Park Hills, MO
- About the City
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Geography
- Transportation
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities
- Sport and Athletic Legacy
Park Hills, formed in 1994 from four historic mining towns, is a small city in Missouri's Old Lead Belt, serving as a gateway to outdoor adventures at St. Joe State Park and the scenic St. Francois Mountains.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Park Hills, Missouri.
- Administrative Role: Park Hills is a city and a key commercial hub in St. Francois County . It is the county's most populous city, though the county seat is Farmington, located about 7 miles to the southeast .
- Regional Context: The city is situated in southeastern Missouri, approximately 65 miles south of St. Louis . The region is part of the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and is historically renowned as the "Old Lead Belt," once the world's leading lead mining district .
Founding Date and Age
Park Hills is a young city with a unique history, formed by the consolidation of several older communities.
- Date of Establishment: January 1994 .
- Age: The city is 32 years old (as of 2026).
- Founding Story: The city was created through an unusual four-way merger of the cities of Flat River, Elvins, Esther, and the village of Rivermines. The name "Park Hills" was suggested by Mildred Lee, a lifelong resident and former teacher from Flat River, inspired by the area's hilly terrain in the Ozark foothills and the many parks surrounding the community .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 37°50′40″N 90°30′40″W (37.844538, -90.511038) .
- Location and Natural Features: Park Hills is located in the St. Francois Mountains region, a part of the Ozark Plateau. Flat River Creek flows through the city . The city is directly adjacent to St. Joe State Park .
- Elevation: The elevation in the city is approximately 225-231 meters (740-758 feet) above sea level .
- Geographic Type: The city is a consolidated community situated in a historic mining district within a hilly, forested region .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Historically a mining center, Park Hills has transitioned into a regional commercial and service hub with a growing focus on tourism and recreation.
- Historic Mining Center: The city is located in the Old Lead Belt and was dominated for decades by lead mining, particularly by the St. Joe Minerals Corporation .
- Tourism and Recreation Hub: Today, Park Hills serves as a primary gateway for visitors to St. Joe State Park and the Missouri Mines State Historic Site. It attracts off-road vehicle (ATV/UTV) enthusiasts, hikers, and campers .
- Regional Service Center: The local economy has diversified into manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and education, serving the surrounding rural areas of southeastern Missouri .
Population and Demographics
- Population: 8,587 (2020 U.S. Census) .
- Population Class: According to the classification, Park Hills is a small city.
- Demographic Note: The city has a relatively young population with a median age of 32.8 years . It serves as a bedroom community for workers in nearby Farmington and other regional centers.
City's "Business Card" (Briefly)
Park Hills is a historic lead-mining town turned outdoor adventure hub, nestled in the Ozark foothills. Visitors come to explore the underground mining heritage at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site, ride the expansive off-road trails at St. Joe State Park, and enjoy the community's welcoming small-town atmosphere.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Park Hills experiences a humid continental climate (Köppen: Cfa), characterized by four distinct seasons . The weather is marked by hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters with moderate snowfall. The area receives ample rainfall throughout the year .
Average Monthly Temperatures
The data below provides average maximum (daytime) and minimum (nighttime) temperatures throughout the year .
- January: Max 5°C (41°F), Min -5°C (23°F)
- February: Max 7°C (45°F), Min -3°C (27°F)
- March: Max 14°C (57°F), Min 2°C (36°F)
- April: Max 20°C (68°F), Min 8°C (46°F)
- May: Max 25°C (77°F), Min 14°C (57°F)
- June: Max 30°C (86°F), Min 19°C (66°F)
- July: Max 33°C (91°F), Min 21°C (70°F)
- August: Max 32°C (90°F), Min 19°C (66°F)
- September: Max 29°C (84°F), Min 16°C (61°F)
- October: Max 22°C (72°F), Min 9°C (48°F)
- November: Max 14°C (57°F), Min 2°C (36°F)
- December: Max 8°C (46°F), Min -2°C (28°F)
The warmest month is July, with average daytime highs around 33°C (91°F) . The coldest month is January, with average daytime highs near 5°C (41°F) and overnight lows dropping to -5°C (23°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: The area receives a significant amount of precipitation, totaling approximately 1,393 mm (54.8 inches) per year . This precipitation is predominantly rain, which accounts for about 93% of the total annual moisture .
- Wettest and Driest Months: The wettest month is May, with an average of 166 mm (6.5 inches) of precipitation. The driest month is January, with an average of 81 mm (3.2 inches) .
- Snowfall: Snow is most common from December through February, with the highest proportion of snowfall occurring in February (27% of monthly precipitation) and January (23%) . Summertime humidity can be high, making the heat feel more intense.
Sunny Days and UV Index
- The region enjoys a fair amount of sunshine, particularly in the summer and early fall, with "much clear sky" conditions from June through November .
- During the summer months (June-August), the UV index is typically high, necessitating sun protection for outdoor activities.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): This is a beautiful time to visit as the landscape greens up. Temperatures are mild and gradually warm from cool to warm by May. However, this is also the wettest time of the year, with March, April, and May seeing the highest precipitation levels .
- Summer (June-August): Summers are hot and humid, with the highest temperatures of the year. This is the peak season for water-based activities at the local pool and for off-road riding at St. Joe State Park. Afternoon thunderstorms are common .
- Fall (September-November): Autumn is arguably the best time for a visit. The weather is warm and pleasant in September and October, cooling down by November. The humidity drops, and the fall foliage in the surrounding Ozark foothills is a major attraction .
- Winter (December-February): Winters are generally cool to cold. While snowfall can occur, it is typically not heavy . This is the quietest season for tourism, ideal for those seeking solitude or interested in indoor attractions like the Missouri Mines State Historic Site.
Landmarks and Attractions
[Missouri Mines State Historic Site]
The premier historical attraction in the area, this site preserves the rich lead mining heritage of the Old Lead Belt .
- Location: Housed in the former powerhouse of the St. Joe Lead Company, adjacent to St. Joe State Park .
- What to See: The site features a comprehensive museum with exhibits of restored underground mining equipment, massive engines, mineral specimens, and various geology displays, offering a deep dive into the region's industrial past .
[St. Joe State Park]
This is the crown jewel of outdoor recreation in the area, directly adjacent to Park Hills and one of Missouri's largest state parks .
- Key Features: The park encompasses over 8,000 acres, including the state's largest off-road vehicle area (approximately 2,000 acres) on reclaimed mine lands, making it a destination for ATV, UTV, and dirt bike enthusiasts . It also offers a paved biking and walking trail, hiking trails, fishing, and camping .
[Columbia Park]
The central hub for community life and recreation within the city itself .
- Features: Located in the heart of Park Hills, this large park includes a modern aquatic center named "The REEF," an 18-hole disc golf course considered one of the most challenging in the state, a walking trail, an outdoor amphitheater hosting summer concerts, a gazebo, a stone chapel, and multiple pavilions for picnics .
[Veteran's Park]
A small but significant roadside park dedicated to those who served in the armed forces .
- Features: The park contains a monument dedicated to "Veterans of all Wars" and a gazebo constructed by an Eagle Scout candidate. It is a quiet, shady spot for reflection and is located near the grave of Civil War figure Sam Hildebrand .
Geography
Mountains and Mountain Ranges
- St. Francois Mountains: Park Hills is situated in the foothills of the St. Francois Mountains, a rugged and ancient mountain range that forms the geologic core of the Ozark Uplift . While not towering peaks, they are characterized by steep, forested hills, rock outcrops, and unique geological formations, offering scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest point in Missouri, is located nearby .
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Streams)
- Flat River Creek: A stream that flows through Park Hills, with a pedestrian bridge crossing it at Haney Park, connecting the park to the downtown business district .
- Lake Timberline and Clearwater Lake: While not within the city limits, these nearby lakes provide opportunities for fishing and boating. Clearwater Lake, a larger reservoir, is a short drive away .
National and State Parks
- St. Joe State Park: As mentioned in the landmarks section, this massive state park is directly adjacent to Park Hills and is the primary natural attraction for off-roading, camping, and hiking .
- Nearby State Parks: Park Hills is a strategic base for exploring several other notable Missouri State Parks in the region, including Elephant Rocks State Park, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Hawn State Park, and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park .
Transportation
Major Highways and Roads
The primary transportation routes through Park Hills are surface roads, providing connectivity to the region.
- Missouri Route 32 (MO-32): This is the main east-west thoroughfare through the city, known as Main Street and East Elvins Blvd in various sections . It connects Park Hills to neighboring communities and leads to Farmington.
- Missouri Route 47 (MO-47): This highway runs north-south through the area, providing a route north to St. Clair and Gray Summit, where it connects with Interstate 44.
Nearest Major Airports
Park Hills does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest major airport is:
- Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL): Located approximately 70-75 miles north of Park Hills in St. Louis. It is the largest and busiest airport in the region, offering numerous domestic and international flights. Driving is the primary method to reach the airport.
- Farmington Regional Airport (FAM): Located about 10 miles south in Farmington, this is a smaller general aviation airport with no scheduled commercial flights.
Public Transportation and Ride-Sharing
Public transportation options within Park Hills are limited.
- Ride-Sharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Park Hills, offering an alternative to taxis for getting around town. However, pickup times may be longer than in larger cities, and reserving a ride in advance is an option . Uber Eats is also available for food delivery .
- Personal Vehicle: The primary mode of transportation in Park Hills is the personal vehicle, given its small-town layout and rural setting.
Railroads
While Park Hills has a history tied to railroads for mining, there is no active passenger rail service. The closest Amtrak station is in Kirkwood or St. Louis, approximately 60-70 miles north.
Universities and Educational Institutions
Mineral Area College (MAC)
The primary institution of higher education in Park Hills is Mineral Area College (MAC) . Founded in 1922 as Flat River Junior College, it adopted its current name in 1965 and has since grown to serve nearly 4,000 students, with a alumni network of over 11,000 . As a public, two-year community college, MAC offers a wide array of associate degrees and certificate programs, with a strong focus on both academic transfer and occupational training .
The college is a vital part of the community, providing pathways for students to transfer to four-year institutions to complete bachelor's degrees . Notably, MAC partners with Central Methodist University (CMU) to offer on-campus, fully accredited bachelor's and master's degree completion programs, bringing advanced educational opportunities directly to Park Hills . The campus itself is located at 5270 Flat River Road and provides student housing, weekend/evening classes, and services like on-campus daycare .
Primary and Secondary Education
Park Hills is served by the West County R-IV School District, which provides education from elementary through high school. The district also hosts a school-based health center, the West County R-IV School District Clinic, which offers comprehensive primary healthcare services to students and the community, operating as a federally funded health center site managed by Great Mines Health Center .
Healthcare Facilities
Parkland Health Center
Parkland Health Center is the leading healthcare facility located directly in Park Hills. Situated at 1101 West Liberty Street, it is a part of the BJC HealthCare network, one of the largest and most respected healthcare organizations in the region . This facility provides a comprehensive range of services to the community, including 24/7 emergency care, surgical procedures, and diagnostic imaging. It is highly rated by patients for its friendly staff and clean, modern facilities .
SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Park Hills
Another key hospital serving the city is SSM Health St. Joseph Hospital - Park Hills. Established in the 1960s, this acute care hospital is affiliated with the SSM Health System and provides essential services such as emergency care, surgery, maternity care, and outpatient services. The hospital has approximately 100 beds, making it a significant healthcare provider in the area .
Regional Hospitals Serving Park Hills
For more specialized or additional medical needs, residents of Park Hills also have access to several hospitals in nearby communities :
- Mineral Area Regional Medical Center: Located at 1212 Weber Road in nearby Farmington, MO, this hospital is known for its patient-centered care, primary care, surgical procedures, and rehabilitation services .
- Madison Medical Center: Situated at 611 West Main Street in Fredericktown, MO, this facility offers emergency care, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory services .
- Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital: Located at 800 Ste. Genevieve Drive in Ste. Genevieve, MO, this hospital provides a wide range of medical specialties, including emergency and surgical care .
Community Health Centers
For accessible primary and preventive care, Great Mines Health Center operates as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Park Hills. Located at 116 Rebel Dr Rm 201, this organization is dedicated to serving the community, including underserved populations, by providing comprehensive primary care services . They also manage other clinic locations, including the school-based West County R-IV School District Clinic at 625 Chariton Ave, which focuses on community and children's healthcare .
Sport and Athletic Legacy
High School Athletics
While Park Hills itself may not host major professional sports franchises, the spirit of competition and athletic development is strong within its schools. The primary hub for local sports is West County R-IV School District, where high school teams foster local talent and community pride.
Nearby College Athletics
For collegiate sports, residents and visitors often look to the broader region. Mineral Area College (MAC) in Park Hills has a history of athletic programs that engage students and the community. Additionally, Park Hills' location in the eastern Missouri region places it within driving distance of the larger college sports scene, including the University of Missouri in Columbia and Saint Louis University, both of which compete at the NCAA Division I level.
Note on Sports Information in Search Results
The search results provided for this query included information about "Park Hill" in Kansas City, MO , which is a separate city and school district (Park Hill School District) in a different part of the state. That information pertains to high school sports teams like the Park Hill High School Trojans and youth baseball clubs like Engaged Athletics Blue from the Kansas City area, not the Park Hills in St. Francois County .