Urban hayrides through Forest Park bring a taste of the country into the heart of the city.

The City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry will offer hayrides in Forest Park on Friday and Saturday nights on fall weekends starting Friday, Oct. 2 and ending Saturday, Dec. 12.

The wagons, which are pulled by tractors, leave from Faulkner Drive (at Clayton Road near the Science Center) and take a 45-minute ride. They return to the picnic grounds where a bonfire is waiting. Groups can bring hot dogs and marshmallows to roast. The bonfire has a one-hour time limit.

"Everyone can enjoy all the fun of a hayride without going miles from home. Forest Park is a beautiful setting for a ride on a crisp fall evening and then groups can enjoy the fun of sitting around a bonfire," said Dan Skillman, Parks Commissioner.

Riders can choose from the following dates in 2009: Oct. 2 and 3; Oct. 9 and 10; Oct. 16 and 17; Oct. 23 and 24; Oct. 30 and 31; Nov. 6 and 7; Nov. 13 and 14; Nov. 20 and 21; Dec. 4 and 5; and Dec. 11 and 12. They will not operate during the Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 27 and 28.

Wagons leave each evening at 7, 7:05, 7:10, 7:15, 7:20, 8, 8:05, 8:10; 8:15 and 8:20 p.m. These time slots are for group rides with a maximum of 20 people per wagon.

Groups of all ages are welcome.

The cost is $100 a wagon with a maximum of 20 people per wagon. The Parks Department will accept only a personal check or money order to reserve a wagon. Electronic payments are not accepted. There are no refunds. The dates are not transferable. Hayrides go on rain or shine.

Reservations are required and are taken from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday by the permit section of the Parks Department, 289-5330. They cannot be made online.

View the Parks Department's hayride brochure with a map of the route

Show Me St. Louis held a hayride for their program. See how much fun a hayride can be by viewing the photos of their hayride.