Just about half of Missouri’s population (roughly 6.1 million residents) lives within the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas. So, if you’re doing the math, that means that the other half of Missouri’s population can be found in small towns scattered throughout the rural countryside. Drive across the state and you’ll find an abundance of diverse landscapes and charming small towns that are downright delightful. Here are 10 of the most rural towns in Missouri that are worth a visit:

1. Steelville, Crawford County
Steelville, MO 65565, USA
Steelville Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Steelville is a tiny little river town of just over 1,600 residents. The town is a popular summertime destination with many camping and floating resorts near by. If you find yourself in Steelville be sure to stop by Missouri Hick Barbecue for a great meal. Steelville makes for a great day trip from St. Louis, too!
2. Richmond, Ray County
Richmond, MO 64085, USA
Richmond - Missouri Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
With nearly 5,600 residents, Richmond is a bustling little town just north of Kansas City. Visit the quaint downtown area where you can find the historic
3. Chillicothe, Livingston County
Chillicothe, MO 64601, USA
City of Chillicothe Missouri/Facebook
Chillicothe is Shawnee for "big town" and with nearly 10,000 residents it certainly is one of the larger small towns in Missouri. Chillicothe is best known for being the birthplace of sliced bread! Try ​​Boji Stone Cafe while you're in Chillicothe for a good meal at a classic small town diner.
4. Higginsville, Lafayette County
Higginsville, MO 64037, USA
Higginsville Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Located just a few miles north of Interstate 70 about an hour outside of Kansas City is the small town of Higginsville. Follow the yellow pointed finger all the way to this quaint town of nearly 5,000 residents. Higginsville was once the site for the Missouri Confederate Soliders' Home. After the last Civil War veteran had passed the lands were converted into a Confederate Memorial Cemetery which still remains today. Higginsville is also home to an amazing winery, Arcadian Moon, that makes for a great day trip in Missouri!
5. Louisiana, Pike County
Louisiana, MO 63353, USA
Visit Louisiana, Missouri/Facebook
Louisiana is a small Mississippi River town of just 3,000 residents. During the mid to late 1800's Louisiana was a successful shipping town and many wealthy residents built large Antebellum homes that still remain today. ​​

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6. Caruthersville, Pemiscot County
Caruthersville, MO 63830, USA
Caruthersville Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Follow the Mississippi River south and you'll find the town of ​​Caruthersville in the Missouri Bootheel. With just over 6,000 residents, this little town has a lot to offer despite its size. While agriculture makes up 60% of the revenue in Caruthersville, tourism is now an important aspect to the local economy since the opening of the river boat casino.
7. West Plains, Howell County
West Plains, MO 65775, USA
City of West Plains/Facebook
Down near the Missouri/Arkansas boarder is a growing small town of 11,000 residents. During the Civil War, West Plains and most of Howell County was destroyed due to constant guerrilla warfare. By the time the war was over 90% of the residents from Howell County had fled. Eventually, West Pains was rebuilt and is now a bustling town with many parks, great schools, and a large civic center. It's likely you've heard about the unique mascot adopted by ​​West Plains High School known as the Zizzer.
8. Hollister, Taney County
Hollister, MO 65672, USA
City of Hollister, Missouri - Municipal Government/Facebook
Just outside of Branson is the small town of Hollister (4,420 residents). One of the most popular places to visit in Hollister is the Downing Street Historic District. This little area is modeled after Tudor style English villages and was constructed between 1909 and 1920. The buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
9. Neosho, Newton County
Neosho, MO 64850, USA
City of Neosho/Facebook
Known as the Springs City Neosho is home to about 12 known springs. Big Spring is the largest in Neosho and now runs through the city's largest park. Neosho is home to just over 11,000 people and the town has a lot to offer. Head to the historic downtown district for a meal at Sam's Cellar. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled when heading north out of Neosho for the spook light. This supernatural phenomenon has been frightening locals for many generations. While you're in Neosho, be sure to indulge in homemade ice cream at Henderson’s Handcrafted Small Batch Ice Cream.
10. Fredericktown, Madison County
Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA
City of Fredericktown/Facebook
Surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest, Fredericktown is a great place to visit if you love the great outdoors. WIth just over 3,000 residents this sleepy little town was once a major mining community. More types of minerals and metals have been commercially mined in this area than in any other place in the United States. Before setting out on a hike in the nearby national forest grab a bite to eat at The Depot Cafe.

Have you visited any of these charming small towns in Missouri? Did we miss any of your favorite little locales in the Show-Me State? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Can’t get enough of small-town life? Check out this article about the coolest little towns in Missouri.

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More to Explore

charming small towns in Missouri

Sarah | July 27, 2021

What are the best small towns in Missouri?

Oh boy -- are you going to make us choose? Because Missouri is simply full of delightful small towns, each offering their own unique slice of life in the Show-Me State! So instead we'll talk about *some* of the best small towns in Missouri. In terms of charm, these 17 towns all offer a picturesque piece of small-town life, and include beautiful locales like Ste. Genevieve, a little French Colonial Village that is Missouri's oldest town that's full of historic homes and buildings, restaurants, wineries, and microbreweries. Fulton is about as charming as it gets; the county seat of Calloway County, the towns boasts 69 buildings on the historic registry, including the National Churchill Museum, located on the campus of Westminster College, along with the Berlin Wall sculpture. Also, there is Kemper Center for the Arts, Westminster Gallery Art House, Backer Auto World Museum, and the Brick District, so you will never run out of things to do here, either!

What's the most beautiful small town in Missouri?

Well, Weston is a charming small Missouri town with a population of just under 2,000, and the town earned recognition from House Beautiful as being one of the most beautiful small towns in the country. House Beautiful looked at a list of criteria, and lauded Weston for its abundance quaint retailers, antique stores, and artisan shops. There's an old-fashioned soda fountain in town, which takes the "charm factor" over the top; and in terms of scenic beauty, the Weston Bend State Park is quite stunning.

What are some fun day trips in Missouri?

When there’s so much to do and see in Missouri, the best way to explore really is via road trip. Luckily, you've come to the right place! Here are the absolute best road trips in Missouri that will take you to the state’s most eerie abandoned places, beautiful natural wonders, winsome small towns, and much, much more!

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Featured Addresses
Steelville, MO 65565, USA
Richmond, MO 64085, USA
Chillicothe, MO 64601, USA
Higginsville, MO 64037, USA
Louisiana, MO 63353, USA
Caruthersville, MO 63830, USA
West Plains, MO 65775, USA
Hollister, MO 65672, USA
Neosho, MO 64850, USA
Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA