7 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Missouri
If you are looking to escape the chaos and traffic of everyday life, you have come to the right place! These small, undisturbed towns in Missouri are where time stands still. They remain untarnished by commercialized businesses or the noise that comes from tourist attractions. In these small towns, time moves a little slower, and the local cuisine tastes just a little better. Whether you want to relax in Missouri's Northern Plains or explore along the Mississippi River, there is something in The Show-Me State for everyone. So, pack a bag and get ready to discover the best of Missouri, just like all the settlers that came before you during America’s expansion out west.
Arrow Rock
Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River is the unassuming city of Arrow Rock. Noted for its restored 18th-century buildings, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views, discovering Arrow Rock feels like stepping back in time. Visitors can walk the entire tiny town in the afternoon and explore fully restored historical buildings dating back to the 18th century. If you consider yourself a history buff, you will fall in love with Arrow Rock.
Notable museums include the John P. Sites Gun Shop, Dr. John Sappington Museum, J. Huston Tavern, and the Arrow Rock State Historic Site Visitors Center. While you can certainly take a self-guided walking tour, the best way to experience these relics of the past is to hop aboard the Friends of Arrow Rock Tram Tour! Just outside of the sleepy downtown area is a whole wild wilderness to discover at the Arrow Rock Ferry Landing Site, which was once a hub for travelers heading west during America’s western expansion. Today, it provides scenic walking trails and views of the top of Arrow Rock Bluff. With a lovely downtown area and untouched landscapes, Arrow Rock is a rare town untarnished by the passing of time.
Parkville
On the border of Missouri and Kansas, separated by the Missouri River, lies the undisturbed city of Parkville. Known for its quaint antique stores, pristine parks, and sweeping water views, Parkville is one of the state's hidden gems. Its location on the Missouri River made it a peaceful retreat for early American settlers, and it retains much of its original charm (and even some original buildings) from the early days of Parkville. You can spend an entire day walking down the picturesque brick sidewalks and popping in antique stores, like the Parkville Antique Mall or the popular Old Town Sweets and Antiques.
When you want a better view of the scenic Missouri River, there is no better spot than English Landing Park. It’s a popular hub among locals and tourists, offering picnic areas with a secluded water view, a boat launch, a playground area, and well-maintained walking paths with a view of the stunning Mackay Hall in the distance. Just outside of town is Platte Landing Park, which provides secluded walking trails through natural wetlands and a dog park.
Clarksville
North of St Louis on the Illinois border is the humble city of Clarksville. While other cities tear down and build anew, Clarksville is one of those rare towns that still has many of the original buildings from its early days. Walking down the narrow sidewalks with inviting storefronts harkens back to simpler times. You can pop in classic convenience stores like Boyd's Village Market for snacks or shop for antiques at the massive Clarksville Antique Center. However, Clarksville's real charm lies right outside its unassuming city limits.
As one of Missouri's top destinations for eagle viewing, the Lock and Dam No. 24 is the perfect spot to watch these majestic birds in their natural habitat along the Mississippi River. If you visit in the off-season, it is an ideal spot for a nice stroll. Clarksville Riverfront Park is not too far from the lock viewing platform. It’s a green space that offers paved walking trails with amazing views of the rivers.
Hermann
Walking the streets of Hermann feels less like the Midwest and more like a sleepy German village. Founded by German immigrants in the 1800s, much of the architecture has a strong German influence. Many of the old buildings in Hermann have Greek Revival and Classical Revival styles, which gives the area a warm and unique vibe. A stroll down Market Street allows visitors to pop in delightful locally owned shops, like Ricky’s Chocolate Box (a local favorite) or Missouri's Trading Post. To learn a little more about the strong German origins of Hermann, the Deutschheim State Historic Site allows visitors to understand what life was like for the German immigrants in the early days of the Hermann.
But Hermann is so much more than German-inspired shops and architecture. Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, Hermann is home to some amazing public gardens and parks. If you want to spend the day out of the water, the Hermann Riverfront Park provides a boat launch that’s perfect for fishing or launching a canoe or kayak. If you want to hit up the trails, you can access the popular Katy Trail from the Missouri River Bridge.
Carthage
Just west of Springfield near the Kansas border is Carthage, which is famous for its location along Route 66, as well as the notable Battle of Carthage during the Civil War. It’s a city that cherishes its rich history, which can be felt in every corner of this untouched town. From the small, picturesque storefronts downtown to the magnificent Jasper County Courthouse, Carthage proves itself a must-see for visitors exploring the state. With more than 85 local businesses, like Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Store or Goad's Antique Mall, you won’t run out of things to explore.
If you want to learn more about the role Carthage played during the Civil War, the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum is a must-see. Admission is free, and the museum allows visitors to explore artifacts, dioramas, and a massive mural depicting the iconic battle painted by a local artist. After a visit to the museum, the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site. While it was once the encampment for Union and Confederate soldiers, today, it’s a beautiful green space with amazing views and a small hiking trail.
Rocheport
Not much has changed in the city of Rocheport since its founding in the early 1800s. Its delightful downtown district is peppered with cozy shops like the rustic Stockton Mercantile and the Art and Antiques and Blacksmith Shop. As a part of Missouri's Northern Plains, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the great outdoors. Rocheport is a part of the Katy Trail by the Salt Creek Bridge, where you can hike or bike to take in the rolling hills and green plains of Missouri.
The Davisdale Conservation Area and the Diana Bend Conservation Area are great options to enjoy the views or catch a rare wildlife viewing. Or better yet, head to the Rocheport Winery at the historic Historic Mount Nebo Inn along the Katy Trail to sip on wine among the lush greenery of the Northern Plains.
Excelsior Springs
Before 1880, the town of Excelsior Springs was nothing but miles and miles of wheat fields. However, once locals discovered the area was rich in mineral springs just below the surface, it bustled with eager visitors looking to cure what ailed them in the healing waters. Magnificent structures, like The Elms Hotel, popped up to accommodate eager visitors looking to investigate the invigorating mineral springs. The hotel was built in 1888 and is still open for business today! Much of the area around Excelsior Springs pays tribute to its early days as a wellness resort.
Humble brick buildings line the modest city streets with lovely local shops like Donnici's Italian Deli and Market and A Sweet Affair Bakery and Cafe, which add to the overall small-town charm of the area. While Excelsior Springs was made famous for its healing waters, there is no longer public access to the springs, at least not yet! Many locals are working to change that. For those interested in the history of the area, the Hall Of Waters Visitor Center is where the original public springs were located and now serves as a museum documenting the area's rich history. One of the original springs (in the basement) is open to the public for viewing only.
Experience the Quiet Magic of Missouri
There is a reason that Missouri has the nickname the Show Me State, it has so much to show you! From the majesty of the Ozark Mountains to the sweeping views of the Northern Plains, it’s been the home to brave explorers seeking expansion out west since the signing of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. These undisturbed small towns dotted throughout the state tell the tale of those early explorers and are eager to share their stories with visitors. When you are ready to hit the road, these darling little towns allow you to walk the same path as early American settlers!
