Valley Park: Meramec, Greenway, and Railroad History

Valley Park brings together local history along the Meramec with trails, parks, and railroad remnants. This gives you two distinct focuses for planning your trip: activity by the water and a look at how the community developed. The Meramec features both in the town’s historical origins and in today’s recreational opportunities, while several landmarks bring the railroad era to life.

Waterways and Parks in Valley Park

The 3.6-mile paved Meramec Greenway runs between Greentree Park in Kirkwood and the Arnold’s Grove Trailhead on the levee in Valley Park. The trailhead is on the Valley Park levee and can be reached from Meramec Station Road. The route therefore has two clearly named endpoints, connecting a starting point in Kirkwood with a destination in Valley Park. Check current trail conditions before your visit.

The Blue Heron Trail follows a different route: it loops around 72-acre Simpson Lake. Simpson Park is also in Valley Park and covers 206 acres of parkland; it is a county park. The lake and park offer two different scales to help you find your way: one is a trail around a body of water, the other the grounds of a larger park.

Valley Park’s parks include an archery range and a boat ramp to the Meramec River. Meramec Landing is another place to go boating, with boats available for use. The area is located off Highway 141, north of I-44. From Highway 141, take Marshall Road and then Cal Hedrick Way to reach the boat ramp. If you plan to visit these amenities, check current trail and access conditions beforehand.

Local History and Railroad Remnants

Valley Park began as a place where St. Louis residents went to summer resorts and clubhouses along the Meramec River. They came to play and relax. This historical connection to the river adds a look at the town’s former role to today’s trails and recreational opportunities.

Sacred Heart Church is a Saint Louis County landmark; it was built in 1907–1908. Each year, the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) team leads a tour of the church. If you are interested, ask about current dates in advance.

The Frisco Hotel was built in 1880 to house railroad workers who were laying the railroad tracks. It is home to the Whittle Shortline Railroad Shop. If you are planning a visit, check current visiting options beforehand.

Frisco Park is home to the original Frisco caboose No. 398 from 1935, which originated in Valley Park, Missouri. Some of the planters there date from 1913 and originally belonged to the Old Frisco Railroad Depot in Valley Park. The caboose and planters show different traces of railroad history: an original railcar and objects from an earlier depot.

The Valley Park Elevator is another notable local landmark: it is the last grain elevator in Saint Louis County.

Explore more destinations: Concord Township, St Ann, Ellisville, Kirkwood, Clayton, Chesterfield, Oakville, Earth City.

For the broader travel overview: St Louis.