Here Are The 17 Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns in Missouri
The best small towns in Missouri might be small in size, but they have so much to offer. Our criteria for a “small town” was that the population needed to be below 20,000. Obviously, there is a big difference between the lowest population listed here (Arrow Rock, population 36) and the highest listed here (Rolla with a population of around 20,000). Throughout Missouri, you will find these smaller towns rich in history and featuring much to do. Here are just a few of the best small towns in Missouri and a sample of what you might find in each one.
An historic Missouri town located about five miles north of downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Parkville features antique shops, art galleries, and 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 nine-hole Frisbee golf course. Plan your trip to the adorable Missouri small town of Parkville by reading our previous article.
Located about halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis, the county seat of Cooper County was named one of the "20 Best Small Towns to Visit" by Smithsonian Magazine. For a dose of nature, Katy Trail State Park runs right through Boonville. For a taste of history, visit one of the 450 sites belonging to the National Registry of Historic Places. A few other notable sights include: The Hain House, Thespian Hill, Warm Springs Ranch, Boonville Lions Park Aquatic Center, Hail Ridge Golf Course, Isle of Capri Casino Hotel, Old Jail and Hanging Barn, Mitchell Antique Motor Car Museum, Rivercene Mansion Bed and Breadfast, and the Roslyn Heights Mansion. Check out this perfect Missouri day trip destination in our previous article.
Ste. Genevieve is a 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.
Another little town in wine country, Boone County, 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. Get a glimpse of the prettiest small town in Missouri in our previous article.
The county seat of Calloway County, Fulton boasts 69 buildings on the historic registry. Notable attractions include 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. Find out why Fulton is Missouri's most walkable small town in our previous article.
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 Birthplace Museum, Hannibal History Museum, Big River Train Town & Museum, or Sawyer's Creek Family Fun Park. Tour the historic Rockcliffe Mansion, take one of Haunted Hannibal's Ghost Tours, or a trolley ride or visit The Huck Finn Freedom Center. Whatever you decide to do, you definitely won't be bored.
Located in Platte County, Weston features so many things to do, you won't believe they can fit it all in such a small town. Visit historic homes and sites on walking or driving tours. Learn something new at one of the museums, orchards, educational farms, old distillery, winery, or operating brewery. Shop for antiques, stay in a bed and breakfast, listen to blues, country and Irish music, or visit the state park on the Missouri River for trails, picnics or camping.
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. Find out more about this best small town to live in Missouri in our previous article.
The county seat of Jasper County, and also known as "America's Maple Leaf City", Carthage is worth a visit as it is one of the most charming places in Missouri. The town was established in 1842, burned to the ground during the Civil War, and was reconstructed. Attractions include: The Precious Moments Chapel & Gardens, Civil War Ranch, Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum, Red Oak II, and Whisler's Drive-Up. There is also a historic homes driving tour you can take.
This tiny little village in Saline County has a historic bearing due to its part in westward expansion and the Santa Fe Trail. The entire town has been designated as a National Historic Landmark, and it features several historic sites including the J. Huston Tavern. Established in 1834, and still in business today, it is the oldest operating restaurant west of the Mississippi. Arrow Rock also features the Arrow Rock Lycern Theatre, which is the oldest theatre in Missouri. You can also visit the Old Courthouse or the home of 19th Century artist George Caleb Bingham.
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.
Located 80 miles southwest of St. Louis in Crawford County, Cuba is a must-see for many travelers due to its Route 66 heritage and charm. Visit Mural City, see the World's 2nd Largest Rocking Chair, shop at the Fanning 66 Outpost, and stay at the Wagon Wheel Motel. Also nearby are ways to get back to nature through rafting rivers, lakes for fishing, canoeing, swimming, or water skiing, and lodges and campgrounds to stay in.
Lexington is rich in Civil War history. The Battle of Lexington was fought here, and is remembered at the Lexington Civil War State Historic Site. The county seat of Lafayette County, this historic town is located 45 miles east of Kansas City. You can also visit the Lexington Historical Museum, the Lafayette County Courthouse (built in 1849), go shopping in historic downtown, take a walking or audio tour, visit Riverfront Park Marina for some water sports, go horse back riding, camping, or visit one of the local wineries.
On the Missouri River in Franklin County, you will find the "corn cob pipe capital of the world" due to Missouri Meerschaum, manufacturer of tobacco smoking corn cob pipes. They also have museums, such as the Washington Historical Society Museum and the Firehouse Museum. There are guided and walking tours, historic homes and buildings, art galleries, theatres, wineries, antiques and other unique shops, festivals, fairs, and farmer's markets.
Rolla is the county seat of Phelps County, and is located about half-way between St. Louis and Springfield along Interstate 44. Besides a Stonehenge Replica, attractions also include Splash Zone Waterpark, The Fugitive Beach, and Kokomo Joe's Family Fun Center. You can also find golf courses, parks with lakes, go carts, art galleries, museums, vineyards, two professional theatres, and a plethora of railroad and Route 66 history.
Located 60 miles south of St. Louis, this county seat of St. Francois County, besides being near to several state parks and all they offer, also has many unique attractions. Visit the Farmington Water Park & Splash Pad, Farmington Skate Park, Farmington Family Fun Center, and Bonne Terre Mine. There are also city parks with trails, fishing lakes, and an 18-hole disc-golf course. Check out the historic downtown and find some unique shops and antiques.
It's a little hard to believe Branson is a small town with all there is to do, but with only 11,000 residents, it's considered a small town. It is a well-known family vacation destination featuring Silver Dollar City, an 1800's themed amusement park along with White Water Waterpark. They have much entertainment in the form of live music and shows, museums, wineries, and outdoor activities such as ziplining and rock climbing. You can also see Table Rock Lake, take a dinner cruise, or go on a helicopter ride.
If you’ve been wondering, “are there any cute small towns near me,” you just discovered some of the best small towns in Missouri! What do you think is the best small town to live in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Then check these Missouri downtowns that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the past.
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Address: Parkville, MO, USA
Address: Boonville, MO 65233, USA
Address: Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670, USA
Address: Rocheport, MO 65279, USA
Address: Fulton, MO 65251, USA
Address: Hannibal, MO 63401, USA
Address: Weston, MO 64098, USA
Address: Hermann, MO 65041, USA
Address: Carthage, MO 64836, USA
Address: Arrow Rock, MO, USA
Address: Kimmswick, MO, USA
Address: Cuba, MO, USA
Address: Lexington, MO 64067, USA
Address: Washington, MO, USA
Address: Rolla, MO, USA
Address: Farmington, MO 63640, USA
Address: Branson, MO 65616, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Small Towns In Missouri
May 19, 2021
Melissa M.
What are some of the best places for day trips in Missouri?
The Show-Me State has a lot to show in terms of places to see which means it can be quite easy to find some incredible places for a day trip. It may be a good idea to consider a day trip with a theme like our Missouri day trip to the best wine and waterfalls, which will lead to a few wonderful wineries as well as two breathtaking waterfalls. If you like a good fright, follow along on our road trip to the spookiest places In Missouri from a cemetery to historical locales and even a penitentiary. And if you love to see charming covered bridges, we also have a Missouri covered bridges day trip.
What are the most beautiful places in Missouri?
Some of the most beautiful places in Missouri include:
Ozark Mountains
Blue Spring
Wah'Kon-Tah Prairie
Big Cedar Lodge
Dogwood Canyon
Elephant Rocks State Park
Missouri State Capitol
With its varied landscape, beautiful places are abundant in Missouri. One of the most beautiful parks in the state is Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton which is home to the 12th largest spring in the state and is likely a place you would want to spend an entire day exploring. Elephant Rock State Park in Belleview is where you can find otherworldly elephant-shaped rock formations that gave this park its name. Visit Grand Falls in Joplin to witness a continuously falling waterfall that looks like a miniaturized Niagara Falls.
What are the best things about living in Missouri?
A low cost of living certainly makes a state like Missouri so attractive, but there are many other factors that make it an ideal place to live as well. It has several cities with plenty of shops, restaurants, and things to do and, on the other hand, plenty of natural areas, lakes, rivers, and state parks for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. The state also has a fantastic food scene (especially bbq), incredibly friendly people, and countless historical sites and museums.
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A native Midwesterner with a love for family, friends, and learning new things. In second-stage of career life, this former college instructor enjoys contributing to OIYS, blogging, reading, and spending time with her kids.
