Happy TravellerWelcome to University City, Missouri, an inner-ring suburb of St. Louis County in the U.S. state of Missouri. With a population of 35,065 as of the 2020 census, University City is one of the older suburbs in the St. Louis area, having been a streetcar suburb in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The city is named for nearby Washington University and is home to a diverse community with a rich history and culture. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the many attractions and activities that make University City a must-visit destination.
One of the main draws of University City is its historic architecture, particularly along Delmar Boulevard in the southern, older portion of the city. Visitors can take a stroll down this charming street and admire the beautiful buildings that have stood the test of time. The northern portions of the city, developed after World War II, have more of a suburban feel with many shopping centers and other automobile-centered development.
For those who love the outdoors, University City has much municipal open space, including the largest parcels of 85-acre Heman Park and Ruth Park. Heman Park includes recreation and community centers and public pool facilities, while Ruth Park offers a public golf course and nature trails. These parks are perfect for a picnic, a game of frisbee, or a leisurely walk.
University City is also home to a variety of schools, including four elementary schools, one middle school, two Catholic grade schools, one Jewish high school, and one public high school. The School District of University City is separately managed from other school districts in the area, making it a unique and diverse educational community.
The city has a rich cultural scene, with COCA, the Center Of Creative Arts, which has a nationally recognized pre-professional dance training program. Alumni have danced for Trisha Brown, Cecil Slaughter, Houston Ballet, Ballet Hispanico New York, Mark Morris, Alvin Ailey, the national tours of Wicked and Cinderella, and Tarzan on Broadway. University City is also home to the St. Louis Walk of Fame, which as of April 2020 memorializes more than 150 St. Louisans with brass stars embedded in the sidewalk.
If you’re a foodie, University City won’t disappoint. The Delmar Loop, an entertainment, cultural, and restaurant district, sits along Delmar Boulevard, parallel to and six blocks north of the northern boundary of the university. Among the more prominent businesses in the Delmar Loop is Blueberry Hill, a restaurant and concert venue owned by Joe Edwards and Linda Edwards at 6504 Delmar Boulevard. Opened in 1972, its concert venue, The Duck Room, is noted for its relationship with the musician Chuck Berry, who performed there over 200 times. The Loop is also home to a number of Asian grocery stores and restaurants along Olive Boulevard between I-170 and Skinker Boulevard, making it a great destination for foodies.
In terms of demographics, University City has a large middle-class Jewish presence, with Jewish cemeteries and religious centers dotting the city. The city is also home to a diverse population, with 48.9% White, 36.6% African American, 6.5% Asian, and 3.9% Hispanic or Latino of any race, according to the 2020 census.
In conclusion, University City, Missouri, is a hidden gem that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or food, this charming city has it all. So why not plan your next vacation to University City and discover all that this unique destination has to offer?
