Historic Downtown
The heart of Farmington begins in the historic downtown district. Quaint local shops, unique dining options, a coffee house, antique shops, boutiques, a picturesque park, and a collection of regional arts and crafts create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. You’ll find a diverse selection of products here, including many that are made in Missouri.
Historic buildings are found throughout the downtown area, now home to locally owned businesses and residences. These structures serve as tangible connections to the community’s past, reflecting the economic and social conditions of the era in which they were built, as well as the changes that have taken place over time. The downtown area continues to function much as it did in the early 20th century, with many buildings still appearing and operating as they have for decades. The City of Farmington, along with the Farmington Historic Preservation Commission, are always working to maintain the historic character while incorporating the progress of new and growing businesses.
The businesses that are part of this community support Farmington’s role as a regional shopping destination by offering a wide range of products and services that attract visitors from across St. Francois County, nearby communities, and beyond.
Must See Locations
Al’s Place
The slender half-stone Farmington jailhouse hasn’t held a prisoner in years. But during the peak cycling season, a handful of local prisoners regularly clean and do the laundry for the 14 bunks inside. This is the only bike hostel between Farmington and Virginia for cyclists riding the TransAmerica Trail, which curves from Oregon through the Midwest to Virginia.
At the hostel, called the Trans Am Inn or Al’s Place (in honor of Farmington bicycling enthusiast Al Dziewa), cyclists can park their bikes in the lower level, take a load off in a cozy bunk bed, and enjoy a cup of coffee on the upper level. Now, a kitchen, large table, and computer area offer amenities of civilization some bikers haven’t seen for miles.
The Factory
The Factory is a former garment industry property that has been renovated and developed into a visitor destination in Historic Downtown Farmington. Located two blocks behind City Hall, it includes a 45,000-square-foot, climate-controlled indoor mall with specialty shops and restaurants.
Long Park
Long Park is named for the historic Long House that calls the park home. The original Long House was built in 1833 by Phillip Graham Long and his wife Isabella Murphy Long. The Long House has been designated as a Farmington Historic Site by the Farmington Historic Preservation Commission, and in 2024 it was certified as a historic site on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The house is typically open for tours during the first weekend of June and select dates during the holiday season. Tours are offered by members of the GFCW Monday Club of Farmington. Today it is maintained by the Monday Club and the City of Farmington.
St. Francois County War Memorial
The memorial was dedicated during a ceremony on Veteran's Day, November 11, 1988. It is located on the south side the St. Francois County Courthouse and lists two-hundred-and-nine names of St. Francois County residents who were killed in service from World War I through the Gulf War.