Lafayette Square, St Louis Travel Guide

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Discover the beauty and history of Lafayette Square, St. Louis: Victorian architecture, vibrant community, and the city's oldest park.

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Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square, St. Louis's first historic district, surrounds the picturesque Lafayette Park, the oldest public park west of the Mississippi River. Known for its stunning collection of Victorian homes, the neighborhood offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and vibrant community life.

A brief summary to Lafayette Square

2023 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, Lafayette Square, Missouri, 63104, US
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Monday 6 am-11 pm
Tuesday 6 am-11 pm
Wednesday 6 am-11 pm
Thursday 6 am-11 pm
Friday 6 am-11 pm
Saturday 6 am-11 pm
Sunday 6 am-11 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Take a stroll around Lafayette Park to admire the meticulously restored Victorian mansions, known as the "Painted Ladies".
Visit during the Parlor Tour & Winter Fair in December to see the interiors of some of the historic homes.
Enjoy a picnic or relax by the pond in Lafayette Park, the oldest public park west of the Mississippi River.
Explore the unique shops, restaurants, and cafes in the Lafayette Square neighborhood.

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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.

Samuel Cupples House

Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

Campbell House Museum

Bissell Street Water Tower

General Daniel Bissell house

Explore Lafayette Square on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Lafayette Square, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From downtown St. Louis, take the MetroBus line 11. The bus departs from the Civic Center Transit Center and arrives at Chouteau @ 22nd Street Wb. The journey takes approximately 3 minutes. A single ride on MetroBus costs $1.
Walking

From downtown St. Louis, Lafayette Square is approximately a 27-minute walk. Head south and west towards the neighborhood. Use landmarks such as the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium to orient yourself. No costs involved.
Taxi/Ride-share

From downtown St. Louis, a taxi or ride-share to Lafayette Square takes approximately 2 minutes and costs between $5 and $7. This is a quick and convenient option, especially during inclement weather.

Discover more about Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square, a neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, is a captivating blend of history and vibrant community surrounding Lafayette Park. Established in 1836, Lafayette Park is the oldest public park west of the Mississippi River. The park was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, a French statesman and hero of the American Revolution.Lafayette Square flourished after the Civil War, becoming a fashionable residential area by 1890. Mansions and townhouses were constructed in the Second Empire style, featuring arched doorways, bay windows, and ornate cornices. The neighborhood suffered a setback in 1896 when a tornado devastated the area, leading to a period of decline.In the late 1960s, a restoration movement began, with residents buying and renovating the historic homes. Today, Lafayette Square is a vibrant neighborhood with meticulously restored Victorian homes, often called the "Painted Ladies" for their colorful facades. The area boasts restaurants, shops, and social establishments, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists. Visitors can explore the park's walking trails, duck pond, and historic cannons, remnants of a British warship from the Revolutionary War.