THINGS TO DO IN PARK HILLS and Leadington area
The Park Hills and Leadington area is located within the Old Lead Belt and the world’s leading lead mining district. Park Hills hosts the Missouri Mines State Historic Site, a destination that depicts Missouri’s rich mining history. The site now features a museum, which displays restored underground mining equipment, mineral specimens and various geology exhibits.
The Missouri Mines State Historic Site is located within the 8,238-acre St. Joe State Park. Recognized as Missouri’s third-largest state park, St. Joe is best known for housing the Midwest’s largest off-road vehicle area, spanning approximately 2,000 acres. The park draws around 700,000 visitors and hosts a number of exciting ATV races.
Two communities share access to a number of additional tourist attractions in and around the county. The largest and most-visited local park is Columbia Park, which houses a public swimming pool, four shelters, a gazebo, a chapel, picnic facilities, a lighted walking trail and an outdoor amphitheater that sees numerous city-hosted concerts and outdoor movies annually.
Our local sports complex is busy throughout the spring and summer, used by local softball, baseball, tennis, basketball and handball teams, leagues and players.
There are numerous local and state parks that host many family-fun outdoor activities, including horseback riding, camping, bike riding and picnicking.
Visitors of Park Hills and Leadington also have easy access to the St. Francois County Fairgrounds where numerous events drawn many visitors. Popular events held at the fairgrounds include the St. Francois County Fair, sprint car races and rodeos.
Other draws to the area include beautiful golf courses and wineries. If golfing is your vice, there are numerous golf courses choose from. Not only are there smaller, 9-hole courses and par 3 only courses, but a number of beautiful 18-hole courses are all within minutes from Park Hills and Leadington.
For the wine enthusiast, we are proud to be situated in the southeast wine region of Missouri’s Wine Country. With numerous wineries in St. Francois and surrounding counties, wine tasting and winery tours are becoming more popular. Several area wineries offer dining option, live music, group painting classes, wedding venues and more.
RESTAURANTS
When hunger strikes, possibilities are limitless. No matter what you’re craving, there’s a good chance we’ve got it!
Local flavors include both Asian & Cajun cuisine, pizza, barbecue, fish, chicken and burgers, diner food, down-home cooking, specialty coffee, ice cream and more! Hungry after a football or softball game, round of disc golf or bike ride through the state park? No worries! Stop by one of many local, family-owned restaurants and you’re sure to leave satisfied.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Visitors in town on business or leisure, for one night or longer, will find ample options for lodging in the area. Comfortable hotels and motels provide a list of services and modern amenities, including business centers, indoor pools, complimentary continental breakfast and various in-room conveniences. Rustic accommodations are also an option, with St. Joe State Park in Park Hills offering two campgrounds on-site. Other hotels, motels and campgrounds are available in the surrounding communities of Bonne Terre, Farmington and Ste. Genevieve.
WINERIES
Cave Vineyard
21124 Cave Rd., Ste. Genevieve
Charleville Vineyard & Winery
16937 Boyd Rd., Ste. Genevieve
Chaumette Vineyards & Winery
24345 State Rte. WW, Ste. Genevieve
Crown Valley Brewing and Distilling
13326 State Hwy. F, Ste. Genevieve
Crown Valley Winery
23589 State Rte. WW, Ste. Genevieve
Papa’s Fruit of the Vine
6873 Busiek Rd., Farmington
Sand Creek Vineyard
3578 Sand Creek Rd., Farmington
St. Francois Winery
1669 Pine Ridge Tr., Park Hills
Twin Oaks Vineyard
6470 Hwy. F, Farmington
Weingarten Vineyard
12323 Rottler Ln., Ste. Genevieve
COLUMBIA PARK DISC GOLF COURSE
Established in 2016, the Park Hills Disc Golf Course at the south end of Columbia Park lies in an area formerly used by the Columbia Mining Company and Federal Lead Company for railroad lines. The unique combination of forested terrain crossed by old rail beds has attracted tournament players from around the region.
Amateurs and more serious players consider the Park Hills course one of the most challenging in Missouri. The front nine holes were designed to offer easier play, winding around for a quick return to the parking lot for those seeking a short round. The back nine holes provide the most difficult play and longer pars. The entire course includes separate tees designed for men and for women on each hole. Hole six has consistently been called the most challenging of the 18 holes.