8 Off-The-Grid Missouri Towns To Visit In 2025

With more than 97% of Missouri classified as rural, the state is full of small towns to explore. In fact, some offer a glimpse into a side of Missouri culture that you may have never considered. Towns like Hermann highlight German heritage, Ste. Genevieve reflects French roots, and Jamesport preserves Amish traditions. If you are hoping to disconnect in the great outdoors, towns like Salem make great base camps for nearby state parks. These towns may be small, but each one offers something unexpected to experience.

Fredericktown

Established in the early 19th century, Fredericktown is one of the oldest towns west of the Mississippi. There is plenty of historic architecture to see, such as the Madison County Courthouse, constructed in 1899 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Travelers can learn more about the area’s history at the Madison County Museum, which exhibits Fredericktown’s mining history. Travelers seeking a weekend outdoors can check out City Lake Park, which offers amenities like picnic areas and a boat ramp. Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is nearby as well, spanning nearly 1,900 acres and featuring mixed hardwoods, cedar glades, and shortleaf pines.

Eminence

With the pristine Jack’s Fork River flowing through town, Eminence is a popular destination for those wanting to float down the river, particularly in the summer months. The area is also home to some of the world’s most impressive springs. Alley Spring is a fascinating one to check out, with a historic, 100-year-old grist mill sitting on the premises which visitors can tour. Travelers can also visit Big Spring, the largest spring in Missouri, with approximately 278 million gallons of water flowing from it each day. If you enjoy fishing, make sure to visit the Current River nearby, which is renowned for its populations of brown and rainbow trout. Eminence is additionally home to its own golf course, the Roy L Beck Golf Course, which has a nine-hole, par 36 layout.

Doniphan

Situated in the foothills of the Ozarks, near the Mark Twain National Forest, Doniphan is the perfect destination for a weekend outdoors. Travelers hoping to disconnect for a while can head to Deer Leap Recreation Area, which has seven primitive campsites and a boat launch for both motorized and nonmotorized vehicles. The T. L. Wright Current River Boat Landing at Riverfront Park is another place where travelers can launch their boat, which provides access to the spring-fed waters of the Current River. To learn about the town’s heritage, travelers should make sure to visit the Heritage Museum & Welcome Center, which features two floors of exhibits, photos, and artifacts. After a day of exploration, unwind for the evening at 1808 Public House, which serves a variety of cuisine, including burgers, poke bowls, and salmon lettuce wraps.

Ste. Genevieve

As one of the region’s oldest permanent European settlements, Ste. Genevieve is filled with French colonial history. Travelers can experience this French heritage for themselves at the annual French Heritage Festival, which takes place on the second Saturday of June and features a parade, Cajun and French music, Creole food, and more. To explore the town’s French legacy year-round, visitors can also explore the Centre for French Colonial Life, which houses rotating exhibits and oversees several historic homes. On a sunny day, consider visiting Hawn State Park, which covers nearly 5,000 acres and has opportunities to hike, birdwatch, and camp. Hickory Canyons Natural Area is another beautiful place to visit, home to sandstone box canyons that date back millions of years.

Jamesport

In the heart of Missouri’s Amish country, visitors will find Jamesport, a small village of a little over 500 residents. Those wanting to tour the Amish community can call the town’s chamber of commerce, which will arrange a tour of nearby farms, homes, country shops, and stores. After the tour, grab lunch at Gingerich Dutch Pantry Restaurant & Bakery, which has been operating in the community for over 20 years, serving dishes like sandwiches, burgers, and their specialty, Amish roast beef. If you are hoping to find a souvenir, make sure to stop by Vintage Market & Co., which sells gifts, furnishings, and home decor. Arbor House Country Inn is a wonderful place to spend the night, offering luxury and farmhouse-style rooms and amenities like a barbecue grill and patio seating.

Hermann

Famous for its wine scene, Hermann is one of the best spots in the state for a weekend of wine tasting. Visitors can start their wine tour at Hermannhof Winery, which has been producing wines since the mid-19th century and features several stone cellars that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Adam Puchta Winery also dates back to the mid-1800s and is especially notable for remaining family-owned through seven generations. To celebrate the town’s German heritage, travelers can also plan their trip during the annual Hermann Maifest, which will feature German dancing, music, food, and parades. For fishing or boating, visitors can spend an afternoon at Hermann Riverfront Park, which is popular for kayaking, canoeing, boating, and fishing.

Ava

As the only incorporated town in the county, Ava has a tight-knit feel but still offers plenty to do. Visitors can start their morning in town at Melancholy Coffee, a local coffee roaster that serves coffee, smoothies, matcha, and more. From April through October, those who are in Ava on Saturday should make sure to visit the Ava Farmers Market, where they can find eggs, bread, crafts, and other artisan goods. A 20-minute drive northeast, visitors will find the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, where they can see Laura’s and Almanzo’s authentic farmhouse. Golfers, meanwhile, can plan a day at the Ava Country Club, which offers visitors the chance to play either a 9-hole or 18-hole game for a fee.

Salem

With two state parks nearby, Salem is another great option for those who prefer their vacation spent in nature. Montauk State Park is a great place to go camping, hiking, fishing, or picnicking, situated along the Current River. Within the park, visitors will also find Montauk Mill, a historic gristmill that dates back to 1896, with much of the original machine equipment still intact. Current River State Park is roughly a half-hour drive from town and offers hiking trails, picnic sites, and two lakes for visitors to explore. Hungry travelers can finish the day at Main Streets' Country Corner Cafe, a cozy cafe that offers country-style dishes like country fried steak, meatloaf, and sauer kraut & sausage.

Final Thoughts

While you might be tempted to gravitate toward a larger city for vacation this year, be sure to consider some of these smaller towns. Not only will they offer a chance to disconnect from city life, but they’ll also introduce you to cultural aspects you may not have known existed. By the end of your trip, you might just leave with a whole new perspective on what Missouri has to offer.