Historic Hill, St Louis Travel Guide

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Explore Historic Hill at the Saint Louis Zoo: Where architectural charm meets fascinating animal encounters in a nostalgic setting.

Historic Hill, the oldest part of the Saint Louis Zoo, offers a charming blend of animal exhibits and architectural marvels. Featuring the iconic 1904 World's Fair Flight Cage and Spanish-style buildings from the 1920s, this area provides a unique glimpse into the zoo's rich history and diverse animal collections.

A brief summary to Historic Hill

1 Government Dr, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, US
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Monday 9 am-4 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
Thursday 9 am-4 pm
Friday 9 am-4 pm
Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Sunday 9 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Take your time to explore the architectural details of the Bird House, Primate House, and Herpetarium.
Visit the Cypress Swamp (formerly the Flight Cage) to see a variety of native waterfowl species.
Observe the primates in the Primate House and explore the outdoor Primate Canopy Trails.

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Explore Historic Hill on the Map

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

Getting There

Public Transport

To reach Historic Hill using public transport, take the MetroLink train to the Forest Park/DeBaliviere station. From there, transfer to the MetroBus route #90 Hampton South or the Forest Park Trolley. Both the bus and trolley stop within a short walking distance of the Zoo's North Entrance on Government Drive. From the North Entrance, Historic Hill is a short walk into the zoo. A single fare on the MetroBus or MetroLink is $3.
Walking

If you are already in Forest Park, follow the signs towards the Saint Louis Zoo. Once inside the zoo, navigate towards the center of the park. Historic Hill is located near the Lakeside Crossing area and is easily accessible by foot from most areas within the zoo.
Driving

If driving, approach the Saint Louis Zoo via I-64 and follow signs for the Zoo's parking lots. All-day parking is available in the North and South Lots. Parking fee is $20 per car. Limited street parking is available in Forest Park. From the parking lot, follow the signs to the Zoo's main entrance and then proceed to Historic Hill.

Discover more about Historic Hill

Step back in time as you explore Historic Hill, the Saint Louis Zoo's oldest and most nostalgic area. This section showcases the zoo's commitment to combining animal care with natural settings through its fascinating exhibits and remarkable architectural features.The highlight of Historic Hill is the Flight Cage, originally built for the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. This impressive structure, purchased by the city after the fair, marked the unofficial beginning of the St. Louis Zoo. Today, it's known as the Cypress Swamp, a reimagined aviary that provides a home for native waterfowl species.Admire the Spanish Revival-style architecture of the Bird House (1920), Primate House (1925), and Herpetarium (1927). These buildings feature elaborate architectural details and open atriums filled with tropical plants. Inside, discover a diverse collection of animals, including primates, reptiles, and birds.Explore the Primate House, where you can observe primates engaging in natural behaviors. Visit the Herpetarium, home to reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Don't miss the Primate Canopy Trails, a state-of-the-art outdoor exhibit that allows you to explore the forest canopy alongside the animals.Historic Hill offers a unique ambiance and a nostalgic history that make it a must-see destination within the Saint Louis Zoo.