6 of the Most Walkable Towns in Missouri
Missouri is a Midwestern state often characterized by its largest cities, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Springfield. All cities have the distinction of being extremely walkable despite their large size, and all have attractions that make them worthy destinations. However, the Show Me State also has a variety of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-track small towns that are just as exciting (and walkable) as their larger counterparts. From Ozarks towns like Rolla to Mississippi River communities like Cape Girardeau, college towns like Warrensburg to St Louis suburbs like Kirkwood, these picturesque towns are some of the most walkable in Missouri—and are definitely worth a visit.
Rolla
Rolla is located in south-central Missouri along Route 66. Though the seat of Phelps County, Rolla’s relatively small population (20,000) and small area (12 square miles) make it extremely walkable, with easy access to its historic downtown area and its many attractions. Explore the Ozarks town and its rich heritage with a visit to the Dillon House Log Museum, or visit historic buildings like the Limestone Block Jail and the Historic Phelps County Courthouse. The Historic Main Street Footbridge also offers visitors a glimpse into Rolla’s railroading past. Rolla also has plenty of walkable cultural attractions, such as the Ozark Actors Theatre and the Leach Theatre at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. The scenic gem also has plenty of recreation within the city limits, including the Audubon Trails Nature Center, Ber Juan Park, and Lions Club Park, all with a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, wildlife watching, and fishing. The perfect combination of picturesque Ozarks scenery and a vibrant, bustling downtown area, Rolla is one of the most walkable small towns in Missouri.
Cape Girardeau
Cape Girardeau is a picturesque Southeastern Missouri town located on the Mississippi River. Though a sprawling small town of just under 30 square miles, Cape Girardeau still maintains high walkability because of its abundance of close-knit neighborhoods. The Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail also allows visitors and residents to travel throughout Cape Girardeau easily, as it connects the town to multiple areas and attractions, including the downtown area, riverfront, and town parks. Additionally, Osage Park, Arena Park, and Shawnee Park are all accessible via the recreation trail. Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center also offers hiking and fishing, interactive nature exhibits, and an indoor wildlife viewing area.
The walkable river town also has its fair share of history. Visitors can explore Cape Girardeau’s rich heritage at historic homes like Oliver-Leming House and Glenn House or learn about its military past at The U.S. Grant Trail Southeast Segment, and Fort D. Art is also an important part of Cape Girardeau’s culture and is reflected in colorful displays like The Missouri Wall of Fame Mural and The Mississippi River Tales Mural and places like the Crisp Museum at Southeast Missouri State University.
Kirkwood
A suburb of St. Louis, Kirkwood is a vibrant community of about 29,000 residents. However, despite its population size, Kirkwood’s relatively small area (9.2 square miles) makes it an extremely walkable spot filled with attractions, scenery, and welcoming Midwestern charm. Experience the town’s natural beauty at one of its many local parks, such as Kirkwood Park, Emmenegger Nature Park, and the Meramec Highlands Quarry at Dee Koestering Park, to name a few. Kirkwood is also home to Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, a forested oasis in the middle of the bustling town. Additionally, Kirkwood is known for community events like the Greentree Festival, the Route 66 Cars and Guitars Festival, and its popular Farmer’s Market.
Kirkwood also has plenty of history, heritage, and culture. Its iconic Train Station—listed on the National Register of Historic Places—is a bastion of history and architecture, and it is the third busiest train station in Missouri. The Historic Kirkwood Landmark Walking Tour also allows visitors to experience the suburb’s distinguished past, with stops at historic buildings and town landmarks. Further Kirkwood attractions include “a walk through history” at The Museum of Transportation; the Laumeier Sculpture Park, an open-air museum of epic proportions; and The Magic House St. Louis Children’s Museum, a family-family spot for fun and adventure.
Warrensburg
Known as the “Home of Man’s Best Friend,” Warrensburg is a quaint Missouri community of about 20,000 residents and an area of approximately 9.4 square miles. Just a five-minute walk from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) campus, Warrensburg’s historic downtown and shopping district is the heart of the area. Explore the town’s culture and heritage with a visit to the Grover Street Victorian District and the UCM Archives, or take a trip through history with a visit to the Johnson County Historical Society’s Museum Complex, several Civil War sites, and the Old Drum Tour, where visitors can learn how dog became man’s best friend.
Warrensburg is also a great place to explore nature, relax, and unwind. Some of its town parks and walking trails include Cave Hollow Park, the Johnson County Spirit Trail, and the Pertle Springs Trail. There are also several public lakes to enjoy. Lions Lake, Lake Cena, and Hazel Hill Lake offer fishing, boating, wildlife watching, and breathtaking natural scenery. Family-friendly activities include climbing and bouldering at the UCM Student Recreation and Wellness Center and retro fun at the Retrograde Charitable Toy & Video Museum. With its variety of cultural, natural, and historical attractions, Warrensburg’s vibrant, college-town atmosphere and its welcoming hometown feel make it one of Missouri’s most walkable small towns.
Kirksville
The seat of Adair County, Kirksville, is a Northeast Missouri town with 17,000 residents. Surrounded by Thousand Hills State Park, Kirksville has no shortage of recreational opportunities and breathtaking natural beauty. However, it is the scenic spot’s small area (14.4 square miles) and abundance of attractions that make it one of Missouri’s most walkable towns. History abounds in Kirksville, with The Kirksville Historic Site Free Self-Guided Audio Tour offering walking/biking access to over 100 attractions in and around the area. The tour’s Kirksville sites include attractions like the Adair County Historical Society Museum, the Battle of Kirksville & Forest Llewellyn Cemetery, and the Ruth Towne Museum at Truman University, among others.
Kirksville also has its share of outdoor activities. Town parks like Patryla Park and Spur Pond, Rotary Park, and Memorial Park each offer various recreational opportunities, while the town’s hike/bike trail connects many of its other parks and attractions surrounding the central business district. Forest Lake—located in nearby Thousand Hills State Park—is just two miles away from Kirksville and has swimming, boating, and fishing. Kirkwood also has plans to complement existing trails with new access points connecting directly to Thousand Hills, an ongoing project that will make the town even more walkable in the future.
Ste. Genevieve
With just over 5,000 residents, Ste. Genevieve is the epitome of cozy Missouri small towns. The oldest permanent European settlement West of the Mississippi, Ste. Genevieve’s small land area (3.9 square miles), abundance of history and culture, and beautiful setting also make it an extremely walkable place to visit. Experience living history in Ste. Genevieve’s National Historic District’s various sites honor its French colonial past, including The Centre for French Colonial Life and The Guibourd-Vallé House. Events like the annual French Heritage Festival and The Holiday Christmas Festival also help to celebrate the town’s rich heritage.
A backdrop to its storied culture, Ste. Genevieve’s natural scenery is also an integral part of its identity. All are within walking distance, and scenic spots like the Ste. Genevieve Levee Wildlife Refuge and Lake Audubon, Pickle Springs Natural Area, and Hickory Canyons Natural Area offer both outdoor recreation and some of the area’s most breathtaking landscapes. The picture-perfect town is also home to the Ste. Geneviève-Modoc Ferry, aka “The French Connection,” which offers access to even more Southern Illinois attractions, state parks, and historic sites. With its small size and a plethora of diverse destinations, Ste. Genevieve’s is undoubtedly one of Missouri’s most walkable small towns.
Missouri’s walkable small-town treasures are bustling destinations packed with history, culture, and outdoor recreation. Scattered throughout the beautiful Show Me State, these diverse communities offer plenty of must-see attractions that are easily accessible and pedestrian-friendly. From historic sites and state parks to scenic trails and one-of-a-kind cultural attractions, these small walkable towns are brimming with Midwestern hospitality—and have something for everyone looking for a laidback escape.
