Tilles Park | St Louis

Information

Landmark: Tilles Park
City: St Louis
Country: USA Missouri
Continent: North America

Tilles Park, St Louis, USA Missouri, North America

Tilles Park is a municipal park located in St. Louis, Missouri. It encompasses 24 acres of developed recreational space.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a central lake, approximately 4 acres in surface area, with a maximum depth of 12 feet. Surrounding the lake are mature deciduous trees, primarily oak and maple species, providing a canopy cover estimated at 70% during summer months. Open lawn areas constitute the remaining 30% of the park's surface. Paved pathways, 8 feet in width, are constructed from asphalt and traverse the park's perimeter and interior.

Location & Access Logistics

Tilles Park is situated at 9551 Litzinger Road, St. Louis, MO 63124. It is approximately 10 kilometers west of the St. Louis Gateway Arch. Access is via Litzinger Road, which connects to Clayton Road (State Route 61/141) to the north and Watson Road (U.S. Route 66) to the south. The park provides two primary parking lots: a 100-space lot adjacent to the main entrance on Litzinger Road and a 50-space lot near the west entrance. Public transportation is available via MetroBus routes 30 (South City/South County) and 40 (South Grand), with stops located within a 0.5km walk of the park entrances.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The land for Tilles Park was acquired by the city of St. Louis in 1945. The park was developed in stages, with significant landscaping and facility construction occurring between 1950 and 1960. The central lake was created through excavation and is fed by surface runoff and a small, intermittent tributary. The park's ecological classification is urban woodland and wetland, supporting a variety of local flora and fauna.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include walking and jogging on the paved pathways. Fishing is permitted in the lake, with a valid Missouri fishing license required. The park contains two playgrounds, one for ages 2-5 and another for ages 5-12. A 0.75-mile fitness trail with 10 exercise stations is located along the park's western edge. Seasonal ice skating is available on the lake during winter months, weather permitting.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located in the main pavilion near the Litzinger Road entrance. Shaded areas are provided by mature trees and a covered pavilion. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available throughout the park. No on-site food vendors are present; however, commercial establishments are located within 1 kilometer of the park's perimeter.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) offers favorable lighting conditions due to lower sun angles. The months of April through October provide the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The lake is typically frozen for ice skating from late December to mid-February, contingent on sustained sub-freezing temperatures.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the park's lake was once a natural sinkhole before being enlarged and managed. While unverified, this story contributes to the park's local lore.