6 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Missouri This Summer
For a truly memorable Missouri summer experience, you can’t do much better than visit a few of the state’s loveliest small towns. These charming destinations not only offer a chance to enjoy an authentic slice of Midwest culture and hospitality but also to learn more about its history and the significant role the state played in America’s westward expansion.
Summer is an ideal time to explore these small towns, with pleasant temperatures averaging in the mid-80s and long, sunny days that are perfect for outdoor fun and adventure. From festivals celebrating local heritage to opportunities for hiking, fishing, and water sports, these six lovely small towns to visit in Missouri come alive when the warm weather arrives.
Hannibal
Located on the Mississippi River in northeastern Missouri, Hannibal is best known as the boyhood home of Mark Twain. It was also the inspiration for two of his most famous novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a fact that has cemented the town’s popularity with fans of literature and classic Americana. Must-dos during a summer visit include visiting the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum with its exhibits relating to the writer's early life and inspirations, along with The Hannibal Riverfront with its scenic views of the Mississippi and fun Mark Twain Riverboat cruises.
Be sure to explore Riverview Park, a great spot for a picnic, taking some scenic photos of the mighty Mississippi, or going for an extended walk along the riverfront trails. Exploring the Mark Twain Cave to the south of town is another opportunity to check out a landmark featured in Twain's writings. The summer of 2024 sees Hannibal host its annual National Tom Sawyer Days festival around July Fourth with quirky Twain-related events including fence-painting and frog-jumping competitions, and a grand parade.
Hermann
Hermann’s location on the banks of the Missouri River makes it a very scenic spot for a summer getaway. Founded by German settlers in the 1830s, Hermann has a distinct European charm, which has even spilled over into its wine heritage. The Hermann Wine Trail is a must-do and features seven family-owned wineries offering tastings and tours. If there is only time for one, make it the Hermannhof Winery with its stone cellars dating back to the 1850s. History buffs will also want to visit the Historic Hermann Museum, just a short walk from the winery and housed in the town’s original 1871 German School Building.
Enjoy the great outdoors? Summer’s a great time to visit the area, with the Katy Trail State Park being a popular excuse to stop in and explore Hermann. America's longest-developed developed trail, this 240-mile route follows the railbed of the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad along the Missouri River and makes for a great summer hike with camping opportunities along the way.
Boonville
Situated mid-way between the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City just off the I-70 highway, Boonville is another lovely town that benefits greatly from its location on the Missouri River. Named after Daniel Boone's sons who established cattle salt licks in the area, Boonville played a significant role in westward expansion, the Civil War, as well as the development of the country’s railways. The town's top attractions reflect the importance of the railroads, most notably Katy Bridge, a historic river crossing that’s being repurposed as a pedestrian walkway; and the Boonville Railroad Bridge which dates back to 1932 is also a photo-worthy landmark.
Enjoy watersports? Kayaking or canoeing adventures on the Missouri River are fun and can be arranged with local outfitters providing rentals and guided trips. Nearby Warm Springs Ranch, famous as the home of the Budweiser Clydesdales, offers tours during the summer months, while the annual Heritage Days festival in late June features historical reenactments, craft demonstrations, and live music. The Missouri River Festival of the Arts held in August is another great time to visit and attracts visual and performing artists from across the Midwest.
Ste. Genevieve
An hour south of St. Louis and on the west bank of the Mississippi River, Ste. Genevieve holds the distinction of being Missouri's oldest permanent European settlement. Founded in 1735 by French Canadians, the top attraction here is Felix Valle House State Historic Site, a preserved 1818 Federal-style home featuring exhibits relating to the town's founding. Bolduc House Museum, a National Historic Landmark, is another must-see for its early French colonial architecture.
Nothing says “summer has arrived" quite like a winery tour. Part of the Route du Vin wine trail, wine enthusiasts will enjoy wineries located close to Ste. Genevieve, including Brix Urban Winery & Market and Cave Winery. Time it right, and you may also get to join in the fun at the French Heritage Festival, a popular celebration of the town's French roots with music, dance, and traditional crafts. The Jour de Fête, held in August, is one of Missouri's oldest festivals with artisans and craftspeople from across the country participating. Outdoor adventurers will want to head to nearby Hawn State Park for its hiking trails through pine and oak forests, while Pickle Springs Natural Area features unique sandstone formations and waterfalls.
Excelsior Springs
Located just 30 minutes northeast of Kansas City, Excelsior Springs gained fame in the late 19th century for the healing qualities of its mineral waters. Fast forward to today, and this historic spa town continues to offer visitors the chance to mix a little wellness tourism with its small-town charm. Top attractions in Excelsior Springs include the Hall of Waters, an attractive Art Deco building that once boasted the world's longest water bar. Today, it serves as a cultural center and houses the town's visitor center, while the Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives provides insights into the town's heyday as a health resort.
Those seeking to stopover this summer should check out the rates at The Elms Hotel & Spa, a grand 1912 hotel with spa treatments and mineral baths. The summer of 2024 will see the town host the annual Excelsior Springs WaterFest featuring live music, food vendors, and family activities, while the Excelsior Springs BBQ & Fly-in on the River in August is also fun.
Fulton
Located in central Missouri, Fulton is a small town with significant historical importance. It was here in 1946 at Westminster College that Winston Churchill made his famous "Iron Curtain" speech, an event that led to the phrase becoming synonymous with the Cold War that started between the West and the USSR. Little surprise, then, that the town's top attraction is America’s National Churchill Museum. In addition to a section of the Berlin Wall, it’s also home to the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, a 17th-century church from London that was relocated and rebuilt in Fulton.
A fun summer stroll can be enjoyed in the Brick District, Fulton's revitalized downtown area with its shops, restaurants, and galleries. For the ultimate summer experience, try to time a visit to coincide with the Fulton Street Fair.
Whatever you enjoy doing when summer arrives, there is no doubt Missouri's small towns will have something for you. From adventures on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers to surprisingly good wines and outdoor adventures, these six destinations, Hannibal, Hermann, Boonville, Ste. Genevieve, Excelsior Springs, and Fulton, represent the best of small-town Missouri. As summer plans are made, be sure to include these loveliest small towns to visit in Missouri in your summer travel itinerary.
