This Tiny Missouri Town Is One Of The Happiest Places In America
By Liz Oliver|Published October 30, 2017
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
This little army town in the heart of the Ozarks is one of the happiest places in Missouri. Consistently rated as one of the safest and most affordable places to live in the Show Me State, Waynesville tips the happiness scales with the addition of great schools, well paying jobs, and beautiful scenery. This little town is also conveniently located off Interstate 44 between St. Louis and Springfield and was one of the major stops along the historic Route 66. Find out what everyone is smiling about and visit Waynesville for a happy little getaway.
Waynesville is a quiet little town of just over 5,000 residents. Located in rural Pulaksi, this little town is frequently listed as one of the best places to live in Missouri.
With happy residents, safe neighborhoods, a lively business district, and lots of natural beauty it is easy to see why people love living in Waynesville. ,
Waynesville schools are also considered as one of the top performing districts in the Show Me State. The Waynesville R-VI School District is also the largest in the county.
Downtown Waynesville is located on Route 66 and is the perfect picture of a classic American main street. Check out the many locally owned businesses and restaurants that call Waynesville home.
The Pulaski History Museum is located in Waynesville. During the Civil War Fort Waynesville was erected by Union soldiers who guarded the telegraph wires and road from Springfield to St. Louis.
Roubidoux Spring is one of the only springs in the state where certified scuba divers are permitted to explore underwater caves. Get to the spring with a 1 mile walk along the Roubidoux River on the Waynesville Walking Trail.
Many of the residents in Waynesville are military members. Fort Leonard Wood is a United States Army base, located just outside of town, that has been active since 1940. The community of Waynesville is extremely supportive to military members and their families.
Community and cultural activities are also important to Waynesville residents. From annual festivals to live theater performances you can find tons of great entertainment in this little town.
Created by Phil Nelson in 1996, W.H. Croaker has become a town landmark. You really can't be sad when your town has a rock frog that keeps watch over the residents.
