Kirkwood first strikes the visitor’s attention with its historic train station, a stone structure built in 1893 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style that now serves Amtrak passengers on the Missouri River Runner route. At that moment you sense there is more here than meets the eye. The community is home to about 29,461 residents, a number drawn from the latest decennial census. Over the decades it has cultivated a reputation for being a well planned suburb with rich parks, local institutions, and a strong sense of place.

One of the town’s best known attractions is the National Museum of Transportation. For rail aficionados or families wanting a full-day excursion, the museum, situated on a 42-acre campus, displays steam locomotives, passenger and freight cars, vintage automobiles, streetcars, and aircraft. A restored trolley runs from Thursday through Sunday and a full-size railroad spur allows the museum to receive large items directly by track. Among its most dramatic exhibits is the Union Pacific Big Boy steam engine, and a newly donated F/A-18 Super Hornet jet. The museum also organizes seasonal events like “Trick-or-Track” in fall and various car shows that draw in collectors from across the region. On the same site lies West Barretts Tunnel, one of the earliest rail tunnels west of the Mississippi, which adds a touch of early railroad lore.

Nature lovers find a good refuge in Emmenegger Nature Park, which encompasses 93 acres on the city’s southwest edge along the Meramec River corridor. It features walking trails (including a half-mile accessible trail), open meadows, picnic shelters, and a pavilion. The story of the land behind the park is intriguing: once part of a private estate and even used at times as an exotic animal breeding area by the St. Louis Zoo, it was eventually donated to city use. In milder months, visitors can stroll along the paths, cross small footbridges, and enjoy river views undisturbed by heavy traffic.

Throughout the year the community comes alive with its festivals and seasonal rituals. In September the Greentree Festival spans three days of arts and crafts, live music, folklife artisans, food booths, dog shows, and a Sunday parade. It traces its roots back to efforts in the 1960s to replenish trees lost to disease in the park, and it now draws visitors well beyond local boundaries. In July the Freedom Festival features fireworks, live entertainment, and neighborhood gatherings. June brings the “Cars & Guitars” festival, combining classic car displays with live music and cruise nights through the downtown corridor. During October and December, the Halloween Walks and Holiday Walks events transform parts of the downtown into thematic nightly strolls with decorations, performances, lights, and seasonal shop specials. On many weekends, downtown hosts concert series, pop-up art fairs, and special shopping events. Local custom holds that on the opening day of the Farmers Market, children run to grab pumpkins and festive displays appear; it is one of those shared markers of seasonal life.

In the heart of its commercial district you will discover a collection of independent restaurants, cafés, and shops blended into historic storefronts. One standout is Station No. 3, which opened a second location on Manchester Road in late 2024. This eatery describes itself as vegan-forward with flexitarian options, meaning some dishes may include meat. It’s particularly known for its house-made “burnt ends” (plant based) that take 24 hours to prepare, as well as its burgers, brisket sandwich, and creative brunch offerings. Patrons praise the warm atmosphere, dog-friendly patio, and the fact that they are not limited to just one style of menu. Another beloved spot is Blues Fired Pizza, which draws folks who love crisp wood-fired crusts loaded with fresh toppings and inventive flavors. Hi-Pointe Drive-In appeals to those seeking classic diner favorites — burgers, fries, and signature sandwiches — served in a nostalgic drive-in format. Taco Buddha rounds out the lineup with its take on international flavors; it’s often praised for its variety that spans from Nashville hot to Baja and Thai inspired dishes. Locals will tell you which coffee shop they head to after church, or which bookstore window they linger by during an evening stroll, but those depend on little habits and mornings not always captured in guidebooks.

Walking downtown, you also see the handiwork of the Special Business District, which invests in decorative lighting, sidewalk improvements, and seasonal installations to preserve the historic atmosphere while encouraging modern commerce. The district collaborates with property owners and merchants to support events and marketing efforts that keep foot traffic lively. On many Saturdays, locals can be spotted carrying fresh produce from the Farmers Market in downtown — an enduring ritual since the market’s founding in the mid 1970s.

Beyond food and festivals, there’s more to do. You might catch musical performances or touring musicals at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. Bus service links to neighboring communities and to downtown St. Louis, making it practical to venture outward. The Amtrak train that stops here connects you to regional destinations, and many visitors remark on the pleasure of arriving to such a gracious station. Local folklore whispers that, decades ago, neighborhood children used to challenge one another to see which street lamp would blink first at dusk; that playful tradition has faded, but you occasionally hear older residents recounting it on warm evenings. On quiet nights you might hear distant whistles of freight trains passing just beyond the city limits, a living reminder of rail’s foundational role.

If you appreciate a community with character, cultural events year-round, places to explore at your own pace, and locally grounded dining, you’ll find much to engage you in this locale. And when it comes to making enhancements to your property, whether that means renovations, expansions, or new construction, we at McIntosh Construction are ready to serve the area with expertise and care. We combine respect for local character with high standards in craftsmanship and project management. When you’re ready to bring your vision to life in Kirkwood, we invite you to contact us so we can help you bring your vision to life.