Missouri Mines State Historic Site

Missouri Mines State Historic Site is a museum complex in Park Hills focused on the region's mining heritage. The grounds feature a converted powerhouse displaying mineral collections, underground equipment, and restored industrial buildings from the Lead Belt era.

The Federal Lead Company built the mill in 1906, which later became part of operations that made lead production central to American industry. This facility processed zinc and lead ore extracted from beneath the region over many decades.

Mining shaped how people lived and worked in this region, and the site stands as a reminder of that industrial past. The displayed machinery and specimens show visitors the scale and importance of extraction work to Missouri's development.

The grounds are open to visitors with self-guided tours and labeled exhibits throughout the buildings and outdoor areas. Accessibility features are available, and a gift shop sells minerals and mining-related souvenirs if you want to explore at your own pace.

The site encompasses about 64 acres and preserves Federal Mill No. 3, where zinc and lead ore were processed into usable metal. This building stands as one of the few surviving examples of a complete processing operation from that industrial era.

Location: Missouri

Inception: 1976

Website: https://mostateparks.com/park/missouri-mines-state-historic-site

GPS coordinates: 37.83830,-90.50920

Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:43