8 Undiscovered Small Towns in Missouri
If you want to travel off the beaten path, these small, undiscovered Missouri towns are worth checking out! These off-the-radar towns with friendly locals, great food, and unique attractions are what the Show Me State is all about. Relax in the natural hot springs of Neosho, or shop in the storybook-like streets of Hollister. Whether you like natural adventures or just floating down the Missouri River in a canoe, these hidden gems are well worth the drive. Pack a bag and your sense of wonder, and discover these unspoiled towns in Missouri.
Parkville
On the banks of the Missouri River on the border of Kansas is the scenic and historic town of Parkville. The downtown district is dotted with historical 19th-century buildings with quaint locally owned shops and cafes, perfect for an afternoon of shopping. However, it is Parkville's art scene that sets it apart from other charming cities in the state. Park University inspires the town's thriving art scene, with many art galleries waiting to be discovered. It also has art-themed festivals like the Parkville Artisans' Studio Tour.
Outside of its friendly and welcoming downtown district, Parkville is awash in natural beauty. Take a walk along the Missouri River at English Landing Park. This lovely park is also home to community-centered events, like the popular Christmas on the River celebration. Visitors can take a short drive outside the city limits to check out the Parkville Nature Sanctuary, a great place to hike among the rich forests.
Washington
The town of Washington is yet another town along the banks of the Missouri River. Nicknamed “Brick City,” many historic buildings in the downtown district were made right in town. For more insight into Washington’s industrial past, head to the Washington Historical Society Museum in the heart of town. Visitors can walk the historic downtown district of towering brick buildings for a day of shopping and dining at quaint cafes and coffee shops.
However, there’s so much more to see in the Brick City! If you plan your stay at the right time of year, you can also catch the Washington Town and Country Fair, which is one of the largest in the state! Or, if you just want a relaxing day near the water, head to Rennick Riverfront Park. It provides visitors with miles of scenic walking trails, picnic spots, and a large pavilion for community events.
Weston
The small town of Weston is an excellent representation of Midwestern charm. With a rich history, friendly locals, and plenty of attractions just waiting to be discovered, it’s a great town for the whole family. If you love learning about a town through its museums, be sure to stop by the Weston Historical Museum. It gives visitors insight into the early pioneers who settled in the region and a glimpse into Weston’s past.
Surrounded by natural beauty, there are a host of spots worth checking out on your stay in Weston. Head to the Weston Red Barn Farm to purchase locally crafted goods and fresh produce. The farm comes alive in the fall and offers hayrides, pumpkin patches, and apple picking! For more adult-friendly activities, check out the Pirtle Winery. Located in an old church, it's one of the more popular spots among locals to sip wine in the heart of downtown.
Steelville
Far removed from the bustle of bigger cities in Missouri is the humble town of Steelville. Nicknamed the Floating Capital of Missouri, it’s within close proximity to serene rivers like the Meramec, Huzzah, and Courtois. For travelers who love spending time on the water, there’s no better spot in Missouri than Steelville! Head to the Mark Twain National Forest for a day of hiking, birdwatching, or canoeing down the river.
Steelville may be famous for its pristine rivers, but it also has its own vibrant downtown district. The 20th-century buildings on Main Street are a great place for local shopping and dining. Be sure to check out the Wildwood Springs Lodge, a popular spot among tourists and locals. It offers live music and performances in an intimate setting. And if you’re traveling from out of town, it’s a cozy spot to hang up your hat at the end of a long day!
Hollister
The charming town of Hollister feels like stepping inside of a postcard. What sets Hollister apart from other Midwestern towns is its downtown district (on Downing Street) with Tudor-style buildings. It feels less like a Midwestern town and more like an English village! Walk the charming cobblestone streets peppered with antique lampposts for a day of shopping and enjoying the beautiful scenery. If you plan your trip just right, you could catch the Hollister Grape and Fall Festival or the famous Hollister Christmas Parade.
While you may want to spend all your time in the fantastic downtown district, Hollister is surrounded by the beauty of the infamous Ozark Mountains. Table Rock State Park is one of the most popular spots among residents of Hollister to bask in the serenity of the mountains. Walk the trails of the Ozark hills, or grab a canoe or kayak for a day on the water.
Neosho
Looking to relax and unwind? There’s no better way to melt away stress than a visit to Neosho, aka the City of Springs. Neosho is famous for its abundance of natural hot springs, many of which are located in Big Spring Park. The park is fantastic for soaking in crystal-clear, naturally hot spring water or hiking in its lush, green forests. Neosho is also near the Ozark Mountains, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to spend time in nature.
But soaking your weary bones in a hot spring isn’t the only thing to do in Neosho! The downtown district is packed with locally-owned shops and restaurants, and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. Located a few miles outside of town is the George Washington Carver National Monument, dedicated to the famous inventor who spent his early years growing up in the area. The monument is also home to a quaint park with hiking trails and a small museum dedicated to the famous inventor.
Arrow Rock
Arrow Rock is a small Midwestern town with an extensive history in the emergence of the American Frontier. While it once played a pivotal role in America’s expansion out west, today, it’s a charming small town that works hard to preserve its roots. The downtown district boasts perfectly 19th-century buildings and is considered a National Historic Landmark District. Visitors can explore the Arrow Rock Historic Site and its amazing structures, like the J. Huston Tavern, established in 1834. Or, check out the Lyceum Theatre, built in 1903, to catch a live performance or music.
Arrow Rock Bluff is a popular spot for spending time in nature and enjoying spectacular views of the area. Visitors can hike to the top to enjoy breathtaking views of the Missouri River and rolling hills below. They can also hike the trails or gain access to the Missouri River for a day of canoeing, kayaking, or fishing on the pristine waters. Arrow Rock proves an excellent spot to spend time in nature and recharge your batteries!
Hermann
The town of Herman is tucked away on the banks of the Missouri River Valley. Founded by German immigrants in the 1800s, much of its heritage remains alive and well today. The downtown area is home to stunning 19th-century buildings in 19th-century homes, filled with charming local shops and eateries. Two local events that highlight Hermann’s rich German heritage are the Oktoberfest and the Wurstfest, so make sure to plan your visit in the fall!
What makes the town of Hermann so special is its natural beauty. Head to one of the famous wineries in the area to take in the breathtaking views, like the Stone Hill Winery or the rustic Hermannhof Winery. Hermann is also located along the Katy Trail, offering visitors ample biking, hiking, or horseback riding opportunities.
Travelers can learn a lot about Missouri by visiting larger cities like Kansas City or Saint Louis. However, the true heart of Missouri and its welcoming residents are often in small, untouched towns far off the beaten path. These cities hide secret treasures like natural hot springs, unique perspectives of the iconic Ozark Mountains, and charming downtown districts straight out of a postcard. Outside the bigger cities, the air’s a little cleaner, the locals are friendlier, and the food tastes just a little better.
