Visit These 12 Incredible Charming Small Towns in Missouri, One for Each Month of the Year
Explore 12 charming small towns in Missouri, each offering unique attractions and activities for every month of the year.
Do you ever just stop to marvel at the beauty of Missouri? It's easy to get complacent as we go about our everyday lives and to take for granted all that Missouri has to offer. When you're ready to get out there and explore, consider visiting these 12 charming towns in Missouri, one for each month of the year. Start your adventures in January or any time of the year. Whenever you set off, have fun as you explore the best towns to visit in Missouri.
1. January – Branson
Branson's an action-packed destination all year round, making it one of the best towns to visit in Missouri in every season. However, in the winter, it's a wonderland. You'll find plenty to do - from ice skating at the Ferris Wheel to exploring a snow-capped Table Rock State Park - to fill an entire day or a weekend. Don't worry if you prefer staying indoors; enjoy some of the thrills of summer at one of two indoor water parks, including Grand Country Resort, an epic destination with a wave pool, a lazy river, and waterslides.
2. February – Fulton
Considered the most walkable small town in Missouri, Fulton is positively bewitching during the winter. It's also one of the snowiest towns in the state. If you love winter, you'll fall head over heels for Fulton. Breathe in the crisp winter air by visiting one of the town's parks; go shopping in the darling downtown, and check into a cozy bed and breakfast for the night. If you can't make it to one of the most charming towns in Missouri during the winter, try to pencil in a visit for another time.
3. March – Eureka
Outdoor fun awaits all winter long in Eureka, considered Missouri's winter playground. The picturesque town features such family-friendly activities as ice skating, snow tubing, and skiing. You might even want to set off on a brisk hike along a scenic hiking trail. Earmark some time, too, to build a snowman.
4. April – Rocheport
"Come be our guests" is Rocheport's motto, and you'll feel right at home in this delightful small town in Missouri. The small town of around 250 residents is home to part of the Katy Trail, perfect for exploring on a lovely spring day. Visit a local winery, and discover some of the delicious restaurants, including The Rocheport General Store and Cafe, in town.
5. May – Weston
It won't take long to see why Weston has been crowned the coolest small town in America. You'll find plenty to do in Weston, from meandering through the shops in the quaint downtown to visiting a local tree farm at Christmas. Make sure you also visit one of the local wineries or museums in this friendly town and grab a delicious bite and a tasty drink at O'Malley's Pub, one of the oldest businesses in Missouri.
6. June – St. Robert
St. Robert is perhaps the most unique - and funkiest - small town in Missouri. It is, after all, home to the "town" of Uranus. The roadside attraction of Uranus beckons visitors from all over Missouri and beyond with its general store and a sideshow museum. Try the fudge from the Fudge Factory, right in the general store, too, and if that doesn't satisfy your sweet tooth (and even if it does), treat yourself to an ice cream at the Uranus Ice Cream Company. Uranus is even home to an escape room.
7. July – Rolla
Summer is in full swing by July, and most of us can only think about ways to stay cool. When you're fed up with the A/C, make your way to the Fugitive Beach in Rolla, a one-of-a-kind attraction in Missouri. The former quarry is now a beach (you must pay admission) that offers fun and seasonal treats all summer long. While you're visiting one of the most charming towns in Missouri, head over to Mark Twain National Forest, too, for a hike or to go camping.
8. August – Ste. Genevieve
Named a must-visit destination and one of the most historic towns in Missouri, Ste. Genevieve is known for its rich history. Spend a day or a weekend getting to know the oldest town in Missouri that's home to a collection of museums, Cave Vineyard, and Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary. On a hot August day, make your way to River Rapids Waterpark, too.
9. September – Parkville
We'll bid a fond farewell to summer and embrace fall in September. Just outside of Kansas City, Parkville is spellbinding during the autumn. Make it a point to visit Parkville Nature Sanctuary when the leaves start to change. Carve out time, too, to meander through the downtown area, where you'll find an assortment of shops and restaurants. One of the best towns to visit in Missouri, Parkville hosts events all year round, including an annual Halloween celebration that typically includes trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating, a haunted trail, and ghost stories.
10. October – Carthage
October is a prime time to visit Carthage, fondly known as America's Maple Leaf City. During October, the charming small town in Missouri hosts an annual eight-day Maple Leaf Festival. The darling small town is also home to the Precious Moments Chapel and the 66 Drive-In Theatre. If you've never been to Carthage, you'll probably want to stay a few days. Check into Boots Court Motel, a nostalgic motel in Missouri that harkens back to the 1940s. Fans of the golden era of Hollywood, like me, might want to book a stay in the same room in which Clark Gable once slept.
11. November – Hannibal
Embrace the holiday spirit with a visit to Hannibal, one of the best towns to visit in Missouri in November. The town sparkles with Christmas cheer and hosts events all season long, including the Victorian Christmas, which is usually held on weekends in December. Stop by the Mark Twain Boyhood Home during your visit, too.
12. December – St. Charles
Journey back through time, or feel as though you have, in St. Charles, one of the most charming towns in Missouri, which goes all out during Christmas. Plan a visit to the Christmas Traditions celebration that's held on select days through Christmas Eve. One of my favorite small towns in Missouri, St. Charles' quaint stores, in the old-fashioned downtown area, are brimming with hidden gems, whether you're looking for gifts for loved ones or something special for yourself. Then treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the restaurants on Main Street.
What are your favorite small towns in Missouri? Let us know by nominating them. Ready for even more adventure but you don't have enough time for a day trip? Follow the best hikes in Missouri. AllTrails+ offers a comprehensive list of trails in Missouri, including maps, photos, and reviews.
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