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The roar of engines breaks the stillness of the Old Lead Belt at St. Joe State Park. St. Joe State Park is one of two off-road vehicle parks in the state system. The many trails set aside for off-road vehicle use make the park the premiere off-road vehicle area. The park also features four lakes, with two swimming beaches,as well as, an equestrian trail. A hiking and bicycling trail, and picnic sites, as well as two campgrounds capable of accommodating campers with ORV or horse trailers is also available.
GENERAL INFORMATION
St. Joe State Park is located in the old “Lead Belt” region of southeast Missouri. The area’s first successful mining venture began in the early 1700s. Miners extracted lead by hand from shallow pits and operations were conducted only three to four months a year. Thanks to the introduction of the diamond-tipped drill by the St. Joe Lead Co. in 1869, the lead mining industry took. The recovery of the world’s richest known deposit of lead began in earnest. The company consolidated a number of small, independent diggings and emerged as the largest of four principal mining companies in southeast Missouri by 1900. For more than 100 years, this area produced nearly 80 percent of the nation’s mined lead. The discovery of rich new deposits in other areas led to the demise of mining at the site.
FEATURES
The most distinctive feature of St. Joe State Park is the riding area for off-road vehicle (ORV) use. Trails wind through the wooded portions of the park, as well as through the sand flats. This area was created by the sandlike residue, or tailings, from the lead mining process. Signs clearly mark the boundaries of the ORV area. All off-road vehicles must stay within these boundaries at all times. A staging area is available for parking and unloading vehicles. Snowmobiles are permitted during the winter months.
For the convenience of ORV users, Campground 1 is located near the riding area with electric and basic sites. These sites are all reservable. Laundry facilities, as well as, modern restrooms are available. Hot showers, as well as, a playground and a dumping station are located in the camping area. Trails from the campground to the ORV area provides access for unlicensed ORVs that are not permitted on park roads.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
In addition to the ORV area, St. Joe State Park offers a diverse mix of outdoor activities for the whole family. Hikers and equestrians, as well as, mountain bicyclists will enjoy the trails winding through the hills and across serene creeks. In addition, a paved bicycle trail is popular with cross-country skiing allowed when the weather permits. Snowmobiling is also allowed if snowfall permits. For visitors who want to spend the night on the trail, five basic trailside sites are available. Equestrian campers, as well as, campers without ORVs can take advantage of the electric and basic sites in Campground 2. All campsites are reservable.
St. Joe State Park boasts four clear lakes. Two are easily accessible and have excellent swimming beaches, as well as, changehouses and restrooms. Anglers in search of bass, as well as, catfish and crappie can cast their lines into any of the four stocked lakes. Man-powered boats and boats with electric trolling motors are allowed on the lakes; the use of gas-powered motors, however, is not permitted.
The historic mill buildings, where St. Joe Minerals once processed lead ore, still stand nearby and have been designated as the Missouri Mines State Historic Site. A path off of the bicycle trail will lead visitors to the site, which features a mining museum that houses a large collection of geological specimens, as well as, antique mining and milling equipment.
PARK HOURS & FEES
Contact Park
PARK PHONE
(573) 431-1069
PARK ADDRESS
2800 Pimville Road
Park Hills, MO 63601
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