Farmington combines a historically shaped downtown with a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities. The Historic Long House, downtown shops and crafts, as well as parks and sports facilities, offer a variety of experiences. You can tailor your stay to whether you’re most interested in local history, shopping or outdoor activities.

History and Shopping in Historic Downtown

Built in 1833, the Historic Long House is considered the oldest house in Farmington, Missouri. In 2024, it was certified as a historic site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Tours are typically offered the first weekend in June and on selected days during the holiday season. Check the specific dates before you travel.

History is also part of the present-day streetscape in Historic Downtown Farmington: historic buildings are still home to locally run businesses and residences. Downtown offerings include shops, dining, a coffeehouse, antique shops and boutiques, as well as a park, regional art and crafts. Individual businesses may change; if you plan to visit a particular shop, check its current details in advance.

The Factory is also a 45,000-square-foot, climate-controlled shopping center with specialty shops and restaurants. The two shopping areas have distinct characters: Historic Downtown features historic buildings and a mix of retail, dining and art, while The Factory brings specialty shops and restaurants together in a climate-controlled center. You can choose where to browse based on the setting you prefer.

Bike Trails and Excursions in the Area

The Downtown Loop of the Stanley M. Overall Bikeway Trail System is 1.1 miles long and runs through Historic Downtown Farmington to Long Park. This route connects downtown with a park destination. Nearby, the Oak Ridge Trail Head Spur of the same bikeway system also leads to St. Joe State Park.

St. Joe State Park offers off-road vehicle trails, four lakes, swimming beaches, horseback riding trails, hiking and biking trails, a water trail and campgrounds. This is a different kind of destination from the Downtown Loop: here, a range of activities in the park take center stage, while the described city route runs through Historic Downtown to Long Park. State park rules and seasonal access may change; check current conditions if you’re planning a specific activity.

Parks and Recreational Opportunities

Farmington’s 17 parks offer opportunities for fishing, walking and hiking, as well as disc golf, skateboarding, gardening, birdwatching and picnicking. Amenities at individual parks may change. One specific option is the disc golf course at Engler Park: it has 18 holes and a par of 62.

The Farmington Civic Center offers two indoor pools, a 1/8-mile indoor track, three full-size courts and a fitness center. Programs and facilities may change. If you’re visiting for a specific offering, check its current status in advance.

The Farmington Water Park offers slides, a lazy river and an interactive play area. The facilities are seasonal; individual features may also change.

Discover more destinations: Bonne Terre, Park Hills.

Return to the main travel overview: St. Francois County.