Top 8 Lakes around Webster Groves
Best lakes around Webster Groves are primarily found in nearby St. Louis city parks, offering accessible options for recreation. While Webster Groves itself does not contain large natural lakes, the surrounding metropolitan area provides several notable lakeside experiences. These locations offer opportunities for walking, picnicking, and enjoying natural settings. The lakes are part of larger urban parks, providing a blend of natural scenery and cultural attractions.
Best lakes around Webster Groves
- The most popular lakes is Forest Park, a forest that features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, and lakes and streams. It also contains cultural institutions including the St Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Science Center, and Muny Opera.
- Another must-see spot is Post-Dispatch Lake, Forest Park, a lake within Forest Park, a large urban park spanning over 1,300 acres. Its surroundings offer attractions such as the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History Museum.
- Visitors also love Jefferson Lake, a scenic lake in Forest Park. It is known for fishing with a valid MO fishing license and has multiple picnic areas.
- Webster Groves is known for urban park lakes, scenic basins, and fishing spots. These provide opportunities for walking, picnicking, and enjoying natural settings within the city.
- The lakes around Webster Groves are appreciated by the komoot community, with 14 upvotes and 8 photos shared.
Last updated: August 18, 2026
Forest Park
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Post-Dispatch Lake, Forest Park
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Jefferson Lake
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Emerson Grand Basin
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Boathouse Lake Pavilion
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Tips from the Community
Forest Park is a huge recreational park in the heart of St. Louis. The park is perfect for relaxing, biking, golfing, and exploring the various cultural offerings at the Museum of History, St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, or Planetarium. It's also easily accessible by metro.
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The bike lanes here are wonderful. The connectors could be improved though!
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This lake, in addition to its picturesque surroundings and beautiful fountain, stands out for its lovely building, which has somehow become an icon of the park.
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Forest Park in St. Louis is a sprawling urban park spanning 1,371 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It offers a wide range of attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History Museum.
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The Emerson Grand Basin in St. Louis is a stunning water feature located in Forest Park. Spanning over 7 acres, it serves as both a picturesque gathering place and a recreational area for visitors to enjoy.
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Forest Park, with 1,326 acres, is considered one of the premier urban public parks in the US. It features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, and lakes and streams. It als contains cultural institutions including the St Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Science Center, and Muny Opera.
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Emerson Gran Basin is a manmade lake in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum. The architecture of the museum, the square, and the lake with water fountains make it a beautiful romantic scenery. Forest Park has a nice trail network and is a great place for a run.
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Jefferson Lake is situated in the very east of the huge Forest Park in St. Louis. There are multiple picnic areas around the lake to enjoy a great natural setting in the city. The lake is a famous spot for fishing and the paths leading around the lake (and the rest of the park), are perfect for jogging.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lakes can I expect to find near Webster Groves?
The lakes near Webster Groves are primarily located within St. Louis city parks, offering accessible options for recreation. These are often urban park lakes, scenic basins, and fishing spots, providing opportunities for walking, picnicking, and enjoying natural settings within the city.
Are there family-friendly lakes for picnics in the Webster Groves area?
Yes, several lakes are great for families and picnics. Jefferson Lake in Forest Park, for example, has multiple picnic areas. The larger Forest Park itself, which encompasses several lakes, is considered very family-friendly with numerous attractions.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. Many lakes offer opportunities for walking and jogging. For instance, Jefferson Lake has paths perfect for jogging. Additionally, you can find options for pedal boats, canoes, or stand-up paddling at lakes like Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park. For more structured activities, explore the easy hikes or running trails around the area.
Can I go fishing in the lakes near Webster Groves?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity at some lakes. Jefferson Lake in Forest Park is known for fishing and is stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, and carp. Remember, a valid Missouri fishing license is required.
Are there lakes with loop trails for walking or running?
Yes, several lakes offer loop trails. You can walk all the way around the lake at Boathouse Lake Pavilion in Carondelet Park. In Forest Park, the paths around Jefferson Lake are also great for jogging. There are also specific routes like the 'Emerson Grand Basin & Jefferson Lake loop' which you can find in the easy hikes guide.
What cultural attractions are near the lakes in Forest Park?
Forest Park is home to several significant cultural institutions. Near lakes like Post-Dispatch Lake and Emerson Grand Basin, you'll find the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Science Center.
Is there parking available near the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available, especially within the larger parks. For instance, Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park is noted for having parking facilities nearby, making it convenient for visitors.
What makes the Emerson Grand Basin unique?
The Emerson Grand Basin in Forest Park is a man-made lake known for its picturesque setting. It features beautiful water fountains and is framed by impressive architecture, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, creating a visually appealing and romantic landscape.
Are there any cafes or places to get coffee near the lakes?
Yes, particularly within Forest Park. The area around Post-Dispatch Lake and other parts of Forest Park offer various bars and cafes where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.
What is special about the Boathouse Lake Pavilion?
The Boathouse Lake Pavilion is one of two small lakes in Carondelet Park. It's distinguished by a charming boathouse on its banks, which has become an iconic feature of the park. Visitors can enjoy a tranquil experience by walking all the way around the lake.
What is the best time to visit the lakes for scenic views?
While specific data on 'best time' isn't available, the lakes in Forest Park and Carondelet Park offer scenic beauty year-round. Autumn typically brings vibrant fall colors to the trees surrounding the lakes, enhancing the picturesque views. Spring and summer are also popular for enjoying the lush greenery and outdoor activities.
Are there cycling routes that pass by these lakes?
Yes, the area around Webster Groves and its nearby parks is popular for cycling. Forest Park, in particular, has a good network of trails. You can find several options in the road cycling routes guide, including routes that pass by the Grand Basin in Forest Park.
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