A fairy garden, a little mermaid, and cement serpents can all be seen at Francis Park in St. Louis Hills.

The walk here is along a 1.9-mile paved trail with two loops going through the middle on opposite sides of a water garden.

Starting the Walk At Francis Park

I parked on Eichelberger Street on the south side of the park. I began my stroll on a pathway passing by the whitewashed handball courts.

On my left was a bird garden with a small brown wooden gazebo in high grasses.

Francis Statue

Then I went by the statue of David Rowland Francis decked out with a top hat and holds a long cane. The park is named after him since he donated 60 acres to the city for the park in 1916. He is a former mayor of St. Louis and governor of Missouri.

Water Garden with a Mermaid

In the middle is a long water garden flanked by sidewalks on both sides. I took the walk on the right. In the water are different sculptures.

A dragon curl’s itself around a cement pylon.

Then in the water is a red heart mosaic.

A fish sculpture stands out of the water facing away from me.

Then the main attraction, the multi-colored mermaid with her finned tail upright and laying on a tiny island reading a large book done in white stones. Sculpted by Robin Murez who also did the benches, balls, and heart here creating a fantasy land in the middle of the park.

I take a moment to gaze a the craftsmanship of a large chair made with white, orange, and black stone. A heart crowns the top.

Two stone bowls are to the right and left, one with black stripes and the other with a swirl pattern.

I pass by a brown sculpted animal on a mosaic circular pad made up of gold and brown pieces that shimmer in the sun.

At the front of the water garden are two windmills on long lean curvy pedestals that would fit in a Dr. Seuss book.

One is done in fanciful design with rainbow feathers.

Right Loop Walk Includes Serpents

I come to Nottingham Avenue and turn right to do my first loop around the park.

Across the street on the corner is St. Gabriel the Archangel Church cut in limestone done in Art Deco style.

It has a tower that faces skyward with a cross on the top with an engraved sculpture in the middle.

After passing by the church I walk along Tamm Avenue that borders the park. I go by a small garden with steps and a stone bridge below.

Across the street are English-style cottages and with rounded doorways and walkways. An interesting contrast to the Art Deco church in the neighborhood.

At the corner, I come across a Bob Cassilly created sculpture garden hidden away behind some tree. He created the popular City Museum in St. Louis and other unique sculptures throughout the St. Louis area.

My son would enjoy stopping here and wandering around them. I like how the large frog sits on his cement lily pad while the serpents surround him.

Second Loop

I walk along Eichelberger Street and head back to the middle passing by the tennis court and then a large playground.

On this side of the central water garden is a mosaic bench topped with a fleur-de-lis found on the flag of St. Louis harkening back to when the city was part of France.

Fairy Garden Along Donovan

I go left this time around the park and head to Donovan Avenue. A small grove of evergreens provides shade up on a hill above me.

Down Donovan, I begin to notice a fairy garden in the trees. One stump has a small wooden house with a Hello Kitty, dolls, and flowers around it.

Bright white flowers, purple beads, and a bejeweled door with white pebbles are out front are at the bottom of another tree.

Another stump has a two-story house with a family of rabbits around it. One rabbit has a basket of flowers and two young rabbits are playing.

I could spend more time making stories here from the figurines and items left around the trees. I will have to bring my son here next time to learn what story he might invent.

The fairy garden is between Itaska and Delor Streets along Donovan Street.

After the fairy garden, I am back at my car and ready to head out for lunch.

Final Thoughts on Francis Park

For a stroll in the park, this walk had a lot to offer with English-style homes across the street to sculptures and fairylands in the park. I will have to come back with my son and send him on a hunt to find the mermaid, the fairy village, and the serpents.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 44 to Exit 286 for Hampton Avenue. If you are coming from West County make a right onto Hampton or from downtown St. Louis turn left onto Hampton. Then a right onto Nottingham Avenue and the park will be on the left after Tamm Avenue.

Hours: 6 am – 10 pm

Address: Francis Park, Eichelberger St &, Donovan Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109

Lunch Stop

Today I went to the nearby grocery store and deli LeGrand’s. I ordered the St. Louis Hills Sub with roast beef, ham, pepperoni, Provel cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. I love their deli sandwiches, this is one of my favorites, feel free to pick your own!

Address: 4414 Donovan Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109

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