Discover Park Hills

Park Hills can be explored through two distinct aspects: the region’s mining history at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site and activities associated with St. Joe State Park. The museum focuses on the history of lead mining, while the park features lakes, interpretive trails, and other recreational offerings. These give you a starting point for deciding which parts of the region you’d like to explore during your stay.

Mining History at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site

The Missouri Mines State Historic Site in Park Hills presents the history of lead mining in the region. The museum is housed in the mine’s former powerhouse; the historic legacy also includes the former processing plant of St. Joe Lead Co. It preserves historically significant buildings and artifacts from the largest mining and milling complex in the Old Lead Belt. The exhibits also explain the importance of mineral resources and mining to Missouri.

A gallery in the Powerhouse Museum displays underground mining equipment from the history of the Old Lead Belt. Exhibits include a one-ton ore car and a 15-ton electric trolley locomotive. The mineral gallery, meanwhile, displays about 1,100 specimens from sites around the world in 27 large cases. The St. Joe Shovel is another historic exhibit: only 52 were made, and the first was built around 1922. Bringing mining equipment and mineral specimens together connects the region’s working history with its mineral diversity.

Visitors can experience the exhibits in different ways. They can explore the museum at their own pace; if they wish, a docent can provide a more detailed, personal explanation of the exhibits. A 12-minute video about historic underground mining and ore processing in the Old Lead Belt plays in the small theater, or orientation room, on the south side of the mineral gallery. The Powerhouse Museum also has a room with fluorescent minerals that glow in vivid colors under ultraviolet black light. Visitors can buy museum tickets at the entrance and join a tour. Check current operating details before your visit.

Lakes and Trails at St. Joe State Park

St. Joe State Park is among the recreational destinations associated with Park Hills. Its four lakes can be reached via gravel boat ramps that are open year-round. Human-powered boats and boats with electric trolling motors are permitted on the lakes; gasoline-powered motors are not allowed. As boat-launch conditions and safety guidance may change, check the latest information before your outing.

At Monsanto Lake, a water interpretive trail passes stations explaining cultural and natural features of the park. These include a dolomite glade, native grasses, and shortleaf pines. The trail combines time by the water with insights into the park’s landscape and plant life.

Another point of reference is the Donnelly-LaMear Trailhead at the Fairgrounds Drive exit off Highway 67. From there, visitors can access the ORV area of St. Joe State Park as well as a paved bike trail. Operating and permit conditions may change; check the latest information before your visit. This is distinct from the Interpretive Trail at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site, which is rated as an easy, one-mile hike with gravel and paved sections.

St. Joe State Park also features a large flying field with a grass runway for radio-controlled aircraft. A local organization maintains the runway. This adds radio-controlled aircraft activities to the park’s boating and trail offerings, while the Missouri Mines State Historic Site focuses on mining history and museum exhibits.

Discover more destinations: Farmington, Bonne Terre.

See the full travel overview: St. Francois County.