Urban Hayrides Bring the Country to Forest Park

First posted on 08-21-2008

The City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry will offer hayrides in Forest Park on Friday and Saturday nights starting Friday, Oct. 3 and ending Saturday, Dec. 13.

The wagons, which are pulled by tractors, leave from Faulkner Drive (at Clayton Road near the Science Center) and take a 45-minute ride. They return to the picnic grounds where a bonfire is waiting. Groups can bring hot dogs and marshmallows to roast. The bonfire has a one-hour time limit.

“City residents can enjoy all the fun of a hayride without going miles from home. Forest Park is a beautiful setting for a ride on a crisp fall evening and then groups can enjoy the fun of sitting around a bonfire,” said Dan Skillman, Parks Commissioner.

Riders can choose from the following dates in 2008: Oct. 3 and 4; Oct. 10 and 11; Oct. 17 and 18; Oct. 24 and 25; Oct. 31 and Nov. 1; Nov. 7 and 8; Nov. 14 and 15; Nov. 21 and 22; Dec. 5 and 6; and Dec. 12 and 13. They will not operate during the Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 28 and 29.

Wagons leave each evening at 7, 7:05, 7:10, 7:15, 7:20, 8, 8:05, 8:10; 8:15 and 8:20 p.m. These time slots are for group rides with a maximum of 20 people per wagon. Groups of all ages are welcome. The cost is $100 a wagon with a maximum of 20 people per wagon.

Reservations are required and are taken from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday by the permit section of the Parks Department, 289-5330. They cannot be made online.