retirement event at forest park visitor center

cupcake cookie and brownie dessert table

retirement part guests at forest park visitor center

people chatting at retirement party at forest park visitor center

server asking guest about wine selection

Seated: 210 with dance floor, 240 without
Buffet Seated: 200 with no dance floor, 160 with dance floor
Buffet Cocktail: 275 (2/3 seating)
Cocktail Reception: 400 (standing)

Note

The capacities for seated and buffet seated events are calculated using 60-inch round tables with 10 guests at each. Any deviation (altering the number of guests at each table, adding a “head” table and/or changing the shape of a table from round to square and/or rectangle) will decrease capacity and may cause you to incur extra charges.

Events

Day Facility Rental:

Monday – Friday: $500
Saturday: $2,500
Sunday: $2,000

Evening Facility Rental:

Monday – Wednesday: $1,200
Thursday, Friday, or Sunday: $2,000
Saturday: $2,500

Availability:

Year-round
Up to 4 hours

Latest end time for day rentals: 4:00pm

Earliest start time for evening rentals: 6:30pm

Note

There is a $12,000 food and beverage minimum for Saturday night events during peak months. April, May, Jun, September, October. There is a $1,500 additional set up and clean up fee added to all space rentals. Events with a final guest count of 31-54 adults will incur a surcharge of $500. Events with 30 adults or fewer will incur a surcharge of $1,000.

Exclusive use of the event space
60-inch round dining tables
Black Chavari ballroom chairs
Floor-length ivory tablecloths with white cotton overlays
White cotton napkins for seated dinners
All china, stemware and flatware
All bar glasses
Votive candles for tables
Ambient indoor lighting
Comfortable chairs and accent tables throughout
Outdoor café tables and chairs at entrance
Beautifully landscaped entrance
Landscape lighting
Well-lit, free parking lot
Private event signage

Events in Forest Park

Forest Park Visitor Center

Spanish-style building with historic clock tower

The Forest Park Visitor Center was originally built in 1892 as a streetcar shelter. Today, it is a Spanish-style event space with the building’s original clocktower. Inside, the Visitor Center offers a large, open-concept space to allow your creativity, style and personality to shine through during the event. Complete with a modern banquet facility and state-of-the-art meeting rooms, the Forest Park Visitor Center is a great fit for any event from a wedding to a corporate event or fundraiser.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to plan your dream event at Forest Park Visitor Center.

Forest Park Visitor Center

Frequently Asked Questions

The Forest Park Visitor Center is a unique and versatile venue perfect for a wide range of Forest Park events, including wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate retreats, nonprofit galas, holiday parties, and milestone celebrations. With its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, it’s an exceptional choice for gatherings large or small.

The venue is located at:
5595 Grand Drive
St. Louis, MO 63112
right at the entrance to Forest Park near the intersection of Grand Drive and Lindell Boulevard. It’s centrally positioned with easy access to nearby attractions like the Saint Louis Art Museum and The Muny.

The Forest Park Visitor Center can host up to 240 guests for a seated dinner (210 with a dance floor), 200 guests for a buffet seated dinner (160 with a dance floor), 275 guests for a buffet cocktail-style event and 400 guests for a standing cocktail reception. It offers multiple spaces—indoor and outdoor—that can be customized to suit the size and style of your event.

As one of the most iconic locations in St. Louis’s historic Forest Park, this venue offers convenience, elegance, and a memorable backdrop. With views of the park, charming architectural details, and access to surrounding green spaces, it’s a standout destination for Forest Park events of all types.

Yes. The venue features a beautifully landscaped outdoor terrace and lawn area, which is perfect for cocktail hours and additional seating.

Rental includes exclusive use of the event space, 60-inch round tables, ballroom chairs, floor-length linens, china, stemware and flatware, and staff support. There is a separate $1,500 setup and cleanup fee. You’ll also work with Catering St. Louis to create a customized food and beverage package tailored to your event.

No. All catering and bar services must be provided by Catering St. Louis, the exclusive provider for the Forest Park Visitor Center. Their menus offer locally sourced ingredients, seasonal options, and professional service to elevate any occasion.

Yes, the venue has a well-lit, free parking lot, and additional public parking is available nearby within Forest Park. Valet services can also be arranged through Catering St. Louis or an outside vendor.

Yes. The Forest Park Visitor Center is fully ADA compliant, with accessible entrances, restrooms, and pathways to ensure all guests can enjoy the event comfortably.

The Forest Park Visitor Center hosts receptions only; wedding ceremonies are not offered at this location.

While the venue welcomes personal touches and custom event themes, some restrictions apply—such as no open flames (except enclosed candles), confetti, or nails in the walls. The event coordinator can help you plan décor that aligns with venue policies and enhances the space.

Yes. Basic A/V services are available, including a sound system and microphone setup for speeches or presentations. If additional equipment is needed, Catering St. Louis can assist with rentals and vendor coordination.

To secure your preferred date—especially for spring and fall weekends—it’s best to book 6–12 months in advance. That said, some weekday or off-season dates may still be available with shorter notice.

Yes. Private tours are available by appointment. Contact Catering St. Louis to schedule a walkthrough and see for yourself why the Forest Park Visitor Center is one of the premier venues for Forest Park events in St. Louis.