7 Towns in Missouri With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
Missouri is well known for its deep roots in the beer brewing industry. It boasts a diverse history, ebullient culture, and beautiful landscapes, with many of the state's small towns featuring beautiful downtown areas. The architecture and historic landmarks of each help visitors better understand the state's varied heritage while offering lovely boutiques, shops, and restaurants to discover as well. Here’s a list of the seven towns with the best downtown areas across Missouri in 2024, deftly combining business spots with historic sites.
Hermann
The center of Hermann is located on the banks of the Missouri River, with historic sites that evoke the town's German heritage and its many colorful shops. There are wine tastings from vineyard cellars dating back to the 1850s at Hermannhof Winery. The preserved buildings from the 19th century at the Deutschheim State Historic Site introduce visitors to the early German-American culture. Built in 1898, the Gasconade County Courthouse symbolizes the county's history and architecture. Antique shops, boutiques, and the Hermann Farm Museum—which demonstrates farming methods from years past—are part of the charming downtown. Next door, the Historic Hermann Museum in the German School Building brings out the town's history through artifacts and exhibits.
Ste. Genevieve
Ste. Genevieve's downtown is lined with French colonial architecture. Guided tours of the 1818 house and its period furnishings and mercantile goods are available at the Felix Valle House State Historic Site. Bolduc House Museum gives a glimpse into the life of the early settlers; this museum has actual artifacts and gardens dating as far back as 1792. Prehistoric and colonial history exhibits at the Sainte Genevieve Museum Learning Center depict the area's history. One of the oldest cemeteries in the state, Memorial Cemetery, dates back to the 1780s, adding to the historic atmosphere. Flanking the downtown area is the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park ensures that history enthusiasts have a lot to view.
Weston
Weston's downtown area retains intact 19th-century architecture. Main Street features a few historical attractions, which include the Weston Historical Museum, showcasing the town's narrative from its days as an early river port. McCormick's Distilling Co., dating from 1856, provides tours and tastings, expressing the spirit-making tradition of the town. Visitors can also take a tour of the Weston Brewing Company, one of the Midwest's oldest breweries and features historic brewing practices. This is added to by the National Silk Art Museum, boasting its unique collection of silk tapestries. Nearby, the Weston Bend State Park gives the outdoors enthusiast beautiful views and hiking trails.
Arrow Rock
The significance Arrow Rock once held as a river port, and Santa Fe Trail center is reflected in its downtown area. The Arrow Rock State Historic Site is a great place for visitors to start their historic journey and embrace nature. The Rock Lyceum Theatre is Missouri's oldest professional regional theater, opening performances year-round in a historic building. Even the Arrow Rock Historic District is a National Historic Landmark, featuring buildings from the early 19th century, sure to take visitors back in time. Antique stores and art galleries don't just line Main Street; they fill it, enriching the town culturally.
Rocheport
The downtown area of Rocheport retains much history and charm that visitors can embrace. The Katy Trail State Park runs through the town and draws cyclists and hikers into town. Les Bourgeois Vineyards offers tastings of its wines while enjoying beautiful river views. Historic buildings, such as the Rocheport General Store and Friends of Rocheport Historical Museum, afford this town peeks into its past. Additionally, visitors can enjoy home-style eateries like The Bistro on The Blufftop at Rocheport. The Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop are the perfect places to get some good grub and soak in the history surrounding them in both restaurants.
Washington
The Historic District of Washington is filled with historic architecture and museums. Displays about the town and its history can be found at the Washington Historical Society Museum, while the Iron Spike Model Train Museum is a must-visit for train enthusiasts. The Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum features rotating exhibits on local art and history. St. Francis Borgia Church, a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture, was built in 1845. On Main Street, a mixture of historic buildings, restaurants, and shops make up the action in this area. Activities like the annual Art Fair and Winefest point to a full cultural life.
Hannibal
The Hannibal downtown area is called the boyhood home of Mark Twain, and many historical sites are dedicated to this author. The boyhood home and museum of Mark Twain reveal all aspects of his childhood and early works. Other historic insights are the Hannibal History Museum and the Rockcliffe Mansion, a Gilded Age mansion impressively well-preserved that will take one back in time. Jim's Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center fleshes out details about the African American experience in Hannibal and its portrayal in Twain's literature. Of these, the historic buildings, specialty shops, and Hannibal Trolley Company tours that surround it have a dash of history and local culture within them.
It is in Missouri's small towns that one finds characteristic downtowns reflecting a unique mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty in this state. It is the perfect getaway for those looking for a laid back adventure filled with remnants of history’s past. The towns have a blend of historic sites and community events that give the visitor an enriching experience by providing the best of what Missouri offers. These are trips one will never forget.
