Overview: This spring, the beloved Boathouse at Forest Park will undergo renovations to bring a fresh new look and exciting amenities to visitors. To bridge the gap during this time, a pop-up beer and wine garden is coming to the area in April.
The Full Story
The Boathouse has been a staple of Forest Park for decades, offering stunning views of the lake and plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking. However, with its popularity growing exponentially over the years, it’s clear that this beloved landmark needs an update to meet the demands of modern visitors.
Renovations began in October 2025 with a focus on creating more indoor and outdoor spaces for dining and entertainment. The new design will feature an expanded patio area, improved acoustics, and increased food production capacity in the main building. Additionally, a full-service event space will be added to the annex building.
But what about during this time of transformation? Enter the pop-up beer and wine garden – a temporary solution that promises to bring just as much excitement and joy to visitors as its permanent counterpart. Located next to the temporary launching dock at The Boathouse, this tented space will offer live music, food trucks on select weekends, and rotating restaurant and bar menus featuring house cocktails.
Production & Profile
The beer selection for the pop-up garden is expected to feature a range of local brews from St. Louis-based breweries such as Anheuser-Busch and Schlafly Beer. Wine enthusiasts will also find plenty to love, with an assortment of red, white, and sparkling options available by the glass or bottle.
Guests can expect a variety of food options at the pop-up garden, including classic pub fare like burgers and sandwiches as well as more upscale offerings from local eateries. The menu will rotate regularly to keep things fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.
Brand & Industry History
The Boathouse has been a Forest Park staple since 2003, when it underwent its last major renovation. Since then, the facility’s popularity has continued to grow exponentially – so much so that renovations are now necessary to meet visitor demand.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the City of St. Louis and Forest Park Forever on this exciting project,” said Greg Hayes, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry for the City of St. Louis in an October statement announcing the changes. “Our goal is to create a welcoming space that will delight visitors year-round.”
What This Means
The pop-up beer and wine garden at The Boathouse represents more than just a temporary solution – it’s also an opportunity for innovation and growth in the hospitality industry.
“The success of this project demonstrates the importance of listening to visitor feedback,” said Lesley Hoffarth, President and Executive Director of Forest Park Forever. “We’re excited to see how our community responds to these new amenities.”
Consumer Takeaway
This spring, visitors can look forward to a unique experience at The Boathouse in Forest Park – one that combines the best elements of beer, wine, and live music with stunning natural surroundings. Whether you’re a local or just visiting St. Louis for the day, be sure to stop by this pop-up paradise and enjoy all it has to offer.
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