October is my favorite time to enjoy the beautiful sights of St. Louis! With humid summers finally wearing off, the Indian summer sets in with near perfect temps and cool breezes. Before daylight savings time, the plentiful daylight gives plenty of time for leaf peeping. I’m sharing some of my all-time favorite spots to capture to add fall color to my Instagram feed.

The Muny, Forest Park // This spot is simply breathtaking! With a lot of easy parking and plenty of places to sit and marvel, The Muny features bright, blazing red trees arranged in a circular fashion around the pond. Keep your eye on Forest Park’s social media feeds for the best timing, but generally the end of October to early November are when you can see these peak. Expect a bit of a crowd - this is a common spot for family photos, wedding photos and even just walking the dog. Stay a while! This location is perfect for lounging - bring your favorite library book, grab some local food to picnic with, or just enjoy the view.

Art Hill, Forest Park // If you’re looking for another spot after you enjoy The Muny, head up to the peak famously known for the King Louis status on Art Hill. This spot has another semi-circle of bright red trees that frame the large hill. At the bottom of the hill, you’ll enjoy views of the Grand Basin - usually sprinted with paddle boats and swimming ducks. On a sunny day, the water glitters and this is a great spot to catch some Vitamin D before winter sets in. Just like The Muny, there are a lot of benches to sit on, or bring your own blanket for a spot on the hill.

Tilles Park // Centrally located off of McKnight and Litzinger in Ladue, Tilles Park usually peaks in popularity in the winter with their widely known Winter Wonderland drive-thru light attraction. But, be sure to add it to your fall attractions list because the leaves here are outstanding as well. There aren’t as many bright red trees here like you’ll find in Forest Park, but you’ll find stunning yellows, oranges and even burnt browns and changing greens as you make your way around the park. The Tilles Park paved loop is 0.9 miles around, and if you’re there in the fall you’re sure to see the light displays being installed. Bring a fishing pole if you want! The fishing pond has plenty of room to socially distance and practice your casting. Bring the kids, too - the playground at Tiles is outstanding and draws many area families.

Elk Park // Simply amazing! Did you know you can see free roaming wildlife just 20 minus from St. Louis for free?! Elk Park is the perfect place to spot elk, bison, turkeys and more and during the fall, the sweet treat of fall colors are the cherry on top for a visit. They accept donations at the beginning (it’s the only place to donate!), so drop a few dollars in and enjoy the loop. I highly suggest the Elk Hollow turnoff loop right before exciting - I’ve seen the most animals along that route. If you don’t have luck, return another day - I’ve seen both zero animals and dozens in my many times visiting. Expect close encounters (therefore, don’t exit your car or take your dog)! It takes around 30 minutes to drive through, but feel free to take your time and stay awhile.