Forest Park offers every conceivable backdrop for senior portraits, from historic stone structures and sprawling flower gardens to serene lakes, creeks, and even a waterfall. The sheer variety of scenery makes it easy to fill a two-hour session without ever running out of inspiration.

If you’re still narrowing down your vibe, check out my full guide to the Top Senior Picture Locations in St. Louis for even more inspiration.

The Best Part About Forest Park

The park is home to several world-class landmarks that serve as iconic backdrops. Art Hill is a premier choice, featuring a massive lake basin at the bottom and the St. Louis Art Museum at the top. This area offers stone steps leading to the water, lush surrounding shrubbery, and classic bridges.

The Jewel Box is another standout location, famous for its seasonal floral displays, reflecting ponds, and a nearby historic stone structure. This structure is ideal for architectural portraits, whether leaning against the stone or using the open fields to capture it in the background.

The Muny remains a favorite for its dramatic entrance and ornate covered walkways, which provide a sophisticated urban-meets-garden feel. Directly across from the theater sits a lake with a central gazebo, offering a soft, romantic background. For more unique architecture, the World’s Fair Pavilion provides opportunities for portraits inside the open-air structure or down by the limestone water fountain. The fountain’s cascading water and rocky basin are perfect for unique, nature-inspired portraits or "toe-dipping" shots.

Beyond the well-known landmarks, a waterfall sits tucked away near the Art Museum and golf course path. Nearby the basin, a network of pathways, bridges, and a winding creek flow into the main lake, providing a secluded, wooded environment for a completely different look.

What to Expect Each Season

The Jewel Box is the centerpiece of spring, with tulips and seasonal blooms in abundance. The creek beds near the lake basin also come alive with early wildflowers, making it a vibrant time for portraits.
The park is at its lushest in summer. While the greenery is at its peak, shade can be limited in the more open areas. As a popular destination, the park is busier during the summer months, though its size allows for plenty of space to find quiet corners.
With dense wooded pathways and tree-lined roads, Forest Park is a premier spot for autumn foliage. The thicker wooded sections and walking paths offer the best opportunities for vibrant leaf color and textured ground cover.
Winter highlights the park's wide-open spaces and architectural lines. While greenery is dormant, a fresh snowfall transforms the park into a winter wonderland, making it a rare and beautiful choice for a snowy session.

Pricing and Accommodations

Forest Park offers free parking and is open to the public daily. It is important to note that various locations may occasionally host weddings or public events. Restrooms are accessible throughout the park, including facilities within the museums and visitor centers.