Park Hills MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Park Hills, Missouri.
1. St. Joe State Park
MISSOURI'S THIRD-LARGEST STATE PARK
St. Joe State Park is recognized as Missouri's third-largest state park, spanning 8,238 acres of natural beauty. The park is best known for housing the Midwest's largest off-road vehicle area, which covers approximately 2,000 acres. It attracts around 700,000 visitors annually and hosts exciting ATV races throughout the year.
2. Missouri Mines State Historic Site
RICH MINING HISTORY MUSEUM
Missouri Mines State Historic Site is a destination that depicts Missouri's rich mining history located in the heart of Park Hills. The site features a museum displaying restored underground mining equipment, mineral specimens, and various geology exhibits. Visitors find the artifacts in the museum particularly interesting, especially the old mining equipment, making it very much worth a visit.
3. Deslogetown Brewery
LOCAL CRAFT BEER HAVEN
Deslogetown Brewery is one of Park Hills' top attractions for visitors and locals alike. The brewery offers a selection of craft beers in a relaxed atmosphere unique to the region. Visitors can enjoy locally brewed beverages while experiencing the authentic culture of Park Hills.
4. Four Towns Brewing Company
ARTISANAL BEER EXPERIENCE
Four Towns Brewing Company stands as one of the must-visit attractions in Park Hills. The brewery specializes in creating unique, artisanal beers that showcase local flavors and brewing traditions. Visitors can sample a variety of craft beers in a welcoming environment that highlights the region's brewing heritage.
5. Creative Gifts Gallery
LOCAL ART AND CRAFTS
Creative Gifts Gallery is a charming attraction in Park Hills showcasing locally made arts and crafts. The gallery features handcrafted items, unique gifts, and artistic creations from talented local artisans. Visitors can browse and purchase one-of-a-kind souvenirs that represent the creative spirit of the region.
6. Park Hills Disc Golf Course
CHALLENGING FOREST COURSE
The Park Hills Disc Golf Course, established in 2016, is located at the south end of Columbia Park in an area formerly used by mining companies for railroad lines. Considered one of the most challenging courses in Missouri, it attracts tournament players from around the region with its unique combination of forested terrain crossed by old rail beds. The course features 18 holes with separate tees designed for men and women, with the front nine offering easier play and the back nine providing more difficult challenges.
7. Brightwell Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION AREA
Brightwell Park serves as a central recreational area for the Park Hills community. The park offers various amenities for outdoor activities and family gatherings throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy green spaces, picnic areas, and recreational facilities in this local community hub.
8. Columbia Park
HISTORIC MINING LAND
Columbia Park in Park Hills sits on land formerly used by the Columbia Mining Company and Federal Lead Company. The park preserves aspects of the area's mining heritage while providing recreational opportunities for visitors and residents. Its unique terrain makes it a distinctive outdoor space in the Old Lead Belt region.
9. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
NATURAL WATER PLAYGROUND
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is a natural water playground located within day-trip distance from Park Hills. The park features unique geological formations where the Black River cascades through narrow channels created by ancient volcanic rock. Visitors can swim in the naturally formed pools, hike scenic trails, and explore the diverse ecosystem that makes this one of Missouri's most beloved state parks.
10. Elephant Rocks State Park
GIANT GRANITE BOULDERS
Elephant Rocks State Park features massive granite boulders standing end-to-end like circus elephants, forming an incredible natural landscape near Park Hills. The park's centerpiece is a collection of billion-year-old pink granite boulders, some reaching heights of over 20 feet. Visitors can follow the Braille Trail, climb among the colossal rocks, and enjoy picnicking in this unique geological wonder.
11. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
MISSOURI'S HIGHEST POINT
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is home to the highest point in Missouri at 1,772 feet above sea level, making it a notable destination near Park Hills. The park offers spectacular views of the surrounding St. Francois Mountains and features the state's tallest waterfall, Mina Sauk Falls. Hikers can enjoy challenging trails including a section of the Ozark Trail that winds through ancient volcanic landscapes.
12. Hawn State Park
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Hawn State Park offers one of the most pristine wilderness experiences in Missouri within driving distance of Park Hills. The park is known for its crystal-clear Pickle Creek, towering pine trees, and sandstone formations that create a unique landscape for exploration. Visitors can hike along well-maintained trails, observe diverse wildlife, and camp in one of the most scenic natural settings in the region.
13. Bonne Terre Mine
UNDERGROUND BOAT TOURS
Bonne Terre Mine offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore the world's largest man-made underground lake just a short drive from Park Hills. Once a bustling lead mine, the flooded lower levels now host guided boat tours that showcase massive architectural structures, old mining equipment, and incredible calcium formations. The mine also offers scuba diving experiences in crystal clear water with visibility exceeding 100 feet beneath the surface.
14. Castlewood State Park
SCENIC MERAMEC RIVER VIEWS
Castlewood State Park provides stunning views of the Meramec River valley from atop limestone bluffs, making it a worthwhile day trip from Park Hills. The park was once a popular resort area in the early 20th century and now offers over 15 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking through diverse terrain. Visitors can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and picnicking along the river while experiencing the natural beauty that has drawn people to this area for generations.
15. Mastodon State Historic Site
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL SITE
Mastodon State Historic Site preserves the Kimmswick Bone Bed, one of the most significant prehistoric fossil sites in Missouri, accessible as a day trip from Park Hills. The site gained international attention when scientists discovered mastodon bones alongside man-made tools, providing evidence that humans and mastodons coexisted in North America. Visitors can explore the museum featuring fossils, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that tell the story of this remarkable archaeological discovery.