Art Hill, St. Louis Travel Guide

4.8 (2389)

Experience the beauty and history of St. Louis at Art Hill in Forest Park, a landmark for recreation, culture, and community events.

Art Hill, nestled in Forest Park, is a beloved St. Louis landmark offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. With the Saint Louis Art Museum perched at its peak and the Grand Basin at its base, it's a hub for recreation, community gatherings, and artistic expression.

A brief summary to Art Hill

35-43 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, US
Click to display
Click to display

Monday 6 am-10 pm
Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
Thursday 6 am-10 pm
Friday 6 am-10 pm
Saturday 6 am-10 pm
Sunday 6 am-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Art Hill.

Visit during the golden hour for stunning photography opportunities with the setting sun casting a warm glow over the hill and Grand Basin.
Pack a picnic to enjoy on the hill while soaking in the views of the Saint Louis Art Museum and the surrounding landscape.
Check the local event schedule for outdoor concerts, festivals, or movie nights, especially during the summer months.
In winter, bring a sled and experience the thrill of sledding down Art Hill, a beloved St. Louis tradition.
Explore nearby attractions in Forest Park, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Zoo.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Round Lake Fountain

Forest Park

St.Louis Award Pine Tree

Cabanne House

Apotheosis of St.Louis/Statue of St.Louis

Explore Art Hill on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Art Hill, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you are already within Forest Park, walking to Art Hill is straightforward. From the Saint Louis Art Museum, simply step outside and you're already there!. From the Emerson Grand Basin, walk up the gently sloping hill. From other points in Forest Park, follow paved paths and signage directing you towards the Art Museum; Art Hill will be the large, grassy hill leading up to it.
Public Transport

The Skinker MetroLink station is about a 15-minute walk from Art Hill. Walk south on Skinker Boulevard, turn left onto Lagoon Drive, then right onto Fine Arts Drive. The Forest Park-DeBaliviere station is further, about a 25-minute walk. Alternatively, from either station, you can catch the #3 Forest Park Explorer (MetroBus). A single MetroBus or MetroLink ride costs $2. A day pass, allowing unlimited rides on both, is available for $7.50. The Forest Park Explorer is free on Saturdays and Sundays.
Driving

When driving to Art Hill, aim for Forest Park and then navigate to Fine Arts Drive. Free parking is available in the East and West lots on Fine Arts Drive, north of the Saint Louis Art Museum. Paid parking is available in the Saint Louis Art Museum's underground parking garage for $15 during peak months (March through October) and $10 during off-peak months. Museum members can park in the garage for $5. Parking is paid upon entry.

Discover more about Art Hill

Art Hill, located in the heart of Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is more than just a grassy slope; it's a vibrant destination that embodies the city's spirit. Named for its proximity to the Saint Louis Art Museum, which graces its summit, Art Hill provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities.The hill's history is deeply intertwined with St. Louis's past, most notably as a focal point of the 1904 World's Fair, also known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Today, it continues to be a gathering place for locals and tourists alike, hosting outdoor concerts, festivals, and movie nights during the summer. In winter, when snow blankets the landscape, Art Hill transforms into a popular sledding spot, echoing a tradition that began with World's Fair construction workers testing the slope.The Grand Basin, a stunning reflecting pool with towering fountains, lies at the base of Art Hill. Pathways encircle the basin, offering picturesque views and tranquil spots for relaxation. The Saint Louis Art Museum, with its extensive collection spanning centuries and cultures, provides a cultural anchor to the area, enhancing the visitor experience. Art Hill is easily accessible within Forest Park, inviting people to enjoy its scenic views and partake in the many activities it hosts throughout the year.