If you find yourself traveling along Highway 79 and the Great River Road, make sure to stop at this unique antique mall in Clarksville, Missouri. Spanning over 40,000 square feet, Clarksville Antique Center is your destination for your new favorite keepsake. This is an ideal day trip destination located just over an hour north of St. Louis. Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal at the town’s scenic riverside park, or grab a quick bite in one of the casual eateries in the historic downtown area.

Clarksville, a historic town founded in the early 1800s, has undergone massive flooding throughout the decades. The town is RIGHT on the Mississippi River. In its prime, it was a major shipping port for St. Louis and New Orleans for local goods.

Fortunately, a Flood Defense System project that began in 2023 promises to preserve this local gem of an antique mall, ensuring it will be around for years to come.

Browse vintage art and pop culture items, home décor (some new, made to look old), antique furniture, books, clothing, and SO MUCH MORE. Whether you're hunting for genuine antiques or scoring some fantastic bargains, this place will take your thrifting game to the next level. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on hand to help you find that special item you've been hunting for.

One of my favorite features is the giant “library,” as I like to call it. It is well organized by genre, making it easy to find books to match your interests. With both antique and new options available at reasonable prices, I left with a big o’ stack of books.

Amy Poehler said, “There’s power in looking silly and not caring that you do.” Y’all I have to rave about the posting these folks do on the Facebook page. The owner “hides” in photos, like a real-life Where’s Waldo character. I’m into her quirky charm. I look at the page occasionally just for a giggle. Sometimes she even dresses up and includes the store’s mascot doggy.

The Clarksville Antique Center is just on the outskirts of what could be considered the suburbs of St. Louis. Visitors benefit from its location away from high-traffic areas, it doesn’t feel picked over or crowded. You will definitely encounter some unique finds!

What are some of your favorite day trip destinations? Does the Clarksville Antique Center make your must-see list? I often visit antique stores for inspiration before refining my search to match colors or sizes more and shop for antiques online. Explore other small-town destinations in Missouri; you might be surprised by what you’ll discover.