A Beautiful New Volume Celebrates 150 Years of Forest Park—The Emerald Jewel of St. Louis

By Grayling Holmes / Photos provided by Reedy Press and Missouri Historical Society

Few places define the character of St. Louis quite like Forest Park. For nearly 150 years, it has served as our city's front yard, cultural crossroads, and peaceful retreat—a place where generations have gathered to celebrate, reflect, exercise, explore, and create lasting memories.

Now, that remarkable legacy is captured in a stunning new hardcover book, Forest Park: St. Louis's Gathering Place Since 1876, by acclaimed local historians Amanda E. Doyle and Cameron Collins. Published by Reedy Press, this beautifully produced coffee-table volume offers readers an engaging journey through the park's extraordinary past while celebrating the destinations that continue to make it one of America's great urban parks.

More than simply a history book, this richly illustrated publication explores how Forest Park became the heart of a city determined to rival the great cultural capitals of America. Conceived during the optimism of the Gilded Age, the park embodied St. Louis' bold ambition to be recognized alongside cities such as Boston and Philadelphia—not simply through commerce, but through art, culture, architecture, and civic beauty.

Today, Forest Park remains one of the nation's most visited urban parks, welcoming more than 15 million visitors annually. Within its 1,300 acres are many of St. Louis' most treasured institutions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, The Muny, the Jewel Box, and miles of scenic walking and cycling paths. Whether enjoying an elegant evening under the stars, an afternoon with family, or a quiet stroll through its magnificent landscapes, visitors continue to discover new reasons to return.

Forest Park is turning 150, and the celebration is just getting started. A new book highlighting the park's rich history has just been released.

Doyle and Collins expertly weave together the stories behind these beloved landmarks while uncovering lesser-known chapters of Forest Park's remarkable evolution. Their engaging storytelling reveals how the park has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of the community while preserving the timeless beauty that has made it a source of civic pride since 1876.

For longtime St. Louisans, the book is certain to evoke cherished memories. For newcomers and visitors, it offers an invitation to experience Forest Park through fresh eyes. Either way, it serves as a fitting tribute to one of the region's greatest assets and makes a handsome addition to any library or coffee table.

Forest Park: St. Louis's Gathering Place Since 1876 is available wherever books are sold. The 176-page hardcover edition retails for $45.

Readers interested in meeting the authors can attend one of several upcoming appearances:

July 18: Main Street Books, St. Charles | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
July 22: St. Louis County Library, Clark Family Branch | 7–8 p.m.
July 26: The Royale | 1–3 p.m.

In a city blessed with remarkable architecture, world-class cultural institutions, and enduring civic traditions, Forest Park remains the common thread that connects us all. This elegant new volume is both a celebration of that legacy and a reminder that some of St. Louis' greatest stories continue to unfold beneath the canopy of its magnificent trees.

Forest Park: St. Louis’s Gathering Place Since 1876 is available wherever books are sold.

Glimpses Through the Leaves for a century and a half

A family enjoying a picnic in Forest Park in the 1960's / photo provided by Missouri Historical Society

Anthropology Days / photo provided by Missouri Historical Society

Bird Cage / photo provided by Missouri Historical Society

Hooded Merganser in the Bird Cage / photo provided by Cameron Collins

About the Authors

Amanda E. Doyle and Cameron Collins

Amanda E. Doyle is a Midwestern transplant who finds intrigue and adventures large and small from her home base in south St. Louis city. She’s the author of twelve previous books, from neighborhood guidebooks to a compendium of St. Louis music history. She enjoys off-the-beaten-path museums, spending a few hours at the coffee shop, and dragging her kids on research outings. Find more about her work at AmandaEDoyle.com.

The authors picnic in the grasses of Shakespeare’s Glen in Forest Park.

Cameron Collins is the author of two editions of Lost Treasures of St. Louis; the coauthor of St. Louis Brews: The History of Brewing in the Gateway City, 3rd Edition, and Scenes of Historic Wonder: St. Louis; and creator of Distilled History, a St. Louis history and drinking blog that was named the Riverfront Times’s Best Personal Blog in 2013. A native of upstate New York, he earned a degree in American history from the University of Dayton and has called St. Louis home since 1995. His unique twist on the history of St. Louis has been featured in presentations and events throughout the St. Louis area.

Author Contact:

Amanda E. Doyle, adoylestl@gmail.com

Cameron Collins, camco71@gmail.com

Upcoming Events

Presentation & Book Signing

Tuesday, June 16th, from 6pm – 7:30pm

Scenic Regional Library Warrenton Branch

912 S Hwy 47, Warrenton, MO 63383

Free and open to the public

Book Signing

Saturday, June 20 from Noon-2pm

Barnes & Noble Ladue

8871 Ladue Rd

Free and open to the public

Presentation & Book Signing

Monday, June 22nd, from 1pm – 2pm

Clarendale Clayton

7651 Clayton Road, Clayton, MO 63117

Free and open to the public