Best lakes around Olivette Missouri include the scenic pond at Stacy Park, located within the city limits. While Olivette itself is a residential area with parks, its residents frequently access prominent lakes in nearby St. Louis, such as those in Forest Park and Creve Coeur Lake Park. These areas offer diverse natural water features, from urban park lakes to larger recreational bodies. The region provides various outdoor experiences centered around these aquatic environments.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Olivette.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Mallard Lake is a treasure for birdwatchers. It occupies the south end of Creve Couer Lake Park and acts as a catch-basin of sorts to contain sediment before it washes into the larger Creve Couer Lake. As such, you may notice that the waters of Creve Couer Lake are much clearer than the waters of Mallard Lake.
0
0
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.
0
0
The bike lanes here are wonderful. The connectors could be improved though!
0
0
This is a scenic lake on the south side of Creve Couer Lake Park. There are options to do a running loop around the lake and marsh joining onto Creve Couer Lake to the north, or follow Creve Couer Connector to the Veteran's Memorial Bridge.
0
0
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.
1
0
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
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.
0
0
The most notable natural water feature directly within Olivette city limits is the scenic pond at Stacy Park. This park, Olivette's largest, offers a picturesque pond, hiking and walking trails, and diverse natural habitats including a tallgrass prairie and woodlands.
While Olivette has Stacy Park Pond, residents frequently visit prominent lakes in nearby St. Louis. These include those in Forest Park, such as Jefferson Lake, Emerson Grand Basin, and Post-Dispatch Lake, as well as Creve Coeur Lake Park, which features Mallard Lake.
Yes, many lakes in the area are very family-friendly. For example, Forest Park offers playgrounds, cultural institutions like the St. Louis Zoo, and opportunities for pedal boats and canoes on its lakes. Mallard Lake in Creve Coeur Lake Park also has family-friendly trails and birdwatching opportunities.
The lakes near Olivette offer a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on easy trails, jogging, and road cycling. For specific routes, you can explore guides like Easy hikes around Olivette, Running Trails around Olivette, and Road Cycling Routes around Olivette.
Absolutely. Stacy Park in Olivette has well-maintained walking and hiking trails around its pond. In Forest Park, you can find numerous paths, including those around Jefferson Lake and Emerson Grand Basin, perfect for jogging or a leisurely stroll. Mallard Lake also offers running loops and marsh exploration.
The lakes around Olivette can be enjoyed in every season. Stacy Park Pond, for instance, contributes to the park's serene atmosphere year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities and vibrant foliage, while summer is ideal for water-based recreation. Winter can also be beautiful for quiet reflection and hiking, especially in parks like Forest Park.
The lakes and surrounding parks are rich in nature. Stacy Park preserves a tallgrass prairie, woodlands, and native wildflower gardens, making it great for birdwatching. Mallard Lake is particularly known as a treasure for birdwatchers. In Forest Park, you'll find diverse ecosystems and natural reserves, with opportunities for fishing in lakes like Jefferson Lake.
Yes, several lakes offer scenic viewpoints. The pond at Stacy Park provides a picturesque setting. In Forest Park, the area around Emerson Grand Basin, with its water fountains and the Saint Louis Art Museum in the background, is a beautiful romantic scenery. Many spots around Forest Park's lakes offer lovely views of the landscapes and natural areas.
Many parks in the St. Louis area, including those with lakes, are dog-friendly, typically requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's always best to check specific park regulations before visiting, but generally, you can enjoy walks with your leashed dog around the trails and natural areas.
Yes, especially in larger parks. Forest Park, for example, is a huge recreational park with various facilities, including cafes and restrooms, alongside its cultural institutions. Stacy Park in Olivette also has a large pavilion and other amenities for visitors.
Stacy Park Pond is worth visiting for its tranquility and natural beauty within Olivette. The park offers well-maintained trails for walking or running, lush greenery, diverse natural habitats, and is recognized as an Urban Night Sky Place. It's ideal for quiet reflection, birdwatching, and family outings.
You can find several popular loop trails. For instance, there are options to do a running loop around Mallard Lake. In Forest Park, you can find loops like the Emerson Grand Basin & Jefferson Lake loop, which is an easy hike. For more options, check the Easy hikes around Olivette guide.


Still not found your perfect lake around Olivette? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.