Where the St. Louis suburbs meet the Ozark foothills.
Wildwood occupies approximately 68 square miles in western St. Louis County, Missouri. Its surroundings include wooded hills, limestone outcrops, farms, meadows, creek valleys and neighborhoods. The city is part of the greater St. Louis region but maintains an unusually expansive landscape for a suburban municipality.
The U.S. Census counted 35,417 residents in 2020. Public parks and conservation lands account for more than 11 square miles of the city, while a broad trail network connects recreation areas and historic communities. Wildwood's character comes partly from its commitment to preserving significant natural areas alongside residential and commercial development.
Town Center, near Main Street, provides a gathering place for businesses and events. Outside that core, distinct communities such as Glencoe and Pond reveal the area's older river, rail and road history. Families, trail users, equestrians, local merchants and visitors all experience different sides of Wildwood.
Source: City demographics and official tourism overview.
A young city with much older roots.
Wildwood incorporated on September 1, 1995, after a resident-led effort to shape land-use decisions and the future of the area. The municipality is relatively new, but communities within its boundaries existed long before incorporation.
Glencoe developed around local industry, river transportation, railroads and recreation. The community was associated with limestone operations and the rail corridor near the Meramec River. Today's Al Foster Trail and the Wabash, Frisco & Pacific Railway preserve a connection to that landscape.
Historic Route 66 is another part of Wildwood's story. Big Chief Roadhouse on Manchester Road traces its roots to the Big Chief Highway Hotel of 1929, a roadside landmark in historic Pond. Travelers can still visit this surviving piece of the old highway corridor.
Wildwood becomes a city
Local residents' incorporation campaign creates the modern city and its long-range planning identity.
Rail and river heritage
Historic settlement patterns and the Meramec corridor remain visible in the trail network and steam-railway attraction.
The old road is still here
Manchester Road includes the historic Route 66 alignment, with landmarks such as Big Chief Roadhouse.
Read: City history · History of Glencoe.
Forests, bluffs, river paths and room to move.
Wildwood is one of the St. Louis region's significant outdoor recreation destinations. State parks, conservation lands, city parks, multi-use paths and mountain-biking routes offer options for a gentle walk, a long hike, a family afternoon or a more technical ride.
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
Historic stone features, picnic areas, campsites and hiking, paved bicycle and equestrian trails set amid wooded hills.
Rockwoods Reservation
Rugged limestone terrain, scenic overlooks, historic lime-kiln features and approximately 13 miles of foot trails.
Al Foster Trail
An approximately five-mile crushed-stone route alongside the Meramec River, with wooded bluffs and connections toward Castlewood State Park.
Bluff View Park
A popular area for trails, elevated views toward the Meramec valley and connections to the area's mountain-biking network.
Beyond these destinations, the city also points visitors toward Greensfelder County Park, Rockwoods Range, Community Park and a network of equestrian trails. Choose a route suited to current weather, trail surfaces and permitted uses.
Things to see and do around Wildwood.
Wabash, Frisco & Pacific Railroad
Volunteer-operated miniature live-steam railway offering scenic rides along the Meramec River. Its published operating season is Sundays, May through October.
Hidden Valley Resort
A winter destination for skiing, snowboarding and tubing when operating conditions permit. The resort's 2025–26 season has ended; check for the 2026–27 opening.
Village Green
Wildwood's new Town Center gathering space has an event lawn, performance area and the relocated 1870s Essen Log Cabin. It hosts community celebrations and seasonal concerts.
Wildwood Farmers Market
Seasonal Saturday market with growers, prepared foods and artisan vendors in Town Center. The City's published regular schedule is 8 a.m.–noon in the May–October season.
For a broader selection of trails, attractions, shopping and equestrian destinations, see the City's Things to Do directory.
The Wildwood calendar: fall & winter 2026.
Wildwood's event calendar mixes local traditions, recreation, live music, markets and holiday celebrations. The dated events below are drawn from current municipal announcements and were checked on October 28, 2026.
Nov 7
2026
Farmers Market Holiday Artisan Fair
Shop gifts and locally produced goods at the Wildwood Town Center holiday market. The City lists 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and seasonal festivities, including a Santa visit.
Wildwood Town Center · 221 Plaza DriveCity event detailsDec 5
2026
Holiday Tree Lighting
Family-friendly celebration at Village Green with seasonal vendors, Santa, fire pits and s'mores. Scheduled for 3–5:30 p.m., with the tree lighting at 5:15 p.m.
Village Green · 16860 Main StreetOfficial ceremony announcementMay–Oct
Farmers Market Saturdays
During its regular operating season, the Wildwood Farmers Market brings a changing selection of growers, food vendors and artisans to Town Center on Saturday mornings.
Seasonal program; check dates before travelingCurrent market scheduleTraditions
Music on Main & Celebrate Wildwood
The 2026 Music on Main summer concerts were held at Village Green, and the City's annual Celebrate Wildwood festival took place September 19, 2026. Watch municipal announcements for future editions.
Past 2026 events · future dates not yet confirmed hereMusic on Main informationMeet the businesses behind the community.
Wildwood's business community extends from Town Center storefronts to the historic Manchester Road corridor and other neighborhood commercial areas. The City's business directory includes more than 300 listings across dining, retail, services, wellness and recreation. This is a curated starting point, not a complete directory or paid ranking.
Big Chief Roadhouse
A Route 66 landmark with American roadhouse dining, a kitchen garden and a historic connection to the original Big Chief Highway Hotel.
Letty Lou's Café & Diner
Casual neighborhood restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with diner favorites and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Porch in Wildwood
Home décor, gifts, furniture, custom work and interior design services from a local shop along Manchester Road.
Three French Hens
Home furnishings, floral design, interior design and gifts in a distinctive local retail destination.
Passiglia Landscape & Garden Center
A local family business serving plant, tree, garden-supply and landscaping needs, with a nursery and landscape design operation.
Wildwood Pub & Grill
A casual gathering place with a broad American menu and sports-bar atmosphere near New College Avenue.
Discover more local operators through the City's business directory and Why Wildwood business profiles. Listings and business details are subject to change; contact each location directly to confirm hours and services.
Plan a visit with local details in mind.
- Location: Wildwood lies in western St. Louis County. Some historic areas use postal place names such as Glencoe or Grover rather than “Wildwood” in addresses.
- Outdoors: Check official trail notices for closures, permitted activities, weather and park access. Some routes are rocky or hilly, while the Al Foster Trail has a crushed-stone surface.
- Family outings: Look at the seasonal railway schedule, the Village Green calendar and the Saturday farmers market when planning your day.
- Shopping: Manchester Road and Town Center provide different local-business experiences; operating hours and special events vary.
- Official city services: City Hall is at 16860 Main Street, and the official municipal phone number is 636-458-0440. This is separate from the Wildwood publication contact below.