Laclede Park

A Glimpse into the Past

Situated in the Dutchtown neighborhood of St. Louis, Laclede Park is a living piece of the city's history. Established in 1812, this green space has quietly witnessed over two centuries of St. Louis life, making it one of the oldest parks you'll come across in the area.

At just 3.17 acres, it's not the largest park around, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in historical significance.

Where to Find This Tranquil Space

You'll find this modest green space nestled between East and West Iowa Avenue, right behind Meramec Elementary School. This positioning makes it a natural extension of the schoolyard, where local kids and families often gather.

What's particularly interesting is how the park's layout preserves the original city design created by Auguste Chouteau and Pierre Laclède back in 1763. Those short city blocks and the orientation toward the Mississippi River? That's not by accident - it's a subtle nod to how St. Louis began.

What to Expect

Laclede Park keeps things simple. Don't come looking for elaborate playgrounds or fancy facilities - this is essentially an open field, a green canvas in the urban landscape.

The beauty of Laclede Park isn't in what's been added, but in what's been preserved: a piece of breathing space that's remained relatively unchanged as the city evolved around it.

A Neighborhood Respite

In an age of parks with all the bells and whistles, there's something refreshing about Laclede's simplicity. It's a no-frills green space that offers neighborhood residents a place to stretch out, toss a ball around, or simply sit and enjoy a moment of quiet.

While it may not be a destination park for tourists, Laclede Park provides a small but meaningful breath of green in the urban fabric of Dutchtown.