6 Friendliest Towns to Visit in Missouri in 2024
Towns are so much more than a cluster of buildings or a place to live and visit; towns are the people and communities that come together to build a culture. That culture is best described as a warm welcome in Missouri's small towns. Here, you’ll see smiles on every street; it’s not unusual for locals to stop and chat, happy to share recommendations on the best place to grab lunch, the most scenic walking trails, or the top attraction in town. You’ll feel right at home in these friendly communities, and you may even want to linger longer to explore the state’s stunning scenery, historic sites, and fun-filled festivals. Missouri is an inviting and gracious state, especially in these six friendliest towns!
Hermann
A scenic river town, Hermann was established by German settlers in 1837. Today, the town is best known as the bustling hub of Missouri’s wine industry. Fans of the grape should make time to visit Stone Hill Winery, established in 1847 and the oldest and most award-winning winery in the state. In 1979, Stone Hill’s owners converted an old carriage house and barn on the property into a restaurant, and now serve up German and American favorites from their beautiful dining room in the Missouri hills. If you’re visiting Hermann in August, stop by the Wine and Jazz Festival which offers fine wines, live music, and delicious bites at the amphitheater downtown. In the fall, the town celebrates its German heritage with a rousing Oktoberfest boasting events every weekend of the month.
Sedalia
Known as the home of the Missouri State Fair, Sedalia is a friendly town with a fun vibe and lots of homegrown pride in its diverse history and heritage. The fairgrounds come alive in mid-August as thousands of locals and visitors flock to the state fair to enjoy top-notch food, entertainment, shopping, and rides. Even in the quiet months, there’s still much to explore in Sedalia’s historic streets. Stop by the Katy Depot and Heritage Railroad Museum for a fascinating look at the town’s most famous landmark, the beautifully restored 1896 depot. This is also where you can pick up the 240-mile Katy Trail, the longest-developed rail trail in the country, which meanders past the most scenic parts of the state. See more scenery and history at the Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site just outside town. This impressive castle was built at the turn of the century and constructed high on a cliff above two caves. You can tour the 31-room house to see the original furnishings or spend a day on the gorgeous grounds, hiking, biking, or enjoying a picnic.
Van Buren
Van Buren is a pretty river town sandwiched between the Mark Twain National Forest and the Ozark National Scenic Waterway. This welcoming community attracts hundreds of nature-loving visitors looking for adventure on its picturesque hiking trails, waterfront walks, and serene waters. Soak your cares away by taking a dip in Big Spring, one of the three largest springs in the US, fed by around 276 million gallons of water daily. Take the 1.2-mile Big Spring Slough Trail to stretch your legs, take in the views, and see trailside exhibits that tell you more about the area’s history and ecology. If you’re searching for more earthy excitement, tour the Current River Cave at Missouri Down Under, an ‘adventure zoo’ and park with exotic animals and a gemstone quarry.
West Plains
The historic town of West Plains is the gateway to the Ozark Mountains. Nestled in the foothills, this small community has shown visitors a good time since the railroad came to town in 1883. You’ll see lots of Civil War artifacts around the historic downtown, including a cannonball that was fired at the County Courthouse in 1862 and the Civil War Skirmish Site Historical Marker, which marks the spot where Union and Confederate soldiers clashed in 1862. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, West Plains’ Historic District includes 46 historic buildings from 1881-1950. Most of these are downtown, making it easy for visitors to stroll through their own self-guided history tour. Further out of West Plains, you’ll find the calm serenity of the Galloway Creek Nature Park, a 40-acre park featuring creekside walks, a scenic covered bridge, and displays of local flora and fauna.
West Plains loves to put on a show for its guests. Visit in October 2024 to see the OzFaire Renaissance Festival, billed as a ‘weekend of renaissance-era fun’ and featuring live music, vendors, and period-style entertainment such as armored combat tournaments. Later in the year, in September, the town hosts an event of a very different kind: the Heart of the Ozarks Fall Bluegrass Festival, a must for every music-lover.
Boonville
Boonville was a key battleground in the Civil War but shook off its military past with the expansion of the railroads, becoming a thriving river town with a lively arts and cultural scene. It’s also one of the larger communities on the Katy Trail, with a visitor’s center at the trailhead that provides trail maps, merchandise, and a museum about its history. Boonville also intersects with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which traces the route of the legendary expedition. Back in town, it’s well worth visiting the Old Jail and Hanging Barn, built in 1848 and open to public tours. Visit the specialty museum, the Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum, to see the world’s largest collection of Mitchell motorcars and wagons, dating from the late 19th century.
Kimmswick
On the banks of the Missouri River, Kimmswick is an inviting and friendly destination with quaint streets, a gorgeous riverfront setting, and plenty of rustic, small-town charm. Fall is an ideal time to visit as not only will you catch the beautiful autumnal foliage, but you can also sample some delicious local preserves at the Apple Butter Festival, which takes place on the last weekend of October and draws over 100,000 visitors to the town.
Year-round attractions in Kimmswick include the stunning Anheuser Estate, an 1867 mansion that overlooks the river amid lush green grounds, and the Windsor Harbor Road Bridge, the oldest known wrought iron bridge in Missouri, built in 1874. If you’ve time, spend a few hours exploring the Mastodon State Historic Site, where archaeologists discovered mastodon bones in 1979. Today, the 425-acre park contains a museum, walking trails, and a campground.
Home to iconic Route 66 stops, the famous Ozark Mountains, some of the country’s best jazz and blues, and incredible Civil War-era historic sites, Missouri has seen a lot of tourist traffic over the years. As such, this is a state that knows how to welcome visitors and is eager to share its rich history, natural attractions, and generous hospitality. Nicknamed the ‘Show Me’ state, Missouri is definitely a bit of a show-off where friendly towns are concerned!
