The Best Small Towns In Missouri To Chill Out In 2024
Although Missouri might bring to mind cornfields and farmland, the Show Me State has a variety of beautiful landscapes with scenic beauty for those looking to unwind in 2024. Towns in Southern Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, such as Branson and Steelville, offer outdoor activities for those seeking both fun and tranquility while breathing in crisp mountain air. Visitors can also kick back in Hannibal, Mark Twain's hometown, or sip wine in the stunning vineyards of Hermann. From exploring the charming town of Kimmswick along the Mississippi River to discovering the historic architecture in Ste. Genevieve, here are some of the best small towns in Missouri to chill out in 2024.
Branson
Known for its outdoor adventures and live entertainment, Branson is surprisingly one of the best places to relax in Missouri. Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, nature enthusiasts can enjoy a peaceful visit to Table Rock Lake, which is perfect for fishing, boating, or simply soaking in the tranquil surroundings. More outdoor serenity awaits at North Beach Park, situated along the picturesque banks of Lake Taneycomo. Stroll along the paved trail, enjoy a BBQ with friends, or enjoy fishing along the park’s docks. Nearby is the Branson Landing, offering beautiful sunset views along the lake, local shops to explore, and a relaxing fountain show to enjoy.
For history buffs, the town also offers a fascinating view of the Titanic Branson Museum. Visitors can take an interactive journey through the ship's ill-fated voyage while viewing artifacts and memorabilia. Just be sure to get your tickets ahead of time, as they often sell out!
Hannibal
Famous for being Mark Twain's hometown, Hannibal is a charming riverside town, perfect for both literary fanatics and nature lovers to chill out in 2024. Visitors can step back in time at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum to learn more about the author’s early life. Afterward, stroll along the historic streets to the town’s riverfront for a Mark Twain Riverboat cruise. Take a leisurely trip along the Mississippi River for scenic views and a relaxing experience.
For outdoor adventures, explore the nearby Mark Twain Cave Complex. Open throughout the year, visitors can go on a guided tour, showcasing the cave’s intriguing history and geological features, which inspired Mark Twain to write The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. After enjoying a look at history and nature, sit back and relax at Cave Hollow Winery in the cave complex. The local winery has a tasting room and live music, perfect for chilling out in Missouri.
Hermann
For those looking to chill out in Missouri in 2024, it is hard to beat the charming town of Hermann. Located in the heart of Missouri wine country, Hermann offers a delightful escape with its rolling vineyards and rich German heritage. Sip through the town along the Hermann Wine Tour, made up of six family-owned wineries. In the summer of 2024, visitors can enjoy the Berries & BarBQ Wine Trail on July 27 and 28, featuring savory berries and delicious barbecue. Along the Wine Trail is Stone Hill Winery, the Show Me State’s oldest winery, opened in 1847 by German immigrants.
Other than Hermann’s wineries, the town’s German culture can be seen on a tour of the Deutschheim State Historic Site. Explore structures built from 1840 to 1890 by German immigrants, such as the Pommer-Gentner house and the Carl Strehly house. For a relaxing historical tour, take a carriage ride through the Hermann Farm Museum, featuring interactive exhibits and a look at 19th-century farming life. Nearby, visitors can unwind along the Katy Trail State Park, offering scenic biking and hiking paths along the Missouri River.
Kimmswick
With a population of only 133 people, Kimmswick is one of the smallest yet most welcoming towns in Missouri to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The town is known for its laid-back atmosphere, historic buildings from the 1800s, and famous restaurants. A stop in Kimmswick must begin with a meal and dessert at the Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery. Nationally featured in publications, the restaurant offers a cozy dining experience with mouth-watering desserts, such as the Caramel Apple Pecan Levee High Pie. More delicious food is available in town October 26-27, 2024, during Kimmswick’s annual Apple Butter Festival. Enjoy more than 500 food and art vendors, along with live music and a petting zoo.
In addition to its renowned cuisine, Kimmswick Kimmswick serves up a delightful blend of historic architecture that dates back to the 1800s. Visitors can learn more about the town’s history at the Kimmswick Historical Society and Museum, the Burgess-How Log Cabin from 1840, and the Little Cabin built in 1876. History buffs can also visit the grand Anheuser Estate, riverside mansion owned by the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company family. Built in 1867, visitors can schedule a tour to explore the 23-acre estate.
Ste. Genevieve
As Missouri’s oldest European settlement, settled in 1735, Ste. Genevieve is rich in history and French colonial architecture. Relax and unwind in town while discovering history in Ste. Geneviève’s National Landmark Historic District, where history buffs can explore the Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park. The Green Tree Tavern is the oldest home in town, built in 1790 by French colonists. More history is on display nearby at the Felix Valle House State Historic Site, an American-Federal style building where history enthusiasts can view 1830s furnishings and artifacts. After exploring the historic area, chill out at Anvil Restaurant and Saloon, which has been serving the town since 1855.
While the town's rich history provides relaxing opportunities, nature lovers will also enjoy Ste. Genevieve’s tranquil, scenic landscapes. Take a walk along a levee at Ste. Geneviève Levee Wildlife Refuge to view herons, meadowlarks, cottonwoods, and cypress trees. Visitors can also enjoy the outdoors along with the historic sites during the annual Ste. Genevieve Jour De Fete arts and crafts festival, held from August 10-11, 2024.
Excelsior Springs
Known for its healing mineral waters, Excelsior Springs is a premiere spot for chilling out in Missouri in 2024. Relax at the Elms Hotel and Spa, where visitors have enjoyed the rejuvenating waters since 1888. The Grotto at the hotel and spa offers a modern take on Roman baths, with various saunas, hot tubs, showers, and steam rooms. Enjoy the tranquility of the Isley Park Woods Natural Area nearby. Nature enthusiasts can stroll along the park’s paved path or take the unpaved trail through the island’s lush forest. For more scenic views, explore the 25-acre Siloam Mountain Park. Just as its name suggests, the park is on a hilltop that provides a breathtaking overlook of the valley below.
With its natural beauty and historic past, travelers can learn more about the town’s unique mineral springs and view beautiful Art Deco architecture at the Hall of Waters Museum. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and is housed in the current city office and visitor center for Excelsior Springs. History buffs can also explore the Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives, with exhibits on the town’s history and the healing properties of its mineral waters.
Steelville
Since Steelville is often referred to as the “Floating Capital of Missouri,” it is no surprise that this small town is one of the best spots to chill out in Missouri in 2024. The town is surrounded by the Meramec River and Huzzah River, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing adventures. Outdoor serenity also awaits at Birds Nest Beach Park, with its beautiful beachfront along the Meramec River, along with ample fishing and boating opportunities. In town, visitors can enjoy the great outdoors at Steelville City Park and Hoppe Spring Park, with a babbling brook and natural wildlife.
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle with a more adventurous spirit, Steelville offers an incredible bike park. The Steelville Bike Park has eight mountain park trails with drops, jumps, and rocks that range from beginner to advanced levels. Afterward, relax and unwind at the Wildwood Springs Lodge, which has been serving visitors since 1922. In the fall of 2024, the lodge will host several music acts on Saturday nights from September 21 through November 9.
Relaxing Missouri Escapes
These small towns in Missouri offer a rejuvenating escape for visitors in 2024. From the quaint town of Kimmswick along the mighty Mississippi River to the scenic lake views in Branson, the Show Me State offers tranquil natural settings for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether enjoying a float trip down the rivers in Steelville or a look at historic architecture in Ste. Genevieve, the breathtaking landscapes and rich history in these Missouri towns are perfect for chilling out and relaxing.
