10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Missouri
Head Out of St. Louis on a Road Trip to the Towns of Missouri
Missouri has plenty of urban environments to explore, but the smaller towns are the best way to connect with the scenic grassy plains and Ozark forests of the Missouri countryside. Within the towns themselves, you’ll find comforting small-town charm, excellent restaurants and shops, as well as plenty of things to do which the whole family can enjoy.
From the rich arts and culture of Parkville to the scenic trails of Rocheport, here are the must-visit small towns in Missouri you don’t want to miss.
10 must-visit small towns in Missouri
1. Parkville
A westward expansion town with rich history
Ideal para: Alimentação, História, Compras
Parkville is a relatively quiet town in Missouri, yet its history is anything but. It was an important town for westward expansion in the 19th century, and you can explore much of that yourself in local museums and historic buildings.
Apart from history, you’ll find delicious restaurants that mostly offer American fare and cafe treats. Don’t forget to check out the local shops as well, including boutiques offering vintage clothing and handmade crafts and antiques that show off the local culture. For a quiet outdoor escape, the Parkville Nature Sanctuary is a pristine forested preserve located right near the Park University campus. Take in the river views in English Landing and Platte Landing parks and enjoy the great outdoors.
Parkville
2. Boonville
A Southern small town with boatload of charm
Ideal para: Aventura, História
Boonville is home to undeniable Southern, small-town charm, so expect a friendly greeting when you just pass by someone on the street. You’ll find many fascinating historical landmarks, one of which is the Lewis Miller’s Mitchell Collection, dedicated to rare and valuable antique vehicles and memorabilia. You can take a guided tour at The Old Cooper County Jail that once housed the brother of outlaw Jesse James.
If you enjoy the outdoors, Katy Trail State Park and Warm Springs Ranch are both by Boonville, offering extensive hiking and biking trails that meander through rugged wilderness. The entire Katy Trail spans 240 miles (386 km) but if you’d like to hike just the most scenic stretch, start at the Rocheport Trailhead.
Boonville
3. Ste. Genevieve
Numerous historical sites and aged architecture
Ideal para: Famílias, História
In Ste. Genevieve, you won’t have to look far for historical sites. Some of its most famous landmarks are the Bolduc House Museum at The Centre for French Colonial Life and the Felix Valle House State Historic Site.
This town is the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri, as it was founded by French Canadians centuries ago. Because of this, you’ll find an unmistakable French flair in the local culture. This is most prominently displayed in Ste. Genevieve’s wineries and vineyards, as well as the local architecture and decor of several public buildings and inns. Learn more about the town’s history at the family-friendly Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center that features an eclectic collection of regional artifacts and dinosaur fossils.
Ste. Genevieve
4. Rocheport
Where you can take it easy or venture along one of the bike trails
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Aventura
While Rocheport began as a modest trading post, it has since grown into a lovely town that’s perfect for taking it easy. You can head to one of the nearby vineyards for a tasting, then hit up a local spa to take the edge off with a massage.
If you’re looking for a more active adventure, Rocheport is one of the best destinations in Missouri for cyclists. The town is located along the 240-mile-long (386-km-long) Katy Trail, which lets you bike mostly along the northern bank of the Missouri River. If you didn’t bring a bicycle, rent a hybrid or comfort bike right next to the path at local trailside shops.
Rocheport
5. Fulton
Home of one of the most iconic moments of the American Civil War
Ideal para: Alimentação, História, Compras
Fulton is unique among small towns in Missouri, thanks to its fascinating history and local pride. It managed to hold its ground during the American Civil War, thanks largely to a clever trick. Locals managed to simulate powerful artillery positions that forced invaders to negotiate a truce, but in reality, the residents were just moving large logs around close to campfires.
You can learn all about it in the local museum, Kingdom of Callaway Historical, which commemorates the town’s achievement. You can also explore charming historic buildings in Fulton’s downtown that house shops and restaurants. Browse a quirky mix of independent shops, look for treasures, and savor a classic milkshake at the local drugstore.
Fulton
6. Hannibal
The hometown of Mark Twain
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Foto
Hannibal has gained fame as the homeplace of renowned American author Mark Twain. The town also served as the setting for many of his books. You can learn the details by visiting the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, which has been open for more than a century.
Hannibal is located right alongside the Mississippi River, so boating is particularly popular in spring and summer. If you’re feeling brave, you can take on one of the town’s ghost tours or take a guided tour through one of the caves in town. To admire Hannibal from the river, hop on a riverboat for sightseeing cruise or a romantic dinner cruise.
Hannibal
7. Weston
A small town with stellar nightlife
Ideal para: História, Vida noturna, Compras
Weston is best known for its architecture, underground wine cellars, Ireland-centric pubs, historic orchards, and a dynamic downtown shopping district. Weston’s pre-Civil War town center is a paradise for vintage lovers and features over 100 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit The Weston Historical Museum to explore clothing, tools, and artifacts detailing the town’s history.
Weston has a legendary reputation for crafting high-quality spirits and hosting unique nightlife. You can stop by the local distillery for a tour and tasting and even find unique souvenirs to take home. If you’re more interested in outdoor adventures, head for Weston Bend State Park and enjoy its vibrant scenery and extensive walking paths.
Weston
8. Hermann
Missouri’s wine country
Ideal para: Alimentação, História, Vida noturna
Hermann is the center of Missouri’s wine country, contributing about a third of the state’s annual wine sales. You can embark on the Hermann Wine Trail, where you can stop by several family-owned wineries along its 20-mile (32-km) route. You’ll even find several festivals celebrating wine in Hermann, like Maifest and Oktoberfest.
Given that Hermann was founded by German immigrants in the 19th century, it should be no surprise that many of the town’s restaurants specialize in sausage. Learn more about the town’s heritage at Deutschheim State Historic Site. Step back into the 19th century by touring preserved German immigrant homes. Explore traditional four-square gardens, see historic printing presses, and learn about the life of the early pioneers.
Hermann
9. Carthage
A charming town with endless maple trees
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Alimentação
Carthage is a lovely small town in Jasper County of Missouri that’s named after the ancient city in Tunis. It has hundreds of vibrant maple trees, earning the nickname “America’s Maple Leaf City.” You can explore several historic sites and museums to learn more about local history and the town’s involvement in the American Civil War.
Visit Carthage in October to take part in the Maple Leaf Festival featuring lots of local food and drinks, live musical performances, and fun activities for the whole family. For a glimpse of Carthage’s artistic side, visit Precious Moments Chapel that boasts hand-painted murals depicting biblical scenes. When you get hungry, refuel at old-school local slider joints that griddle up delicious onion-scrambled bite-sized burgers.
Carthage
10. Arrow Rock
It’s officially on the National Register of Historic Places
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Viagens alternativas
Arrow Rock is a remarkably preserved 19th-century town perched on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. Founded in 1829, the entire town is designated as a National Historic Landmark due to its pivotal role as a primary stopover on the legendary Santa Fe Trail. Today, it has a population of around 60 residents but welcomes thousands of visitors who come to experience world-class professional theater, deep pioneer history, and tranquil natural trails.
The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre brings in high-caliber talent from New York and Chicago to produce spectacular musicals and plays from June through December. Learn about the pioneer history at the State Historic Site Visitor Center or hike the historic Santa Fe Trail on the pioneers’ footsteps.
Arrow Rock
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