Potosi is a very small town about 65 miles south of St. Louis. You'll find only one veterinary practice here, and it's probably unlike anything you're used to. Your dog may need to wait in line behind a herd of cattle, or a few horses, for treatment. This is the country after all!
Potosi does have the braggin’ rights for outdoor activities for people and dogs. The Starlite Drive-In Theatre is just a stone’s throw north on Highway 21. This drive-in is one of only a handful still in operation in Missouri. Dogs are allowed in the drive-in, but they need to remain in the car or truck during the movie or be on leash when outside.
For more outdoor adventure, Potosi people and their dogs can head to Washington State Park, located at 13041 State Hwy 104 in De Soto. (There is another access point on Hwy. 21, just 14 miles north of Potosi). There are 3 hiking trails for a person and a leashed dog to explore here. Both primitive and electric camping sites are available here. Up to two dogs are welcome to camp. A leash no longer than ten feet is required for dogs visiting Missouri’s parks.
Sunset Hills is a neighborhood in St. Louis County, located 65 miles north of Potosi. It has some special places for dogs. Kitun Dog Park says, “run free my friend”! This fully fenced dog park has about two acres of grassy enclosure for leash-free exercise and fun. There is a separate area for the small dogs. Doggie waste bags, as well as water fountains for dogs and humans, are conveniently supplied. There is some agility equipment for a bit of variety for the dogs. The human companions have a few benches to sit on. This dog park is by permit only, and residents of Sunset Hills and Crestwood pay a reduced fee.
The City Center neighborhood in Farmington, located 26 miles south of Potosi, is the hub of the city. There are many dog-friendly places to visit here. Farmington Dog Park is a fully fenced dog park that officially opened in 2016. This park was a mutts-needed addition to Farmington’s excellent repertoire of parks! Dogs can run leash-free in a grass-covered enclosure here. There is a separate area for the small dogs. Water is available on-site. The park includes a few pieces of agility equipment. A few benches give the human companions a place from which to sit and supervise their dog at play. This dog park is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk each day.
The city limits of Bonne Terre is located 18 miles east of Potosi. Bonne Terre is the destination for some camping or hiking at St. Francois State Park. Deeply forested and hilly, St. Francois State Park offers three hiking opportunities for the enthusiast and their leashed dog. There is a 4-mile looped trail up some rocky areas, which is the shortest of the designated trails. The other two are 6.25 miles and 10.25 miles. These trails are for more avid hikers. The 10.25 trail is called the Pike Run Trail. Primitive or “backpack camp” spots break this trail up into an overnighter for those that enjoy roughing it with their furry friend. The state park also offers campsites with electric. These are close to hot shower and bathroom facilities. A person with up to two dogs under 25 pounds can stay in comfort at the Super 8 Motel, just a short drive into town.
Arnold City Limits is about 58 miles north of Potosi. Arnold is worth the drive, because it's home to two dog parks that are free and open to the public. Both "Paw Parks" are an acre in size and covered in grass. Each is fully fenced for off-leash fun and exercise. There is a separate area for the small dogs. Water fountains for humans and dogs are provided, in addition to some benches and shade. These dog parks can be found at the City Park and and the Ferd B. Lang Park. They are open half an hour before sunrise and close half an hour after sunset.