7 Quirkiest Missouri Towns You Didn't Know Existed
You never know quite what to expect with a vacation in Missouri’s quirky small towns. You might be visiting the Rhineland re-created in the Missouri River Valley, attending an apple butter festival, learning the tricks of the trade from a 19th-century gunsmith, or saying hi to a welcoming frog on the famous Route 66. Whatever you get up to this welcoming midwestern state, it’s sure to be memorable. Don’t be fooled by their laidback small town charm, these eclectic communities offer a range of unique attractions to keep the whole family entertained.
Hermann
Visitors to Hermann in the Missouri River Valley’s wine country are more likely to be greeted with a cheery ‘willkommen’ than ‘welcome’. Founded in 1837 by the German Settlement Society of America, Hermann’s first residents were determined to preserve their German heritage and you can clearly see that European influence in the town’s attractions and architecture.
Hermann has more than 150 buildings on the National Historic Register. Stop into the Historic Hermann Museum, housed in the 1871 school building, to find out more about Hermann’s German beginnings and early life in the town. See the spooky side of Hermann’s past with a ‘dark history’ tour from the Hermann Trolley Company. This hour-long excursion takes guests to the most haunted places in town and shares some creepy local legends.
No visit to Hermann would be complete without sampling its famous wines. The Adam Puchta Winery is the oldest continuous family farm winery in the United States, now operated by the 7th generation of Puchtas. Situated by a creek amid rolling farmlands, it’s a beautiful scenic spot to sip some Missouri-made vintages. For a truly Germanic experience, visit Hermannhof, whose stone cellars and brick buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not only does Hermannhof serve award-winning wines, but it’s also a great place to snack on authentic German sausages.
Ste Genevieve
Ste Genevieve in eastern Missouri was settled by French Canadian colonists in 1735. Charming, historic, and quirky, this small town has retained its French identity, which is on full display at the Guibourd-Vallé House. An early 18th-century French Colonial home, the house contains an expansive, significant collection of artifacts and furniture from French colonies. The Guibourd-Vallé House is also where you can pick up a guided walking tour of Ste Genevieve’s historic district. Tours start at the house at noon, Monday to Friday.
A thriving arts colony in the 1930s and 40s, Ste Genevieve is also known as a creative hub. Visit the Ste Genevieve Art Center to browse works by local creators, take a workshop, or learn about the region’s art history. Take a self-guided tour of the art around town to see more creativity on display; maps are available from the town’s Welcome Center.
After enjoying its art, take a wander through Ste Genieve’s natural beauty at the Ste. Geneviève Urban Levee Wildlife Refuge. Take the walking path through this scenic conservation area to learn about the area’s local habitats and wildlife. Take a camera — you can expect to see deer, opossums, meadowlarks, and herons on your walk.
Arrow Rock
The entire village of Arrow Rock is a National Historic Landmark. Founded in 1829, the town has always been tiny, reaching its peak population of 1,000 during the Civil War. Despite its size, it’s had a big impact. Three 19th-century Missouri Governors were associated with Arrow Rock, along with the 1800s portrait painter George Caleb Bingham. Today, 45 full-time residents call Arrow Rock home.
Wandering around this quaint village, there are a few must-see historical stops. Visit the J. Huston Tavern, which has been operating since 1834, the Old Courthouse, an 1830s log structure, and the George Caleb Bingham House, which is a National Historic Landmark in its own right. If you’d rather not walk, take the Friends of Arrow Rock Tram Tour to see the sights in comfort and learn from a knowledgeable local guide. Stops include the John P. Sights Gun Shop, the only known restoration in the United States of a genuine gunsmith’s shop in its original location.
Boonville
Halfway between Kansas City and St Louis, the small town of Boonville is an accessible hidden gem with plenty of unique and quirky attractions. Boonville boasts over 450 sites on the National Registry of Historic Places, including the Old Jail and Hanging Barn, which housed Boonville’s lawbreakers from 1848 to 1978.
Boonville has another unusual claim to fame. The town is home to the Warm Springs Ranch, the top breeding and training facility for the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales. There are around 100 horses on site, and you can meet some of the stately giants with a guided tour. The ranch is open to visitors from April to October, and tours must be reserved in advance. Moving from horses to more mechanical means of transport, visit the Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum to see the largest collection of antique Mitchell motorcars and wagons in the world, ranging from 19th-century wagons to 1920s motors.
Boonsville’s Depot District is well worth a visit before you leave town. Here you’ll find the beautiful Katy Trail State Park, home to a restored Santa Fe Mission style train depot which marks the trailhead to the iconic 237-mile Katy Trail. The Trail Visitors’ Centre provides maps of the trail and information on one of its most striking sights, the Katy Bridge, a restored, lift span train bridge originally part of the MKT railroad.
Kimmswick
Kimmswick is a historic river town that can trace its founding back to 1859. It’s also a great destination for foodies with a sweet tooth. The town is known for its two fruit-themed events, the Strawberry Festival in June, and the Apple Butter Festival in October. Both bring thousands of visitors to the town to eat freshly baked treats, learn about historic cooking methods, and browse local food and craft vendors.
But there’s more to Kimmswick than its fruit. This pretty town on the Mississippi River has preserved many of its original structures, including its quaint post office, which has been in continuous operation since 1858. Visit the Burgess-How House and Museum to see inside the oldest log building in Kimmswick, now a replica of a 1850s farmhouse.
In the early 1800s, archaeologists discovered the bones of mastodons and other extinct creatures in what became known as the Kimmswick Bone Bed. You can view the Bone Bed today at the Mastodon State Historic Site, a few minutes drive north of Kimmswick, which includes a museum, three hiking trails, a wildflower garden, and picnic facilities.
Osage Beach
Situated in the Lake of the Ozarks region, Osage Beach is a quirky waterfront town that knows how to have fun. This is a family-friendly summer vacation destination with lots to keep kids, and the young at heart, entertained.
Take a turn behind the wheel at Gran Rally Go Karts or have a seafaring putting tournament at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf. If it’s a rainy day, let the kids burn off energy indoors with a trip to the Jetz Trampoline Park, which offers a ninja warrior course, dodgeball, and battle beam, or splash around at the Jolly Mon Indoor Water Park.
After all that activity, fuel up with a sweet treat from a local landmark. Blair & Co Confectionary has been serving up its signature homemade candies and fudge for over five decades. The store is also a great place to pick up a souvenir, offering a wide selection of nautical knick-knacks, clothing, and candy gift boxes.
Waynesville
Waynesville, in the Ozark Valley, shares its main street with the legendary Route 66, bringing visitors to town year-round. It celebrates this heritage with a very quirky monument, Frog Rock. This brightly-colored, frog-shaped sculpture sits on a hill overlooking Route 66 as it arrives in Waynesville, acting as a city marker and attraction in its own right.
Historic Waynesville Square marks the heart of the town, and you’ll find two museums listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1903 Route 66 Courthouse Museum is located in one of only two remaining period courthouses on the Missouri leg of Route 66 and features displays on the Civil War, local history, the Trail of Tears, and more. The Old Stagecoach Stop Museum tells the story of this 1850s structure, from its origins as a log cabin through its life as a busy stagecoach stop and inn.
Also known as ‘spring city,’ Waynesville was founded in 1832 near Roubidoux Spring. Now located in Roubidoux Park, the spring is still a popular spot for locals and visitors to swim and soak on hot days. Legend has it that if you dip your toe in the waters, you’re sure to return to Waynesville.
Magical Midwest
Missouri’s unofficial nickname is the ‘Show-Me’ state, and that says it all. Full of midwestern charm and hospitality, this is a state that’s not afraid to show off its quirky character. Packed with personality, these towns offer something a little different from the usual resort vacation. Their unique historic sites, natural attractions, museums, and landmarks offer a window into Missouri’s long history and fascinating heritage. Whether you’re planning a road trip, a weekend away, or some time away with the family, Missouri offers magical and memorable experiences.
