny, The Jewel Box, The Field House and Visitor Center, Boathouse Restaurant and boat rentals, Seinberg Skating rink and The World's Fair Pavilion
Gateway Park
Tower Grove Park Tower Grove Park is a municipal park in the City of Saint Louis. Most of its land was donated to the city by Henry Shaw in 1868. It is on 289 acres adjacent to the Missouri Botanical Garden, another of Shaw’s legacies. The park features eleven pavilions of picturesque design, dating from the Victorian era, which provide shady rests from which visitors can enjoy the many lovely views. It contains events; as well as tennis courts; a wading pool for small children; open expanses of green; softball diamonds and soccer fields; and tall specimen trees and a great variety of bushes. The park has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is a 90.96-acre national park located on the downtown riverfront where the city was first founded in 1764. It commemorates the westward growth of the United States between 1803 and 1890. The centerpiece of the park is the stainless steel Gateway Arch, which is the most recognizable structure in the city. It was designed by noted architect Eero Saarinen and completed on October 28, 1965. At 630 feet (192 m), it is the tallest manmade monument in the United States. Located below the Arch is the Museum of Westward Expansion, which contains an extensive collection of artifacts. It tells the details of the story of the thousands of people who lived in and settled the American West during the 19th century. Nearby and also part of the memorial is the historic Old Courthouse, one of the oldest standing buildings in St. Louis. Begun in 1839, it was here that the first two trials of the Dred Scott case were held in 1847 and 1850. This park is also the location of the annual July 4 festival, Fair Saint Louis.