8 Best Small Towns To Visit In Missouri
As the 24th state to join the union, Missouri, or “The Show-Me State,” has over 150 years of American charm flowing through some of the most spectacular and unique small towns in all of the United States. With its French colonial history, many towns owe their existence to fur trading outposts, while others to the Jesuits who emigrated west along the Oregon Trail to set up missions and do the work of their god. Many of these missions and outposts are the foundation of towns that exist today but in very different forms. From artist colonies, summer cottage destinations, and quaint peaceful towns perfect for retirement, Missouri towns are some of the most welcoming, beautiful, and historic in all of the USA.
St. Genevieve, Missouri
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, named for the patron sainte (female saint) of Paris, is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River where it divides Missouri from Illinois. This town is the oldest European-founded settlement in modern Missouri and has a population of just over 4,600 people. It is an hour south via the I-55 Southbound from St. Louis, the capital of Missouri. This town has a unique history of colonization, the territory where Ste. Genevieve sits today having first been colonized by the French, then the French ceded the land to the Spanish, and finally, Spain sold this territory to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase. As a result, this quaint town includes French, Spanish, and American culture and architecture, preserved in many historical buildings including The Green Tree Tavern, a popular watering hole amongst locals. Ste. Genevieve offers to visitors a relaxed atmosphere, with a Bed and Breakfast on every corner of the historic district, including the historic Inn St. Gemme, which runs out of a gorgeous, 1848 built historical home.
Hermann, Missouri
Calling all wine lovers, this one is for you! There are over 130 wineries in Missouri and many are located in the lovely Missouri River Valley, as is the town of Hermann, Missouri, and its associated winery, Stone Hill. The Stone Hill Winery, the oldest on record in this region, dates back to 1847, only a decade after the town itself was founded, this by the same Germans who began the still-successful Stone Hill Winery. Tourists can visit Stone Hill, tour their facilities, and then taste some of the lovely vintages on offer. As much of this tour is in the underground storehouse of the winery, it is a great tour to do on a hot summer day, even if you are not a vinophile at heart.
Ridgedale, Missouri
If you are looking for a place to rent a cabin for the summer then Ridgedale, Missouri is an excellent option. With many well-priced cabins and lodges, you can spend the entire summer exploring this rustic town without ever getting tired of its charm, or its many lovely lakes that are a great place to spend a hot day at the beach. With clear clean waters local lakes such as Table Rock Lake and Rockwood Hills Lake, are perfect destinations to take a cool plunge on a hot day or, if the weather is cooler, take one of the many hiking trails near each lake. For the more adventurous, Branson, Missouri is just a short drive away. Here you and your fellow travelers can go zip lining, visit the many waterparks, or just wander along Main Street, filled with artist workshops and saltwater taffy shops.
Van Buren, Missouri
Named for the eighth president of the United States, the river valley town of Van Buren, Missouri is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a peaceful weekend or a full summer break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by extraordinarily beautiful lakes, and many calm, freshwater, springs, perfect for an afternoon dip on a hot day, Van Buren is a close-knit community with a big heart. With an active art community, there are a variety of galleries to be explored in Van Buren’s historic district, as well as a visitors center with experts available to suggest the perfect activity for your interests. One activity that is an absolute must-do is the Missouri Down Under cave tour, which will leave you awestruck and well-informed.
Lake Ozark, Missouri
Made popular by the television show “Ozark,” exploring the dense forests and sinkhole swamps of this region has become far more popular than even a decade ago. For nature lovers, the Ozark has always been particularly special, with much of its territory encompassing ecosystems unique to this region of the United States. For those hoping to explore the Ozark, setting up your home base at one of the many beautiful bed and breakfasts in the town of Lake Ozark, or at one of the many camping grounds in the vicinity, is the perfect way to get an early start before many popular trails get busy, as well as to avoid spending hours in a stuffy car on the commute from a bigger city into the Ozark.
Parkville, Missouri
Located in the northwest part of Missouri, visiting Parkville is a wonderful day trip from Kansas City, Missouri. Taking under twenty minutes by car to reach, Parkville has an abundance of activities for locals and tourists alike, many running all year round. Known for its antique shops, art galleries, and historic buildings, it is well worth it to spend a morning or afternoon wandering Parkville’s Main Street, where you are sure to find the perfect memento of your time in town. If you are visiting in August make sure to check out the activities around Parkville Days, this being an outdoor fair with rides, games, and even a parade. If you are visiting during the winter the Christmas on the River event is also a must-see, making Parkville the perfect town to visit all year round.
Carthage, Missouri
Named after the ancient African city of Carthage, Carthage, Missouri was founded in 1842. Sitting on the shores of Spring River, this town played an important role during the civil war due to its location along the northern state/southern state border. It was destroyed by Confederate guerrillas in 1861 in the aptly named Battle of Carthage but was rebuilt in 1866. For history buffs, Red Oak II is a must-see in Carthage. This open-air museum was built as a replica of a 20th-century ghost town and is a great activity for the entire family. There is also a local museum that recounts the Battle of Carthage, a must-see for anyone interested in Civil War history. With the moniker “America’s Maple Leaf City,” today Carthage is known for its maple groves and the week-long Maple Leaf Festival held in town every year in October.
Fulton, Missouri
Settled in 1808, Fulton, Missouri is one of the oldest towns in the state of Missouri. Given the nickname “The Kingdom of Callaway" by locals during the American Civil War, this town has some wonderful museums, including Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society Museum, which tells of Fulton’s own history, and America’s National Churchill Museum, which recounts the life and deeds of Winston Churchill. Other must-see attractions include a visit to Serenity Valley Winery and the Church of St. Mary the Virgin. If you are looking for outdoor activity there are many wonderful hikes within Fulton proper, as well as in the surrounding area. One extremely popular hike is the Gans Creek Loop, this 6.6 mile trail found in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, a less than 30 minute drive from Fulton.
From Civil War history to the natural wonders of the Ozark region, Missouri has an abundance of towns that are the perfect day trip, or the perfect place to day trip from. In the summer months, camping around most towns in Missouri is accessible, providing an inexpensive way for backpackers to visit hidden tourist gems, beyond the bounds of the big city. For young families, or those looking for a more relaxed experience, staying at a bed and breakfast is a great way to get to know any town, especially through the recommendations of your local host. No matter the town, or the time of year, Missouri has something for everyone, so what are you waiting for?
