6 Most Memorable Small Towns in Missouri

Sandwiched between the Mighty Mississippi (East) and Missouri (West) Rivers and covered by the lush wilderness of the Ozark Mountains, the "Show Me State" indeed has a lot to unveil. Though easy to overlook in Middle America, Missouri has exotic, charming, and entertaining towns. French-Candians settled some, others by German immigrants, some have a quintessential English aesthetic, and plenty are true-blue modern Americans (Branson, I'm looking at you). So, if you're looking to explore some of the lesser-known regions of the United States, float on by these six memorable Missouri towns.

Ste. Geneviève

Founded in 1735, this French-Canadian village made history as Missouri's (and the Ozark's) first permanent, non-indigenous settlement and as one of the oldest European settlements anywhere west of the Mississippi. Get a sense of the look and feel of Ste. Geneviève's colonial past by visiting the national historic park, the Felix Valle House State Historic Site, and the Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum – all within a few blocks of each other in the heart of the historic district. Another appeal to this charming East-Central (now) city is that, in true French fashion, it is surrounded by no less than eight wineries. And while exploring the peripheral countryside, why not make a stop at Hickory Canyons Natural Area or Hawn State Park – both less than 20 miles to the West –  to experience the beautiful hikes of the Ozarks?

Hannibal

Hannibal will always be remembered as the hometown of famous American writer Samuel Langhorne Clemens (aka Mark Twain) and as the setting for some of his most beloved novels: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Bibliophiles and history buffs alike can unite at the century-old Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, followed by the Mark Twain Museum Gallery, before boarding the Mark Twain Riverboat for an old-fashioned cruise down the Mississippi River, and then capping it off with a one-hour subterranean tour of the Mark Twain Cave Complex. Switching gears: a fun and spooky way to get a feel for Hannibal's non-Twain tales is to take the Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tour, which runs (or rather, walks) nightly starting from the Hannibal History Museum.

Hermann

Founded by German immigrants in the mid-19th century in the Missouri River Valley, Hermann specializes in authentic Bavarian cuisine and viticulture. This quaint city is filled with red-brick, green-roof buildings (most strikingly, the Gasconade County Courthouse) and is surrounded by a landscape of bushy trees and undulating vineyards and farms. In fact, approximately one-third of the state's wines are produced in this region. Given its proud heritage, Hermann hosts several popular annual events. Time your visit for Wurfest in March, Maifest in May, or Oktoberfest in (well, what do you think?), and you'll forge even stronger memories with this always-enjoyable community. Before leaving town, explore some more of the river valley by hiking or biking part of the 237-mile Katy Trail (i.e., the longest "rails-to-trail" recreational project in the country), which rolls right past Hermann (cross the Christopher S. Bond Bridge). 

Branson

Even though Branson has less than 13,000 residents, it has enough attractions to entertain over seven million annual visitors. People flock to this small Taney County/Stone County city, which hangs out on the North side of the White River/Lake Taneycomo, near the Eastern shore of Table Rock Lake because they know the good times are guaranteed. For starters, Branson is known as "America's Top Live Music Show Destination." At any given time, there are over 100 live shows filling up the weekly calendar, and not just great gigs – there are theater performances, musicals, magic shows, and stand-up comedy to satisfy all preferences. But there's no need to wait for nightfall to kickstart the fun; Branson has a wide range of family-friendly attractions spread throughout town. There is the TITANIC Museum (aboard an impressive replica of the ill-fated ship), a Ripley's Believe it or Not! exhibit, the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, zoos and aquariums, theme parks and go-karts out the wazoo, retail therapy in the historic downtown, a scenic overlook tower in the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area (in the hills above the river), all kinds of outdoor recreation within the surrounding Ozarks, and oodles more of eclectic attractions. One thing is for sure: if you come to Branson, you won't be bored. 

Hollister

You won't have to travel far from Branson to get to Missouri's next memorable small town. Hollister (which, again, is technically a small city) lies on the South side of Lake Taneycomo. But whereas Branson is full of pizzazz, its sister city deals in softer appeals. Take the Downing Street Historic District, for example. With its stonemasonry and Tudor-style buildings, it looks like something straight out of an authentic English village. Enjoy some pub-grub comfort food and settle into a Ye Olde Inn for a few relaxing evenings. If that fresh Ozark air is what you seek, paddle a kayak or canoe (available to rent in town) on the serene White River or nearby Table Rock Lake (which also has a famous public beach and some lovely shoreline walking paths). In addition, Table Rock State Park, on Hollister's side of the river, provides a campground and an excellent network of hiking trails. 

Weston

Founded in 1837 as a port on the Missouri River, Weston has kept its old-timey charm – as is evidenced by the well-preserved historic downtown district, antebellum homes, restored tobacco barns, and even the oldest distillery West of New York's Hudson River. This Platte County community is one of the cutest that Missouri has to offer and a perfect place to wash a few days down. Weston specializes in boutique shopping, craft libations, and healthy homemade meals. Thanks to the Weston Bend State Park, which connects to the South side of town and shadows the reverse-C bend in the Missouri River, there are miles and miles of forested trails, three separate paved bike paths, dozens of campsites, and scenic platformed lookouts to forever cement this place in one's mind (and heart).

A Journey Through Missouri's Most Captivating Towns

Missouri has a lot to boast about. Its natural landscape is enthralling, its history is rich, the sub-cultures are plentiful, and the small towns are distinct. Whether you want wet and wild river adventures, to scream your head off night after night at live concerts, to visit the remnants of early-American colonies, to retrace the steps of some of your favorite Mark Twain characters, or to gently pedal past countryside vineyards, these six memorable, "Show Me State" small towns have you covered.