State Parks and National Parks

St. Joe State Park

By 1900, the St. Joe Lead Corp. was the largest of four mining companies in southeast Missouri, whose "Lead Belt" provided most of the nation's lead for more than a century.

St. Joe donated land to the state in 1976 that became St. Joe State Park. At more than 8,000 acres, it is Missouri's third-largest state park. Mined areas lie under about 25 percent of the park's area.

Mining company structures and machinery are on display at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site, located north of the park.

St. Joe offers a mix of activities, but its biggest appeal may be to the lead-footed. About 2,000 acres are dedicated to off-road-vehicle (ORV) use, including ATVs, trail bikes, snowmobiles, dune buggies and four-wheel-drive vehicles. A 75-site campground connects to the ORV riding area. The park charges a fee to ride ORVs in the designated area.

On the other end of the activities spectrum from ORVs, equestrians find a 13-mile wooded ride and a 25-site campground complete with hitching posts at St. Joe. The horse trails are open to mountain bikers, hikers and backpackers, who have access to five trailside campsites. Another 13 miles of trails are open to bicyclists, hikers and joggers. This paved hiking and biking trail has short spurs that connect to the Missouri Mines State Historic Site, Pim Day Use Area and the city of Farmington.

The four lakes are stocked with bass, bluegill and catfish, however no gas-powered boats are permitted. The sandy leftovers from the milling operation have also been used to make excellent swimming beaches at two of the lakes.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Missouri Department of Natural Resources.