Things To Do
in Ellisville

Ellisville, Missouri is a family-friendly suburb of St. Louis located in St. Louis County. The community features tree‑lined streets, neighborhood parks, and a small‑town feel while still being within easy reach of urban amenities. Residents enjoy safe neighborhoods, strong schools, and convenient access to major highways for exploring the broader metro area. The area blends quiet residential life with access to shopping, dining, and cultural attractions in nearby St.

Louis.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Ellisville Historic District, where you can wander through charming streets lined with Victorian architecture. Grab a coffee from a local café and enjoy it in the quaint town square, taking in the morning ambiance. Stop by the local museum to learn about the rich history of the area and its significance in the region.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a nearby bistro featuring southern cuisine, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby parks, soaking up the natural beauty. You can visit art galleries showcasing local artists or shop for unique souvenirs in the artisanal boutiques. As the afternoon winds down, consider a guided walking tour to uncover hidden gems and stories of Ellisville.

evening
:

As night falls, head to a popular local restaurant for a delightful dinner, where you can taste traditional dishes that reflect the region's culinary heritage. After your meal, enjoy a live music performance at a nearby venue, immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture. Finally, take a peaceful evening walk under the stars, reflecting on the day's experiences.

day 2
Nature Trails and Wildlife Spotting
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the nearby nature trails for a morning of hiking and wildlife spotting. The trails offer a variety of paths that wind through lush greenery, where you may encounter local fauna such as deer, birds, and other wildlife. Bring your camera to capture the scenic views and the beauty of nature surrounding you.

afternoon
:

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the designated areas within the park, surrounded by the sounds of nature. After lunch, take a guided nature walk to learn about the local ecosystem and the importance of conservation in the area. You can also participate in some birdwatching or photography to document the wildlife.

evening
:

As sunset approaches, return to your accommodations to freshen up before dinner. Choose a cozy restaurant that offers outdoor seating with views of the sunset over the landscape. End your evening with a campfire experience, sharing stories and enjoying s'mores under the stars.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee or latte$2-5
🛒Weekly groceries$60-100
🚗Gasoline (1 gallon)$3-4
🏠1-bedroom apartment rent (city center)$1,000-1,600

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Family-friendly suburban atmosphere with good schools
  • Easy access to the amenities and culture of the St. Louis metro
  • Limited nightlife and major attractions within Ellisville itself
  • Most nightlife, dining, and major events require a short drive to neighboring towns or the city

Places to Visit in Ellisville

Visit one of these nice places.

Castlewood State Park – Meramec River Overlook

Dramatic canyon walls and river views, especially beautiful at sunrise.

Ellisville Greenway Trail Lookout

Wooded trails with vantage points over the suburb and nearby wetlands.

Residential Tree-Lined Streets

Quaint avenues with mature oaks, perfect for golden-hour portraits.

Creve Coeur Lake Sunset Point

Open water and sky reflections ideal for sunset photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ellisville

Ellisville’s cuisine reflects a Midwest American palate with casual diners, neighborhood pubs, and family-friendly eateries. You’ll find reliable comfort food, hearty burgers, classic fried chicken, and dishes influenced by nearby St. Louis flavors such as barbecue and pizza.

Ellisville Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Missouri-style BBQ Ribs

Slow-smoked ribs with a tangy tomato-based sauce, a staple at regional barbecue joints.

Must-Try!

St. Louis-Style Pizza

Thin, cracker-crust pizza with Provel cheese, often cut into squares.

Southern Fried Chicken

Crispy fried chicken served with classic sides like mashed potatoes and coleslaw.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

St. Louis County Farmers Market

Seasonal market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods on weekends.

Metro Street Food Stalls (in nearby towns)

A selection of taco stands, BBQ vendors and food trucks circulating in surrounding communities.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ellisville experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, often in the 80s to 90s Fahrenheit (26-35°C), with thunderstorms possible. Winters are cold, with temperatures commonly in the 20s and 30s °F (-6 to 4°C), and occasional snowfall. Spring and fall bring mild to moderate temperatures with changing foliage and varied rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite exchanges are common; a friendly hello and eye contact are appreciated.

Timestamps

Punctuality is valued for appointments and reservations, but casual gatherings may be flexible.

Wait Times

In busy spots, wait times are common; a patient, friendly attitude goes a long way.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ellisville is generally a safe suburban community with typical urban-adjacent safety considerations. Practice standard precautions: lock vehicles, secure valuables, and stay aware in crowded areas and at night. In an emergency, call 911; non-emergency police lines and local hospital information are widely available in the metro area.

Tipping in Ellisville

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary in the U.S. for service roles: 15-20% at restaurants and bars; round up small bills for casual service; tip more for exceptional service.

Payment Methods

Cash and major credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common in urban areas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures with rain showers and blooming landscapes; pack a light waterproof layer.

Summer

Warm to hot days with humidity; afternoons can storm; stay hydrated and seek shade.

Autumn

Cool, crisp air and vibrant fall foliage; great lighting and fewer crowds.

Winter

Cold temperatures with occasional snow; layering is key and indoor options are plentiful.

Nightlife Guide

Ellisville at Night

Ellisville itself offers a quiet, family-friendly nightlife with local pubs and casual venues. For a broader scene, the nearby St. Louis metro area has craft breweries, wine bars, sports bars, and live music venues ranging from intimate stages to larger clubs, typically concentrated in neighborhoods like the Central West End, Grand Center, and Chesterfield. Expect weekend crowds, late-night dining options, and a mix of casual and upscale options.

Hiking in Ellisville

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Castlewood State Park Trails

Popular nearby hiking with river views, canyon walls, and forested sections.

Rockwoods Reservation Trails

Hiking options through mature forests and scenic overlooks to the east.

Creve Coeur Park Trails

Wide, easy-to-navigate trails around a large lake for relaxed hikes.

Airports

How to reach Ellisville by plane.

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)

Major regional hub about 25-40 miles from Ellisville, accessible via I-170 and I-270.

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV)

Smaller regional airport in Mascoutah; serves domestic flights and is about an hour’s drive.

St. Louis Downtown Airport (CPS)

Small general aviation airport serving private and charter flights nearby.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ellisville is largely car-centric, with most amenities spread along major roads. Some neighborhoods and parks offer pleasant, walkable loops, and nearby Ballwin and Chesterfield have small commercial districts that are more pedestrian-friendly. Overall, daily errands often require a short drive but several green spaces provide pleasant walking options.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Large portion of homeowners with school-age children and laid-back suburban culture.

Young Professionals

Commuters who travel to the city or surrounding tech and service industries.

Seniors

Steady presence in community-centered neighborhoods with senior-friendly services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Missouri is known for the St. Louis Cardinals and youth leagues across the region.

Basketball

Popular in schools and community programs; local courts and leagues available.

Football

High school and collegiate games draw local crowds in fall.

Transportation

Traffic

The area relies primarily on cars, with major routes like I-270 and I-44 providing access to the city and suburbs. Rush hours can bring heavier congestion on belt routes around St. Louis; public transit is available but not as pervasive as in larger cities. The MetroLink light rail serves the broader metro area, offering an alternative to driving for some destinations.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ellisville.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most menus offer salads, veggie burgers, veggie wraps, and pasta dishes; ask to customize sauces or remove meat-based broths.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access is strong in the St. Louis region, with several hospitals and clinics within a short drive. The nearest major facilities are in neighboring towns and in the City of St. Louis, including Mercy, St. Luke’s, and SSM Health networks. Urgent care centers are common and many physicians practice in group clinics across the metro area.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide