4 Small Towns in Missouri So Dreamy, You’ll Swear You’ve Seen Them on TV

Despite my many jokes about the sameness of small, Midwestern towns, I adore them. Even the ones that look like your typical historic downtown in the center of the country have something unique to offer visitors. These places, with their local shops, indie bookstores, reinvented historical spaces, and pops of brand-new architecture, are nearly always worth the stop. Which is why these uniquely dreamy little towns dotted throughout Missouri should be on your next roadtrip itinerary.

1. Carthage

I am not ashamed to admit that the movie Cars instilled a Route 66 fascination for me. Although Carthage is full of gorgeous Victorian architecture and historic sites, specifically tied to the Civil War-era Battle of Carthage, what makes this place dreamiest for this avid explorer is its connections to The Mother Road. Take, for example, the restored Boots Court motel seen above. The streamlined modern building is unlike anything we see these days, unless you happen upon one along Route 66. Stop by and take a load off for a while or pop over to the 66 Drive-In Theatre—there aren't that many left, you know.

2. Eminence

In the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Eminence has fewer than 1,000 residents. But this small, charming town is surrounded by beauty often captured only in movies or on television. The nearby historic Alley Mill, for instance, evokes a bygone era, with the sound of rushing water flowing ever onward. Outdoorsy travelers in particular will love this town's proximity to caves, hiking trails, and waterways, with the breathtaking Ozark Mountains looking on.

3. Hermann

Downtown Hermann, Missouri, certainly captures the quintessential Midwestern downtown feel. Brick and stone buildings abound in this German-influenced town. If you're a fan of rom-coms, this town might look familiar since it was the setting of the 2023 film A Christmas Vintage. The picturesque town, with its plethora of 19th-century architecture, is also known for its vineyards, which inspired the love story centering on a winemaker. Be sure to stop by one (or a few), like Hermannhof Winery, which draws clear inspiration from the town and its heritage.

4. Ste. Genevieve

Fellow history buffs will understand why I think Ste. Genevieve is so dreamy. This town, the oldest permanent European settlement in the state, circa the mid-1730s, still has many examples of 18th-century French Creole buildings. They've been preserved in the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park. We don't have a lot of 18th century architeture in this part of the country—maybe that's why I'm so fond of Stars Hollow. Even so, when we do, it is definitely worth exploring.

Not only that, its downtown is chock-full of those rich, red-brick buildings Midwesterners know and love. Or you can visit nearby Hawn State Park for some serenity beside its waterfalls.

Are you ready to plan your adventure to one of these charming small towns? Be sure to utilize the Only In Your State Travel Planner so you don't miss a thing—including those hidden gems.