8 Most Inviting Towns in Missouri

The mention of Missouri often conjures up images of baseball, beer, and barbecue, but there is so much more to the state. Outside of the major cities of St. Louis and Kansas City, there are many inviting towns that give the traveler plenty of reasons to veer off the well-traveled path. From Hannibal in the northeast to Branson in the southwest part of the state, small towns add flavor, texture, and personality to the Show-Me State. Moreover, they offer a retreat from the urban hustle and bustle, where one can take in history, culture, and great times at their own pace in Missouri.

Hannibal

This river town is home to arguably America’s greatest author, Mark Twain. Thanks to his novels, such as Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, many people are familiar with the area, even if they don’t realize it. Twain set his great works in Hannibal, from the cave where the children hid out to the picket fence where Tom hustled the boys into painting for him. The town has gone all-in to welcome visitors to indulge in childhood fantasies, palpable through the intricate Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, a trip to his past.

Around the corner from Twain’s boyhood home, you can find Becky Thatcher’s Diner, although many enjoy the barbecue at Big Muddy BBQ, a laid-back spot with delicious food. In recent years, Hannibal has invested in upgrading its docking facilities to be just as inviting for the river crowd as for land-bound travelers.

Branson

Probably the most famous city in Missouri not named St. Louis or Kansas City, Branson has grown into an inviting, family-friendly destination for tourists and vacationers. Its first and greatest attraction is the Silver Dollar City theme park, which takes visitors back in time to the late 1800s. While some people visit for the roller coasters and saloon entertainment, the blacksmith shop, leather tanning, glass blowing, and wood carving set it apart from other parks. Water parks and bumper cars ensure that children are invited too. After roaming the park, many visitors enjoy eating at Top of the Rock before catching one of the dozens of live shows along the Branson Strip and Theater District.

West Plains

The gateway to the Ozarks, West Plains has grown into a regional hub while maintaining its small-town character. With a population of just under 12,500, it is the largest in the area, but it is just as welcoming as it was when it was half the size. The county fair draws tens of thousands from all around, and with a substantial quilting community and an abundance of antique shops, West Plains maintains its connections to bygone days.

This is also palpable through the historic landmarks in town, from the expansive Courthouse Square Historic District, a collection of 46 contributing buildings, to the West Plain Bank Building, an Italianate structure from 1883. For a different experience, family reunions and camping retreats are held at Hammond Mill Camp, while Snider’s Barbecue and Hibby’s Sports Grill serve up the best food around.

Hermann

The Missouri River valley bustles with German communities, and none is more impressive or inviting than Hermann. Back in the 1800s, German immigrants were drawn to the Missouri River Valley because it reminded them of home. Letters from settlers speak of how much the Missouri looked like the Rhine, and farmers could grow all the crops they were used to growing in their native country. To this end, the town of Hermann became a hotspot of German culture, which is now a treat for Missouri visitors.

German beer gardens abound, and some of the most authentic German cuisine is found at Hermann Wurst Haus. But Stone Hill Winery and Hermannhof Winery are the biggest draws. Oktoberfest is the best time to visit this place, with lively drinking, eating, and music throughout October. Those visiting earlier in the year need not fret as the town hosts Maifest in May, celebrating German culture with tons of vibrance.

Fulton

Fulton is a historic town, but not for any reason you might guess. This small town in the state's center provided the stage for a significant Cold War event. In 1946, President Harry Truman invited former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to deliver the commencement speech at Westminster College in Fulton. Churchill took the opportunity to warn the world of increasing international hostility. His oration is now known as the Iron Curtain Speech, the unofficial starting point of the Cold War. Fulton warmly invites everyone to visit and learn of these momentous events at the National Churchill Museum.

To continue the historic experience, visitors can enjoy the friendliest service at the 1851 Underground Tap and Grill in the historic Brick District. This district is a bundle of joy, with everything from family-owned eateries and events to boutiques and antique stores.

Portage Des Sioux

The 300 or so people of Portage Des Sioux welcome everyone to explore the rich history of the two rivers area. Thousands of boaters congregate in Portage Des Sioux every July at the Our Lady of the Rivers Shrine for the Blessing of the Fleet. This is just one famous example of what this small river town means around here. Long ago, American Indians used the site to cross between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, shaving off dozens of miles and many hard days of paddling against the current.

Today, it is a beacon for boaters traveling the rivers, and the Sioux Harbor provides a scenic coastal area for travelers to relax. Along with this, the Missouri Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is nearby, so one can have a unique experience in this inviting town.

Boonville

History upon history welcomes visitors to this river town, named for the explorer Daniel Boone and the site of one of the first skirmishes of the Civil War. A significant German town along the Missouri River, similar to Hermann discussed above, Boonville was expanded into a major settlement with a fort during the War of 1812 and was a major stop along the Santa Fe Trail. Today, events light up the town throughout the year, and music lovers will enjoy the Big Muddy Folk Festival, a celebration of the arts.

Meanwhile, cyclists will not want to miss the Pedalers Jamboree along the Katy Trail, while Heritage Days packs all the fun, excitement, and food of a county fair. While these events are fun, many still consider the Back to the Farm Reunion Steam Engine Show the greatest draw in town.

Ste. Genevieve

German immigrants certainly left their mark in the state of Missouri, as seen in places like Hermann and Booneville, but the French managed quite a lot of development of their own. As the oldest European settlement in Missouri, founded by French-Canadians in 1735, Ste. Genevieve stands as a remarkable exhibit of French history and architecture in the region. This warm and inviting town of 5,000 people features the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park, the Centre for French Colonial Life, the Bolduc House Museum, and the Felix Valle House State Historic Site. From interactive experiences detailing life in a bygone era to exhibits showcasing interesting tales of old, these sights are a history lover’s dream. After a historic day, take in the downtown area on foot and visit Mimi’s, a delicious restaurant, for an excellent lunch.

Missouri has a rich and diverse history, and its small towns are as inviting as they come. Some are historic and laid back, some are energetic and fast moving, but all are welcoming and family-friendly. Missouri’s small towns host countless fairs, festivals, and jubilees. Once you have visited Branson, West Plains, or Hermann, you will understand why there is more to this state than the Kansas City Chiefs or the St. Louis Cardinals. Pack your weekend bag and enjoy the most inviting towns in Missouri.