6 Most Idyllic Small Towns in Missouri
Missouri is a state in the Midwestern United States full of scenic opportunities. The state is home to various idyllic small, each showcasing unique attractions and activities. Some of the best towns include Hermann in the countryside, reminiscent of Germany’s Rhine Valley, and Arrow Rock with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings. Moreover, Lake of the Ozarks has waterfront hotels, hiking trails, golf, cruises, underground caves, boating, and water sports, while Ste. Genevieve’s charming streets offer French architecture that cultural travelers adore. With so much to see and do, Missouri’s small towns are perfect for a vacation with endless ways to have fun.
Hermann
Hermann is known for its scenic vineyards, historic buildings, and German heritage in the heart of Missouri wine country, where tours of seven wineries make up the Hermann Wine Trail. Founded more than 180 years ago, German immigrants first settled in the area because it reminded them of the Rhine River Valley. The town celebrated its first “Weinfest” in 1848—a tradition that continues today during its month-long celebration of music, dance, beer, and wine during Oktoberfest. Hermann is a town that loves its festivals. In 2024, it will celebrate its German heritage during Maifest in the third week of May, the 2nd Annual Hermann Plein Air Festival, where artists will paint from June 8-14, and Christmastime in Hermann, which kicks off with a traditional Lantern Parade in late November.
Katy Trail State Park is three miles from Hermann, and visitors love to cycle the 240-mile-long path through sprawling farm fields and along river bluffs. Why not rent an e-bike from Pedago Hermann to make the long ride easier? After the outdoor excursion, Ainsley’s Place serves homestyle biscuits and gravy or trendy avocado toast for breakfast. Or, opt for the Tin Mill Restaurant, one of the oldest landmarks in town—an 1840s-era grain elevator used during the 1800s and much of the 1900s. It specializes in German delicacies like schnitzel, spaetzle, and craft beers made in the Tin Mill Brewery across the street.
Arrow Rock
Arrow Rock is a quaint, historic town nestled along the Missouri River with less than 100 residents. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, it is renowned for its well-preserved 19th-century buildings and charming atmosphere. The best way for visitors to get a feel for the once-bustling river town is by taking a 75-minute tram tour with the Friends of Arrow Rock, where a guide will drive passengers through the village, with stops at the Old Courthouse, the house of American artist, George Caleb Bingham known as the “Missouri Artist,” and the Sites Homes & Gunsmith Shop.
Visitors can stroll down Main Street and admire the beautiful architecture, browse unique shops, stop for homemade cream at Badger’s Hideaway, or enjoy a boozy milkshake and pizza at Catalpa before a show at the Lyceum Theater. The theater's 2024 season includes performances of 42nd Street, Escape to Margaritaville, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The town is also home to the Arrow Rock State Historic Site, where visitors can hike on the 1.8-mile Pierre A Fleche’ Trail. This trail cuts through wooded areas, hollows, and bluffs above the Missouri River Valley or the River Landing Trail, which links up with the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge and hundreds of miles of trails and boardwalks. Some trails include displays of visual arts, local history, and culture, and the refuge is the perfect location for birders to spot bald eagles, condors, and puffins.
Lake Ozark
Lake Ozark is in the heart of the Ozarks and offers a picturesque retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Over two million people visit the town annually. Tucked along the stunning Lake of the Ozarks shores, this vibrant community boasts charming shops, entertainment venues, and waterfront restaurants, like the famous Shady Gators, which serves pizza, subs, and all-day happy hours some days of the week, Tucker’s Shuckers featuring fresh oysters and 29 beers on tap, and Shorty Pants Lounge.
Lake of the Ozarks was voted the “Best Lake for Water Sports” by USA Today’s 10Best in 2023, and it’s not hard to see why. With over 1,150 miles of shoreline and numerous marinas, the lake is a haven for recreational activities year-round. Rent a kayak or a paddle board from River Monkey, or rent a power boat from Paradise Marina and Watersports and customize it with a wakeboard, a tube, or an aqua mat for all-day lounging.
There’s still plenty to do off the water in Lake Ozark, including hiking or biking through open woodlands and sunny glades at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Another must-see destination is Bridal Cave, a natural limestone cave in the nearby town of Camdenton. It is renowned for its stunning geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and rimstone dams, which have been formed over millions of years. The cave’s name comes from a local legend of a Native American wedding ceremony held inside the cave many centuries ago.
Ste. Genevieve
A historic town with French colonial roots west of the Mississippi River, Ste. Genevieve offers visitors a glimpse into Missouri's past with its well-preserved buildings and historic sites. One can explore the town's charming downtown area or travel back to Missouri’s French roots with a tour of historic homes like the Felix Vallé House State Historic Site. Learn about the region's history at the Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center with various exhibits like The Hall of Giants and its impressive replicas of dinosaurs, the Ancient Cultures Gallery, and the Ste. Genevieve Gallery, where visitors can discover the town’s vast heritage and connection to Italian prisoners of war.
For wine lovers who want an out-of-the-ordinary experience, visiting the unique Cave Vineyard is an opportunity to enjoy wine inside a saltpeter cave. The Chaumette Vineyards & Winery was voted “Best Winery Restaurant” by USA Today’s 10Best in 2022, where visitors can tour the winery and then stay for a farm-to-fork culinary experience at the Grapevine Grill. Those visiting in June rejoice at Ste. Genevieve’s annual French Heritage Festival, which celebrates over 300 years of French culture in North America. The festival features music, dancing, storytelling, and special activities for children.
Boonville
Boonville is a picturesque town overlooking the Missouri River with a vibrant cultural scene and historic charm. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Rivers, Rails & Trails Museum, the Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum, which holds the world's most extensive collection of antique Mitchell Motorcars and Wagons, and Warm Spring Ranch, home of the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale breeding facility. Book a “Cruising with the Clydesdales” tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the lifestyle of a Clydesdale and cruise through expansive pastures.
Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking in Katy Trail State Park, with a pitstop at Derailed Coffee Bar & Café for a bottomless cup of coffee. The Katy Trail also hosts the annual Pedaler’s Jamboree—a 30-mile bike ride and rolling music festival that culminates in music on the Main Stage in Kemper Park and fireworks. Or sample local cuisine at the town's restaurants like Maggie’s Bar & Grill and The Brew Brothers, where visitors can eat outside on the patio or inside, watching their favorite team and let the bartender choose a perfect flight of local brew to try.
Excelsior Springs
Located 30 miles from Kansas City, this charming town in western Missouri is known for its historic mineral springs and elegant architecture. Visitors can relax and rejuvenate at local spas and explore historic sites like the Hall of Waters, initially built in 1936 as a bottling facility and distribution point for the healing water of Excelsior Springs. The healing powers of the water are said to have been discovered by accident when the water cured a young girl who suffered from tuberculosis after she was given it to drink and bathe in. The Hall, once the most popular health resort in the region, now houses city offices, a visitor center, and a small museum. During the summer of 2024, the Hall of Waters Lawn hosts Lyrics on the Lawn, a series of free, family-friendly concerts every other Friday from May 31 through September 6.
While the Hall of Waters may not be the spa it once was, visitors can still escape for a day of rejuvenation and relaxation at The Elms—an expansive 25,000-square-foot facility offering pampering spa treatments in Excelsior Springs. Continue the luxury with a Wine and Dine tour of the town aboard the Excelsior Springs Chamber Trolley. Theatergoers will enjoy Excelsior Springs’ Slight Off-Broadway Theater, which in 2024 will present Fiddler on the Roof, Klondike Kalamity, and a reimagining of Sherlock Holmes featuring Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson.
Summary
The idyllic small towns of Missouri offer a diverse range of attractions and experiences. From Arrow Rock's well-preserved 19th-century buildings to the vibrant downtown atmosphere of Boonville, each town has its own unique charm. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and water sports at Lake of the Ozarks and explore French colonial history in Ste. Genevieve, or relax and rejuvenate at the historic mineral springs of Excelsior Springs. Whether it's touring wineries in Hermann, admiring architecture in Arrow Rock, or indulging in spa treatments in Excelsior Springs, Missouri's small towns offer something for everyone to enjoy.
