Top 5 Lakes around Pasadena Hills
Best lakes around Pasadena Hills are found within a region known for its extensive urban green spaces and natural features. This area offers a blend of recreational opportunities and cultural institutions, centered around large public parks. The landscape includes forests, diverse ecosystems, and several lakes and streams, providing a natural escape within an urban setting. Visitors can explore a variety of natural and man-made water bodies, alongside numerous trails and cultural attractions.
Best lakes around Pasadena Hills
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Last updated: June 27, 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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Footbridge over I-64
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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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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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This bridge is popular for commuting to and from Forest Park from the southeast side of the park. It's completely paved and fenced-in the entire time you're crossing the roadway.
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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
Where are the main lakes located around Pasadena Hills?
The primary lakes featured in this guide are located within Forest Park, a large urban public park. This park is known for its beautiful landscapes, forests, ecosystems, and various water bodies, including Post-Dispatch Lake, Jefferson Lake, and the Emerson Grand Basin.
What activities can I do at Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park?
At Post-Dispatch Lake, visitors can enjoy pedal boats, canoes, or stand-up paddling. The lake is part of a sprawling urban park that also offers cultural highlights like museums and the St. Louis Zoo.
Is Jefferson Lake suitable for fishing?
Yes, Jefferson Lake is a popular spot for fishing. It is stocked with bass, catfish, crappie, and carp. A valid MO fishing license is required.
Are there family-friendly options among the lakes?
Absolutely! Lakes like Post-Dispatch Lake, Jefferson Lake, and the Emerson Grand Basin are all considered family-friendly. Forest Park itself, where these lakes are located, offers numerous attractions suitable for all ages, including the St. Louis Zoo and various museums.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around these lakes?
The lakes are nestled within Forest Park, which boasts diverse natural features including forests, ecosystems, and nature reserves. You'll find scenic viewpoints, tranquil water settings, and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes?
Yes, there are several hiking trails available. For example, you can explore the Emerson Grand Basin Loop (easy, 4.3 km) or the Emerson Grand Basin & Jefferson Lake loop (easy, 7.5 km) within Forest Park. The park's trail network is perfect for jogging and walking.
Can I cycle around the lakes?
Yes, Forest Park offers excellent cycling opportunities. The park has wonderful bike lanes, and you can find routes like the Wheels Path – Forest Park loop. The Footbridge over I-64 provides a paved, fenced-in path for commuting to and from the park.
What cultural attractions are near the lakes in Forest Park?
Forest Park is home to several major cultural institutions, including the St. Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Science Center. The Emerson Grand Basin is located directly in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum.
Is there public transport access to the lakes?
Yes, Forest Park, where the lakes are situated, is easily accessible by metro, making it convenient to reach the various attractions and water bodies within the park.
What is the Emerson Grand Basin?
The Emerson Grand Basin is a stunning man-made lake spanning over 7 acres within Forest Park. It features water fountains and is located in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum, offering a picturesque and romantic setting.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Pasadena Hills?
Visitors appreciate the blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. The lakes offer opportunities for relaxation, fishing, and water activities, all within the expansive and culturally rich Forest Park. The park's extensive trail network and cultural institutions like the St. Louis Zoo and museums are also highly valued.
Most popular attractions around Pasadena Hills
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