Welcome to Kirkwood
Located about 15 miles southwest of downtown, Kirkwood takes its name from the chief engineer of the Pacific Railroad, James P. Kirkwood, a fitting gesture for the first commuter suburb west of the Mississippi. St. Louisans began moving to Kirkwood around the 1850s to escape the perils and pressures of city life. Today the Kirkwood train depot remains at the heart of this community and it's still in service for passenger travel.
Kirkwood is known for shady streets where neighbors know each other. Large frame houses with wrap-around porches and flag poles are recurring scenery. Victorian architecture and historic homes exist in harmony with new condominiums and lofts. Kirkwood reflects a blend of old-town charm with new suburban vitality.
The commercial district of Kirkwood beckons with a range of retail, entertainment, and restaurant possibilities, many of which are housed in charming period buildings. Life here is friendly, easy-going, and convenient. You'll find The Magic House - St. Louis Children's Museum featuring all kinds of hands-on experiments for kids and families. In keeping with its small-town nature, Kirkwood hosts festivals like the Greentree Festival, a wonderful farmer's market, and a variety of year-round activities that are well supported by residents.
For recreation, Kirkwood has over 280 acres of parks throughout the city. Kirkwood Park, the community's largest park, features a community center, hockey rink, tennis courts, ball diamonds, and a large aquatic center with slides and a lazy river. The Kirkwood Public Library is within walking distance of the surrounding neighborhoods.
The Kirkwood School District is one of the oldest districts west of the Mississippi River. and highly respected. With five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, the district accommodates around 5,000 students. Kirkwood High School ranks consistently in the top 3 schools in Missouri. Many of the students are within walking or biking distance of one of the schools. The Kirkwood Early Childhood Center and Parents as Teachers program serve the needs of children from birth through seven years.
