8 Towns In Missouri That Were Frozen In Time

The Midwestern state of Missouri is the ideal place for history lovers to visit at any time of the year. During the spring and summer months, you can stroll historic downtowns or take walks along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, and in the fall and winter, you can cozy up to a fireplace in an Old World-style cabin or lodge. The Show Me State has several small, charming towns that seem to be frozen in time and that celebrate Missouri's unique history through various buildings, landmarks, and museums.

Hermann

The historic town of Hermann is known for its rich German heritage, which gives the destination a European feel. Hermann is dedicated to preserving its deep traditions while creating new experiences for visitors, making it the best of both worlds. Start your visit to Hermann at the Deutschheim State Historic Site, where you will find a collection of perfectly preserved 19th-century German houses that will transport you back in time.

The town is also situated in Missouri's wine country, so adults can't miss a stop at the Stone Hill Winery. This 1847-built winery offers tastings and guided cellar tours. The Historic Hermann Museum, located in a vintage German school building, is also a fantastic place to get acquainted with the area's past.

Arrow Rock

Arrow Rock is the ideal vacation spot for those looking for a sweet, small town that is deeply steeped in history and full of natural beauty. The first stop of any history lover should be the Arrow Rock State Historic Park, which is home to the J Huston Tavern, the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. You can still enjoy a meal at the eatery today and then explore the tavern, a cherished landmark that features authentic period furnishings.

The park also includes several other historic buildings, such as the Old Courthouse and Caleb Bingham's House. Wander the storied streets of Arrow Rock's historic district, taking in its eye-catching 19th-century structures, specialty boutiques, and antique shops, such as Arrow Rock Antiques.

Ste. Genevieve

Sweet Ste. Genevieve is known as one of the oldest European settlements west of the Mississippi and takes great pride in its interesting history and heritage. Ste. Genevieve was settled by French Canadian colonists in the 1730s and still boasts well-preserved buildings from that time period today. Visit the Ste. Genevieve National Historic Park to view several structures that reflect the stunning French colonial architecture of the day, including the Beauvais-Amoureux House and the Green Tree Tavern, which both date back to the 1790s.

Tourists of all ages will want to spend a few hours at the Sainte Genevieve Art Center and Museum, an attraction that displays works by local and regional artists.

Clarksville

Historic Clarkesville is a welcoming small town situated on the mighty Mississippi River, as well as the Little Dixie Highway of the Great River Road. Founded in 1817, Clarksville is named after George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War hero. Visitors can start their exploration of the town with a stroll through Clarksville Riverfront Park to get a picturesque view of the iconic river.

If you work up an appetite, enjoy dinner at the Bluffs Restaurant, where you can feast on local favorites such as pork chops and steaks. Another place worth checking out is Overlook Farm, a 326-acre site featuring five historic inns. Popular annual events include Eagle Days in January and Applefest in October.

Rocheport

Travelers come from all over to take a walk through the Rocheport Historic District, which once welcomed explorers Lewis and Clark in the early 1800s. The small river town is still fantastic to explore today, as it offers scenic Missouri river views, an intriguing history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and several cultural attractions. With its quaint eateries and stores, such as the Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop, as well as the abundance of historic buildings, lovely Rocheport seems to be frozen in time.

Don't miss the Rocheport Museum, which is located inside a 19th-century church, or the Rocheport General Store, a place where you can purchase music and other items reflecting a bygone era. If you want to get out and stretch your legs, the Katy Trail runs through town and has beautiful hiking and biking paths.

Weston

Charming Weston's interesting history goes way back, beginning when it was a major jumping-off point for pioneers traveling across the Sante Fe Trail and the Oregon Trail. Situated on the banks of the Missouri River, Weston has the perfect combination of natural beauty, historical and cultural attractions, and opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Visitors can experience the town's Wild West heritage by strolling through the Weston Historic District, which is home to a collection of pretty Victorian-era buildings and the Weston Historical Museum. Adults won't want to miss a trip to McCormick Distilling, the oldest whiskey distillery west of the Mississippi River, or O'Malley's Pub, Missouri's oldest bar.

Boonville

The scenic small town of Boonville is located atop wooded bluffs that look down over the Missouri River, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts to call home for a few days or weeks. Boonville was founded in the early 1800s and was the scene of a Civil War skirmish in 1861. With so much to see, do, and explore in Boonville, it may be hard to know where to start.

You can't go wrong with a trip to the historic Thespian Hall on Main Street, which has hosted live entertainment shows since the mid-1800s. Today, the venue continues to treat audiences to entertaining and thought-provoking performances put on by local artists. If you are a vintage car enthusiast, head over to the Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum, which offers tours by appointment.

Carthage

Affectionately dubbed "America's Maple Leaf City," charming Carthage has more than its fair share of Missouri's historical attractions. Established in 1842, the small town was the scene of the first Civil War confrontation west of the Mississippi River, and visitors can learn all about it at the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum. The centerpiece of the comprehensive space is a 7-foot-tall mural reflecting the town's infamous Civil War confrontation. If you want to get up close and personal to where the stand-off actually took place, don't miss the Carthage State Historic Site. After taking in all of the town's unique history, acquaint yourself with local wildlife at Spring River Park.

From Civil War battle sites to historic districts filled with perfectly preserved Victorian-era buildings, Missouri's small towns can easily transport travelers back in time for a few hours or days, depending on the length of the visit. Both the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers provide the ideal backdrop for the historic sites, as well as downtown areas filled with antique shops, time-tested cafes and eateries, and galleries and museums with local artifacts and creative works.