Hidden gems are often attractions, but most attractions only beg for one visit. The best hidden gems, in my opinion, are the small towns that keep you coming back for more. Here are some of the coolest small towns in Missouri that have managed to keep their secret safe from most of the people in and outside of Missouri.
1. Clarksville - Population 435
Unless you're an antique hunter, you may not have heard of it. They hold one of the best antique auctions and they also celebrate, "Eagle Days" where residents and visitors can go eagle watching during scheduled informative sessions.
2. Smithville - 9, 107
Between Weston and Parkville, I feel like Smithville sometimes gets forgotten when it comes to awesome little towns just north of Kansas City. Besides offering one of the largest and cleanest lakes near the city, it also has an adorable historic downtown.
3. Kirksville - Population 17, 505
Kirksville may be well-known to college students who attend the two universities here, but to the average Missourian, it tends to fly under the radar. It shouldn't, though! There's a great state park, a historic towns square and a bustling music and arts scene. Why wouldn't you want to live or visit here?
4. West Plains - Population 12,000
You'd be surprised what's packed inside this small town of just 12, 000 people. First off, they have their own amazing brewing company, Wages Brewing Company. Second, you can get your history and culture fix by visiting the Harlin Museum or just by walking through town and seeing all the beautiful historic murals. And lastly, the town has a speedway for car racing, which is pretty awesome.
5. Kimmswick - 158
The fact that Kimmswick's town population is less than the average high school graduation class, makes it seem like a bizarre town to choose as the "coolest." But they have amazing festivals such as the Strawberry Festival and the Apple Butter Festival which both draw in thousands of visitors annually from all over the state.
6. Washington - 14, 000
Take a stroll along the river at Rennick Riverfront Park and then grab a beer after at John G's Bier Deck. The town of Washington has a pretty relaxed feel to it, but there's certainly nothing wrong with that.
7. Bonne Terre - Population 7,232
Bonne Terre is actually globally known in the scuba world for its amazing year-round scuba diving at Bonne Terre Mines. However, to non-scuba divers, the town tends to get overlooked. But in addition to the mines, the town has so much to offer including a historic train depot museum, a unique space museum and the beautiful St. Francois State Park.
To the locals who live in these towns, I apologize if I spilled the beans, but they're just too awesome to not share with others. Aside from this list, what other small towns do you think are the coolest in Missouri? Let us know in the comments.
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