Department of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry

The City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry is offering hayrides in Forest Park on Friday and Saturday nights on fall weekends starting Friday, Sept. 30, 2011 and ending Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011.

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.

"Everyone 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 for the year 2011: Sept. 30 and Oct 1.; Oct. 7 and 8^..; Oct. 14 and 15; Oct. 21 and 22.; Oct. 28 and Oct. 29.; Nov. 4 and 5.; Nov. 18 and 19.; Dec. 2 and 3.; Dec. 09 and 10. There will be no hayrides on the Veterans Day weekend, Nov. 11 and 12 or Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27 and 28.

Wagons leave each evening at 7:00, 7:05, 7:10, 7:15, 7:20, 8:00, 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 $120 a wagon with a maximum of 20 people per wagon. The Parks Department will accept only a personal check or money order to reserve a wagon. Checks should be made payable to St. Louis City Parks, 5600 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. Electronic payments are not accepted, and there are no refunds. The hayride dates are not transferable and scheduled events go on rain or shine.

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, (314) 289-5330. Reservations can not be made online.

Department of Parks, Recreation & Forestry

City of St. Louis