Irondale MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Irondale, Missouri.
1. Hughes Mountain
SCENIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Hughes Mountain is a popular natural attraction in Irondale that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike to the top and explore unique geological formations that date back millions of years. The mountain is known for its distinctive rhyolite formations called the Devil's Honeycomb, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
2. Old Village Mercantile
HISTORIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Old Village Mercantile is a charming old-fashioned store in Irondale that has become a beloved destination for visitors. The mercantile offers a nostalgic shopping experience with a wide selection of candies, souvenirs, and unique gifts. It maintains its historic charm while providing modern amenities, making it a perfect stop for families exploring the area.
3. 1856 Stone Arch Railroad Bridge
HISTORIC RAILWAY ARCHITECTURE
The 1856 Stone Arch Railroad Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Missouri and among the oldest still in service in the entire country. Built over Dry Creek, this remarkable structure continues to serve an important purpose in Irondale after more than 165 years. The bridge represents an impressive example of 19th-century railroad architecture and engineering that has stood the test of time.
4. Kirkpatrick Building
ICONIC HISTORICAL LANDMARK
The Kirkpatrick Building, also known as the old railroad building, is an iconic historical landmark in Irondale that appears frozen in time. Originally built in 1867 as a hotel before later becoming railroad offices, the building has maintained its appearance for decades. Local residents share stories of their ancestors working in the building when it operated as a hotel until it closed in the 1960s.
5. Camp Irondale
HISTORIC BOY SCOUT CAMP
Camp Irondale is a historic Boy Scout camp that has been part of the community's heritage since 1920. Before the official opening of the camp, scouts had already been using the area for outdoor activities and wilderness training. The camp offers a glimpse into scouting history and outdoor recreation in rural Missouri.
6. Missouri Mines State Historic Site
MINING HISTORY PRESERVED
Missouri Mines State Historic Site preserves the heritage of lead mining in the region through exhibits housed in the former St. Joe Minerals Corporation mine. Visitors can explore the massive old powerhouse building that contains mining equipment, mineral specimens, and historical displays. The site provides an educational experience about the area's rich mining history and its significance to Missouri's economy.
7. St. Joe State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
St. Joe State Park offers 8,000 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities built on the site of former mining lands. The park features four lakes for swimming, fishing, and boating, as well as more than 2,000 acres set aside for off-road vehicle riding. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking on the park's numerous trails.
8. The Space Museum
COSMIC EXPLORATION CENTER
The Space Museum houses an impressive collection of space artifacts and memorabilia that celebrates humanity's achievements in space exploration. Visitors can view authentic items from various space missions, including equipment used by astronauts during their journeys beyond Earth. The museum offers an educational experience for space enthusiasts of all ages, with exhibits that highlight the history of space travel.
9. Gateway Arch
ICONIC AMERICAN MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot stainless steel monument that symbolizes St. Louis' role as the gateway to the American West. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. The accompanying museum beneath the arch tells the story of westward expansion and the diverse peoples who shaped American history.
10. Bonne Terre Mine
UNDERWATER MINING ADVENTURE
Bonne Terre Mine offers visitors the rare opportunity to explore a billion-gallon, 17-mile-long underground lake inside a former lead mine. The mine features walking tours through massive caverns with century-old mining equipment still in place. Advanced visitors can participate in scuba diving excursions to explore the submerged mining tunnels, creating a unique adventure not found elsewhere in the Midwest.
11. Elephant Rocks State Park
GIANT BOULDER FORMATIONS
Elephant Rocks State Park features massive pink granite boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. The park's one-mile Braille Trail was designed to accommodate visitors with visual or physical disabilities, allowing everyone to experience these natural wonders. The ancient granite formations, dating back 1.5 billion years, provide excellent opportunities for photography, exploration, and rock climbing.
12. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
NATURAL WATER PLAYGROUND
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park features a series of natural rock-lined pools created by the Black River flowing through ancient volcanic rock. These natural water slides and swimming holes form a unique geological playground that attracts visitors seeking relief from summer heat. The park also offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and opportunities to observe diverse plant and animal life in the surrounding Ozark wilderness.
13. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
HIGHEST POINT IN MISSOURI
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is home to the highest point in Missouri at 1,772 feet above sea level. The park features the Mina Sauk Falls, the state's tallest wet-weather waterfall, which cascades down a series of rhyolite ledges. Hikers can access both attractions via a rugged three-mile loop trail that showcases the park's unique geology and diverse plant communities.
14. Mastodon State Historic Site
PREHISTORIC DISCOVERY PARK
Mastodon State Historic Site preserves the Kimmswick Bone Bed, where scientists discovered the first evidence of humans hunting mastodons in North America. The museum displays fossils, artifacts, and life-sized replicas that tell the story of these prehistoric creatures and the early human inhabitants who hunted them. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that pass through the excavation sites where these significant discoveries were made.
15. Fort Davidson State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Fort Davidson State Historic Site preserves the location of an important Civil War battle where Confederate forces attempted to capture St. Louis in 1864. The site features a museum with exhibits explaining the battle and its significance in Missouri's Civil War history. Visitors can walk the grounds of the hexagonal earthen fort and view the 90-foot granite monument commemorating those who died during the Battle of Pilot Knob.