St.Louis Award Pine Tree
St. Louis Award Pine Tree: A Forest Park Tribute
Historic Hill at the Saint Louis Zoo
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo's historic heart, blending classic architecture with captivating animal encounters in a nostalgic setting.
Step back in time at Historic Hill, the oldest part of the Saint Louis Zoo, showcasing Spanish-style architecture from the 1920s and housing fascinating animal exhibits like primates, reptiles, and birds. It's a nostalgic stroll through the zoo's rich history and diverse animal collections.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Historic Hill
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
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Getting There
Public Transport
To reach Historic Hill using public transportation, take the MetroLink 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, which is close to Historic Hill. A single MetroBus or MetroLink ride costs $1.
Walking
If you are already within Forest Park, follow the signs towards the Saint Louis Zoo. Once inside the zoo, refer to the zoo map to navigate to Historic Hill, which is located in the center of the zoo. It's a short walk from the North Entrance.
Driving
When driving to the Saint Louis Zoo, enter the address '1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110' into your GPS. This will take you to the vicinity of the Zoo's North Entrance. Be aware that parking in the Zoo's North and South Lots costs $20 per car. Limited free street parking is available in Forest Park, but be sure to pay attention to 'No Parking' signs.
Local tips
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Take your time to appreciate the Spanish-style architecture of the buildings, a unique feature of this area.
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Visit during the cooler morning hours to see the animals at their most active.
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Check the Saint Louis Zoo's daily schedule for feeding times and keeper chats in Historic Hill.
Discover more about Historic Hill
Historic Hill offers a unique blend of animal exhibits and architectural history within the Saint Louis Zoo. As the oldest section of the zoo, it provides a glimpse into the zoo's early days, with structures dating back to the 1920s. The area is characterized by its Spanish-style architecture, featuring buildings like the Primate House, Bird House, and Herpetarium, all adorned with intricate architectural details and open atriums filled with tropical plants.Key attractions within Historic Hill include the Bird House and Garden, offering unobstructed views of colorful birds in a lushly planted habitat. The Herpetarium houses reptiles and amphibians from around the world in a Mediterranean-style building. The Primate House allows guests to observe primates engaging in natural behaviors. The Primate Canopy Trails is a state-of-the-art outdoor exhibit for the zoo's primates. The Cypress Swamp, formerly the 1904 World's Fair Flight Cage, features native waterfowl species.Visitors can explore the area's historical significance while observing a diverse collection of animals. Historic Hill provides a unique ambiance and a nostalgic journey through the zoo's past.
A brief summary to Historic Hill
Use Historic Hill as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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