Take a break from your busy St. Louis sightseeing schedule to visit Kiener Plaza. This 1.9-acre (0.8-hectare) park stands at the heart of downtown St. Louis close to major city attractions. City workers and tourists visit the paved and grassy parts of Kiener Plaza, which is a short walk from Gateway Arch National Park. Enjoy the lawns, fountain, downtown vistas and annual family-friendly events.
The plaza is named after Harry J. Kiener, who was a member of the U.S. track team when St. Louis hosted the 1904 Summer Olympics. A statue and fountain dedicated to the athlete stands prominently in the center of the park. Called The Olympic Runner, it’s the work of the sculptor William Zorach. Study the statue’s lifelike features and watch as a ring of fountain jets project water into a surrounding pool.
Over 140 trees stand scattered around the park and provide welcome shade from the sun. Participate in some people-watching while resting on one of the long benches. Children can have hours of fun on the climbing frames, slides and swings of the playground. The splash pad is perfect for cooling off on a hot sun-drenched day.
Position yourself on the eastern side of the park for uninterrupted views of the Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch rises behind this historical whitewashed landmark and provides a wonderful frame for photographs. If you have time, tour the building’s restored courtrooms and browse exhibits about St. Louis history. The courthouse is famous for the trial of Dred Scott, a slave who sued for freedom in the mid 1800s.
Fun-filled events are held in the plaza throughout the year. Handicraft stalls, food stands and a 35-foot-tall (11-meter) Christmas tree take over the park during the Festival of Lights. Watch the Thanksgiving Parade march in November and go ice-skating during Winterfest, with 60,000 lights strung in the trees of the plaza.
Kiener Plaza is a short walk from both the 8th and Pine and the Stadium light rail stops. Park for a fee on downtown streets or use a nearby parking garage.
