Wood River


t is here that the Mississippi River uniquely bends; running its course from west to east. There is no place on the Mississippi River like the Great River Road and the historic communities surrounding it: Godfrey, Grafton, Wood River, Hartford, Elsah, and Jerseyville to name a few. Better known as the River Bend region, it is here that the Mississippi River uniquely bends, running its course from west to east.

Population was 11,296 at the 2000 census, there were 11,296 people, 4,725 households, and 2,995 families residing in the city. Population density was 1,865.2 a square mile. There were 5,001 housing units at an average density of 825.8 a square mile.

Like many of the River Bend communities, Wood River has a rich history beginning with the roots of the Lewis & Clark expedition at the "Wood River." Once known as the fastest growing city in the U.S., the growth of Wood River began in the 1920's as Standard Oil employed almost 90% of the town's population. The Wood River Heritage Council has worked diligently to preserve the town's past at the Wood River Museum and Visitor's Center. Wood River has much to offer visitors interested in putting around Belk Park Golf Course, one of the premier courses in St. Louis, or making a splash at the Aquatic Center
water recreation complex.

Wood River is located on the Mississippi River approximately 15 miles upstream of downtown St. Louis, Missouri among several coterminus cities and villages that have come to be known as the "Riverbend" area. The confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers is just south of one of these neighboring villages, Hartford, and was the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Other cities making up the "Riverbend" include Alton, East Alton, Godfrey, Roxana and Bethalto.

Wood River is also home to the largest variety of Sears homes in the United States.