8 Prettiest Towns To Visit In Missouri
There’s no denying that the state of Missouri is absolutely gorgeous. From the Ozark Mountains to the shores of the Missouri River, you need not travel far for spectacular views. If you want to relax and unwind outside the bigger cities like Saint Louis, these pretty towns will surely hit the spot. From amazing wineries to relaxing parks and historical sites, these towns are well worth the trip. So, pack a bag, and let’s dive into what makes these towns so picture-perfect.
Hermann
Founded by German immigrants, Hermann is a lovely town with touches of its German heritage in its amazing architecture and cultural events throughout the year. Spend the day in the historical downtown area for shopping, and some of the best German cuisine in the state! Be sure to stop by the Deutschheim State Historic Site to learn about the town's early settlers or the breathtaking Historic Hermann Museum.
Situated on the Missouri River, Hermann delivers beautiful water views and local parks worth exploring. Head to the Katy Trail for hiking or biking, and take in the scenery of the Missouri River Valley. After a long day on the trails, unwind at the scenic Hermannhof Winery. Located near the banks of the Missouri River, the views at this winery are amazing!
Arrow Rock
Arrow Rock was a pivotal town in America’s expansion out west and an important hub along the Santa Fe Trail. Today, it’s a charming town with a quaint downtown district and plenty of things to explore. If you are a history buff and love old (and perfectly preserved) buildings, you’ll love the sights in Arrow Rock. Head to one of the many historical sites in town, like the Huston Tavern or the Old Courthouse. The Lyceum Theatre, the heart of Arrow Rock, is a great place to catch a show. Fun fact: the theater is one of the state’s oldest professional regional theatres.
For a lovely day in nature, there’s no better place than the Arrow Rock State Historic Site. Visitors can spend the day on the Missouri River, hike one of the many nature trails, or set up a nice picnic and take in the views. If you need a slow-paced town to relax and unwind, the seclusion and scenery of the sleepy town of Arrow Rock is a great choice!
Weston
Spending a day in the scenic town of Weston feels like stepping back in time. The historical buildings dating back to the 19th century are well preserved and capture the rich heritage of the town. Spend the day shopping in the downtown area in unique shops, boutiques, and antique stores. Restaurants in the area also serve up anything from fine dining to cozy diners. Be sure to check out the Weston Historical Museum to follow the evolution of the town from its humble origins to the present day.
If you love relaxing with a cocktail at the end of the day, the Holladay Distillery is a must-see. Founded in the mid-1800s, it’s one of the oldest distilleries in the country! While the bourbon is great, the amazing countryside views are even better. Nestled in the heart of the Weston Bend State Park, it’s like a slice of heaven on earth.
Ste. Genevieve
Gather round, history buffs, as we explore the gorgeous town of Ste. Genevieve. Founded in 1735, it’s the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri. Many of the original buildings and structures still exist to this very day, adding to its unique and rustic charm. The Bolduc House, Guibourd House, and Amoureux House are some of the few remaining buildings from the original settlement found within the National Historic Landmark District.
Visitors to Ste. Genevieve should also stop by the Felix Valle House State Historic Site and the Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center to learn more about the town’s early days. Nature lovers will also appreciate Hawn State Park which offers hiking, camping, boating, fishing, or breathtaking views of the Mississippi River. If you want to enjoy the view but left your hiking boots at home, check out of one their stunning wineries such as the Crown Valley Winery or Chaumette Vineyards and Winery.
Augusta
Augusta is a small town with a very big heart situated on the Katy Trail in the Ozark Mountains. Nestled in Missouris wine country, it’s a great little town to sit back and admire the scenery. Visit the Augusta Winery or Noboleis Vineyards for wine tastings, tours of the sweeping vineyard, or to just sit back and enjoy the lush scenery. For more adventure, put down the wine glass and lace up your hiking boots to explore the scenic Katy Trails and take in the views of the Missouri River.
To learn more about this sleepy little town, be sure to stop by one of the many historical sites in the area. The Daniel Boone Home and Heritage Center is one of the more popular tourist attractions and allows visitors to take a tour of Daniel Boone’s iconic home. Or, stop by the Augusta Historical Museum to learn more about the origins of Augusta’s German heritage and its place in Missouri’s thriving wine country.
Bolivar
In the center of the state is the picturesque town of Bolivar. The town is the perfect marriage between family-friendly attractions, historical sites, and breathtaking parks. If you want to spend some time recharging your batteries in nature, make sure to stop by Pomme de Terre Lake. It’s one of the most popular spots to cool off in the summer by locals and visitors. Spend the afternoon on the water, or hike one of the popular nearby trails. Or, check out Dunnegan Memorial Park in the heart of town and enjoy the beautiful setting with a great view of the historic town.
The downtown area of Bolivar feels like stepping inside of a postcard. The 19th-century buildings are well-preserved, and host a variety of things to do like shops, antique stores, coffee shops, diners, and boutiques. Be sure to stop by in the summertime when the town square holds annual farmer’s markets, flea markets, or the annual Fourth of July celebration!
Parkville
It’s hard not to fall in love with the town of Parkville. From its friendly locals, charming downtown district, and stunning scenery, one visit will make you want to move here forever. One of the most amazing locations in Parkville is English Landing Park, nestled on the banks of the Missouri River on the Kansas border. Walk (or bike) along the waterside or set up a picnic while the kids play on the nearby playground. It’s also home to fun family-friendly activities like the Parkville Days Festival or the Parkville Farmer’s Market.
There’s so much more to see in Parkville than its amazing waterside views. Be sure to check out the Parkville Historical Museum which offers insight into the history of the town. Walk the historic streets of well-preserved buildings for an afternoon of shopping at the charming shops and boutiques.
Boonville
Boonville is a delightful town nestled on the banks of the Missouri River. Walk the historic streets of the downtown district for shopping, charming cafes, and coffee shops, and become one of the locals! A popular spot for visitors is the gorgeous Thespian Hall, built in the mid-1800s. Not only is it a stunning piece of architecture that serves as the heart of the town, but it’s also a hub for local theater and live performances.
Grab a cup of coffee from one of the local coffee shops, and take a walk along Boonville’s Missouri Riverfront. Be sure to plan your visit during one of the popular festivals, like the Mule Festival or the popular Heritage Days that celebrate the town's founding with historical reenactments, great food, and local crafts.
Pretty As A Picture
These towns are so charming and friendly you’ll never want to leave! From the historic streets of Hermann to the sprawling wineries of Augusta, these towns demonstrate why Missouri is the Show Me State! The perfectly preserved architecture makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time with all the conveniences of home. What makes these towns so special isn’t just the quaint downtown districts, but it’s the amazing views! Watching the sunset over the Mississippi River after a fun day of adventure is like heaven on earth. If you want to relax and unwind, these towns are a great escape!
