When planning a trip to St. Francois County, you can choose from a range of interests: trails through wooded hills, river activities, cycling routes, swimming spots and historic sites. If you’re looking for accommodation, you can first consider which of these interests will shape your trip. This helps you tailor your choice to the experiences you’re looking for, without turning the various options into a fixed itinerary.

Hiking Trails and River at St. Francois State Park

Three hiking trails wind through the wooded hills and clearings of the Coonville Creek Wild Area at St. Francois State Park. Scenic dolomite cliffs offer views of the Big River. The park also provides easy access to the Big River for canoeing and rafting. This puts hikes through forests and clearings alongside activities on the water. Once you’ve decided what you’d like to focus on during your visit, you can choose between these different options. Trail conditions may change seasonally; water conditions can also vary.

Off-Road Vehicles and Swimming Beaches at St. Joe State Park

St. Joe State Park has an area for off-road vehicles, with trails through wooded areas and sandy terrain. Check permit requirements and operating conditions before your trip. The lakes offer a different kind of visit: two of the four clear lakes have swimming beaches, as well as changing facilities and restrooms. Beach operations are seasonal. Your choice between the options depends on whether you’d like to plan a day on off-road trails or a day of swimming; for the latter, keep the seasonal operations in mind.

Cycling Routes and Recreation in Farmington

The main route of the Stanley M. Overall Bikeway Trail System is 7.75 miles long. The Downtown Loop passes through Historic Downtown Farmington and reaches Long Park. The main route offers a specific distance, while the Loop is oriented around the downtown area and park. If you’d like to include destinations in town while cycling, the Loop offers a different point of reference from the main route.

The Farmington Water Park includes the River’s Edge Splash Pad, a lazy river, slides, a play area and a large swimming pool. It operates seasonally, so plan your visit during the relevant season. This adds another water option to the cycling routes and natural areas, one that differs distinctly from canoeing or rafting on the Big River.

Historic Sites

The St. Francois County Jail Museum is located on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The St. Francois County Jail was built in 1870 and served continuously as a jail for more than 125 years. In Farmington, the Historic Long House is another place to visit for its history: built in 1833, it is the oldest house in Farmington, Missouri. Tours are typically offered on the first weekend in June and on selected dates during the Christmas season. Confirm the dates before your visit.

Practical Information

Bonne Terre Mine is one hour south of St. Louis on Route 67. As of August 31, 2026, the mine was closed; check again before traveling to see whether it has reopened. Nearby, Gruner Ford Access is open for public use daily from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. These specific details can help you match potential outings with actual conditions on site.

Discover more destinations: Bonne Terre, Farmington, Park Hills, Livingston, Scott County, St Louis, Taney, Clinton County.

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