Ellisville, MO
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Ellisville is a family-friendly suburban city in St. Louis County, known for its excellent schools, extensive park system, and convenient location west of St. Louis.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Ellisville
- Administrative Role: Ellisville is a city in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States . It is a western outer-ring suburb and part of the Greater St. Louis metropolitan area. It is not a county seat, as the St. Louis County government is based in Clayton .
- Regional Context: The city is situated in east-central Missouri, within the highly urbanized and populous St. Louis County. The region is the cultural and economic heart of Missouri, anchored by the independent city of St. Louis and known for its iconic Gateway Arch, rich history, and role as a major center for manufacturing, healthcare, and research.
Founding Date and Age
- Year Founded/First Mentioned: The area was first settled by Captain James Harvey Ferris of Kentucky before 1837. The town's name, however, is credited to William A. Hereford, a Virginian who opened the first post office here on May 2, 1843, and named it after his former post office in Ellisville, Virginia .
- Age: Based on its official establishment as a town with a post office, Ellisville is 182 years old (as of 2025) .
- Founder: The town's namesake is likely either Vespasian Ellis, a newspaper editor who once owned the property, or it was named by William A. Hereford for his Virginia hometown. The city was officially incorporated much later, in 1932 .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 38°35′23″N 90°35′18″W .
- Positioning: Ellisville is located approximately 13 miles (21 km) west of the western city limits of St. Louis . It sits on the eastern edge of the Missouri Ozark foothills, resulting in gently rolling terrain.
- Elevation: The city's elevation is approximately 722 feet (220 meters) above sea level .
- Settlement Type: Ellisville is a classic post-war American suburb, characterized by residential subdivisions, commercial corridors, and significant green space.
City Type and Economic Specialization
- Primary Type: Ellisville is predominantly a residential "bedroom community" . Its economy is intrinsically linked to the broader St. Louis region, with most residents commuting to jobs in St. Louis County and the city of St. Louis .
- Local Economy: Local commerce is centered along Manchester Road (Route 100) and the Clarkson Crossing shopping area, featuring a mix of national retailers, restaurants, and local small businesses . The city also benefits from being part of the highly-regarded Rockwood R-VI School District, a major local employer and draw for families .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 9,985 .
- Population Class: Ellisville is a small city by U.S. standards, though it is part of a large metropolitan area.
- Demographic Notes: It is known as a stable, family-oriented community. In 2009, Money magazine ranked Ellisville #25 on its annual "Best Places to Live in America" list . The population is predominantly white, with growing Asian and Hispanic communities . The median age is 44.4 years, reflecting a mix of families and older residents .
City's "Visiting Card" (Brief)
Ellisville, Missouri, offers a quintessential American suburban experience just a short drive from the attractions of St. Louis. Known for its top-rated schools and an exceptional network of parks and trails, it's a community built around family life and outdoor recreation, with a charming, castle-like City Hall and a historic art-deco theater as its unique local landmarks .
Geography
Water Features (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
While there are no major rivers or lakes within Ellisville's city limits, a significant regional destination is located just a short drive away.
- Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park: Located approximately 10-15 minutes east of Ellisville, this massive St. Louis County park is home to Creve Coeur Lake, the largest natural oxbow lake in Missouri . It's a popular spot for boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and picnicking, with a scenic 3.7-mile paved trail环绕 the lake .
National and State Parks
While there are no national parks directly in Ellisville, the area offers significant state-level recreation.
- Castlewood State Park: Situated just a few miles south of Ellisville along the Meramec River, this is one of the most popular state parks in Missouri. It's known for its dramatic limestone bluffs, extensive trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and river access for canoes and kayaks .
- Route 66 State Park: Located about 20 minutes southwest near Eureka, this park is situated on the former site of the Times Beach ghost town and interprets the history of the famous "Mother Road," U.S. Route 66. It offers a museum, walking trails, and river access.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Ellisville experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen climate classification, with distinct four seasons. It is characterized by warm to hot, humid summers and cold winters. The area is known for significant temperature variation and can experience severe weather, particularly in the spring .
Average Temperatures by Month
The following are average daily maximum and minimum temperatures for Ellisville :
January: High 4°C (40°F) | Low -5°C (23°F)
February: High 8°C (46°F) | Low -3°C (27°F)
March: High 14°C (58°F) | Low 3°C (38°F)
April: High 20°C (69°F) | Low 9°C (48°F)
May: High 25°C (78°F) | Low 14°C (58°F)
June: High 30°C (86°F) | Low 19°C (67°F)
July: High 32°C (90°F) | Low 21°C (70°F)
August: High 32°C (90°F) | Low 20°C (68°F)
September: High 28°C (82°F) | Low 16°C (61°F)
October: High 21°C (70°F) | Low 9°C (49°F)
November: High 13°C (56°F) | Low 3°C (38°F)
December: High 7°C (45°F) | Low -1°C (30°F)
Warmest Month: July, with average highs around 32°C (90°F) .
Coolest Month: January, with average lows around -5°C (23°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: Ellisville receives significant rainfall, averaging about 1380 mm (54 inches) per year . Other sources estimate around 979mm (39 inches), highlighting year-to-year variability .
- Wettest Month: April is typically the wettest, with an average of 179 mm (7 inches) of precipitation .
- Driest Month: January is the driest, with an average of 82 mm (3.2 inches) .
- Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, with an average annual total of around 54mm (about 2 inches) of snow water equivalent, though actual snow depth can be greater. The snowiest months are January and February . Humidity is highest in the summer months, often making the heat feel more intense .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures are mild and pleasant, but this is also the wettest and most unpredictable time of year, with a high chance of thunderstorms . The landscape greens up beautifully.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with average highs in the upper 80s and low 90s°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. This is a good time for swimming at aquatic centers and enjoying evening concerts .
- Fall (September-November): Generally considered the best time to visit. The weather is warm and dry, with crisp, cool nights and brilliant fall foliage.
- Winter (December-February): Cold, with periodic snow and ice. Average highs are in the 40s°F (4-7°C). It's a quiet time, ideal for indoor activities like visiting the historic Esquire Theatre .
Landmarks and Attractions
[Castle-like City Hall]
- Full Name: Ellisville City Hall
- Description: This is perhaps the city's most unique and photographed building. Its distinctive, castle-like architecture makes it a striking visual landmark that stands out from the typical municipal buildings in the area . It houses the city's administrative offices and is a point of local pride.
[The Esquire Theatre]
- Full Name: The Esquire Theatre
- Year Opened: 1947 .
- Description: A beautifully restored, historic art-deco movie theater that first opened its doors in the late 1940s . It is a beloved local institution that shows first-run films as well as special features, providing a nostalgic and charming movie-going experience that contrasts with modern multiplexes.
[Bluebird Park and Amphitheater]
- Full Name: Bluebird Park
- Description: As the city's largest park (167 acres), Bluebird Park is a central hub for community activity . Its main attraction is the outdoor amphitheater, which hosts the city's popular summer concert series, "Ellisville Concerts in the Park" . The park also features an aquatic center, playgrounds, a dog park, a disc golf course, and sports fields .
Parks and Outdoor Sculpture
Ellisville is notable for its extensive and thoughtfully planned park system. The city maintains over 165 acres of parkland, with eight parks connected by a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) trail system . All parks are named after birds, adding a charming, thematic element to the city's green spaces.
- Bluebird Park: The crown jewel, featuring the amphitheater, aquatic center, and disc golf course .
- Meadowlark Park: Contains a basketball court and playground .
- Owl Hollow Park: Offers a basketball court and playground .
- Robin Park: A large, 29-acre natural area for passive recreation .
Transport
Major Airports
- Full Name: St. Louis Lambert International Airport
- IATA Code: STL
- Location and Access: Ellisville is located conveniently about 30 minutes from the airport via Interstates 64 and 170 . This is the primary airport serving the entire St. Louis region, offering numerous domestic and some international flights.
Public Transportation (Bus and Metro)
Ellisville is accessible from downtown St. Louis via the region's public transit system, Metro Transit .
- System Description: The journey typically involves taking the MetroLink light rail (specifically the Blue Line) from stations like Civic Center or 5th & Missouri, heading west to the Maplewood–Manchester Station .
- Bus Connection: From the Maplewood-Manchester Transit Center, passengers transfer to MetroBus Route 57 heading west, which travels along Manchester Road (Route 100) through Ellisville, with stops at major intersections like Clarkson Road . The total travel time from downtown St. Louis is approximately 1.5 hours .
Major Highways
Ellisville's location is defined by its easy access to a network of major highways, making it a commuter-friendly suburb .
- Interstate 64 (I-64) / US Route 40: Located approximately 5 miles north of Ellisville, this is the primary east-west corridor connecting the western suburbs to downtown St. Louis .
- Interstate 44 (I-44): Located approximately 5 miles south of Ellisville, this highway runs southwest to Rolla, Springfield, and beyond .
- Interstate 270 (I-270): Located about 7 miles east of Ellisville, this is the inner beltway around St. Louis County, connecting to Interstates 55, 70, and 64 .
- Missouri Routes 100 and 340: Manchester Road (Route 100) and Clarkson Road (Route 340) are the two primary arterial roads that intersect in Ellisville, providing direct access to local businesses and neighboring communities .
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
While Ellisville is a suburban city, it hosts local outposts of renowned St. Louis area eateries, offering a taste of the region's diverse culinary scene.
Toasted Ravioli
A St. Louis classic that you can enjoy in Ellisville is Toasted Ravioli. Despite the name, these are deep-fried ravioli, typically filled with meat or cheese and served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping . They are a popular appetizer and a staple of Italian-American cuisine in the region.
St. Louis-Style BBQ
For a taste of local barbecue, Ellisville is home to a location of Salt + Smoke, a well-regarded St. Louis BBQ chain. They are known for their well-sauced ribs, pulled pork, and excellent mac and cheese . A local favorite is the Pimento Toasted Ravioli, a creative twist that combines two regional favorites . This is a great spot to experience the city's casual, flavor-forward dining scene.
St. Louis-Style Pizza and Italian Fare
Ellisville also has a location of The Pasta House Co. , a local Italian-American restaurant chain that has been a St. Louis favorite since the 1970s. They are known for their extensive pasta menu and family-style meals. A beloved menu item is the creamy cauliflower soup, which has a dedicated following among regulars . Other popular dishes include the Lasagna Al Forno and a unique spaghetti en cheese casserole . This spot offers a taste of the hearty, family-friendly Italian food that the region is known for.
Museums
Ellisville itself has a limited number of museums, but it is ideally situated near a wealth of world-class museums in the St. Louis area, all within a short drive.
Local Museums in Ellisville
Worldways Children's Museum
Located in Ellisville, the Worldways Children's Museum offers a unique, hands-on cultural experience for families . The museum introduces children to international lifestyles through authentically recreated settings, allowing them to role-play and learn about cultural differences. Its gift shop, "Journey's End," features books, toys, and crafts from around the world, letting visitors continue the learning experience at home .
Museums in Nearby St. Louis
Just a short drive from Ellisville, the city of St. Louis offers a remarkable collection of museums, many of which are located in the beautiful Forest Park.
Saint Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum is a cultural gem with a world-class collection spanning centuries and continents . Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts building from the 1904 World's Fair, its permanent collection includes works by masters such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso. Admission to the main collection is free, making it an accessible destination for everyone .
Missouri History Museum
Also in Forest Park, the Missouri History Museum offers deep insights into the state's rich past . Its exhibits cover a wide range of topics, from the 1904 World's Fair and the history of the region's music to the story of Charles Lindbergh and the Lewis and Clark expedition.
City Museum
A short drive from Ellisville, the City Museum in downtown St. Louis is a fantastical, repurposed warehouse that defies easy description . Part playground, part funhouse, part architectural marvel, it features a 10-story slide, a rooftop school bus, and countless caves and tunnels made from reclaimed materials. It is a one-of-a-kind attraction for visitors of all ages .
The National Museum of Transportation
Located just 11 km from Ellisville, The National Museum of Transportation is home to one of the largest and most significant collections of transportation vehicles in the world . With over 190 exhibits, visitors can explore massive locomotives, classic automobiles, aircraft, and riverboats, including the massive "Big Boy" steam locomotive, one of the largest ever built .
Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center, another free attraction in Forest Park, offers interactive exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to space exploration . It's a place where learning is fun and engaging, featuring an extensive planetarium and a large-scale walk-through heart model.
The Magic House
For families with young children, The Magic House in nearby Kirkwood is a must-visit . This children's museum is filled with hands-on exhibits that encourage creativity and learning through play, from a three-story slide to a children's village and a bubble room.
Sport and Sports Legends
Ellisville is a community where youth sports play a central role. For major professional sports, residents and visitors are just a short drive from St. Louis.
Community Sports and Recreation
Ellisville Athletic Association
The heart of local sports is the Ellisville Athletic Association (EAA) , a non-profit organization founded in 1968 . Located at 2301 Westhills Park Dr, the EAA provides recreational sports opportunities for thousands of children in the community . The association offers a variety of programs including baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and softball . Its baseball program is one of the largest in the state of Missouri, and the well-maintained complex features multiple fields, a playground, and a concession stand, making it a hub of activity for families, especially during the summer months .
Professional Sports in Nearby St. Louis
While Ellisville doesn't have its own professional teams, the city of St. Louis is home to several major league franchises.
St. Louis Cardinals (MLB)
One of the most iconic and successful franchises in baseball history, the St. Louis Cardinals are a source of immense pride for the entire region. They play at the state-of-the-art Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis. With 11 World Series championships, the Cardinals have a legacy that includes legends like Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, and Ozzie Smith.
St. Louis Blues (NHL)
The St. Louis Blues are the city's National Hockey League team. They play at the Enterprise Center in downtown St. Louis. The Blues captured their first Stanley Cup championship in 2019, a historic moment that united the city in celebration.
St. Louis City SC (MLS)
The region's newest major league team, St. Louis City SC, joined Major League Soccer in 2023. The team plays at CityPark, a state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium in the city's downtown west end. Their immediate success on the field has quickly made them a fan favorite.
St. Louis BattleHawks (UFL)
For spring football fans, the St. Louis BattleHawks of the United Football League (UFL) play at the historic The Dome at America's Center and have garnered a passionate and dedicated fanbase known for setting attendance records in the league.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Ellisville offers accessible healthcare options for its residents, including urgent care and skilled nursing facilities. For comprehensive, specialized medical treatment, the world-renowned hospitals of the nearby Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis are readily accessible.
Local Healthcare Facilities in Ellisville
St. Luke's Urgent Care Center
For non-emergency medical needs, St. Luke's Urgent Care Center is located in Ellisville at 233 Clarkson Rd . This facility provides care for a range of conditions and is staffed by physicians specializing in emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics . It accepts a wide variety of insurance plans, offering a convenient option for immediate care.
Ellisville Rehabilitation and Nursing
For those in need of skilled nursing or rehabilitative care, Ellisville Rehabilitation and Nursing is a Medicare and Medicaid-participating facility located at 322 Old State Road . The facility provides both resident and family councils to address concerns and improve the quality of care and life for its residents .
World-Class Medical Care in Nearby St. Louis
The St. Louis region is a major hub for advanced medicine and research, anchored by the Washington University Medical Center.
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
A consistent top-ranked hospital in the United States, Barnes-Jewish Hospital is the largest hospital in Missouri and the primary adult teaching hospital for Washington University School of Medicine. It is nationally recognized for its expertise in cardiology, cancer care, neurology, and organ transplantation. It is consistently ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report.
St. Louis Children's Hospital
Affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital is a premier pediatric hospital, consistently ranked among the top children's hospitals in the country. It is known for its specialized care in neonatology, cancer, cardiology, and orthopedics, providing advanced medical care for children from across the region and nation.
Mercy Hospital St. Louis
Located in nearby Creve Coeur, Mercy Hospital St. Louis is another large, comprehensive healthcare facility. It is part of the Mercy system, one of the largest Catholic health systems in the United States, and offers a full range of medical and surgical services, including a renowned heart and vascular institute.