Looking for a quiet suburb with parks, trails, and big-city access? Head to Ballwin, Missouri! Just west of St. Louis, Ballwin is a family-friendly town known for outdoor recreation, great schools, and a laid-back vibe. It’s a perfect base for exploring both local charm and city highlights.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ballwin is in spring and fall (April–June and September–October) when temperatures are mild and perfect for hiking and festivals. Summer is warm and ideal for pool days, while winter is quieter with occasional snow.
How to Get There
- By Car: Ballwin is located along Manchester Road (MO-100), about 30 minutes west of downtown St. Louis.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), approximately 25 minutes away.
- By Train: Take Amtrak to St. Louis Union Station, then rent a car or use rideshare to reach Ballwin.
Where to Stay
- Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Southwest – Comfortable, family-friendly hotel with complimentary breakfast and evening snacks.
- Hampton Inn St. Louis/Chesterfield – Nearby hotel with clean rooms, great service, and a convenient location.
- Local Airbnbs – Find cozy suburban homes, perfect for families or extended stays near Ballwin’s parks and trails.
Top Attractions
1.Hike, Bike, or Picnic With River Views at Castlewood State Park
The Castlewood State Park is a 1,818-acre public recreation area on the Meramec River in St. Louis County, Missouri. The World Bird Sanctuary is located on the south end of the park. The park was established in 1974 on the land that was once the location of resort hotels and Lincoln Beach, popular party place during the first half of the 20th century. Today, the park is a favorite destination for fishing and boating on the Meramec River. It has over 26 miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails. The park is considered one of the best mountain biking spots in the St. Louis area. Broad meadows are filled with wildlife and is favored by photographers and nature lovers.
1401 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021, Phone: 636-227-4433
2.Grab Burgers, Beer, and a Laid-Back Vibe at Circle 7 Ranch
Circle 7 Ranch is a popular taphouse, grill and a hangout place in the Ballwin’s new Ballwin Grove shopping plaza. With its reclaimed woods and oak trestle tables, barn wood walls and cozy leather booths, it is cozy and frequently pleasant and buzzing with activity. It is an adaptation on the classic sports bar model, with the Personal Table Taps that allow guests to pour their own ice-cold draft beers at their tables. The menu features homemade signature dishes, fun appetizers, fresh salads, hot soups, elaborate sandwiches and wraps. Circle 7 Ranch also has a large wraparound patio with seating for more than 100 guests.
14412 Clayton Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011, Phone: 636-220-9707
3.Test Your Aim and Sharpen Skills at The Range St. Louis West
The Range St. Louis West is a state of the art indoor shooting range, training facility and retail store in Ballwin, Missouri, near St. Louis. They provide assistance with firearms, gear, and training needs on their 20 shooting lanes, each 25 yards long, in three bays. They are able to handle up to .30 caliber guns. The Range also offers different group and individual classes and more than 3,000 square feet of retail space. The clients can choose to use the range, or can train in the simulator room. The room provides the opportunity to practice in virtual real life scenarios. The range is great location for a number of social events such as meetings or conferences. The Range offers a variety of event packages to choose from. Catering options are available.
14803 Manchester Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011, Phone: 636-220-1300
4.If You’re Craving Classic St. Louis-Style Pizza, Head to Faraci’s Pizza
Faracis Pizza in Ballwin is one of the oldest family-owned pizza parlors in St Louis area. Faraci's Pizza was established in 1968 in a small, three-table spot and continued ever since to create delicious pizzas by hand and from scratch. They use only the highest quality ingredients and the original family recipes that date back to the early 1900's. They use pure Provel cheese that they slice by hand, they grate Romano cheese by hand, make their own pizza sauce from scratch and cook it for five hours. They make their own sausages, smoke their own bacon, make their own meatballs, hamburgers and salad dressings. The pizzas are baked in a brick bottom oven to make the crust crispy and delicious. It is no wonder that the cozy and homey Faraci’s Pizza parlor is a favorite spot for getting great pizza and pasta in Ballwin.
15430 Manchester Rd #3029, Ellisville, MO 63011, Phone: 636-230-0000
Attractions for First Time Visitors
- The Pointe at Ballwin Commons – Full-service community center with indoor pools, fitness classes, and rec programs.
- Queeny Park – Expansive green space with trails, fishing, picnic areas, and seasonal events.
- Ballwin Golf Course – Affordable and well-maintained public course with beautiful fairways and local charm.
- National Museum of Transportation (Nearby in Kirkwood) – Explore historic trains, planes, and cars with hands-on exhibits.
Where to Eat
- Lazy River Grill – Casual spot for seafood, steaks, and riverside-inspired fare with a cozy patio.
- Mi Lupita – Local favorite serving authentic Mexican dishes and friendly service.
- Marcella’s Mia Sorella – Upscale Italian with handmade pasta and a sleek, welcoming atmosphere.
Local Events
- Ballwin Days Festival (June) – Community celebration with live music, carnival rides, fireworks, and food trucks.
- Concerts in the Park (Summer) – Free live music events at local parks with food vendors and family fun.
- Holiday Tree Lighting (December) – Festive evening with lights, music, and holiday cheer at the Ballwin Government Center.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Ballwin, Missouri
- Queeny Park (10–15 min) – Explore paved and wooded trails, a fishing lake, and dog park in one of St. Louis County’s largest green spaces.
- The Magic House (Kirkwood) (20–25 min) – Let kids explore interactive exhibits, play zones, and educational fun in a whimsical mansion setting.
- Laumeier Sculpture Park (20–25 min) – Walk among giant modern art sculptures set in rolling meadows and shaded forest trails.
- Historic Downtown Kirkwood (20–25 min) – Browse charming shops, dine at local restaurants, and visit the historic train station and farmers market.
- Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center (15–20 min) – Hike wooded trails and enjoy hands-on exhibits about Missouri wildlife and ecosystems.
- Topgolf Chesterfield (10–15 min) – Swing clubs in climate-controlled bays, enjoy food and drinks, and challenge friends in this fun golf-meets-entertainment venue.
- St. Louis Carousel & Faust Park (15–20 min) – Ride a hand-carved 1920s carousel, visit the butterfly house, or explore historic village buildings.
- The National Museum of Transportation (20–25 min) – Climb aboard vintage trains, planes, and automobiles with hands-on displays and history for all ages.
- Greensfelder County Park (25–30 min) – Horseback ride, hike, or mountain bike through rugged Ozark-like terrain near Wildwood.
FAQ
- Where is Ballwin located?
- Ballwin is a southwestern suburb of St. Louis, Missouri.
- What recreational activities are available at Castlewood State Park?
- Castlewood State Park is a popular local recreation area with a bird sanctuary and fishing and boating on the Meramec River.
- What makes Circle 7 Ranch unique?
- Circle 7 Ranch is the first pub in Missouri to offer individual taps on each table.
- What does The Range St. Louis West offer?
- The Range St. Louis West offers supplies, an indoor shooting range, and a training facility.
- What is the World Bird Sanctuary?
- World Bird Sanctuary is a 300-acre reserve for threatened birds.
- What is Vlasis Park known for?
- Vlasis Park is famous for its annual festival.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant weather and blooming flowers.
Hampton Inn St. Louis/Chesterfield – A comfortable stay with easy access to Ballwin and St. Louis.
Visit Castlewood State Park – Enjoy hiking, biking, and scenic river views.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for outdoor activities.
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis Chesterfield – A great family-friendly option.
Spend the day at The Pointe at Ballwin Commons – A fun community center with pools and fitness areas.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and beautiful autumn colors.
Courtyard by Marriott St. Louis Chesterfield – A stylish and modern stay.
Explore Lone Elk Park – See free-roaming elk and bison in a beautiful natural setting.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Hike, Bike, or Picnic With River Views at Castlewood State Park
- 2. Grab Burgers, Beer, and a Laid-Back Vibe at Circle 7 Ranch
- 3. Test Your Aim and Sharpen Skills at The Range St. Louis West
- 4. If You’re Craving Classic St. Louis-Style Pizza, Head to Faraci’s Pizza