St. Francois County: Discover Nature and History

St. Francois County offers a range of outing themes: nature trails, water, cycling, and historic sites. Which ones you focus on depends on whether you plan to walk trails, spend time by the water, ride a cycling route, or explore cultural history. For seasonal offerings and the listed tour dates, check the specific visiting conditions in advance.

Trails, River, and Scenery

St. Francois State Park has three hiking trails through the wooded hills and clearings of the Coonville Creek Wild Area. Forest and open areas define these routes; trail conditions may change seasonally. Scenic dolomite cliffs offer views of the Big River. The park also provides easy access to the Big River for canoeing and rafting. Water conditions may vary; check them before your outing.

St. Francois State Park offers a choice of activities: hiking on the trails, enjoying views from the dolomite cliffs, and spending time on the Big River. Dr. Crouch Nature Sanctuary covers 15 acres and has 11 educational stations and trails. Nearby, Gruner Ford Access is open to the public daily from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Water and Terrain Experiences

St. Joe State Park has an off-road vehicle area with trails through wooded areas and sandy terrain. Check permit and operating conditions before riding. Of the park’s four clear lakes, two have swimming beaches, changing houses, and restrooms; beach operations may be seasonal. Farmington Water Park includes the River’s Edge Splash Pad, a lazy river, slides, a play area, and a large swimming pool; its operations are also seasonal.

The water activities vary by type: canoeing and rafting are available on the Big River, two lakes at St. Joe State Park have swimming beaches, and Farmington Water Park offers pools, a lazy river, and slides. When planning, note that beach and water park operations are seasonal and water conditions may vary.

Cycling in Farmington

The Stanley M. Overall Bikeway Trail System has a 7.75-mile main route. Its Downtown Loop passes through Historic Downtown Farmington and reaches Long Park. These offer different points of reference when choosing a ride: the distance applies to the main route, while the Loop describes the route through Historic Downtown Farmington to Long Park.

Historic Sites and Visit Planning

Historic Long House was built in 1833 and is the oldest house in Farmington, Missouri. Tours are typically scheduled for the first weekend in June and selected days during the Christmas season; confirm dates before your visit.

St. Francois County Jail Museum is located on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The jail itself was built in 1870 and operated continuously as a jail for more than 125 years. Missouri Mines State Historic Site preserves historically significant buildings and artifacts from the largest mining and processing complex in the Old Lead Belt. These sites offer different historical themes: the history of a house, the former use of the jail as a prison, and evidence of mining.

Bonne Terre Mine is an hour south of St. Louis on Route 67. As of August 31, 2026, it was closed. Check its operating status before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Bonne Terre, Farmington, Park Hills, Taney, Livingston, Iron County, Mississippi County, Franklin County.

For the broader travel overview: Missouri.