Best lakes around Brentwood offer a variety of natural and recreational opportunities. The area features several lakes, providing settings for outdoor activities. These bodies of water contribute to the local landscape, offering spaces for recreation and nature observation.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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Forest Park is a huge recreational park in the heart of St. Louis. The park is perfect for relaxing, biking, golfing, and exploring the various cultural offerings at the Museum of History, St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, or Planetarium. It's also easily accessible by metro.
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The bike lanes here are wonderful. The connectors could be improved though!
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This lake, in addition to its picturesque surroundings and beautiful fountain, stands out for its lovely building, which has somehow become an icon of the park.
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Forest Park in St. Louis is a sprawling urban park spanning 1,371 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It offers a wide range of attractions, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History Museum.
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The Emerson Grand Basin in St. Louis is a stunning water feature located in Forest Park. Spanning over 7 acres, it serves as both a picturesque gathering place and a recreational area for visitors to enjoy.
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Forest Park, with 1,326 acres, is considered one of the premier urban public parks in the US. It features beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, and lakes and streams. It als contains cultural institutions including the St Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Science Center, and Muny Opera.
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Emerson Gran Basin is a manmade lake in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum. The architecture of the museum, the square, and the lake with water fountains make it a beautiful romantic scenery. Forest Park has a nice trail network and is a great place for a run.
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Jefferson Lake is situated in the very east of the huge Forest Park in St. Louis. There are multiple picnic areas around the lake to enjoy a great natural setting in the city. The lake is a famous spot for fishing and the paths leading around the lake (and the rest of the park), are perfect for jogging.
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The area around Brentwood features several well-loved lakes. Forest Park is a premier urban public park with beautiful landscapes, including lakes and streams. Other popular spots include Post-Dispatch Lake, Forest Park, known for water activities, and Jefferson Lake, a scenic spot for fishing and picnics.
Yes, many lakes around Brentwood are very family-friendly. For instance, Post-Dispatch Lake, Forest Park offers pedal boats, canoes, and stand-up paddling. Jefferson Lake has multiple picnic areas, perfect for family outings. All the main lakes in Forest Park are considered family-friendly, offering diverse attractions like museums and the zoo.
You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities near Brentwood's lakes. Cycling is very popular, with routes like the Wheels Path in Forest Park. You can find more cycling options in the Cycling around Brentwood guide. For those who prefer walking, there are easy hikes available, such as the Kennedy Forest Loop. Explore more hiking trails in the Easy hikes around Brentwood guide.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. Jefferson Lake in Forest Park is a scenic lake where fishing is possible with a valid Missouri fishing license. It's stocked with various species including bass, catfish, crappie, and carp.
Absolutely. Jefferson Lake, located in the eastern part of Forest Park, offers multiple picnic areas where you can enjoy the natural setting. Many other spots within Forest Park also provide ideal locations for picnicking.
The lakes within Forest Park are surrounded by significant cultural institutions. These include the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Science Center, and Muny Opera. The Emerson Grand Basin is notably situated in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum, offering a beautiful backdrop.
Yes, there are excellent opportunities for walking and jogging. Jefferson Lake has paths leading around it that are perfect for jogging. Forest Park, where many of these lakes are located, features an extensive trail network ideal for running and leisurely strolls.
The Emerson Grand Basin is a stunning man-made lake in Forest Park, notable for its location directly in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum. Its architecture, the surrounding square, and the beautiful water fountains create a romantic and picturesque scenery, making it a popular spot for visitors.
Yes, Boathouse Lake Pavilion in Carondelet Park is known for its picturesque surroundings and a lovely building that has become an icon of the park. You can also walk all the way around this lake.
Visitors appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere for relaxing, while others engage in activities like biking, golfing, or exploring the cultural institutions within Forest Park. The ability to enjoy water activities like pedal boating at Post-Dispatch Lake is also a highlight.
Yes, road cyclists can find several routes. For example, the Grand Drive loop in Forest Park is an easy option. More challenging routes, such as the Centennial Greenway loop, are also available. You can explore these and other options in the Road Cycling Routes around Brentwood guide.


Still not found your perfect lake around Brentwood? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.