8 Missouri Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life
The prevalence of screens everywhere and the rise of the rush and hustle lifestyle have created a fast-paced world that isn’t for everyone. Even if it is for you, eventually you will want a break. Luckily, there are still some havens here and there where life is just a bit slower paced with a sense of charm that many have forgotten. Eight of these calmer lifestyle small towns are located in the US state of Missouri in the Midwest. These towns are a place to visit or live if you want to enjoy life a bit slower, whether you are sipping wine in Hermann, floating down the Meramec in Steelville, or admiring French Colonial architecture in Ste. Genevieve.
Hermann
Hermann is a little Germany within the United States, located in the northeast corner of Missouri. The city’s strong German roots are still present in this cozy little town built on farming, river life, and the railroad. The historic district is a standing outdoor museum with over 100 buildings stylized in German architecture. You’ll also find authentic German dishes around the city’s restaurants, including the Vintage 1847 Restaurant at Stone Hill Winery. There’s also the Deutschheim State Historic Site, with standing structures that date back to the Germans' arrival in the area in the early 1840s.
Missouri is wine country, and Hermann is a hub with multiple wineries within a two-mile radius, as well as a few distilleries and breweries to shake things up. This area is perfect for a relaxing day of walking, touring, and enjoying a glass of local wine. Highlights include Hermannhof Winery, America’s only two-time winner of the Brown Forman Trophy, G Husmann Wine Company, and Adam Puchta Winery, the oldest continuously owned winery in the US.
Clinton
Clinton is a small, progressive town that still values preserving its history. The town’s historic downtown is one of the largest in the state, featuring 85 buildings with Victorian and Italianate architecture within a ten-block radius. There is also the Henry County Museum & Cultural Arts Center Complex, which includes, among other attractions, an 1886 Anheuser-Busch facility, an indoor village from the early 1900s, and an 1887 bank that is now a performing arts center.
Clinton is also big on the outdoor lifestyle. Locals and tourists alike visit the 55,600-acre Truman Lake, which the city provides access to for excellent crappie and bass fishing. The Katy Trail, the longest continuous rail-trail in the country, spans 240 miles across Missouri, with one end located in Clinton. The trail offers hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. If you don’t feel like exercising, you could always visit one of the city’s parks, such as Optimist Park, and just take in the slow-paced outdoor air.
Steelville
Steelville is a small town with a small population. It exemplifies small-town USA, earning the nickname “Home of Hospitality” for its friendly community. It’s nestled at the base of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, surrounded by hills, nearby streams, creeks, and the Meramec River. The little city, which has always been a haven for outdoor lovers, is named after landowner James Steel, who operated the first trading post in the area and founded the town in 1835.
The Meramec River is a major attraction for Missouri and flows right through Steelville. It’s so prominent and enjoyable that Steelville is the self-proclaimed “Float Capital of Missouri”, thanks to the plethora of tubes, canoes, kayaks, and rafts that ideally float on the river. Fishermen also love the area for its scenic views and the excellent fishing opportunities on the river. After a day on the water, those who enjoy the arts can take in a show at the Meramec Music Theatre, which regularly features national touring acts. Or, end the day with a delicious American meal at Spare Rib Inn on Main Street.
Perryville
Perryville is a welcoming small town in southeastern Missouri, near the Illinois border. It’s known for its scenery and various outdoor locations, including forests, caves, and lakes. The town has a long German heritage, dating back to when a large group of Lutherans immigrated to the area in the 1830s. One of the city’s main attractions as a small town is the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. The shrine, built in 1929, sits on the site of the Saint Mary’s of the Barrens Seminary and Church, founded in 1818. Visitors can take in the paintings, stained glass, and handcrafted statues within the church or walk through the grounds’ outdoor Rosary walk or grotto honoring Mary.
No trip to Perry would be complete without a visit to the 100-acre City Park, known for its large trees and hills. The park features multiple playing fields, including baseball and volleyball, a hiking trail, a tennis court, and Perry Park Center, where city events such as the Senior Games and Mayfest Run/Walk occur throughout the year.
Boonville
Boonville is a welcoming little town located in the heart of Missouri. It’s known for its ideal location between major cities, Kansas City and St. Louis, and for sitting on heavily wooded bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. The city’s location on the Santa Fe Trail and as a river trading hotspot helped shape the current city. Though it once was highly trafficked and sought after, including by both sides of the Civil War, it’s quieter now, but still holds an admiration for its past.
Boonville has over 400 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Hain House and Memorial Garden from 1836 and Roslyn Heights, a tourable 1895 home that holds special events. The nearly state-spanning Katy Trail has a Boonville trailhead, starting at a restored Sante Fe Mission-Style train depot.
Camdenton
Camdenton is a small town with a strong connection to the outdoors and the natural beauty of the surrounding region. In 1931, the Bagnell Dam was built across the nearby Osage River, creating the Lake of the Ozarks. The city is known for its location near the Lake of the Ozarks, offering swimming, fishing, boating, and more. It's a favorite for both tourists and locals.
Aside from the activities at the nearby Lake, there are other outdoor activities to experience, such as Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The park offers hiking, natural springs, sinkholes, a natural bridge, and breathtaking views. There are also the ruins of an authentic European castle onsite, constructed in 1922 by a local businessman. Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park are also nearby, offering exploration and hiking opportunities.
Ste. Genevieve
Ste. Genevieve has worked painstakingly hard to preserve its heritage. The village of Ste. Genevieve is the oldest European settlement in Missouri, dating back to its founding in 1735. Founded by French Canadians, it has retained its heritage and much of their influence over time, evident in the narrow streets and fenced gardens surrounding the original village. Much of the 18th-century French Colonial architecture built with hand-hewn logs still stands.
It’s hard to talk about wine without thinking of the French, and they've certainly reinforced that point regarding the abundance of wineries in Ste. Genevieve. Those who enjoy a glass will be happy to know there are plenty of wineries along with some breweries around the city, including Brix Urban Winery & Market, Charleville Brewery & Winery, and Chaumette Vineyards and Winery, voted #1 winery restaurant by USA Today. Ste Genevieve has a strong connection to art with its own Art Guild, monthly art walks to view or participate in that span numerous galleries, and an annual Plein Air or “in the open air” painting festival every fall where artists paint what they see outdoors around town.
Weston
Weston is a favorite relaxation spot, where everything has a touch of community spirit. It’s a truly small town that is proud of its uniqueness and charm. The city, founded in 1837, is a top contender for the “Best Small Town in Missouri”. Weston has something for everyone; they just do it all the Weston historic small-town way. The Weston Historic District, spanning 16 city blocks and eight additional blocks, has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972.
The Weston Brewing Company began in the area in 1842 and still exists today. It brews its beers and offers onsite tours with O’Malley’s Irish Pub, which offers Irish food, drinks, and live music. On the other hand, Weston Bend State Park offers visitors a nearby getaway for hiking, biking, picnics, and camping while enjoying the local views.
The Comfort of Smalltown Midwest
Whether it’s sipping wine in Ste. Genevieve, hiking castle trails in Camdenton, or exploring riverfront charm in Boonville, these small Missouri towns invite you to slow down and savor life. Each destination offers its own brand of tranquility, community warmth, and scenic beauty, perfect for a weekend retreat or even a permanent move. In a world that rarely pauses, these towns prove there’s still comfort and joy to be found in the simple pace of the Midwest.
