Facility Overview

The South Parking Lot at the Saint Louis Zoo is the primary southern automotive gateway for visitors arriving at one of America\'s premier zoological institutions, located within historic Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri. Situated directly along Wells Drive just north of Interstate 64 (Highway 40), this expansive open-air surface parking facility offers seamless access directly to the zoo\'s South Entrance and The Living World education center. Designed as a paved ground-level lot, it features zero overhead height restrictions, making it exceptionally well-suited for all passenger vehicles, including oversized pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, conversion vans, and vehicles equipped with roof racks or cargo carriers. Dedicated parking bays and clearly delineated travel lanes ensure smooth navigation for families and group visitors throughout the day.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned on the scenic southern perimeter of the 1,300-acre Forest Park, this lot places guests steps away from world-class attractions and recreational grounds:

• Saint Louis Zoo (South Entrance & The Living World): Immediate access (1 to 2 minutes on foot) directly to animal exhibits, the Emerson Children\'s Zoo, and the Zoo Railroad station.
• Turtle Park: Located just south across the Tamm Avenue pedestrian overpass spanning Interstate 64 (approx. 5 to 7 minutes walking), featuring beloved giant concrete turtle sculptures popular with children.
• Forest Park Trails & Waterways: Direct access to the multi-use dual path recreational system, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking around the park.
• The Highlands Golf and Tennis Center: Less than a mile east along Wells Drive, offering public golf, driving ranges, and clay tennis courts.
• Saint Louis Art Museum & The Muny: Accessible within Forest Park via a brisk 15-to-20-minute walk or a quick ride on the seasonal Forest Park Trolley.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

The South Parking Lot enjoys exceptional highway connectivity, situated immediately off the Hampton Avenue and Oakland Avenue exits from Interstate 64 (US-40). Ingress and egress are managed through clearly marked driveways along Wells Drive. During peak morning arrival times and evening closing rushes, traffic flow is efficiently directed by parking attendants and Forest Park rangers. For public transit users, the MetroBus Route 90 (Hampton) stops nearby along Hampton Avenue and Oakland Avenue, connecting directly to the Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink light rail station to the north, which links downtown St. Louis, Washington University, and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL).

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Direct Terminal Access: Immediate step-free walking paths leading to ticket turnstiles and visitor services at The Living World entrance.
• Accessible ADA Parking: Generous supply of marked, level accessible spaces placed closest to the entrance ramp and pedestrian walkway.
• Open-Air Clearance: Wide drive aisles with completely unrestricted vertical clearance for tall and roof-mounted vehicles.
• Safety & Monitoring: Regular security patrols conducted by Saint Louis Zoo Security personnel and park rangers, complemented by high-efficiency dusk-to-dawn lighting.
• Modern Payment Operations: Standard flat-rate vehicle fee payable at entry toll booths or ticket kiosks via major credit and debit cards; Zoo members often enjoy parking discounts with digital or physical membership validation.

Ideal For

• Families & Zoo Visitors: Effortless, step-free access to animal exhibits, stroller rentals, dining, and gift shops.
• Forest Park Explorers: Convenient launching pad for active recreation, biking, or picnics in the southern quadrants of the park.
• Out-of-Town Travelers: Unbeatable highway proximity right off I-64, eliminating the stress of downtown city navigation.
• Large Family Vehicles: Spacious stalls and open overhead clearance tailored for full-size vans, suburbans, and utility trucks.

Visitor & Driver Tips

While admission to the Saint Louis Zoo is famously free, parking in official zoo lots requires a standard daily fee. On pleasant spring and summer weekends, holidays, and during special seasonal evening events (such as Boo at the Zoo or Wild Lights), the South Lot fills up rapidly; aim to arrive before 9:30 AM or visit in the early afternoon for the easiest parking experience. If arriving via I-64, take the Hampton Avenue exit and follow the brown directional signs straight into Wells Drive. Drivers traveling on strict budgets can also look for free parallel street parking scattered along Forest Park drives, though spaces are limited and require longer walks to the turnstiles.