SLU Dog Park & Sculpture Garden - St. Louis, MO
SLU Dog Park & Sculpture Garden: A Unique Urban Dog Park in St. Louis, Missouri
SLU Dog Park & Sculpture Garden is a free, urban dog park located at 1 N Grand Blvd in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. Surrounded by historic architecture and just steps away from Saint Louis University, this fenced-in dog park offers local pet owners a spacious, grassy area to let their dogs play, socialize, and admire the outdoor sculptures that give the park its unique flair. The park is well-maintained with interesting art installations, making it a visually distinctive spot among St. Louis dog parks.
This dog park provides plenty of shade and several shared amenities like water bowls and community dog toys. While there is a water fountain, it is frequently out of order, so bringing your own water is recommended. Seating is available, and the area is reported to be usually clean, with trash bins on-site. Entry can be a little tricky to find—look for the gate at the southeast corner—so check directions before you go. Note: While the park is generally open, hours may be inconsistent and there are periodic closures (usually Monday through Wednesday), so visiting outside these days is best for guaranteed access.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the fenced area.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, the park is fully fenced, though some areas may have small gaps under the fence.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? There is a water fountain and communal water bowls, but the fountain is often not working. It’s recommended to bring your own water.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, there is plentiful shade from surrounding trees and structures.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? There are stations, though they are sometimes empty, so bring your own bags just in case.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, seating is available within the park.
- Does the park have parking? Paid parking is available nearby, but street parking is limited.
- Is SLU Dog Park & Sculpture Garden open year-round? The park is open year-round, but usually closed Monday through Wednesday and hours are sometimes inconsistent.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Generally, the park is well-maintained and kept clean, although maintenance needs can arise.
Reviews
This is a great free dog park! It’s spacious, clean and well maintained. Entrance at the Southeast corner. Water was there, but you may want to bring your own. Thanks SLU
This is a nice dog park with nice dogs and nice local folk. A guy who lives across the street brings his dog and a few gallons of water over everyday. There are plenty of dog toys to share and a water bowl. The sculptures are pretty interesting. Idk if they have plaques that talk about them or the artists but they’re still cool to admire. I love the location of the dog park as its in the middle of many old lovely buildings. My only complaint is that the bottom of the fence has space under it and there are areas dug out where dogs can crawl under. This shouldn’t be an issue if your dog listens to you. However, my dog likes to follow other dogs home so I have to put her on the leash when people are leaving or she’ll find a way out to walk out with her friends. I can’t complain too much though because the park is free. It probably doesn’t receive much funding.
I just wandered in after seeing it as the bus passed by and making my way back before catching the bus home. Latch is a little sticky/tricky, but jiggle it and you’ll get in! 😅
Gorgeous sculptures. I know it’s a dog park but there was no “evidence” of dogs anywhere–love to see a dog park so well-maintained! Grass was in great condition.
I’m not sure if there’s only the one entrance/exit, but after walking to the far end and all around taking photos, I just left where I came in. There were no dogs during my visit but I saw one in there after I left.
Once we figured out how to get in, we loved it! There is a gate on the corner of Olive and Grand, if you blink, you’ll miss it. It’s always well manicured and usually pretty clean (there’s always that one dog-parent who doesn’t pick up after their pet). There is a small water fountain but it’s never worked – which is why I’m docking a star. But it’s a beautiful setting for pups to play, although I rarely see other dogs there. Maybe more people would visit if they could figure out how to get in? FYI – they are closed Monday through Wednesday.
Fantastic park only it’s NEVER OPEN. Really thankful for a free public dog park. However there is no way to tell when the park will be open. They list a Facebook page that has been inactive since 2016 and a twitter that last posted in October 2021. This is a much needed resource for pet owners in the area. Please talk to us SLU and help us all get the park open consistently. Saint Louis University can you do better?