Things To Do
in Mehlville
Mehlville is a residential suburb in St. Louis County, just southwest of downtown St. Louis. It blends tree-lined streets, family-friendly parks, and convenient access to major highways with easy reach to the city’s cultural attractions. The area offers a quiet, suburban vibe while being a short drive from a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Visitors typically use Mehlville as a comfortable base to explore both the metro and nearby outdoor spaces.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Mehlville's beautiful Jefferson Barracks Park, where you can enjoy a brisk walk or jog along the scenic trails that overlook the Mississippi River. The morning air is refreshing, filling you with energy as you take in views of nature and regional history. Afterward, indulge in a hearty breakfast at a nearby café, fueling up for an adventurous day ahead.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby Dave and Buster's for a mix of arcade games and good food. Enjoy lunch while catching a game on TV or challenge your friends in a fun round of pool. After this, take a short drive to the historic Old St. Louis County Courthouse for a bit of local history and sightseeing.
As evening falls, make your way to a local restaurant specializing in St. Louis-style pizza for dinner. Savor the unique flavors of this regional dish while enjoying the casual atmosphere. After dinner, unwind with a stroll at the nearby parks, perhaps catching a glimpse of a beautiful sunset.
Start your family fun day at the Mehlville Recreation Center, where kids can enjoy a variety of activities including swimming and sports. Take part in a family-friendly exercise class and get energized for the day ahead. Afterwards, have a family breakfast at a local pancake house.
In the afternoon, visit the Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum, just a short drive away. The kids will be entertained for hours with interactive exhibits and science demonstrations. Grab lunch at the museum’s café, and make sure to explore the gift shop for educational toys.
As the sun sets, wind down with a family picnic at a nearby park. Bring along games and enjoy quality time outdoors, relishing in the laughter and joy of being together. End the day with a movie night at home, complete with popcorn and your favorite family films.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🏠One-bedroom apartment in city center | $1,200-1,800 |
| 🧺Utilities (monthly, 85m2 apartment) | $100-180 |
| 🚗Gasoline per gallon | $3.00-4.50 |
| 🎬Movie ticket | $10-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Accessible access to both suburban calm and city attractions
- Abundance of parks, gardens, and outdoor spaces
- Rich regional cuisine with iconic St. Louis dishes
- Reasonable transit links to downtown and nearby neighborhoods
- Public transit outside downtown is limited; a car is often convenient
- Some areas require longer drives to reach certain amenities
- Parking can be challenging around popular venues and markets
- Weather can be hot in summer and cold in winter; plan accordingly
Places to Visit in Mehlville
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic stainless-steel arch with sweeping river views; striking at sunrise, sunset, or night for dramatic lighting.
Historic 289-acre park with ornate pavilions, tree-lined avenues, and vibrant seasonal scenes.
An outdoor gallery of contemporary sculpture set in woodland and open fields—great for wide-angle and detail shots.
Lush, meticulously designed gardens, glasshouses, and water features offer color and texture year-round.
Scenic bluffs, forested trails, and river views along the Meramec River—perfect for landscape photography.
Food in Mehlville
Mehlville Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cheese-filled ravioli breaded and fried until crisp, a classic St. Louis starter commonly served with marinara.
Must-Try!
A thin-crust pizza topped with Provel cheese, Romano, and a crisp edge—a regional specialty.
Slow-smoked spare ribs with a tangy tomato-based sauce, a staple at local smokehouses.
A light, rich butter cake dusted with powdered sugar; a beloved dessert in area bakeries.
Juicy grilled pork steak, often served with potatoes and slaw at neighborhood diners.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market near Tower Grove Park offering seasonal produce, breads, meats, and ready-to-eat bites from local vendors.
Historic downtown market with fresh produce, international snacks, and quick meals from various vendors.
Weekly market in the Maplewood area featuring local produce, baked goods, and small bites from nearby artisans.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite hello and a handshake in formal settings; friendly small talk is common in shops and cafes.
Stand in line politely; rules are typically followed, and parking lots can fill quickly near popular spots.
Sports gatherings are social spaces; be respectful of different teams and enjoy the camaraderie.
Safety
Tipping in Mehlville
Ensure a smooth experience
In the U.S., typical tips range from 15-20% at restaurants, with higher tips for exceptional service. At casual places, rounding up is common.
Major credit/debit cards and cash are widely accepted. Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common in many venues.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming trees; pack a light jacket and plan outdoor strolls in parks and garden spots.
Warm to hot with humidity and regular afternoon storms; stay hydrated and seek shaded or indoor venues during peak sun.
Reds and golds dominate; comfortable temps and great photography light for park and city scenes.
Cold snaps and occasional snow; layer up and enjoy indoor attractions like museums and cafes, plus festive downtown lighting.
Mehlville at Night
Hiking in Mehlville
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rugged forested trails along the Meramec River with scenic bluffs and creek crossings.
A wooded, gently rolling route along historic rail corridors near Grant’s Farm—great for easy hikes and biking.
Riverside paths offering expansive water views and seasonal wildlife near the Mississippi.
Airports
How to reach Mehlville by plane.
Major gateway for domestic and international flights; about 25–40 minutes by car from Mehlville depending on traffic.
Located in Mascoutah, IL; a smaller option for occasional trips, typically farther from Mehlville but useful for certain regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The area features a large middle-class suburban population with family households.
A significant share of residents, reflecting the broader St. Louis region’s diverse demographics.
Growing presence in the metro with varied cultural backgrounds and cuisines.
A smaller but growing community contributing to local businesses and eateries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Home to the region’s Major League team (Cardinals) and numerous amateur leagues; strong local pride in baseball culture.
Lively high school and college football scenes; local bars and restaurants often show games.
Common recreation and community leagues; many parks host pickup games and organized clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mehlville.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in the area. Look for veggie plates, salads, roasted vegetables, and meatless versions of regional dishes; most restaurants can accommodate substitutions with advance notice.