6 Cutest Small Towns In Missouri To Visit In 2024
Whether you’re looking for a solo vacation or a family fun getaway, there are numerous reasons why you should seriously consider visiting Missouri. This great state is most famous for the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. However, these six cutest small towns in Missouri also have great monuments and national attractions that are a must-see in 2024.
Hermann
Downtown businesses in Hermann, Missouri. Editorial credit: Logan Bush / Shutterstock.com
Hermann has a population of just a little over 2,000 people. This small town is known for its beating red heart made of wine. The famous Hermann Wine Trail is home to various wineries that have won awards such as the Adam Puchta Winery, Bias Winery, and Hermannhof Winery.
As you might have guessed from some of these names, the town of Hermann was founded by German immigrants in the mid-1800s. Touring these wineries is a vacation highlight. They are historically preserved with their brick-and-mortar type look.
In addition to wineries, Hermann is also known for their famous Oktoberfest, Wurfest, and Maifeset. All spread throughout the year, so you’re sure to hit one of these festivals during your travels.
Weston
Downtown Main Street in Weston, Missouri. Editorial credit: Matt Fowler KC / Shutterstock.com
Weston, Missouri, is an adorable little town just outside of Kansas City. Though small, it is known for coming alive at night with its vibrant history. If you’re seeking a rich experience, then this is the town for you.
Weston helped to make waves in the 19th century with the expansion of shipping tobacco and other wellness goods. With a population of about 1,787 members, they continue to keep this city alive. Weston Bend State Park offers heavenly views of the valley. They are a pristine location for family picnics and bike rides.
The historic downtown Weston offers galleries that are filled with crafted art, homegrown coffee, and unique boutique shops that offer a different out-of-town experience.
Ste. Genevieve
The County Clerk building in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, USA.
Ste. Genevieve, the oldest European settlement in Missouri, offers a rich historical experience. It was founded in the mid 1700s and runs parallel to the Mississippi River. So, get ready to crack open the history books and take a peak at the past.
Ste. Genevieve is home to the great Bolduc House Museum which was built in the late 1700s. With guided tours starting at $10 or less per person, this museum still has original furnishings intact.
Make sure to add the Felix Valle House State Historic Site and Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center to your list of things to do in this quaint old town. These historical sights offer great learning tours that showcase artifacts that can only be seen in person to be truly appreciated.
Washington
Sunny view of Brookings Hall at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
If you’re a proud lover of the USA, then you won’t find a better town to visit than Washington, Missouri. This mid-size town of 15,075 members is a true depiction of the American way of life with livestock fairs, live music, true American Barbeque, and good old-fashioned county fairs.
Every September, Washington hosts a Main Street BBQ and Bluesfest, where they promote good old-fashioned competitions with food, live, family-friendly music, and outdoor activities for the kids to enjoy.
Year-round outdoor activities in Washington include biking and hiking along the Katy Trail State Park.
Hannibal
Hannibal, Missouri, is the boyhood town of the world-famous author Mark Twain. His most popular pieces are The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. This town is a great place to tour to see where Mark Twain's ideas sparked for his books. The Mississippi River was a prominent fixture in both his books that runs right alongside Hannibal.
Not only known for its heritage with this great author, Hannibal is also known for their great outside adventures. Which honestly may be a central common theme from Mark Twain. Hannibal hosts riverboats, trolley rides, and scenic walking trails throughout this great town. These tours and guides are often attributed to this great author, which they proudly display.
Branson
Branson, Missouri skyline from a lookout point.
Last but certainly not least, Branson, Missouri, is hidden away in the Ozark Mountains. This city is known to come alive in the state of Missouri so it has thousands of tourists that visit each year. Branson gained national attention in the 1950s and 1960s with its stamp on the live music industry.
The live shows they offer come from the Grand Country Music Hall, Sight & Sound Theatres, and the Haygoods. So, no matter if your family wants a good, clean Bible, believing entertainment, or good old USA country twang, this great town has it all in store for you.
Branson also is home to the famous Silver Dollar City, an amusement park that has live shows, crafting, rides, and food for all. These tickets start out at $89 and you’re sure to have a blast.
Plan Your Missouri Adventure Today
No matter what is in store for you in 2024, make sure to put these six cute small towns on your list. From the quaint streets where Mark Twain once walked in Hannibal to the live music promoted in Branson to the good old-fashioned barbecue provided in Washington, these little towns offer it all. Pack your bags and discover the adventure that has been waiting for you in 2024!
