Bonne Terre has deep roots and strong community pride
Just south of St. Francois State Park, Bonne Terre is a city of about 6,900. With a history that dates back to the early 1700s, the area was known as a lead mining town for hundreds of years, only ending with the closure of the Bonne Terre Mine in the 1960s. Since then, the mine waste site has been known to contaminate the area and water supply, leading to its listing as a Superfund site in 1992. Despite this, Chamber of Commerce President Matt Crabtree says there is a great deal of community in the area, harkening to a past filled with tough, hard-working families and a present full of educational initiatives, natural beauty and reverence for those who came before. “There’s an absolutely huge amount of local pride here,” he says. “I left the area for a while but boomeranged right back.”
Housing styles range from early 1900s to contemporary
The city’s oldest homes are near the west side, arranged in a grid pattern and connected by narrow sidewalks. Lots are typically a quarter to a third of an acre, emphasizing larger backyards with outbuildings like sheds and detached garages. Turn-of-the-20th-century Cape Cods, bungalows and colonials are typical of the area, generally running between $50,000 and $210,000 depending on their size and condition. East Bonne Terre homes are more likely to be midcentury styles built on larger lots, often reaching a full acre or more. Split-level and ranch-style homes here are priced between $120,000 and $250,000. Contemporary homes with modern amenities are usually available further south, near areas like Bonne Terre Lake. These models typically sell between $160,000 and $290,000.
Local schools focus on business partnerships and growth
Students in the area can attend North County Primary, which teaches prekindergarten through second grade and has a B-minus from Niche. From there, they can head to North County Parkside Elementary for third through fourth grade, and North County Intermediate for fifth through sixth. Both schools have a C-plus. Finally, students can enroll at North County Middle and Senior High schools, which have Cs from Niche. The school district’s focus in recent years has been on a partnership with local businesses, putting school administrators and industry leaders together to make decisions on curriculum. “It’s a tremendous focus in this area,” says Crabtree, who was born in Bonne Terre. “We’re going to see some real strength and growth between what the educators are putting out and what the industry needs.”
Area parks mix nature, sports and local history
The City Park offers standard public recreation like playground equipment and basketball courts, but secures its place as a local hub with an Olympic-sized public pool. Bonne Terre Lake is a popular spot for boaters and anglers looking to catch sunfish or a black bass. Lead Belt Golf Course is a private facility with nine holes, a driving range and a commemorative plaque honoring local golfers with a rare hole-in-one. The Space Museum and Grissom Center display exhibits and artifacts related to America’s history in space travel. The Bonne Terre Mine is a subterranean site steeped in the area’s history of lead mining. Scuba divers of all experience levels visit to view natural formations and abandoned mining equipment in a billion-gallon underground lake. “The waters are crystal clear,” says Crabtree. “They’ve brought divers from all over the world.”
Groceries, grills and general stores are near Benham Street
Most shopping centers around the convergence of U.S. Highway 67 and Benham Street, with fast food, general stores and a 10Box Cost-Plus for groceries. The Benham Street Grill has a classic diner vibe with counter seating and a menu of comfort food favorites like chili dogs and patty melts. In addition to outdoor seating and home-smoked meats, Twins BBQ and Grill offers a full buffet every day but Tuesday – the one day of the week they’re closed.
Annual events blend entertainment with education
Held downtown every summer since 2020, the Bonne Terre Block Party is a full day of celebration, including live music, a beer garden, family friendly activities and more. In July, Big River Chautauqua invites locals for a weekend of historical performances, with live actors portraying historical figures like Rosa Parks, Bob Hope and Dwight Eisenhower.
Highway access connects to St. Louis
State Route 47 and U.S. Route 67 are the area’s main highways, the latter offering a 60-mile route to Saint Louis . Mercy Hospital Jefferson is in Festus , some 25 miles away, and offers emergency and general medical care.
