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" were 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 (Rolla, 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 must-visit small towns in Missouri and a sample of what you might find in each one.

1. Parkville

A historic Missouri town located about five miles north of downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Parkville features antique shops, art galleries, and a historic downtown. It is home to Park University and English Landing Park, a large park along the Missouri River with 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.

2. Boonville

Located about halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis, Cooper County's county seat 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 Breakfast, and the Roslyn Heights Mansion. Check out this perfect Missouri day trip destination in our previous article.

3. Ste. Genevieve

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.

4. Rocheport

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.

5. Fulton

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.

6. Hannibal

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.

7. Weston

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, the old distillery, a winery, or an 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.

8. Hermann

Hermann is the county seat of Gasconade County, near the center of 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.

9. Carthage

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.

10. Arrow Rock

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 a National Historic Landmark and 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 Lyceum 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.

11. Kimmswick

Located 25 miles south of St. Louis in Jefferson County, Kimmswick features many buildings dating back to 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 Mastodon State Historic Site, or take a Kimmswick Riverboat Cruise.

12. Cuba

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 on rivers, lakes for fishing, canoeing, swimming, or water-skiing, and lodges and campgrounds to stay in.

13. Lexington

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 the historic downtown, take a walking or audio tour, visit Riverfront Park Marina for some water sports, go horseback riding, camping, or visit one of the local wineries.

14. Washington

On the Missouri River in Franklin County, you will find the "corn cob pipe capital of the world" due to Missouri Meerschaum, the 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 farmers' markets.

15. Rolla

Rolla is the county seat of Phelps County and is located about halfway between St. Louis and Springfield along Interstate 44. In addition to a Stonehenge Replica, attractions include Splash Zone Waterpark, The Fugitive Beach, and Kokomo Joe's Family Fun Center. You can also find golf courses, parks with lakes, go-karts, art galleries, museums, vineyards, two professional theatres, and a plethora of railroad and Route 66 history.

16. Farmington

Located 60 miles south of St. Louis, this county seat of St. Francois County, besides being near 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.

17. Branson

It's a little hard to believe that Branson is a small town with all there is to do, but with only 12,000 residents, it's considered one. It is a well-known family vacation destination featuring Silver Dollar City, an 1800s-themed amusement park, along with White Water Waterpark. They offer plenty of entertainment, including 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.

Looking for related content? Then check these Missouri downtowns that will make you feel like you've stepped into the past.