Missouri's Charming City Near St. Louis Has A Walkable Downtown And Laidback Vibes

Missouri's St. Louis charms visitors with its monumental Gateway Arch and distinct Midwestern cuisine (it is, after all, famous for the "most maligned" style of pizza). But for those needing to recharge away from the hustle and bustle, there are quiet escapes outside this major metropolis. One such spot is Park Hills, a delightful destination where visitors can experience an unhurried atmosphere. Located in the Ozark Mountains, the city has a population of fewer than 9,000. Although Park Hills and the surrounding area — commonly referred to as the Old Lead Belt – are arguably best known for their mining industry, its walkable downtown on West Main Street merits recognition.

Just about 65 miles south of St. Louis (roughly a one-hour drive via Interstate 55 and U.S. Route 67), Park Hills is an easy day trip to plan out. Once you arrive, you might want a quick pick-me-up, and you'll find RaeCole's Coffee Bar on West Main Street, which stands out for its modern decor and caffeinated creations. On Google, an individual stated that it was "the perfect start to a day of small-town exploring," adding that "service was quick, the atmosphere was laid-back, and we could've happily lingered for hours." 

With caffeine in your system, wander the downtown shops, including Not Just Comix, situated just a few feet away from RaeCole's Coffee Bar. According to the Daily Journal, the comic book store has been around for more than 30 years, and as owner David Easter told the outlet, it has customers of all ages.

If Not Just Comix's enduring presence in Downtown Park Hills demonstrates anything, it's the importance of community and small businesses in the city. One reviewer on Google even revealed, "Came to this shop when I was a kid and now I am bringing my son." Beyond the comic store, several other establishments downtown invite visitors to connect with Park Hills' local scene and homey atmosphere. At The Factory Diner Park Hills, you can enjoy a late breakfast or lunch. Resembling an old school coffee shop, this spot has cozy vibes written all over it and serves everything from hearty skillets to pita sandwiches.

The Factory Diner Park Hills is located a few buildings down from Not Just Comix and Little Ones Children's Boutique, which sells clothing, toys, and accessories for kiddos. Also nearby is DankLords Cards and Collectibles, which primarily caters to Pokémon enthusiasts. When it's time for another pick-me-up, Four Towns Brewing Company offers house-brewed beers along with distinct selections from across the country. The menu includes classic bar fare, as well as toasted ravioli, a famed St. Louis specialty.

Situated next door to Not Just Comix, Four Towns Brewing Company also hosts regular events ranging from live music to music bingo nights. It's little wonder a reviewer on Niche, who described Park Hills as quiet and charming, wrote, "While the town is small it has plenty of stuff for you to do."

Although shopping and dining in Park Hills' walkable downtown make for a short excursion, you may want to stick around a little longer to explore nearby St. Joe State Park. This massive green space is open year-round and is only a five-minute drive away from downtown. Interestingly, the park is closely linked to Park Hills' mining past – the land once belonged to the St. Joseph Lead Company. Established in the 19th century, the terrain was eventually converted into St. Joe State Park in the 1970s. Now, it offers a wide range of adventures for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Aside from hiking trails, there is a paved biking path that traverses 11 miles, with shorter sections for casual riders. Most notably, there are also numerous off-road areas for motorcycles, ATVs, and more. Take into account that an off-road vehicle (ORV) permit is needed and can be purchased on the Missouri State Parks website. While in Park Hills, consider a visit to the Missouri Mines State Historic Site, also once owned by the St. Joseph Lead Company. It's located in the same area as St. Joe State Park and features structures from the Old Lead Belt's heyday and a museum. 

Camping is allowed within St. Joe State Park, but if you prefer, there are other lodging options in Park Hills. You could, for instance, stay in this Guest Favorite studio apartment in downtown, found on Airbnb. Has Park Hills captured your interest? More cities near St. Louis await, including Valley Park's restaurants and stunning bird sanctuary, and Belleview, a lovely Missouri community that is home to Elephant Rocks State Park.