St Louis Real Estate Search

Lafayette Park

Considered to be the oldest urban park west of the Mississippi, Lafayette Park has a rich history. Its 30 acres were dedicated as the first public park in the city of St. Louis in 1851. During the Civil War the park was used as campgrounds for Union troops. Near the end of the war, Renowned Landscape Architect, Maximillian Kern created a very impressive Victorian strolling park, which was devastated shortly after by The Great Tornado of 1896. The 1904 World's Fair named Forest Park as the Premier Park in St. Louis, which furthered the decline of Lafayette Park. It wasn't until the late 1960's that Lafayette Square and Lafayette Park started to progress again. Urban pioneers began restoring the homes in Lafayette Square and eventually restored the park as well bringing it to its current glory.

If you wish to explore the park and see some of its rich history for yourself, a self guided walking tour is available to print out with a map and explanation of some of the major sites.

Lafayette Park is home to the Saint Louis Perfectos, a vintage baseball club that plays by the rules and customs of 1860's baseball. Their games are fun and entertaining for all ages! Just don't forget to bring your own lawn chair! 

Children will enjoy playing on the fun playground with its slides, ramps, and huge fish bridge! 

There are 3 monuments that you can find in the park, a statue of George Washington, one of Senator Thomas Hart Benton, and a Revolutionary War monument. The Revolutionary War Monument features 3 cannons that were resurrected from the British frigate Actaeon which was scuttled during the Battle of Sullivan's Island. 

Enjoy Live Music at the Lafayette Park Summer Concert series every other Saturday from June-August. Each summer the Park puts on a Summer Movie series as well where they show popular movies on a giant inflatable screen.

Labor Day Weekend kicks off each year in Lafayette Square with the Gateway Cup: Tour de Lafayette!   

Tour de Lafayette

Lafayette Park is a hot spot for Weddings, Photos, and other Events. The Park House, The Elizabeth Cook Pavilion, and The Kern Lakeside Pavilion are each wonderful possibilities for your next event! The Park House was built in 1867 as a police station, and now serves as the office for the Lafayette Square Restoration Committee as well as a City of St. Louis police sub-station. It can be rented out for private events as well. The Elizabeth Cook Pavilion overlooks the Grotto and gardens, many weddings are held in this beautiful outdoor space. The Kern Lakeside Pavilion was recently restored and now also has a catering kitchen as well as a patio overlooking the lake. 

No matter what type of outdoor activity you are looking for, you are sure to find something fun to do at Lafayette Park!

                

Homes Sales near Lafayette Park

$1,250,000
4 Beds 3 Baths 26035592 MLS ACTIVE Status
Circa 1896 A rare opportunity & timeless elegance await in sought after Lafayette Square. Built by architect Ernst Janssen in Romanesque style this stately estate is one of only a handful of homes overlooking beloved Lafayette Park. On a grand corner lot, with mature landscaping & curved drive leading to the covered & pillared stone side entry. From the towering turret to the arched architectural entryway, its grand stature and timeless elegance is unparalleled. Welcomed through a fabulous foyer, the sweeping stairwell leads to a wall of stunning stained glass that illuminates the central corridor & leads to the expansive third floor rotunda. An entertainer’s dream from parlor to formal dining room w/ built-ins, to custom cabinetry & butler’s pantry in the well appointed kitchen. The spacious salon/lounge is the place for gathering with friends and family. Plus the formal dining room awaits when you want to entertain with style. From the first level parlor & living & dining areas a second stairwell lends access outside & to the upper level bedrooms & 2 full baths. Bay & bent glass windows, bold elements are warm &breathtaking throughout. The testament to detail is unparalleled at every turn including rare round radiators, detailed wood panel walls & fireplaces with original iron covers, tile, mirrors & mantles. Inlay & parquet grace three levels of wooden floors. Built-in cabinetry & closets maintain original hinges, mirrors & craftsmanship. Original elements of pocket doors, restored millwork, elegant fireplaces & original light fixtures remain. All the bells & whistles of modern living & style are drenched in timeless detail. Meticulously maintained, the architectural bones of this brick beauty are for the ages. Now is your opportunity to realize your dweller dreams of life on the park in the heart of the one & only Lafayette Square.

1605 Missouri Ave, St Louis

$1,080,000
3 Beds 4 Baths 25058747 MLS CLOSED Status
A masterpiece of urban living where modern simplicity meets historic charm, this stunning 3 story home is perfectly situated for relaxed city living, directly across Lafayette Park. Just moments from popular restaurants, vibrant entertainment, and major highways, giving you the best of both worlds—a peaceful retreat that’s still at the center of it all. Upon entry, hardwood floors flow throughout, highlighted by tall ceilings and plantation shutters that add charm and elegance. Formal DR is ideal for hosting dinner parties, while the spacious, light-filled LR invites you to unwind, with easy access to the backyard (entertainer's paradise!), making indoor-outdoor entertaining a breeze. Chef's kitchen: GE Monogram appliances, gas cooktop, and custom walk-in pantry; 1/2 bath is across hall. 2nd flr: The gorgeous primary suite is a spa-like sanctuary with lush new carpet/upgraded pad, gorgeous views, a lux soaking tub, huge walk-in shower, heated floor, and 2 walk-in closets. 2nd bedroom is equally well-appointed, with walk-in closet and full bath. Laundry room is in between bedrooms. 3rd floor is a space built for fun and relaxation, with rec room/wet bar. A full suite offers a private space for guests. The showstopper is the terrace, an outdoor oasis with an Arch view, offering a truly iconic backdrop for sunset cocktails or morning coffee. Upgrades: sprinkler system, 2nd story HVAC; 2 EV chargers; Sonos sound system. Full, unfinished, walk-up basement has tons of storage.

1414 Mississippi Ave, St Louis

$945,000
5 Beds 5 Baths 25054446 MLS CLOSED Status
Step into this stunning Lafayette Square gem, offering four levels of finished living space on a double lot just steps from the historic Lafayette Park. Blending original character with refined updates, the main level features 5" white oak hardwood floors and a classic Victorian layout that seamlessly connects the elegant living room, and the show stopping chef’s kitchen, complete with a fireplace, high-end appliances, quartz surfaces, and a stylish butler’s pantry with tile accents. Enjoy your mornings in the cozy family room, also adorned with its own fireplace. As you make your way upstairs, you'll find a private retreat featuring a luxury primary suite with a fireplace and spa-like bath with its own fireplace, three additional bedrooms, a full bath, laundry, and updated HVAC systems for zoned heating and cooling. The third level offers two more bedrooms and a full bath as well. Did I mention the beautiful white oak engineered flooring on both the second and third levels? The finished lower level expands your lifestyle with a spacious rec room, sleeping quarters, a full bath, a second laundry area, and convenient walk-up access to the outside. You'll love entertaining or simply relaxing on the deck overlooking the sprawling double lot, complete with a private 2-car parking space behind an electric gate. This home is a true gem in one of St. Louis’ most coveted neighborhoods, where vibrant dining, shopping, and the serene beauty of Lafayette Park are just outside your door.

2317 Park Ave, St Louis

Start Your Search