7 Oldest Founded Small Towns To Visit In Missouri in 2024
Missouri, a Midwestern state rich in history and charm, is home to some of the oldest small towns in America. These quaint communities in the Show Me State offer a unique blend of historical landmarks, vibrant cultures, and scenic beauty. From riverfront gems like Ste. Geneviève to the German heritage community of Hermann, these towns are perfect for those who love to explore the past while enjoying the present. Whether discovering Civil War history in Lexington or seeking a picturesque getaway in Washington, here are seven of Missouri’s oldest small towns that promise a delightful adventure.
Ste. Geneviève
Located on the western shore of the Mississippi River, Ste. Genevieve is Missouri's original European community. Founded in 1735, this town is a living museum showcasing colonial architecture and rich French heritage. Visitors can stroll through the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park to see the Felix Valle House State Historic Site and the Bolduc House Museum, both offering glimpses into 18th-century life. Prehistoric history is on display at the Sainte Geneviève Museum Learning Center. Experience the thrill of the museum’s Hall of Giants with life-sized dinosaurs, as well as the town’s French connections in the Ste. Geneviève Gallery.
Nature lovers can explore the Ste. Geneviève Levee Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy a walk on top of the levee or simply soak in the views of wildlife, such as deer, meadowlarks, and herons. To truly experience the town’s heritage, visit Ste. Geneviève during the annual Jour de Fête. Held the second weekend in August, this vibrant festival celebrates the town’s French roots with crafts, music, and delicious food. Ste. Geneviève's unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a captivating destination for those looking to step back in time while enjoying a picturesque setting.
Cape Girardeau
Founded in 1793 on the banks of the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is a town steeped in history and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Old Town Cape historic district with charming shops, restaurants, and historic 19th-century architecture. Nearby, the Red House Interpretive Center commemorates the town’s founder, Louis Lorimier, and the visit of Lewis and Clark in 1803. The Center offers exhibits showcasing early settler life in the old Cape Girardeau district. History buffs will also want to explore the Glenn House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This historical treasure, completed in 1883, offers a glimpse into Victorian and Edwardian-era life, with rooms preserved as they were at the turn of the 20th century.
Cape Girardeau also offers incredible nature views and annual festivals. Outdoor lovers will enjoy a trip to Cape Rock Park, with stunning views of the Mississippi River from the original trading post established by the town's namesake, Ensign Girardot. Cape Girardeau also hosts vibrant events like the SEMO District Fair in September and the Riverfront Market, held every Saturday from May through October. With its history, culture, and natural beauty, Cape Girardeau offers an unforgettable experience.
Lexington
Founded in 1822 by Gilead Rupe, Lexington is a town rich in Civil War history and antebellum charm. Nestled along the Missouri River, Lexington quickly grew into a bustling merchant hub and, by the 1830s and 1840s, was the largest city west of St. Louis. Lexington's rich history comes to life at the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site, where visitors can explore the battlefield and the famous Anderson House, a central point during a fierce three-day Civil War battle in 1861. Today, guests can tour the house, see bullet holes and cannon fire traces, and reflect on the town's turbulent past in the now tranquil, garden-adorned battlefield.
More history is on display in the historic district of Lexington, featuring beautifully preserved antebellum homes and buildings, including the Lexington Historical Museum. For nature lovers, the nearby Big River Ranch boasts exciting outdoor activities, including horseback riding, camping, and seasonal rodeos. Lexington is a perfect blend of history and adventure, offering something for everyone.
Arrow Rock
Arrow Rock, perched on the banks of the Missouri River, is one of Missouri’s oldest-founded towns. Rich with history and natural beauty, Arrow Rock was established in 1829 and quickly became a pivotal point for westward expansion and the Santa Fe Trail. Originally named Philadelphia, it was renamed Arrow Rock in 1833 to reflect the prominent limestone bluff that had served as a significant landmark for Native Americans, explorers, and early settlers. This bluff, known as “rock of arrows,” was a vital flint manufacturing site for Indigenous cultures for nearly 12,000 years.
Today, visitors can step back in time at the Arrow Rock State Historic Site and explore the preserved J. Huston Tavern. Performance art enthusiasts can also catch a show at the Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Missouri’s oldest professional regional theater. To fully enjoy the town’s natural beauty, hike along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail that leads to the inspiring Missouri River. Arrow Rock truly shows visitors what the Show-Me State is all about with its captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Weston
Founded in 1837, Weston is a historic river town that offers a charming escape with its rich history and scenic views. As the first settlement in the Platte Purchase, a six-county area ceded to Missouri by the Sac and Fox tribes, Weston quickly became a bustling steamboat port on the Missouri River. It served as a key marketplace for Fort Leavenworth and a primary departure point for travelers heading west during the early years of westward expansion.
Step back in time on a leisurely stroll through Weston's historic downtown. Discover the Weston Historical Museum, a treasure trove of local history showcasing rare Native American artifacts, antique medical tools, and stunning vintage fashion. History enthusiasts can also visit the McCormick Distilling Company, the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi River, still operating in its original location. Nature lovers will enjoy the breathtaking vistas at Weston Bend State Park, which offers secluded picnic sites, a campground, and scenic overlooks of the Missouri River. The park’s three-mile paved trail winds through its wooded terrain, providing a perfect setting for hiking and biking.
Hermann
Nestled in the heart of Missouri’s wine country, Hermann is one of the oldest-founded towns in the state, rich in German heritage and history. Established in 1837, Hermann was the vision of the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia, which sought a place in the West where German Americans could preserve their culture. The picturesque town was carefully chosen, making it an ideal spot for these settlers to recreate a slice of their homeland.
Today, Hermann boasts many historical sites and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Deutschheim State Historic Site, which offers a glimpse into the lives of early German settlers. The Hermannhof Winery, a National Historic Landmark, is one of several wineries that celebrate the town’s winemaking tradition. For nature lovers, the nearby Katy Trail provides scenic views of the Missouri River, perfect for hiking and biking. The Missouri River also offers opportunities for fishing and canoeing. Whether strolling through the town’s charming streets, savoring a glass of locally produced wine, or exploring the town’s heritage, Hermann offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Washington
Located on the southern shore of the Missouri River, Washington is a charming town steeped in history and scenic beauty. Founded on May 29, 1839, Washington was one of the first American cities established west of the Mississippi River. Its strategic location at the river’s southernmost point made it an early settlement, with residents already living there when Lewis and Clark embarked on their westward journey in 1804.
Just 50 miles west of St. Louis, Washington’s picturesque riverfront views, historic charm, and lively community make it a wonderful destination for a relaxing visit. Washington’s historic downtown offers visitors a delightful blend of past and present. The Washington Historical Society Museum offers a fascinating look at the town’s heritage, while the Iron Spike Model Train Museum captivates visitors of all ages with its miniature world. Afterward, unwind with a glass of wine and a curated charcuterie board while taking in the waterfront views at Oak and Front.
Discover The Charm Of Missouri’s Oldest Towns
Missouri's oldest small towns offer more than just a trip through history; they provide a glimpse into the rich culture and natural beauty of the Show Me State. Whether exploring the French roots of Ste. Geneviève, walking the historic battlefields of Lexington, or enjoying the scenic vineyards of Hermann, these towns allow visitors to experience the charm and stories that have shaped Missouri for centuries. Each destination is a unique blend of past and present, providing unforgettable experiences for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in the heartland of America.
