Discover Mehlville

The Mississippi Greenway combines river views with a clearly defined trail section; Jefferson Barracks represents several chapters of military history. These distinct highlights give you concrete starting points for planning your trip to Mehlville: nature and river traffic on one hand, historic buildings, museums, and remembrance on the other.

Mississippi Greenway: Trail and River Views

The described section of the Mississippi Greenway runs from Jefferson Barracks Park to the north side of the River City Casino grounds. It is 1.7 miles long and paved. The Greenway offers views of the Mississippi River and its river traffic. The riverscape is more than just a backdrop: passing boats are also among the sights along this trail.

The Greenway is accessible via Telegraph Road in southern Saint Louis County. If you are weighing a focus on riverside scenery against one on cultural history, the Greenway offers a different perspective on trip planning than the historic sites at Jefferson Barracks.

Jefferson Barracks and Its History

After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1843, Jefferson Barracks was Ulysses S. Grant’s first posting in the US Army. This posting places the site within Grant’s early military career and gives the history of Jefferson Barracks a specific biographical connection.

Civilian work at the ordnance depot is also part of this history. The Laborer’s House was built in 1851 in Jefferson Barracks Park for civilians who worked at the ordnance depot. The building therefore highlights not only the site’s military use but also the people whose work was connected with the depot.

The Powder Magazine is a museum in Jefferson Barracks that tells the site’s history. It originally stored gunpowder, weapons, and ammunition for soldiers at the Barracks and to the west. Its current role as a museum and its original function bring together two different periods: its use as a storage facility and its role in interpreting the site’s history.

The Old Ordnance Room also dates to 1851. Together with the Laborer’s House, its construction date provides a chronological anchor for two different buildings. The Missouri Civil War Museum is located at Jefferson Barracks and adds a Civil War connection to the military history themes.

The historical picture also includes Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Established in 1827, it is the final resting place of more than 200,000 veterans and their family members. The grounds therefore represent a distinct aspect of history: remembrance of those buried there.

Planning Priorities for Your Trip

The Greenway and Jefferson Barracks offer different ways to spend your time: along the trail, the Mississippi and river traffic take center stage, while the museums and historic buildings explore the site’s history. When choosing your vacation rental in Mehlville, consider which of these priorities you would like to make more room for during your trip. This way, your decision is guided by the experiences that interest you rather than by a generic list of options.

The Laborer’s House is open on the first Saturday of each month from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Check these hours before your trip. This will help you plan a visit to the building, while the Greenway and the other historic sites offer different points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Huntleigh, Spanish Lake.

Return to the main travel guide: St. Louis.