St. Joe State Park

The St. Joe State Park is located south of Park Hills, St. Francois County of the U.S. state of Missouri. The 33.3 km ² 's third largest state park of Missouri is located at an altitude of 304 meters above the sea. An area of ​​809 ha is released for off-road use with SUVs.

In the eastern Ozark Plateau is a region known as " Old Lead Belt" ( age and weight belt ) is called. Were there the richest lead ore deposits of the United States over a period of more than 60 years.

The earliest mining activities to lead recovery in southwest Missouri dates back to the year 1720. A large demand for lead in the late 19th century brought in the region produce large companies. A system of more than 1600 km of branched and interconnected workings and about 480 km pit lanes bear witness to 108 years of ore production.

The company St. Joseph Lead Co. dominated the ore, was the heart of the old lead belt and produced until 1972. 1975, the company donated 25 of its greatest Erzmühlenkomplexes building and the surrounding land to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. From these properties opened in 1976 at St. Joe State Park and 1980, the Missouri Mines State Historic Site.

Under a quarter of the parkland run mines. Sandy plains alternate with forested elevations. In addition to the localized region for off-road vehicles there are hiking and biking trails as well as in the southern part Horse-riding routes. 4 Lakes and 2 campsites enhance the offer in the park. At the lakes there are opportunities for swimming, fishing and diving.