Continuing south to Bonne Terre, follow your guide down the wide passageways of the old Bonne Terre Mines, which honeycomb the earth under the city.  Hand dug with pick and shovel, the mines are now flooded and scuba divers can arrange to explore the mine's billion gallon underground lake.  Above ground, visit the Shepherd House Museum & Visitors Center (daily, Monday - Friday, weekends by appointment).  The Shepherd House is Bonne Terre's oldest frame building and has been faithfully restored to its 1860's appearance with beautiful examples of post-Civil War living quarters.

Just south of Park Hills, explore the mining museum at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site.  For more than 100 years, the Old Lead Belt of Missouri provided nearly 80 percent of the nation's mined lead.  When St. Joe Minerals Corporation ceased operation in the Old Lead Belt, the milling complex was donated to the state.  The site features a museum that contains exhibits on geology and mineral resources and pieces of restored underground mining equipment.

St. Joe State Park, with 8,561 acres, is Missouri's second largest state park.  The park contains approximately 1,800 acres of riding area for off-road-vehicle use.  Trails wind through the wooded portions of the park, as well as through 800 acres of sandflats.  The park also has a 23 mile equestrian trail, winding through the wooded portions of the park.  The trail forms a series of loops so riders can select a long or short ride.  In addition to the ORV and equestrian trails, the park offers 11 miles of paved bicycle and general hiking trails.  Four lakes offer ample opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating and there are sandy swimming beaches at Monsanto Lake.

In Farmington, broad tree-lined streets and graceful turn of the century homes welcome visitors.  The Long House, built in 1834 as a one-room log cabin, is the oldest remaining house in Farmington. View the antique furnishings once used by early settlers during Country Days or by appointment.  The historic downtown district is centernd around the St. Francois County Courthouse, which dates back to 1826, and several other buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

Enjoy Native American arts & crafts and dance contests, sponsored by the Farmington Chamber of Commerce.

In October, motorcycle and off-road enthusiasts won't want to miss this annual event, which begins in the city of Park Hills and winds through St. Joe State Park.

Kick-off the Christmas season with an annual Christmas parade in historic downtown Farmington.  Don't miss Santa's "home away from home" at the City Hall & the lighting of the city's Christmas tree.

The Annual Mineral Area College Jazz Festival will be held in March and features tenor saxophonist Pete Christlieb.  A professional jazz combo will perform Friday evening.  Saturday activities include clinics for local bands and guest artists.

The annual Farmington Country Days is held the first weekend of June and gets bigger and better each year.  Events include arts & crafts, country music bands, downtown parade, street dance, amusement rides, car show, bed race, airplane rides, and a moonlight bike ride.  The big Saturday night concert brings top quality artists to the state at Wilson Rozier Park.