Forest Park in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Government Hill & The World's Fair Pavilion
A Landscape and a Heritage Restored
| | Forest Park | |

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 14, 2019
1. Government Hill & The World's Fair Pavilion Marker
The World's Fair Pavilion was built in 1909 with proceeds from the 1904 World's Fair held here in Forest Park. Government Hill's colorfully lit fountain and reflecting pool were added in 1930. While the entire area had fallen into disrepair by mid-century, a transformation renovation between 1998 and 2007 restored it to its former glory. Throughout this special Park location, inscribed bricks commemorate the support thousands of donors have provided to restore and maintain the iconic treasures of Forest Park.
Different Perspectives
In this artful, accessible landscape the plantings you see looking down from the top of Government Hill are different from the ones you see looking up the hill. Enjoy the view — twice.
Government Hill and the World's Fair Pavilion are among dozens of significant landmarks, landscapes and natural areas restored and maintained through the public-private partnership of the City of St. Louis and Forest Park Forever.
Forest Park — one of the Great Public Spaces in America* — is St. Louis' big backyard. Home to extraordinary natural areas, restored historic landmarks, world-class cultural institutions, hundreds of species of wildlife and endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation, the 1,371-acre Park attracts more than 13 million visitors each year.
* American Planning Association, 2013
While Forest Park fell into disrepair during the second half of the last century, a $100 million restoration campaign led by Forest Park Forever and the City of St. Louis initiated a magnificent new era for the Park. Today, Forest Park Forever and the City continue this partnership to restore, maintain and sustain this civic treasure, with more Master Plan restoration projects recently completed, underway and planned for the coming years.
Erected by City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry; Forest Park Forever.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 38° 38.305′ N, 90° 17.181′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Forest Park. It is on Government Drive 0.2 miles east of Washington Drive, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 14, 2019
2. Government Hill & The World's Fair Pavilion Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Post-Dispatch Lake (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Boathouse & Post-Dispatch Lake (about 800 feet away); Elegance and Beauty through the Years (approx. 0.2 miles away); World's Fair Pavilion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Loss of Land and Beauty (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bringing Back the Beauty (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tale of the Swamp Rabbit (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nest of the Bald Eagle (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Government Hill (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Additional keywords. landscape architecture
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 662 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 18, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.