These 16 Charming General Stores in Missouri Will Make You Feel Nostalgic
Before there were chains like Caseys and Quik Trip (the modern day general store), there were small local shops that simply carried what was needed in their community. Here are a few stores that either held on to that completely (see #4 and #6) or changed it up and modernized it a bit (#12). However, they all stay true to the heart of the general store.
This store selling housewares and gifts, custom gift baskets and more, prides itself with hand written receipts and complimentary gift wrapping. There are a total of four buildings besides the main store, featuring everything for the home including gourmet chef supplies and gourmet food. Located at 30003 East Old US 50 Highway. Find out more at Cockrell Mercantile.
This store, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and built in 1909, features over 600 types of old fashioned candy, fudge, and bulk foods. They have a coffee house, antique gallery, and gifts including variety of vintage items. They are located at 219 S. State Highway 21. Check out their website at Old Village Mercantile.
At this location since 1926 and in business since 1899, this store, located at 10675 Old Highway 40, features, "Boots, Bullets, Britches and Bologna", according to their website at Crane's Country Store.
In business since 1940, Henson’s is a tucked away place in tiny Champion that is the only place to get convenience items for 20 miles around. They carry everything most convenience stores have, as well as gas, stamps, and animal feed. They are so remote, they don’t even have an address, but are located just off State Highway WW on Country Road 243.
This general store may be solar-powered, but in all other ways it is a visit to the past. This old fashioned general store sells groceries, antiques, produce and seeds and is located at 413 Highway Drive.
This store was over 114 years old and featured a post office inside officially named "Pucky Huddle". Unfortunately, the original building burned down in 2013 and they are currently in the process of rebuilding. The new store, renamed Pucky Huddle General Store, is scheduled to open soon. You can follow their progress on their Facebook page: Pucky Huddle General Store.
Located at 514 Main Street, in what is officially called the historic general store building, this store features antiques, old fashioned candy, hand-dipped ice cream and old fashioned soda floats, as well as Amish goods, jams and honey. Established in 1882, the store is also home to Lesterville florist.
Featuring drinks, snacks, groceries and other necessities, ice and an ATM, this store is located at 225 Jackson Street.
The original distillery for the McCormick brand was listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, and offered tours until 1995. During that time, tours ceased and the store moved to 420 Main Street. Besides McCormick products, the store also features gifts, cigars, and a 25 cent sample bar for those over 21. McCormick is the oldest community operating distillery in the U.S., and you can learn about their history and products at McCormick Distilling.
This charming store actually places more emphasis on the "restrunt" aspect and features food, live music, beer & wine, as well as convenience store and lake items. They also have karaoke periodically. Located at 4443 State Highway H. Visit their website at Baxter Country Store
Built in 1904, this store features all of its original shelving, counters and advertising. They are a gift and souvenir shop that also sells antiques and farm supplies. They are only open on Saturdays and are located at 25986 State Highway K.
This fairly new store, calling themselves "The New American General Store", is included on this list because even though they have only been open since 2008, they definitely follow a business model of the old fashioned general store, but on a larger scale. They have just about everything! They feature locally sourced food and home essentials, as well as a restaurant, grocery, bakery, toy store, coffee shop, gift shop and catering, and much more. Located at 7213 Delmar, you can learn all about them on their website at Winslow's Home.
This store is part of a Historic Route 66 community and is located at 12175 Timber Road near the Big Piney River.
Previously featured in Unique Attractions, this store, located on Historic Route 66, 4 miles west of Cuba at 5957 Highway ZZ, features drinks, snacks, Rt 66 merchandise, an Archery Pro Shop and the World’s Largest Rocking Chair.
Located near the Eleven Point River, this store features canoe rentals, cabins, camping, as well as general merchandise and camping needs. Located at Riverton Rt 1.
And finally, watch this story about Kindall’s General Store in Olga (#16)
Located at 3499 State Highway Z
Do you have a local general store in your town or have you visited any listed here? Share your experiences in the comments.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
