Carondelet Park

A Slice of St. Louis Heritage

Situated in the southeastern corner of St. Louis, Carondelet Park has been a green haven since 1875, earning its place as the city's third largest park with a sprawling 180 acres of natural beauty. You'll come across this urban oasis just west of Interstate 55 (hop off at the Loughborough Avenue exit), nestled between Holly Hills Boulevard to the north and Loughborough Avenue to the south. For many St. Louisans, this park isn't just a patch of green on the map - it's a cherished retreat where the city's hustle fades away while still keeping that warm community vibe intact.

Holly Hills Dr bridge spans over railroad tracks in the eastern park section

Photo: David Ackerman (CC BY 2.0)

Nature's Artistic Touch

The landscape here isn't your typical flat park terrain. Underground caves and sinkholes have sculpted the ground into rolling hills and dips, creating a naturally varied setting that the city has enhanced over the years. Since 1890, scenic drives have followed these natural contours, making even a simple car ride through the park a pleasant experience. Back in 1913, some creative landscaping connected nine sinkholes to form Horseshoe Lake, one of two lakes now dotting the park. These water features are home to ducks and geese paddling about, good spots for quiet contemplation or photography.

Columns frame the entrance to the Carondelet Park Boathouse interior

Photo: David Ackerman (CC BY 2.0)

What You'll Find

Most of the park features wide, open lawns with mature oak and hickory trees providing shade on hot summer days. History buffs will appreciate the collection of structures dating back to before the 1920s, including the Boathouse (1918), Music Stand (1898), and Music Pavilion (1898). The wooden Alexander Lyle House is even older - built around 1850 before the park existed, it served as the park director's home before becoming a senior center in 1931.

Come hungry, because picnic areas with tables and BBQ grills are scattered throughout, making this a favorite spot for family gatherings. Several pavilions stand ready for larger get-togethers when you need some shelter. And don't miss the fairy garden, a whimsical little spot that adds a touch of magic to your park experience.

One of the park's lakes with its fountain centerpiece

Photo: Paul Sableman (CC BY 2.0)

Get Moving

For more active visitors, Carondelet offers plenty of options. A 1.6-mile bicycle path winds through the grounds, complemented by tennis courts, softball fields, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and the recently added pickleball courts for those looking to try the trending sport.

Kids have their own dedicated spaces with two thoughtfully designed playgrounds - one for the little ones with age-appropriate equipment and another for older children, both featuring soft flooring for safer play.

Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at the stocked lakes, where bluegill are common catches and the occasional catfish might surprise you. Since 2014, the one-mile Carondelet Connector has linked the park to the nine-mile River des Peres Greenway. The park also connects to Grant's Trail, creating an impressive network for walking, jogging, or biking adventures. Keep an eye out for car-free days too, when the park roads open up for safe rollerblading and cycling.

Evening light illuminates the Boathouse's classic architecture

Photo: Paul Sableman (CC BY 2.0)

Community Heart

Carondelet Park functions as a community gathering place. Summer evenings come alive with the Concert in the Park series, where neighbors spread out blankets to enjoy live music under the stars. On the eastern edge by Interstate 55, you'll discover a modern recreation center run by the YMCA, offering a gym, various classes, and a seasonal outdoor pool for beating the Missouri heat.

Here's a practical perk for the green thumbs: the park provides free mulch, compost, and wood chips that you can collect for your home gardening projects - a thoughtful resource that connects the park to the homes around it.