USA Today's 10Best recently nominated forest Park as one of the Best City Parks in the Nation. Currently, we are in first place out of 20 other amazing city parks. In 2016, we received first place; today, we ask you to help us make this happen again.

Let's look at the ten reasons why Forest Park is the best in the nation to help convince you. These reasons are in no particular order.

1. Art Hill

• One of Forest Park's most iconic and beloved locations, Art Hill fills up with thousands of visitors each year. Not only is this an epic hill to run up, but it is also one of the top spots in the City to enjoy a picnic. Let's not forget to mention that people have been sledding on Art Hill since 1905. Plus, who can beat the epic view of Emerson Grand Basin?

2. The Cultural Institutions

• Forest Park is home to five phenomenal cultural institutions. The Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, and The Zoo are free. The Muny even has free seating options. The Muny is also the nation's largest and oldest outdoor musical theatre. No wonder there are over 13 million visitors to the Park a year.

3. Recreational Opportunities

• Along with the great cultural institutions, Forest Park is home to dozens of recreational opportunities. There are so many we did not even list them all here. Are you a golfer? Check out one of the four public courses at the Highlands or the Norman K. Probstein Golf Course, or head to the only public driving range in the city at the Highlands. The view is incredible, and now there are lights to enjoy the range at night. Have you wanted to try paddleboarding? What about yoga on a paddleboard? The Boathouse Paddle Co. has visitors covered (kayaking, paddle boating and canoeing are also options). Have a family, or looking for a place to bring kids? Check out not one but three different playgrounds in the Park. Later this year you can add the 17-acre Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape to the list. There will be several different activity areas for people of all ages to enjoy. Did you watch the Queen's Gambit and are looking to take up chess? You can do that in Forest Park. Lace-up those ice skates because Forest Park has you covered there too. Steinberg Skating Rink is waiting for you. And when the pandemic protocols allow, Forest Park’s handball and racquetball courts are used by passionate players all year long.

4. Hiking

• Visitors that live in the region don’t have to travel far to hike in St. Louis, thanks to Forest Park. In Kennedy Forest alone, there are over 3 miles of various trails for visitors to enjoy. There are several natural paths to breathe in the fresh air in Successional Forest and Round Lake Vista.

5. The Dual Recreational Path

• The dual recreational path is a lot of local's favorites in the Park. The dual path is 6 miles long and surrounds the entire Park. The soft gravel path accommodates walkers and joggers, while the hard surface is for bikers or blades. People like the multitude of hills to get their heart rates going!

6. Trees

• There are over 45,000 trees in Forest Park. Besides the magic show these trees put on in the fall, these trees help St. Louis City's overall health. Trees are the biggest plant on the planet; therefore, they help give us oxygen, store carbon and give life to the Park's wildlife.

7. Amenities

• We know it’s not the most exciting feature, but for practicality purposes, the amenities in the Park are important to visitors. There are 13 various restrooms in Forest Park; some are open year-round. Plus, in the summer months, drinking fountains (and occasional dog bowl fountains) keep visitors (and their pooches) hydrated. Visitors can choose to work from the Park too at one of the several patios; the patio at the World’s Fair Pavilion Comfort Station includes charging stations. Working remotely? There is strong free Wi-Fi located at the Visitor Center patio.

8. Architecture

• The architecture in Forest Park is stunning. There is eye candy throughout the Park. Some can't-miss architecture includes the Jewel Box, Nathan Frank Bandstand, the Victorian Footbridge and World’s Fair Pavilion.

9. Water Features

• There are several beautiful unique water features in Forest Park including fountains, waterfalls and lakes (Round Lake is seen above).. The Cascades run from spring until fall; people can walk to the top — a favorite past time for many. A perfect place to meditate, the Deer Lake Riffles flow into the river system that flows throughout the Park, including the beautiful eastside of the Park. Thanks to the Missouri Department of Conservation's urban fishing program, people can fish and even catch trout in Jefferson Lake.

10. The People

• You make this Park. The thousands of visitors in Forest Park each day bring this space alive. Forest Park is a place of unity, a place of peace and a place that has brought solace to many during these difficult times.

Now that you have seen this list, we encourage you to check out the website listed below to go vote! It only takes a second. Don't forget you can vote once per day. Forest Park for the win!