About this Location

Facility Overview

The Saint Louis Science Center Oakland Parking Lot is a spacious, dedicated open-air surface parking facility situated at 5050 Oakland Avenue in south-central St. Louis, directly bordering the south edge of historic Forest Park and the vibrant Cheltenham and Forest Park Southeast neighborhoods. As the primary official visitor lot for the Saint Louis Science Center and the OMNIMAX Theater, this well-maintained surface lot features wide driving lanes, clearly marked parking stalls, and level asphalt paving throughout.

Because the facility is completely open-air with no overhead structures, it has no vertical clearance restrictions, making it suitable for standard passenger vehicles, minivans, crossover SUVs, lifted pickup trucks, full-size commercial vans, and vehicles equipped with roof racks, cargo boxes, or bicycle carriers. Passenger drop-off and accessibility needs are accommodated with designated accessible stalls positioned near the main walkway and entrance pavilion, as well as a front circle drive for curb-side passenger discharge.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

The lot offers immediate access to world-class educational, cultural, and recreational destinations in St. Louis:

Saint Louis Science Center & OMNIMAX Theater: Direct, step-free access into the main entrance and Boeing Hall exhibits, located immediately adjacent to the lot.
James S. McDonnell Planetarium: Connected seamlessly via the pedestrian Skybridge that spans Interstate 64/Highway 40, allowing visitors to walk inside to the planetarium and Forest Park.
Forest Park: One of the nation's premier urban public parks is accessible via the skybridge or pedestrian walkway, providing access to scenic paths, the Highlands Golf & Tennis Center (0.5 miles), and the Saint Louis Zoo (approx. 1.2 miles northwest).
The Grove Entertainment District: Located roughly 1 mile east along Manchester Avenue, offering acclaimed craft breweries, diverse restaurants, bakeries, and vibrant nightlife.
Washington University Medical Campus & Barnes-Jewish Hospital: Positioned approximately 1 mile northeast across I-64 in the Central West End.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Drivers can access the parking lot directly via Oakland Avenue, just east of South Kingshighway Boulevard and west of Macklind Avenue. The entrance is marked with electronic signage and automated ticket/payment control gates. Ingress flows smoothly from both Interstate 64 (Highway 40) via the Kingshighway Boulevard or Hampton Avenue exits, and from Interstate 44 via Kingshighway Boulevard North.

Public transit riders can connect via MetroBus Route 59 (Dogtown) directly along Oakland Avenue, with stops located right at the Science Center entrance. The Central West End MetroLink Light Rail station is situated approximately 1 mile to the northeast, offering rail links across the St. Louis metropolitan area from St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) to Downtown St. Louis and Scott Air Force Base.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Unrestricted vertical clearance accommodates high-roof vehicles, large SUVs, and roof attachments.
Direct Venue Connection: Paved, ADA-compliant pedestrian pathways leading directly to the museum's main ticketing and security lobby.
Automated Payment Terminals: Entry gates and on-site indoor lobby pay stations supporting credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments.
Accessible Parking: Designated ADA accessible parking spaces located conveniently near the primary entrance path.
Lighting & Security: Site lighting throughout the stalls and drive aisles, monitored regularly by Science Center campus security.
Member Privileges: Automatic parking validation available for Saint Louis Science Center members.

Ideal For

Families & School Groups: Visiting the Saint Louis Science Center exhibits, Discovery Room, and GROW outdoor agricultural pavilion.
Moviegoers & Stargazers: Attending feature documentaries at the OMNIMAX Theater or star shows at the McDonnell Planetarium.
Forest Park Explorers: Accessing southern park trails, sports fields, and seasonal community events.
Local Event Attendees: Visiting First Friday science nights, SciFest expos, and neighborhood gatherings along the Oakland Avenue corridor.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Check Museum Operating Days: The main facility generally operates Thursday through Monday and is closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; confirm operating schedules before planning your arrival.
Flat-Rate Fee Structure: Parking is charged as a single flat daily fee per standard passenger vehicle; member passes can be scanned at the gate or validated at the Member Services desk.
Peak Arrival Times: Weekend mornings between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM experience the heaviest influx of family visitors; arriving early ensures the closest stalls near the front entrance.
Highway View Skybridge: Don't miss walking through the enclosed Skybridge over I-64, which features glass viewing portals overlooking highway traffic below.