Kirkwood

Kirkwood was established in 1853 and was the first planned residential commuter suburb west of the Mississippi.  It was one of four early commuter railroad suburbs in the St. Louis region.  The story of trains is intertwined with the history of Kirkwood.  Kirkwood owes its very existence to the railroad. The City was named for James Pugh Kirkwood, the engineer in charge of locating, surveying, and building the railroad.  From the beginning, it’s been a love affair between citizens and trains, as evidenced by the beautiful and historic Kirkwood Train Station, located in the heart of the City.  Built in 1893, the station, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is a favorite subject of local and national photographers. It currently serves as a stop for daily Amtrak passenger trains and is staffed entirely by Kirkwood residents who volunteer their time.

Fourteen parks offer a variety of outdoor fun. The oldest, 92-acre Kirkwood Park, features the Kirkwood Community Center, the Recreation Station Ice Arena, Aquatic Center, Racquet Club, playground, picnic pavilions, athletic fields, handball courts, horseshoe pits, concession stand, hiking trails and a community garden. 

• Established in 1853 as first commuter suburb west of the Mississippi

• Population 29,000

• Kirkwood Schools https://www.kirkwoodschools.org/

Noted for:

• One of the areas earliest residential communities

• Diverse architecture featuring everything from Victorian to new homes and condominiums

• Farmer’s market

• Small town feel

• Train depot

• Abundance of fine bakeries, and restaurants

• Active civic and social community, including a community theater and recreational complex

• Access to the Great Rivers Greenway - https://greatriversgreenway.org/