St. Joe State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Joe State Park |
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ORV riders in St. Joe State Park
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 St. Joe State Park
Location in Missouri
St. Joe State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Park Hills, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 8,242.98 acres (33.3582 km2) |
| Elevation | 928 ft (283 m) |
| Designation | Missouri state park |
| Established | 1976 |
| Administrator | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | St. Joe State Park |
St. Joe State Park is a fun outdoor place in Park Hills, Missouri. It's a large area, about 8,243 acres, located near the St. Francois Mountains. This park is a great spot for many activities and also has an interesting history related to mining.
Discover St. Joe State Park!
St. Joe State Park is a special park where you can enjoy nature and exciting activities. It's known for its unique landscape, which was shaped by old mining operations. The park opened in 1976 and is managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
What Can You Do There?
- Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Riding: A big part of the park, about 2,000 acres, is set aside for ORV riding. This area is on old mine tailings, which are piles of leftover rock from mining. It's a popular place for dirt bikes and ATVs.
- Hiking and Biking: If you prefer a quieter adventure, there are trails for hiking and bicycling. These trails let you explore the park's natural beauty.
- Horseback Riding: Horse lovers can also enjoy the park on special horseback riding trails.
- Camping: The park offers places to camp, so you can stay overnight and enjoy the outdoors even longer.
A Look into History at Missouri Mines
Inside St. Joe State Park, you'll find the Missouri Mines State Historic Site. This site used to be part of the St. Joe Minerals company. You can see the old mill buildings where minerals were processed. There's also a museum here. It teaches you about geology (the study of rocks and earth) and the history of mining in the area. It's a cool way to learn about how the park's land was used in the past.
