11 Charming River Towns In Missouri To Visit This Spring

Historic downtown St. Charles is always a great place to visit, with lots of shopping, historic buildings, great restaurants and charming decorations. Check out what they’ve got going on Memorial Day weekend:

Hermann is the county seat of Gasconade County, near the center Missouri Rhineland and south of the Missouri River. They feature many festivals, shops, galleries and museums. You can also participate in a "Wine Trail" featuring seven family-owned local wineries and covering 20 scenic miles. You can also go zip-lining, take a walking tour, visit the Katy trail or golf. You can find out more at visithermann.com

Originally named Miller's Landing, this town in Franklin County is a historic river town in the heart of Missouri wine country. In historic downtown you can find unique shops, antiques and the Levee Walk river walk. Start your visit at the Visitor's Center and Museum, and check out the John Colter Memorial. Stay at Central Hotel or Miller's Landing Bed and Breakfast, or Cedar Creek Resort. Do a wine tasting or tour at Bommarito Estate Almond Tree Winery or Robller Vineyard Winery. You can also try 2nd Shift Brewing or Pinckney Bend Distillery.

Another little town in wine country, Rocheport was called one of "America's 10 Coolest Small Towns" by Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine. With antique shops, bed and breakfasts, wineries, art galleries, a museum, and access to the scenic Katy Trail, there is plenty to do and see. Also, don't miss the Rocheport River Walk or the Diana Bend Conservation Area. You can find out more at Rocheport.com

Located 25 miles south of St. Louis in Jefferson County, Kimmswick features many buildings that date as far back as 1859 when the town was founded. They have unique shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. You can also visit the Anheuser Busch Museum & Estate or the Mastadon State Historic Site, or take a Kimmswick Riverboat Cruise. Find out more at visitkimmswick.com.

This little French Colonial Village is Missouri's oldest town. They have nationally recognized historic homes and buildings, restaurants, wineries, and microbreweries. They also have historic home tours including the Ste. Genevieve Ghost Tour. It is also home to the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary, Hawn State Park, Pickle Springs Natural Area, Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area, and Hickory Canyon Natural Area. Visit visitstegen.com for more information.

Cape Girardeau is a charming historic town in Southeast Missouri. The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge over the Mississippi River is truly a sight to see, as well as the numerous historic murals. The Mississippi River Tales Mural, located on the city's downtown floodwall, covers nearly 18,000 square feet! It spans the length of the downtown shopping district and features 24 panels.

The Riverfront Park lies behind the floodwall where riverboats dock and visitors can view the Mississippi River. While in the Cape, don’t forget to visit Trail of Tears State Park, 3,415 pristine acres of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the state.

Learn about history at the Higgerson School Visitor Center and Museum, the New Madrid Historical Museum, or visit the Hunter Dawson State Historic Site. Take a walk on the Observation Deck and River Walk. Take in the "Bessie Bend Oxbow" or learn about the Trail of Tears. Hart Stepp Gallery, the oldest standing home in New Madrid, houses local art. You can also get a taste of Missouri wine at River Ridge Winery or take in a meal at one of New Madrid's unique local restaurants.

Hannibal is most famous for its connection to Mark Twain. Here you can visit Twain's boyhood home, take a sightseeing cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat, visit the Mark Twain Cave and Cave Hollow Winery, and even see Richard Garey's Mark Twain Himself Live Show.

But that's not all Hannibal has to offer. You can also visit the Molly Brown Museum, Hannibal History Museum, Big River Train Town & Museum, or Sawyer's Creek Fun Park. Tour a historic mansion at Rockcliffe or take one of Haunted Hannibal's Ghost Tours. Take a trolley ride or visit Huck Finn's Freedom Center. Whatever you decide to do, you definitely won't be bored. For more information, see visithannibal.com

This historic river town, located about 5 miles north of downtown Kansas City in Platte County, features antique shops, art galleries, and a historic downtown. It is the home of Park University, and English Landing Park, a large park along the Missouri River that has a soccer field, volleyball court, two playgrounds, a baseball diamond, a three-mile walking or biking trail, and a 9-hole Frisbee golf course.