Kirkwood is a city in St. Louis County, Missouri.
The city is west of the famous Mississippi River, one of the longest rivers in the North American region.
Established in 1853, Kirkwood takes its name from James P. Kirkwood, who helped build the Pacific Railroad passing through the area.
The United States Census Bureau states that the city’s total area is 9.20 square miles, mostly land and only 0.04 square miles of water.
Kirkwood is filled with exciting places you can visit, such as museums, parks, farms, and historic sites.
If you would like to enjoy nature or if you would like to learn more about history, Kirkwood is the place for you.
Here are the best things to do in Kirkwood, Missouri:
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Kirkwood is a city that takes pride in transportation.
After all, it takes its name from James P. Kirkwood, who made significant contributions to the railroad system in the town.
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Founded in 1944, the National Museum of Transportation is at Barrett Station Road.
Here you can find various vehicles that served as the main modes of transport for the American people.
You can find old models of trains, cars, and even boats that the museum has maintained.
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For activities, you can enjoy a train ride and admire the different kinds of locomotives in the museum.
If you are interested in transportation and its history in America, check out the National Museum of Transportation.
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Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors.
You can find it at Cragwold Road.
It’s a great place to hike because of the abundance of walking trails in the area.
Those interested in seeing the wildlife have an indoor museum filled with animals such as reptiles and different kinds of fish.
Families with kids can enjoy facilities like tree houses and have picnics in this scenic location.
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The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, is a place that is perfect for families with kids.
You can find the museum at Kirkwood Road, just outside St. Louis.
The museum opened in 1979 to give kids more learning opportunities besides being in the classroom.
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Since its opening in 1979, the Magic House has become one of the country’s most famous children’s museums.
You should visit this place if you have kids or want to reconnect with your younger self.
Activities in the Museum include a learning lab, an art studio, a model railroad station, an outdoor play garden, and many more.
Another place where you can get some exercise is Kirkwood Park.
You can visit Kirkwood park at S Geyer Road.
The park is known for its scenic views and its various facilities.
You can play sports such as tennis, baseball, and other outdoor sports in the park.
They also have an ice rink available for people who want to cool down after spending time under the sun.
Kirkwood Park is an ideal spot for you to visit if you want to enjoy nature while enjoying the convenience of its many facilities.
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Thanks to its history, Grant’s Farm is a famous landmark in Kirkwood.
You can find Grant’s Farm in Grantwood Village.
American President Ulysses S. Grant owned the farm, which became a wildlife sanctuary in 1954.
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You can spend time with the animals in the petting zoo.
You can also ride horses and camels on the farm.
Visit Grant’s Farm to check out the animals, such as elephants, donkeys, peacocks, and buffalo.
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The Officer Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park further adds to the catalog of parks you can visit in Kirkwood.
Stop by Officer Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park at Green Park Road.
The park opened in 1976, previously named Gravois Creek Park.
The park was renamed in 2016 in honor of Officer Blake C. Snyder, a police officer in the area who died in the line of duty.
You can enjoy the plentiful amenities they provide at the park, such as shaded picnic areas and a playground.
The park has a baseball field and areas for cycling and jogging.
Office Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park is known for the different hiking trails that you can choose from.
You can select the Deer Path Trail, a paved trail measured at 0.3 miles.
Those looking for a longer route can choose the Hickory Hollow trail, an earthen Treadway estimated at 0.6 miles.
Drop by Officer Blake C. Snyder Memorial Park if you’re looking for a baseball field of if you want a wide selection of hiking trails to choose from.
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You can find the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in Grantwood Village.
This national historic site is dedicated to the life of the former US President.
You can take a guided tour where you can learn about his milestones and accomplishments.
They also have displays that depict important milestones in his life.
If you would like to relive American history and learn more about the life of one of America’s most famous presidents, stop by the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site.
Algonquin Golf Club should be your next destination if you want to play a game of golf.
You can find Algonquin Golf Club along N Berry Road.
Created in 1899, the club is one of the oldest private country clubs in the area.
Although it is a private country club, the Algonquin Golf club is also open to visitors.
Other than golfing, this location is also popular as a venue for events.
Check out Algonquin Golf Club if you want to treat yourself to a relaxing game of golf.
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Tilles Park is another option if you want a place to walk around and get fresh air.
You can find the park at Litzsinger Road.
The park is famous due to the Winter Wonderland Light Show that occurs every December.
The light show celebrates the holiday season using festive lights and Christmas decorations.
If you happen to visit Kirkwood in December, make time for the Winter Wonderland Light Show at Tilles Park.
The Thomas Sappington House Museum is a beautiful historic house built in the early 1800s.
You can check it out at Sappington Road.
The museum showcases the architecture popular in Missouri during the 1800s, preserved wonderfully to this day.
This historic house is one of the oldest brick houses in St. Louis County.
The museum is also known for its in-house restaurant named the Barn.
For souvenirs, make sure to visit the Loft Gift shop.
Check out the Library of Americana if you need a place to rent for a meeting or workshop.
Make a trip to the Thomas Sappington House Museum to go back in time and witness how people in the early 1800s lived.
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Castlewood State Park is one of the largest recreational parks in the vicinity, covering 1,818 acres.
You can visit Castlewood State Park at Kiefer Creek Road, Ballwin, Missouri, 18 minutes from Kirkwood.
This state park has numerous hiking trails for you to explore.
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If you are looking for a place to picnic, Castlewood State Park has countless open meadows for you to lounge around on.
You may also bring your bike to the trails if you prefer.
Choose Castlewood State Park as your destination if you want a fun outing with your family in the woods while enjoying the scenic view of the Meramec River that flows through the park.
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If you are interested in art, Laumeier Sculpture Park is a place that you need to check out.
The park is situated in Sunset Hills, Sappington, Missouri, six minutes from Kirkwood.
Laumeier Sculpture Park takes its name from Henry and Matilda Laumeier, local benefactors of Kirkwood who donated their land to the city.
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The park has over 60 statues that you can take a look at and an indoor gallery.
People recommend this place for its modern art and the natural beauty of the outdoors.
Des Peres Park is one of the many parks you can visit near Kirkwood.
You can find it in Des Peres, Missouri, nine minutes from Kirkwood.
What makes this park unique is its yearly Des Peres Park Summer Concert event, where local bands in the area perform their songs for the community.
This park is also ideal for picnics and barbeques.
There are covered pavilions that you can rent out if you need some shade from the sun.
You can also come here to hike, as there are multiple hiking trails that you can explore in the park.
Kids can also enjoy the playgrounds in the park.
Other amenities in Des Peres Park include a soccer field, a tennis court, baseball fields, and a water feature where kids can play.
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Lone Elk Park is a county park filled with wildlife roaming their natural habitat.
Lone Elk Park is in Valley Park, Missouri, 31 minutes from Kirkwood.
The park opened in 1971.
Since then, it has become one of the top parks to visit in the county.
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This place is famous for the wild elk and bison that roam the park grounds.
They also have a bird sanctuary that you can visit.
Although Lone Elk Park is an ideal place for hiking, you also have the option to bring your car and take a drive through the park.
Visit Lone Elk Park if you are an animal lover or want a peaceful drive through nature.
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The World Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit if you want to observe different birds.
World Bird Sanctuary is along Bald Eagle Ridge Road in Valley Park, 17 minutes from Kirkwood.
According to their website, World Bird Sanctuary features hiking trails, educational shows, and pavilions that you can rent out to have a picnic.
World Bird Sanctuary is best known for its large outdoor avian exhibits that shelter various birds.
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They also handle the rehabilitation of injured birds at their Wildlife hospital.
World Bird sanctuary offers a workshop where you can paint with Sprinkles, an emu they have taken care of and trained to interact with visitors.
Visit World Bird Sanctuary if you are interested in birds and their rehabilitation.
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Kirkwood, Missouri, is where nature and history come to life.
If you are looking to get out of the city and get a taste of the great outdoors, stop by Kirkwood.
Make the most of your vacation with this list of the best things to do in Kirkwood!
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