Missouri’s Rising Star: This Underrated Village Is Ideal for Any Traveler

Missouri is one of those places that I strongly believe is tragically underrated. It gets a weird rep in the media, but I promise: It's an amazingly breathtaking place and 100 percent worthy of adventure. It's not just the jungle-like landscape of the state that makes it so amazing (though that is part of it); many of its small towns are charming, beautiful, and friendly. Living in Missouri is underrated, pure and simple, and the town I'd like to highlight today is the perfect illustration.

Arrow Rock, Missouri, is a tiny, idyllic town that travelers and locals should visit. It's small, but it's mighty. With a population of just 59 people as of 2023, this little place packs a huge punch with all sorts of fun, spirited things to do and see. The community is big here, and it shows.

There's always something going on, and visitors are greeted and treated with the same love as friends. Each year, you'll find festivals for every season; at these times, the community comes together more than usual (which is already a lot!) to celebrate. You'll find that the holidays are also a particularly delightful time of year around here, as Arrow Rock certainly loves some Christmastime.

Situated right on Arrow Rock Bluff, overlooking the Missouri River, this town is known for its jaw-dropping natural wonders and stunning beauty. The Arrow Rock State Historic Site is absolutely worthy of a day trip - it's about as beautiful as it is interesting!

The whole town is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it's been a thing since long, long, long before it was ever platted as a town in Missouri: It's believed that folks have inhabited this region for at least 10,000 years. I can't really blame them - it's outrageously beautiful.

Other notable must-dos while you're in town include the Boone's Lick State Historic Site, which is a testament to our intriguing historical salt industry. J. Huston's Tavern  is Missouri's oldest restaurant - you'll also find it here. Truly, when I say this place is chock-full of awesome things to do, see, and experience, I mean it. There are more things to do in and around here than there are folks who call it home.

If you're planning to visit Arrow Rock, Missouri, and need a place to stay, be sure to check out the cool listings from our friends at VRBO; my favorite stay in Arrow Rock is The Latch House Barn. If you find you can't get enough of Missouri's great outdoors, check out all the amazing state parks in Missouri there are to explore.