Fredericktown is a small community on the edge of wilderness
Fredericktown is one of the oldest cities west of the Mississippi River, founded in 1819 near the storied Mine La Motte, an early lead-mining area. Surrounded by Mark Twain National Forest and traversed by the St. Francis River, it's also a gateway to the outdoors, including the Castor River Shut-Ins. While the community has had time to grow, it remains rural and relatively small, with fewer than 4,600 people living here. But it's the comforts of a slow life that draw people in or keep them where they are. "There are a lot of people who have been here their whole life," says Ray Statler, broker and owner of Midwest Real Estate, who has sold homes in the area for nearly 40 years. "[People who] are still in the same house they were born and raised in." Acreage homes, a historic downtown and a longstanding festival add to Fredericktown's unique character.
Ranch-style homes closer to town, acreage homes in the countryside
The city features a variety of homes, including historic bungalows, but Statler notes that ranch styles with basements are the most common. More distinctive homes dot the area, including stately Victorians and timber-frame custom builds with A-frame roofs. Lots become more spacious farther from the center of town. Acreage properties offering views of forests and rolling hills are highly sought out. "For a house with 3 or 10 acres, we can't list them fast enough," Statler says. The majority of homes range from around $100,000 to $400,000. Fixer-uppers start from $25,000; large homes with acreage fetch over $600,000.
Fredericktown R-I School District leads local education
Students attend the Fredericktown R-I School District. Fredericktown Elementary School teaches kindergarten through second grade and earns a C-plus rating from Niche. Third through fifth graders head to Fredericktown Intermediate School, which earns a B-minus rating. From there, students filter into the B-plus-rated Fredericktown Middle School and the C-plus-rated Fredericktown High School. The high school's baseball team, the Black Cats, won district championships in 2025.
Places to play sports, fish and relax
Fredericktown's parks support recreation and downtime. City Lake Park has trails around a public lake where people kayak, fish and unwind. Azalea Park has various sports facilities, including volleyball and pickleball courts, and a playground. At Jaycee Soccer Field, kids kick the ball around and joggers hit the track. Fredericktown Sports Complex opened in 2022, giving youth another spot to play and practice. Along Highway 67, the public pool is a spot to splash in the summer. Beaver Valley Golf is a nine-hole course open to the public, known for its scenic greens surrounded by rolling hills. Amidon Memorial Conservation Area stretches across the rocky landscape along the Castor River. Known for the Castor River Shut-Ins, the area features unique pink granite formations that attract many hikers, swimmers and climbers to the waterway.
Downtown comfort food and local flair
Fredericktown's downtown centers around a historic courthouse. It's had its ups and downs, according to Statler, leading to vacant storefronts. "A couple have reopened with new ownership," he says. "Some guys opened the old train depot and made it The Depot Cafe. It's an excellent place to eat, and it's not your typical steakhouse and burger joint. They have an excellent variety." Old Mine House Fredericktown is known for its Cajun cuisine, from gumbo to blackened catfish, while Woodstock Smokehouse serves brisket sandwiches and smoked meats. Beyond downtown, Boosted Blends whips up healthy, fast-casual fare. Mexican restaurants and fast-food chains add to the mix. Harps Food Store, Walmart Supercenter, Madison County Thrift Store, and Flower Box florist are local shopping and grocery options.
A longstanding event celebrating blooming azaleas
Residents and visitors can explore local history at the Battle of Fredericktown Civil War Museum. In May, the Azalea Festival, which is a tradition spanning over six decades, brings carnival rides, live music and an array of food vendors to Azalea Park. "Everyone in town, or a lot of people, plant azaleas around their houses and planters, so during that time, the azaleas are blooming," Statler says.
Highway 67 and rural transportation support daily commutes
Situated along Highway 67 and Missouri Route 72, Fredericktown is a comfortable drive to the larger city of Farmington, around 20 miles away. St. Louis is about 90 miles north. Southeast Missouri Transportation Service offers demand-responsive transit in Madison County, connecting residents to destinations like medical appointments. Madison Medical Center, a general hospital in Fredericktown, provides a range of services, including emergency and outpatient care.
Tornadoes have shaped Fredericktown’s history
Tornadoes are a reality in Missouri, including Fredericktown. The last major tornado, an EF3, struck near Highway 67 in 2021. "It tore businesses up, missed the downtown area, but it got some houses," Statler says. "The houses have been rebuilt. The debris has been cleaned up. Life has moved on."
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
