11 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Missouri
Missouri, the Show Me State, is filled with natural beauty, cultural points of interest, and historic sites. The off-the-beaten-track towns are the best to visit because they maintain Missouri's true spirit. Many of them began as small settlements centuries ago and many of the age-old structures have been preserved well. History runs deep in Missouri, and you will find bucolic towns named after United States Presidents and towns that belong in the annals of American history because of residents who have become famous. The walkable entertainment districts bring out the true character of the communities while their natural framework underscores Missouri's natural beauty in all its wonder.
Rocheport
Rocheport is a small port town renowned for its bed and breakfasts, dining, and natural beauty. The city was incorporated in 1825 and remains in a tranquil and peaceful frame of mind. It also boasts culinary and cultural options like the can't-miss Rocheport Wineries at the historic Nebo Inn. Rocheport Wineries is one of Missouri's newest wineries, producing premium sparkling wine and offering over 350 other brands.
Romantics and nature lovers will love booking a room at Mount Nebo Inn. It is located on the Rocheport Winery campus and offers immediate access to the Katy Trail, which is widely considered a must-stop destination. Another fabulous bed and breakfast is the School House B&B. The three-story brick home offers 11 luxury suites and a three-course breakfast made from scratch.
Parkville
Parkville is off the beaten path and well worth a stop for a day or two to visit the historic downtown, art galleries, and antique shops. The historic district is lined with traditional brick storefronts along the Missouri River. The district hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Gallery of Trees in December and the Parkville Microbrew Fest in April.
There is a beautiful drink and dining scene, from French bistros like Cafe des Amis to homemade goods at The Baker's Table. Booking a room near the district provides easy access to Parkville's soul. The iconic Main Street Inn, ca. 1885, is in the middle of the Historic District. It offers three distinctive rooms with vintage charm and modern accommodations in the middle of the elegant shops and restaurants.
Fayette
Downtown Fayette is filled with majestic, red-brick commercial buildings that give the quaint town a regal air. As part of the Main Street initiative, it is purposefully designed for shopping, dining, and meeting with the community. Ophelia's is a unique eatery located on the town square that serves soups and sandwiches. It is also a charming flower shop and a must-stop location when in town.
Walking around downtown and shopping is a favorite pastime, and some notable boutiques are The Attic, Red Dirt Rag Co., and Gold Apple Boutique. Attractions such as Movie Night on the Square and festivals like the Fall Street Dance are also present. This is a warm community, evident by the local events, and it offers an iconic Midwestern feel.
Hermann
Hermann is a small, elegant German town in the heart of Missouri's wine country. The village, tucked away in what is formally recognized as the Missouri River Valley, is filled with red-brick buildings and rolling vineyards with a nostalgic atmosphere. Several annual live events underscore Hermann's culture and heritage, such as the Hermann Wurtfest, Hermann Antique Show, and the Artisan Cheese Market at Stone Hill Winery.
Hermann has an excellent selection of regional history museums, especially for a small village. The City of Hermann Caboose Museum features interactive museums detailing the critical railroad history in the area. The Hermann Fire Company Museum was dedicated in 1971, and firefighters salvaged unused gear to display to honor their rich history. Embarking on a Lionheart Whiskey Company tour is a fun day trip where you can explore historic property grounds and is close to many other enjoyable attractions.
Arrow Rock
The historic village of Arrow Rock was founded in 1829 and has been carefully preserved. The gorgeous red-brick J. Huston Tavern, built in 1923, was the first historic building to be preserved. Because of its association with the Western Association, the entire town was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1963.
Walking and driving tours are available and are a great way to spend an afternoon. The tours explore historic sites like The Black History Museum - Brown Lodge, Dr. John Sappington Museum, Shelby Log Cabin, the Old Courthouse, and the Print Shop Museum. The shop is on the first floor of the I.O.O.F. Lodge Hall and is open daily for self-guided touring. This charming village may be off the beaten path, but it is worth a stop, especially for history buffs.
Hannibal
Hannibal may be off the beaten path, but it is also famous for being home to the famed American novelist Mark Twain. The brick and clapboard-siding commercial buildings in town evoke the era when Twain lived here. Several historic bed and breakfasts are within walking distance of the historic downtown, including the Georgia Revival Rockcliffe Mansion, built between 1898 and 1900.
Garden House Bed and Breakfast, ca. 1896, is also within walking distance of downtown and provides a tranquil and intimate setting. An eclectic mix of restaurants offers everything from quick bites to wineries. Cave Hollow Wineries exudes the region's history and offers wine from Missouri. Other options include Labinnah Bistro and the Rustic Oak Grill and Pub. Touring the town on foot is the best way to absorb the history and immerse yourself in Hannibal's culture as you walk the same roads the noteworthy author once walked.
Van Buren
Historic Van Buren was named after the eighth United States President, Martin Van Buren. The small town has many attractions, both natural and cultural. Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park to protect a river, and the Jacks Fork and Current River were the first to offer floating, where visitors spend a lazy day on an intertube.
The Landing is a must-visit hub for dining, floating on the Current River, and lodging. The three lodges on site are the Rosecliff, Moonshadow, and River Centre Lodges, which provide rustic scenery and Missouri charm. The Blue Heron at The Landing offers steak and a copy environment with a chef-inspired menu. It is ideal for relaxing after a day exploring the natural attractions.
Lebanon
Lebanon is a small town with a classic Americana downtown lined with traditional brick storefronts. It is famous for its proximity to Bennett State Park, which attracts over 1 million visitors annually. Though the town caters to Ozark Mountain visitors, it is still an excellent town with smaller crowds. The historic downtown was founded in 1869 and is a quaint way to spend an afternoon.
Downtown is the community epicenter with breweries like Boat Town Brewing and local boutiques like Vintage Flower Market interspersed between the historic buildings. There are multiple lodging options, from rustic cabins to traditional motels. But if you want to surround yourself in the historic district, a bed and breakfast is the right choice. The 1903 Manor House Inn on East Elm Street has operated as a hotel since the early 1930s. It is a short walk from the heart of town and captures Lebanon's community spirit.
New Madrid
Downtown New Madrid has classic storefronts full of charm and historic sites. The Civil War left a dark scar on this small town when the Union bombarded nearby forts. The Civil War Room in the New Madrid Historical Museum explores this history, along with other regional histories. History buffs should stop by the one-room Higgerson School. The white building, ensconced by a white picket fence, served the area from the early 19th century and provided a way to connect with the past.
River Walk Gallery is in the town's oldest building, which was moved to its current allocation to avoid encroaching water from the Mississippi River. It features photographs and paintings in four distinctive sections reflecting rotating themes throughout the year. Self-guided tours provide ample time to soak in New Madrid's historical significance.
Clarksville
Clarksville is a classic Mississippi River town with a compact, traditional downtown that anchors the Little Dixie Highway of the Great River Road. Downtown is the last in Missouri to face the Mississippi River, and the historic buildings house antique shops, boutiques, and local shops worth discovering. The Victorian homes lining the streets tend to whisk visitors away to a bygone era and have been lovingly restored.
The Elgin/Cottrell House is one such home constructed in the mid-19th century. One would be remiss for not visiting Clarksville Riverfront Park while in town. The park is famous for its terraced steps "touching" the Mississippi River and is a hallmark of Clarksville. Any time of year is a good time to visit, but it is especially fruitful in the Fall during the annual Clarksdale Apple Fest.
Ste. Genevieve
Ste. Genevieve is a stunningly beautiful town famous for its vineyards, such as the Weingarten Vineyard. The vineyard also serves as a banquet and meeting facility that can accommodate up to 300 guests. The town is historically important for being the first settled community west of the Mississippi River and the first in Missouri. Today, the French Canadian settlement boasts a charming downtown with traditional brick storefronts and a friendly community.
There is an excellent culinary scene exists for such a small town, such as the Charlesville Vineyard, Winery, Microbrewery, and many cultural and historic sites. There are three historic roads in town: Three Notch Road, Kings Road, and Kingshighway, along with a historic cemetery, Ste. Genevieve Memorial. The grape in local wine traces its roots to the 19th century and is one of many hallmarks of Ste. Genevieveve. A glass of local wine is ideal after a long day of discovering one of the best small towns west of the Mississippi River,
The Show Me State has much to offer, especially for first-time visitors. These 11 off-the-beaten-path towns exude the best of Missouri. The welcoming communities, vineyards, and treasure trove of historical structures and cultural sights make this region a wonderland for the eyes-wide-open traveler. Taking a steamboat ride in Mark Twain's hometown and exploring Van Buren's history is reason enough to visit Missouri, but there is much more to see and do.
Most people may not consider Missouri with German heritage and wine country, but discovering Ste. Genevieve feels like finding a diamond in the rough. You will find some of the loveliest landscapes around while tasting local wines. Missouri is very worthy of a road trip, and discovering little-known towns along the way makes you feel like a modern-day explorer discovering unknown territory, especially in towns like Hannibal and Arrow Rock.
