Home › Missouri › St. Louis › Lafayette Park
Lafayette Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,586 Google reviews · Running trail in St. Louis, Missouri · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lafayette Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
30-acre city park, circa 1851, with a lake & historic elements like cannons & an 1867 house.
What runners say about Lafayette Park
“The hiking trails are well-maintained, providing a delightful blend of tranquility and natural beauty for a rejuvenating experience.”
“Also the houses in the neighborhood surrounding the park are beautiful to look at with some amazing architecture that you wont find in modern day subdivisions.”
“Louis offers a serene escape into nature with ample opportunities for hiking and connecting with the outdoors.”
A lovely park, but bougie. Lafayette Square is an incredibly unwelcoming area. I was walking around in a tie-dye t-shirt and shorts (it was 80 degrees, after all) and got a weird number of dirty looks and stares. #NotHereForYou I enjoyed the baby geese and the wide variety of trees.
Lafayette Park in St. Louis offers a serene escape into nature with ample opportunities for hiking and connecting with the outdoors. The abundance of ginkgo biloba trees adds a unique touch, allowing visitors to collect the fascinating and vibrant ginkgo fruit.
Lafayette Square Park is one of St. Louis’ hidden treasures and has always been one of my favorite historic parks. For me, this park has been part of my life for many years.
A gorgeous, historic park in a beautiful neighborhood. We got a condo nearby for a weekend St. Louis trip, and stopped by for an afternoon walk. It was mid fall and the trees were gorgeous. Several others were out having photo shoots as it was ideal scenery. Nice water features.
Trail conditions & character
“Also the houses in the neighborhood surrounding the park are beautiful to look at with some amazing architecture that you wont find in modern day subdivisions.”
“Louis offers a serene escape into nature with ample opportunities for hiking and connecting with the outdoors.”
Plan your run at Lafayette Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadwater — reported by runners
- Websitestlouis-mo.gov
- Phone+1 314-289-5300
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near St. Louis
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mississippi Greenway
3.9 ★★★★☆ 20 reviews
Gateway Arch National Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 15,644 reviews
Park honoring Jefferson's role in western expansion, featuring the Gateway Arch & visitors' center.
Tower Grove Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,976 reviews
1868 park that shows its history with carriage rides, grass tennis courts, a wading pool & a gazebo.
Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 876 reviews
Open green space with a tiered river overlook & panoramic views, plus a geyser fountain.
Rootwad Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 147 reviews
Riverfront Trail
4.1 ★★★★☆ 118 reviews
Peaceful nature trail, featuring a bridge, that cuts through an industrial area and a park.