Valley Park, Missouri was founded late in the 19th century. Valley Park and Castlewood Park were summer resorts. Castlewood Park is a short distance west on Big Bend. Castlewood Park became part of the St. Louis County Park system. However, Valley Park began to boom with the building of the glass factory and other industries. Grocery stores and restaurants opened up; churches went from being mission churches to being congregations. We had a Saddle and Paddle Club on Marshall and now Highway 141. We had the ever-popular realty term location, location, location. Valley Park had railroads; the Meramec River and what was even then considered main roads. Railroads played a big role in the town. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s,. This Missouri Pacific and the Frisco were the big lines at that time; now it is Amtrack, 88 trains a day stopped in Valley Park Union Pacific and Burlington Northern. At one time, the Meramec River had barge traffic. Valley Park had a lot to offer then and we still do.

St. Louis City families would board the trains for summer vacations, weekends, or, 2nd family homes along the Meramec River. Clubhouses were built on the banks of the Meramec River. Some of those clubhouses were still standing until the last decade. They have been removed to accommodate the building of the Meramec Valley River Basin Levee. One of the most charming old buildings is still standing. That is the Frisco Hotel located at 28 Front Street. It is now the Whittle Shortline Railroad Shop. The owners make toy wooden trains. You are welcome to see the building and be sure to bring your children for a delightful adventure.

Since we started out as a park for the St. Louis City residents and have parks as part our name, you can well imagine that parks are important to us. We have within our City limits several lovely parks. Vance Trails Park, Leonard Park, Brignole Park, and Meramec Landing for anglers and boaters are all conveniently located in Valley Park. Simpson St. Louis County Park and Lake are also within our City limits. With the completion of the levee we will have trails along the Meramec River for hiking and biking as part of the Ozark Greenway Trails.

In the late 20th Century, the city doubled in population as commuters have discovered its excellent schools and easy access to major highways. We are a charmingly quaint community to live in or work in.