Visit Missouri

If you are looking for the best in mountain biking trails, when you take a trip to Missouri, you will want to visit the Council Bluff State Park, or the St. Joe State Park, both offering great trail rides, both for novice and beginner riders, as well as for advanced bikers, who are looking for the ultimate downhill thrill, and the fastest speds you can imagine. When planning your trip, you will want to use DiscoverFarmingtonMo.com, in order to find the most scenic routes, the most dangerous routes, for those looking for a thrill, and the beginner trails, for those who just want to have the downhill experience, but are yet not advanced enough to tackle the toughest downhill trails.

One great trail to check out is the Lewis & Clark Trail, which is located in the Council Bluffs park. Here you will find one of the more traveling trails. It features a quick dip downhill, as the steep hill does not offer much time for recovery, and you will start heading downhill immediately upon your departure. So, if you are looking for fast speeds, and the most thrills, this is definately a trail for the expert rider, looking for that fast paced downhill ride.

For a bit more of a scenic trail, and one which beginner riders will find much easier to tackle, the Wabash Trace Nature Trail, which extends through a couple sites, and starts in the Council Bluff State Park, offers a few decline hills, but is more of a flat trail ride. This is great for mountain bikers who are just starting out, yet want to catch a few of those peaks, in order to improve their trail riding skills, and to catch a few downhill thrills along the trail ride.

There are several other trails to consider including: Hitchcock Nature, Wilson Island trail, and several others, all which you can find on DiscoverFarmingtonMo.com, in order to plan the perfect trails, and to get the ultimate thrills, while you are taking a great vacation in Missouri.

Whitewater rafting and kayaking are two of the most exciting activities that you could do when you’re on vacation for the summer. And where else could you enjoy these two white water activities than when you’re in southeastern Missouri? Missouri is famous for its large and scenic rivers, which make up the ideal spots for whitewater rafting and kayaking for anyone brave enough to try.

Let us look at some of the trails that you could go through if you plan to go on rafting and kayaking in the southeast Missouri.

The Big River

Despite its name, the Big River is actually a very slow ride through urban areas in Missouri. The trail starts at Turkey Creek or at Mineral Fork (a tributary) and, traveling along the river, you are going to pass through several sites which you could stop by. If you started at Turkey creek, you could try and put in at Cole’s Landing, for instance, which has a swimming hole and a bar where you could rest and have a few drinks. You could also set up a campsite there for the night, before you resume your rafting and kayaking the next day. Mineral Fork, the alternate start point, also has a sizable population of cottonmouth water moccasins.

The trail is over 83 miles long and terminates at the Meramec river.

North Fork of the White River

If you’re up for some challenge, you could try the North Fork of the White River. Its most well known features is The Falls, a picturesque site of shallow water but strong currents that make it an instant favorite for both the scenic lover and the adventurous. The North Fork is good for scenery photography as well: the waters are very clear thanks to the natural springs that are tributaries of the White River. The North Fork is in Mark Twain National Forest, which is also a good place to experience the wilderness of southern Missouri.

There are plenty of other activities that you could do as a tourist in Farmington, Missouri. Be sure to visit DiscoverFarmingtonMo.com to find out what are the things that you could do and enjoy while on vacation in Missouri.

The history of Missouri and the Lead Belt is both interesting and rich. The Missouri area was once owned by France. This area was sold to the US in 1803, which later became a State in 1820.

Long before 1803, what is known as the Old Lead Belt, was also known as the “Southeastern Missouri Mississippi Valley-type Mineral District,” back in the 1700’s. Lead mining was started by a Frenchman named Philip Renault in the villages of Old Mines and Mine La Motte, MO, …in 1719. The Town of Sainte Genevieve was founded soon after and became the port city for exporting lead from these villages. Later, Moses Austin expanded the mining operation by smelting lead and other minerals being discovered in Missouri, and this began the mining process as we know it.

For over 60 years the Old Lead Belt produced most of America‘s lead that had the highest strength of lead metal in the world. The Old Lead Belt was also recognized for producing substantial quantities of zinc, silver, and copper, during it’s time. As the demand for lead and other ores grew, the St. Joseph Lead Company purchased the operation and controlled lead mining in Missouri until 1972. In 1975, the abandoned mill complex was donated to the State Department of Natural Resources and is currently an Historic Site and park in St. Joe State Park.

Mining has changed significantly over the years. The new Lead Belt, which is now called Viburnum Trend, is located in Iron and and Reynolds Counties. It is a deeper mineralization operation than the former lead belt and it produces the world’s largest galena (ore of lead) deposits. The New Lead Belt are also manufacturer major qualities of crystals, chalcopyrite, and pyrite.

Today, this area still generates the largest sources of zinc and lead in America.
Situated now in south central Missouri, the New Lead Belt is owned by The Doe Run Company. Together The Doe Run Company and the St. Joseph Lead Company have ruled the mining industry for over 145 years.

For more information on The Lead Belt, please visit: www.DiscoverFarmingtonMo.com

The Johnson Shut Ins State Park is located southwest of Farmington, Missouri, which is located in the Southeast corner of the state of Missouri. The area could be considered a nature lover’s dream. The area which is now known as the Johnson Shut Ins State Park was created hundreds of millions of years ago. This area has a large number of geological points of interest.

One of these geological wonders includes an 18-acre Dolomite Glade, known as the Dolomite Glade Natural area. Another geological feature is recently discovered Rhyolite rock. This discovery was made after a breach at the Taum Sauk Reservoir, which occurred in December 2005, caused over a billion gallons of water to go rushing through the park. This large violent flood scoured away trees, buildings and earth. This event in turn revealed Rhyolite rock which was created over a billion years ago when the St. Francois Mountains were formed.

The Johnson Shut Ins were created when the land rose causing wind, water and dirt to take its toll. As the dirt laden water traveled downhill, it began to erode layers of sedimentary rock. This in turn exposed the Rhyolite underneath. In the lower areas, the river became trapped by harder rocks. This caused the water to swirl and form large holes. This in turn caused the weaker rock to erode resulting in rock features resembling water slides.

The area is also home to a large number of plants and animals, some of which are rare in Missouri. You will also find plenty of trails and sightseeing opportunities. As with any other time of the year in the Ozarks, fall is a very nice time of the year to capture the natural beauty of the area. As you explore the area in and around the Johnson Shut Ins State Park, you will find many attractions. You can find out more about the Johnson Shut Ins State Park and the Farmington area at DiscoverFarmingtonMo.com.

The Crown Pointe Golf Club was earlier known as the Eagle Lake Golf Club. It was designed in 1993 and is located an hour from St. Louis. The golf course is drawn up on a 208 acre tract and is surrounded by scenic farmland.
The club has been rated 4 stars by Golf Digest Magazine and consists of a variety of rolling terrain and water hazards and high bluff areas. The golf turn is laid out in such a manner that every club in your bag is likely to be used when you play golf here. The club amenities are 4 stars rated and the golf course features four par 3, ten par 4 and four par 5 holes.
There is a shopping facility at Crown Pointe called Pro Shop which offers a wide variety of golfing equipment, shoes, lady’s fashion and apparel. Staffed with a very friendly and courteous staff, the shop also has a shoe department which caters exclusively caters to the lady golfer. This shop is a very attractive place to visit even if you don’t play golf as it is packed with gift ideas and cards.
You can practice on the driving range before you hit your first tee. The driving range is turfed just like the course. There is also the 19th Hole Bar and Grill which is right next to the Pro Shop where you can eat sumptuous breakfast in the form of a buffet as well as a lunch buffet. The buffet is open to the public in addition to the club members. Plenty of space, great food and cold beverages are the specialty of the 19th Hole.
Luxurious lodging at the Crown Pointe Lodge offers facilities like an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and business center as well as the joy of simply walking from your room to your first tee in the morning. For further information, please visit www.discoverfarmingtonmo.com.

The city of Farmington, Missouri, offers a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction at the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary. Established in 2004, the sanctuary encompasses a total of 55 acres and is home to big cats that were rescued from a variety of unfortunate situations. Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is a place where these beloved animals can live, roam and interact in a safe, yet natural environment. The spacious enclosures provided for the exotic cats feature a natural landscape of platforms, swimming pools and foliage, allowing them to play, pounce, lounge and forage for hidden toys, treats and food.

Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary’s residents include six big cats: 6-year-old Bengal tiger sisters Thor and Gracie, their mother Raja, and father Mohan, a white tiger. 2-year-old Izzy is a Siberian-Bengal tiger mix and Alexis is a 3-year-old, black-maned lioness. Each of these gorgeous creatures is fully rehabilitated thanks to the hard work of the sanctuary staff. Tours of the sanctuary are given from April to December, Thursday through Sunday. Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is closed annually from January to March except for special events, Valentine’s Day and group tiger tours. The sanctuary also educates the public through presentations, youth programs and tours, about the importance of saving these endangered creatures.

Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary offers a Big Cat Membership to frequent visitors. It is a yearly membership that provides the purchaser and one guest visitation up to four times per year, private invitations to the annual Appreciation Day and Fall Festival Birthday Bash events, a stuffed tiger commemorative gift and a 15-percent discount in the sanctuary’s gift shop. Lodging and dining are available at the sanctuary as well through the Tiger Ridge Restaurant and Tiger View Lodge. The restaurant serves farm-fresh produce that is locally grown, in addition to entrees of bison and Black Angus beef. Overnight guests of the lodge receive complimentary breakfast and can use the on-site tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool and hike along the property’s nature trails.

As one of the most scenic parks in Missouri, Hawn State Park certainly deserves the spotlight and a visit. Campers, hikers, and bikers alike can enjoy clear streams, exposed rocks, a wide variety of birds, and breathtaking views.

Hawn State Park houses the Lamotte Sandstone Barrens, a dry sandstone forest which has been designated as a Missouri Natural Area. As a protected area, this forest is regarded as one of the least disturbed sites in the state.

The orienteering course offers a fun way to combine hiking while finding one’s way through various terrains with only basic navigation tools. It’s a great way to challenge the mind and body without requiring extensive training or skills.

Throughout most of the year, Hawn State Park offers interpretive programs on the weekends. These interactive features include nature hikes, slide shows, and nature bingo.

Picnic sites and a large, 100-person shelter are available within the shade of fragrant pine trees. Barbecue grills, picnic tables, and an outdoor playground can be enjoyed as well.

For those who enjoy camping, Hawn State Park’s campground is open year-round with both basic and electric campsites. During the busy season (April through October), reservations may be made for a minimum two-night stay on weekends. Organized youth groups may reserve the special-use camping area.

Backpackers can choose from several trails, ranging from the paved Overlook Trail for beginners to the nearly ten mile Whispering Pines Trail. This latter trail is regarded as one of the best in Missouri and offers the versatility of a day hike or a longer backpacking trip. It takes hikers through a beautiful hardwood and pine forest which houses animals such as wild turkeys. Pickle Creek offers a refreshing dip in the summer.

Hawn State Park is part of Missouri’s state park system, which has consistently been ranked as one of the best park systems in the nation.

Farmington, Missouri is a charming place with wineries, historical sites and various places reflecting the culture of this beautiful place. There are some quality wineries in Farmington where one can take part in wine tastings and have some delicious local cuisine along with live music.
For those visitors interested in history, there are plenty of places in Farmington like the Missouri Mines Historical site which has an old mill that was in full operation when 80 per cent of mined lead in the United State came from this area. The site of the Battle of Pilot Knob, fought in 1864, is the Arcadia Valley situated in the nearby Iron County. Fort Davidson was the object of the main attack during this battle and today visitors can see the fort and the battlefield along with a museum area providing details about the battle.
Another family recreational center is the St. Joe state Park, spread around 8,238 acres, offering bicycling trails of varying length and nature. There are two trails for bicycling and one trail for off-road vehicles. The Hickory Ridge Trail is a 4 miles bicycling trail. Some parts of the trail are natural surfaces while others are rocky. The trail also consists of some steep portions whereas other portions are level. The trail is very versatile as it passes through a hardwood forest and also through some breathtaking pine growths. You also have the option of shortening or lengthening your route by means of connector trails.
The Lakeview trail at St. Joe State Park is 1.25 miles and the major portions of this park consists of a natural surface. There is a small portion of the trail which is paved along the Monsanto lake. Some portions of the trail are also quite steep with gravel. The website www.discoverfarmingtonmo.com is a very good place to gather more details of attractions, accommodations and events at Farmington, if you are planning a day trip, a weekend holiday or a family vacation.

St. Joe State Park is a great DiscoverFarmingtonMo.com tourism attraction for off-road enthusiasts who enjoy adventure. It is a great recreational site where visitors can enjoy outdoor riding with friends and family providing the visitors with a unique riding opportunity full of fun and challenge.
St. Joe State Park is the 3rd largest state park in Missouri. It is 8,238 acres of which approximately 2,000 acres have been set aside for the popular off-road vehicle riding including all terrain vehicles ATV riding.

About 800 acres was a Lead Mining Belt now known as ‘sand-flats’ and the rest are wooded terrains which turn and twist manoeuvrings up and down the hills and valleys through bush and open areas making riding a thrill.
There are two campgrounds with water, toilets, hot showers and off-road park sites. There are barbeque grills where visitors relax as they enjoy their cooking and a warm camp fire. St. Joe State Park is one of the most popular ORV areas where outdoor adventures await off-road ATV enthusiasts which are breathtaking for challenge seekers and for starters who prefer guided tours. This is one of the best places to enjoy vacation and an exciting adventure.
Off-road ATV riding is a great recreational activity which is good for the individual and the family contributing to fitness and health benefits.
The park also features 4 lakes with 2 swimming beaches, gorgeous picnic sites and visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming and camping making the experience fun. There are miles and miles of trails for bicycles, motorcycles, utility terrain vehicles and horses. A permit is not required for park entrance only for ORVs in the ORV area. The trails are marked and maps are available. The campsites are available and one can make reservations. There are fire pits and areas to pitch the tent. The riding experience and the scenery are memorable. Welcome to the DiscoverFarmingtonMo.com website.

The name of Farmington was selected in 1825. In 1856 Farmington was incorporated as a town and became a village 20 years later. In 1870 the first public school was constructed. Farmington became a Fourth-Class City in 1879 and became a Third-Class City in 1981. Farmington holds tight to its values and takes pleasure in being “The City of Progress and Tradition.”

There is plenty to do in Farmington. There is the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary. This is a one-of-a-kind experience and was founded in 2004. The sanctuary is on a 55 acre estate. There is an elegant restaurant, private banquet facility, comfortable lodging, and tiger sanctuary.

Another attraction is the Bonne Terre Mine. This mine is a national historic site and has plenty to offer. There is year round diving, mammoth architecture, and more. Bonne Terre Mine is located in the foothills of the Ozark mountains.

If you like antiques, Farmington has an antique mall. St. Louis is close to Farmington. Antiques make nice gifts.

There is the AMC Showplace Farmington 4. AMC has 307 theatres with a total of 4,610 screens. AMC has loveseat and stadium seating. The first theatre chain to add cup holders in their armrest was AMC. Along with Fandango and MovieTickets.com, AMC co-founded online ticket sales in 2000.

Missouri has plenty of parks to visit. There is 39 State Historic Sites and 50 State Parks to enjoy with plenty of activities at each place.

Missouri has lots of wineries to visit. In Farmington there is Twin Oaks Winery. Twin Oaks is run by the Hutson Family and is a 180 acre farm with 25 acres dedicated to vines for the winery. In 2006 the Hutson family produced their own commercial wine. There is a beautiful wine tasting room in the middle of the vineyard.

You can find all of this information and more at DiscoverFarmingtonMo.com.