A walk in the park is considered a premium these days, and a new book shows how St. Louisans can rediscover the city’s most famous public playground.
“Forest Park: A Walk through History,” the new release from local publisher Reedy Press, is a guidebook that leads readers on a walking tour through some of the park’s main attractions, historical markers and natural wonders, as well as some secret spots. It includes seven unique tours, with a variety of walks and distances that appeal to locals and newcomers alike.
Author Carolyn Mueller has a personal connection with Forest Park on so many levels. Not only does she live near Forest Park, she has also worked as a zookeeper at the Saint Louis Zoo, which is located in the park, for many years.
“I moved to the DeMun neighborhood in 2011 and quickly fell in love with living near the park,” Mueller said. “I count myself lucky to be able to walk to and through Forest Park from my home. I’ve worked in the park for 17 years; and on a personal level, my husband and I met, had our first date, got engaged and even hosted our wedding reception there, as well.”
As a runner and cyclist, Mueller recalls passing the park’s many monuments and memorials over the years and wondering what each one signified.
“For me, that was the best part of my research. I finally feel like I really know each and every area I’m running through!” she said. “I can pass the Franz Sigel statue and really know who Gen. Sigel was and why there’s a statue dedicated to him in Forest Park. I no longer just see random sculptures and statues, I see the people who made Forest Park and St. Louis what it is today.”
In addition to the fascinating stories behind the monuments, Mueller highlights a few of the park’s celebrated landmarks, as well as some not-so-known ones.
“If you’re someone who likes art, you certainly wouldn’t want to miss out on the Saint Louis Art Museum and sculpture garden. If you’re more into zoological history, go check out the 1904 World’s Fair Flight Cage. If you want quiet walks through the woods, then the book’s Nature Walk is where you’d want to start.
“As far as fun facts go, I actually did not know that the River Des Peres ran beneath Forest Park. It was considered polluted and unsanitary, so before hosting the 1904 World’s Fair, the city of St. Louis actually buried it! Today, it’s encased in massive concrete pipes beneath the park. There really is something for everyone in the park, and this book helps to guide visitors on their own individual journey,” Mueller explained.
“Forest Park: A Walk through History” is available wherever books are sold.
