Things To Do
in Kirkwood
Kirkwood is a charming suburb located in St. Louis County, Missouri. It is known for its picturesque neighborhoods, excellent schools, and strong sense of community. The area offers a variety of dining and shopping options, as well as beautiful parks and recreational facilities.
Kirkwood has a rich history and hosts several annual events and festivals that celebrate its heritage.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe. Then, hit the trails for an invigorating hike in the morning sun.
Grab lunch at a mountain lodge, followed by an afternoon of mountain biking on scenic paths. Enjoy the thrill as you navigate through the beautiful terrain.
Wind down with a delicious dinner in the village. End your day by stargazing at one of the many scenic viewpoints.
Get ready for a day on the slopes by having a filling breakfast. Hit the ski lifts early to amp up your adrenaline with fresh powder runs.
Break for lunch at the base of the mountain, then spend the afternoon mastering new ski tricks or enjoying snowboard lessons. Explore the varied terrain Kirkwood has to offer.
After a full day of skiing, relax with a warm meal at a cozy restaurant. Enjoy the vibrant lodge atmosphere and reflect on your day’s achievements.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Kirkwood is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the Sierra Nevada mountains, making it a great destination for outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
- The community is relatively small and offers a tight-knit atmosphere, which can be appealing for families and individuals looking for a sense of belonging.
- Kirkwood has a variety of lodging, dining, and shopping options, providing convenience for visitors and residents.
- The area boasts high-quality air and water due to its remote location, contributing to a healthy living environment.
- Due to its mountainous location, Kirkwood experiences heavy snowfall in winter, which can lead to transportation challenges and isolation during severe weather.
- The population is small, which can limit access to certain amenities, services, and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Housing costs in Kirkwood can be high, making it less affordable for some families and individuals.
- Limited job opportunities in the area can make it challenging for new residents to find employment, especially outside of the tourism and service industries.
Best Activities in Kirkwood
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and mountain biking and hiking in the summer at Kirkwood Mountain Resort.
Fishing, boating, and picnicking are popular activities at Caples Lake, located near Kirkwood.
Explore the scenic trails, go camping, or indulge in wildlife viewing in the Eldorado National Forest.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kirkwood with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kirkwood
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and opportunities for outdoor photography in all seasons.
A picturesque alpine lake with scenic views, especially during sunrise and sunset, perfect for capturing the beauty of nature.
Provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests, ideal for landscape photography and enjoying the natural beauty of Kirkwood.
Food in Kirkwood
Kirkwood Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
These tender, flavorful ribs are a must-try, often seasoned with a tangy sauce and slow-cooked to perfection. Visit Pappy's Smokehouse for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
A beloved local appetizer consisting of breaded and deep-fried ravioli, usually served with marinara sauce. Try this unique dish at Mama's on The Hill.
Indulge in this rich, sweet dessert that originated in St. Louis. Enjoy a slice at Russell's on Macklind or local bakeries for a heavenly treat.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kirkwood better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market offers a wide array of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. Don't miss the opportunity to taste local flavors and interact with friendly vendors.
Experience a dynamic mix of gourmet food trucks featuring diverse cuisines. Held in the downtown area, it's a fantastic way to savor a variety of street food delights.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kirkwood, it's important to be mindful of personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when engaging in conversation.
Politeness is highly valued in Kirkwood, so using 'please' and 'thank you' and showing good manners in social interactions is considered respectful behavior.
Punctuality is a sign of respect in Kirkwood, so it's important to be on time for appointments, meetings, and social events.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kirkwood with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kirkwood
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Kirkwood, United States. It is customary to tip service workers such as restaurant servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. The standard tipping rate is around 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Kirkwood, United States is predominantly done using credit cards, debit cards, or cash. Most businesses, including restaurants, shops, and service providers, accept major credit cards and cash. Mobile payment options are also gaining popularity.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kirkwood.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Kirkwood for skiing and snowboarding. Expect cold temperatures and heavy snowfall.
Great for spring skiing as the weather warms up. Expect longer days and softer snow.
Ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying outdoor activities. Expect warm temperatures and sunny days.
Beautiful fall foliage and good for outdoor activities before winter sets in. Expect cool temperatures and changing colors.
Kirkwood at Night
Hiking in Kirkwood
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic area with various trails around the lake, offering stunning views and wildlife watching opportunities.
A relatively easy hike that leads to a beautiful alpine lake, perfect for families and beginner hikers.
A popular trail that provides breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada, ideal for day hikes and photography.
A peaceful hike leading to a pristine alpine lake, with options for longer treks in the surrounding wilderness.
A challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views from the summit, recommended for experienced hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kirkwood through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Kirkwood by plane.
Located approximately 20 miles northwest of Kirkwood, STL serves as the primary airport for the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Situated about 40 miles east of Kirkwood, this airport serves as a regional hub for both passenger and cargo flights.
Located around 180 miles southwest of Kirkwood, SGF offers flights to various domestic destinations and serves the Springfield area.
Approximately 250 miles northwest of Kirkwood, MCI is a major airport serving the Kansas City area with various domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Kirkwood, representing a significant majority of the population.
A notable and vibrant community contributing to the cultural diversity of Kirkwood.
Includes various sub-groups with different cultural backgrounds, contributing to the town's diversity.
An increasing demographic that adds to the multicultural fabric of Kirkwood.
Includes various smaller demographic groups, reflecting the town's inclusivity.
The Soul of Kirkwood
Discover the essence of Kirkwood through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport played by various age groups, fostering teamwork and physical fitness.
A traditional American sport played at youth, high school, and recreational levels in Kirkwood.
Widely played in community parks and schools, promoting both recreational and competitive play.
A beloved sport in the community, with leagues for different age groups and skill levels.
Popular among residents for both fitness and social events, including local 5Ks and marathons.
Often enjoyed at local pools and swim clubs, particularly during the summer months.
Played at local tennis courts, with leagues and lessons available for all ages.
Enjoyed at various youth and high school levels, building school spirit and community engagement.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kirkwood.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Several eateries in Kirkwood offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, including flavorful salads, plant-based burgers, and creative vegetable-based entrees.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can find accommodating options at many of Kirkwood's restaurants, with gluten-free menus and knowledgeable staff to ensure a delightful dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kirkwood with these cultural adventures.