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The giant elephant-shaped granite boulders are the star at Elephant Rocks State Park. The coarsely crystalline red granite forms are popular with history buffs (who like to read the names of the 19th century miners who used to work in the area and who carved their names into rocks), children (who love to climb and scramble over and through the rocks) and parents (who revel in taking pictures of their children pretending to push the rocks). The park has a trail that winds through the rocks, which is an interpretative Braille trail. Abundant picnic areas and vibrant fall colors add to the park’s appeal.

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is located along the east fork of the Black River approximately 80 miles (128 km) southwest of St. Louis, Missouri. The Black River arises in the Saint Francois Mountains which were formed by volcanic activity about one and a half billion years ago making these mountains among the oldest in the United States. The term "shut-ins" refers to a narrowing of the river where it starts to cut into the precambrian igneous rock below, creating cascades. This little area is a pleasant place to cool off on a hot summer day and a popular spot for photographers. An easy quarter mile (0.4 km) walk from the parking lot leads to the Shut-Ins overlook

Located in one of the oldest mountain ranges in America and surrounded on three sides by two million acres of Mark Twain National Forest, Sayersbrook Bison Ranch & Lodge is truly a unique destination. SayersBrook features a wide variety of unique activities including bison hunts, exotic meals, and luxurious amenities.For shorter visits, SayersBrook offers group tours of the ranch which make the perfect field trip for any age group.

Also, visit our online store to purchase our Award Winning bison meat. We have been offering our delicious and healthy bison meat since 1976, longer than anyone else in the bison business.

Not only was this one of the earliest led mines in Missouri, it was also the worlds largest producer of lead ore. The mining began in 1860 and continued until 1962.

There are 5 levels to the mine which is actually larger than the town of Bonne Terre. The lower three levels form a seventeen mile long illuminated Underground “Billion Gallon Lake” which was filed and dived by the well known diver, Jacques Cousteau. It is also the home of the world’s largest inland SCUBA diving resort. You can also take a boat tour on the lake. It is the world’s largest fresh water dive resort. The visibility is over 100 feet at all times.

The upper two levels of the mine are where the lighted areas are used for the one hour guided walking tours along the old Mule Trails. This tour shows you where the miners dug with a pick and shovel in the 1800′s. The earliest shaft was dug in 1864. While on the tour you will see Huge Pillar Rooms, Grand Canyon, Billion Gallon Lake, Trout Pond, Underground Glower Gardens, Beautiful Calcite Falls, and ancient abandoned mining tools and rail systems.

The Boat Tour is a guided tour of the Billion Gallon Lake and its crystal clear water and a spectacular view of the largest parts of the mine. You will see the No. 1 Elevator, Submerged Ore Carts, Wrapped Pillars, and ancient abandoned overhead wooden cat walks suspended 50 to `00 feet above the lake.

The Edg-Clif Farms vineyards consist of over 1,800 Chambourcin French-American hybrid red wine grape vines and 500 Vignoles French-American hybrid white wine grape vines. A third planting of 1,000 premium white wine grape vines begin in 2012.The vineyard is set atop one of the highest points in Missouri with views overlooking the Fourche a Renault River Valley. While visiting the vineyard one is frequently observed by the curious bison calves in the adjacent field. Natural and sustainable cultural practices have been utilized in managing the vineyards.

Located in the beautiful rolling hills of the St Francois Mountain Region, in the heart of the Missouri Parkland. The Winery offers wine tasting in a quiet and relaxed country atmosphere. Visitors may wish to browse the gift shop, enjoy handcrafted wines, or try locally made cheese and sausage. Guests are encouraged to mingle amongst friends in our tasting room or outside on the scenic vineyard setting of the outdoor patio. For those who just can't seem to leave the office behind, St. Francois Winery offers free Wi-Fi. Upon request, you are also welcome to join in a tour of our Nurseries, Vineyards or Winery operations.