Missouri may be known for its big cities—St. Louis and Kansas City, but the real heart of the Show-Me State lies in its rural communities. While around 55% of the population resides in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas, the other 45% live scattered across the state in countless quaint small towns, each offering unique experiences. One such hidden gem is the small town of Bowling Green, Missouri, a delightful destination for those who appreciate great food, charming shops, the great outdoors, and a slower pace of life.

Check out a few of our favorite places to visit:

Mid-Missouri is home to several Amish communities, including the one in Bowling Green, which has been thriving since the 1940s. The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce created a brochure and map showing the 10+ artisans and businesses you can visit. You’ll find general stores, bulk foods, footwear, reclaimed barn wood furnishings, plants, garden supplies, bakeries, candies, and more! It's a wonderful opportunity to experience the craftsmanship and simplicity of Amish life up close.

Bowling Green, Missouri, is located about an hour and a half north of St. Louis, off U.S. Route 61. Like many small towns in Missouri, you’ll find historic brick buildings inhabited by local small business owners centered around a downtown commercial area.

Whether you’re into old or new, Bowling Green, Missouri, has some unique shopping opportunities.

Boutique shops like Worthington House, The Henny Penny, and The Kountry Store offer gifts, decor, clothing, and furnishings.

These shops offer something new as each season turns so if you see something you like, you better get it!

If you’re more of an outside person, check out my mom’s favorite shop in Bowling Green, Prairie’s Edge Garden Center, she loves the gift shop. Get your veggie plants, rose bushes, flowers, houseplants, chrysanthemums, pumpkins, gifts, and seasonal decor all in one place! In the fall you can visit the corn maze which has been running for 16 years!

I like to start my day in Bowling Green, Missouri with a hand-crafted coffee from Spring Hollow Coffee. They also do Lotus energy drinks and snacks.

While you’re indulging, why not try some handmade chocolates, too? This family-run business has been crafting delectable sweets for four generations, carrying on a tradition that started in 1919. They make them the old-school way, with copper kettles, hand dipping, pouring onto marble countertops, and hand cutting individual pieces. Bankhead’s Candies hours vary seasonally, so check out the website before you visit.

I'll take one of everything!

Bowling Green is known for livestock and agricultural roots. At award-winning Woods Smoked Meats, you can find local proteins to cooking yourself or grab some takeout. The meat sticks are my favorite!

I love old home tours because it's fascinating seeing everyday items people once used. You can visit State Senator Champ Clark’s home by appointment.

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy in and around Bowling Green. The city maintains two beautiful 40-acre lakes: Jack Floyd Memorial Lake, which features a fishing and boat dock, and West Lake, perfect for canoeing and fishing, with BBQ pits, hiking trails, and primitive camping spots. Both lakes are stocked by the Missouri Department of Conservation with bass, catfish, and sunfish. For those seeking even bigger water recreation opportunities, Bowling Green is just 11 miles from the Mississippi River and a 40-minute drive from Mark Twain Lake.

Have you ever visited this gem of a small town? What do you like to do in Bowling Green, Missouri? If you’re looking for some other trip ideas in Missouri, check out our guide! Oh, and I should mention, that if you’re visiting rural small towns in Missouri, you may lose cell service. You’re going to need a quality map!