It’s no wonder we’re called the ‘Parkland’

ATTRACTIONS: It’s no wonder we’re called the ‘Parkland’

By Kevin R. Jenkins

One of the best things about living in the Parkland is the infinite number of attractions available within a quick drive from one’s front door.

Along with the breathtaking beauty of its mountains, trees, rivers, trails, lakes and streams, the Parkland is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, providing all of the ingredients necessary for folks who are into hunting, camping, fishing, hiking, biking and off-roading, as well as those who prefer to enjoy the natural splendor of the region by taking a leisurely drive.

This is undoubtedly the reason why the Parkland — much of which is located within or on the outskirts of the expansive 3,068,800-acre Mark Twain National Forest — is also home to a number of state parks that draw visitors from literally around the world.

Conservation areas in the Parkland are plentiful and include Madison County’s Silver Mines Recreation Area, Millstream Gardens Conservation Area, Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, Marquand Access, Thompson Ford Access and Roselle Access; the 1,188-acre Bismarck Conservation Area, located southwest of Bismarck; the Buford Mountain Conservation Area in Iron and Washington counties; the Ketcherside Mountain Conservation Area, Riverside Conservation Area, Funk Memorial State Forest and Graves Mountain Conservation Area in Iron County; the Gruner Ford Access, Leadwood Access, Mineral Area College Range, Syenite Access and Knob Lick Towersite in St. Francois County; the Hickory Canyons Natural Area, Pickle Springs Natural Area, Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area and St. Mary Access in Ste. Genevieve County.

The Parkland is also home to Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park, which became the 422nd unit of the National Park Service in October 2020. Established by 1750, Ste. Genevieve was the first permanent European settlement in Missouri. The Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center, 66 S. Main St., provides a good starting point where visitors can learn about the park and programs, reserve a free house tour time slot, watch a 10-minute introductory video or obtain other general information.

Missouri Mines State Historic Site is the place to go to learn about our mining history and minerals.

St. Joe State Park has 2,000 acres of off-road riding. Reenactments are common at the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site.

Missouri State Parks found in the Parkland include:

Hawn State Park is located 14 miles southwest of Ste. Genevieve. The state park’s nearly 5,000 acres include three state-designated natural areas — Pickle Creek, LaMotte Sandstone Barrens, and Botkins Pine Woods.

The 2,735-acre St. Francois State Park, located five miles north of Bonne Terre, features a campground, trails for hiking and horseback riding, and swimming and fishing on the Big River. The 49-acre Coonville Creek Natural Area, made up of Coonville Creek and its narrow valley, is found within the park.

St. Joe State Park, consisting of 8,243 acres on the south side of Park Hills, includes the Missouri Mines State Historic Site with its former St. Joe Minerals mill buildings and museum of geology and mining. One of the park’s most popular features is a 2,000-acre off-road vehicle riding area located on the old mine tailings dumps. The park also offers camping facilities, trails for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding.

The 2,147-acre Washington State Park is located on Highway 21, around 14 miles northeast of Potosi on the eastern edge of the Ozarks in Washington County. The state park is noted for its Native American rock carvings and for its finely crafted stonework from the 1930s.

Elephant Rocks State Park, located off Highway 21, four miles north of Pilot Knob in Iron County, is the home of giant, billion-year-old granite boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of red circus elephants. A self-guiding trail, with Braille signage, winds among these geologic wonders and takes visitors past what remains of the long-dead mining operation. Picnic sites, a playground and flush restrooms are available.

The Battle of Pilot Knob State

Historic Site in the city of Pilot Knob commemorates the Sept. 27, 1864, Civil War engagement between Confederate troops under the command of Major General Sterling Price and Union troops fighting under the command of Brigadier General Thomas Ewing Jr. and Major James Wilson. An on-site visitors center provides further insight into the battle, as well as a selection of historic memorabilia.

When Parkland residents are ready for something different, here’s several other area attractions that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Bonne Terre Mine, a national historic site located in the city of Bonne Terre, is the world’s largest freshwater dive resort where water conditions remain constant with over 100-foot visibility. Come to the privately-owned attraction for the experience of seeing the mammoth architecture and stick around for the guaranteed year-round diving conditions. For more information call 314-209-7200.

The Space Museum, 116 East School Street in Bonne Terre, has numerous items on display that include everything from spacesuits to space rocks. Founded by Earl Mullins, the museum also offers on- and off-site educational programs. Call 573-6312546 for additional information.

Farmington Water Park, 2 Black Knight Drive in Farmington, is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week during the summer. It includes a 24-foot corkscrew slide, lazy river, raindrop fountain, vortex whirlpool and kiddy fish slide. Classes and lessons are available to meet the needs of many fitness levels. River’s Edge Splash Pad is open daily from 9 a.m.-10: 30 a.m. Call 573-7560900 for more information.

River Rapids Water Park, 1301 Progress Parkway in Ste. Genevieve, includes several tubular tall water slides. The lazy river offers a relaxing float around the park. A six-lane lap pool features a zip line, climbing ropes, and a diving board. A children’s play area has 30 different activities to enjoy. Open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Call 573-880-5515 for more information.

Public swimming pools are also available in the cities of Bonne Terre, Desloge, Park Hills, Fredericktown and Ironton. PL