10 Liveliest Missouri Towns For Active Seniors
Retirement often means more free time to enjoy activities like travel. As Missouri borders eight different states, the “show-me” state is centrally located and easily accessible to most seniors looking for a new adventure. Explore lively towns nestled in diverse landscapes. A large portion of Missouri holds lovely plains that feature flatlands, rolling hills, or forests, depending on the area. The state is also home to parts of the Ozark Mountains and the Mississippi Lowlands, making it a wonderful place to experience nature and the outdoors. Discover the 10 liveliest Missouri towns for active Seniors.
Branson
Nestled in the Ozarks, the town of Branson receives many visitors from all over the country. From incredible views to lively shows, this small town offers plenty of attractions for active seniors looking for a getaway. For an adventure, explore Silver Dollar City and its variety of festivals. During the Christmas season, they decorate the park with over 6.5 million lights. Their main square holds an 8-story Christmas tree with animated lights that shift and change to music. The paths at Silver Dollar City can be steep and hilly in some places, but there are plenty of benches for breaks. Feel free to ask the friendly staff about alternate routes around the park. The amusement park does have wheelchairs and ECV rentals.
If you’re looking for some retail therapy, head down to the Branson Landings. This outdoor shopping mall lies next to Lake Taneycomo and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and activities that are sure to keep you entertained for a while. During some evenings, you can watch a short light and music show at the fountain in the center of the complex. If you prefer Main Street vibes, you can walk or take the trolley to nearby downtown Branson from the Landings.
Osage Beach
Next to Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach brings in visitors looking for fun on the lake and a retreat into nature. Explore nearby nature areas like Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The park features an impressive overlook with the ruins of a stone castle and hiking trails for all levels, like the paved Oak Woodland Interpretive Trail.
In town, catch a show at the Main Street Music Hall, which often offers fun variety shows, nostalgia bands, and seasonal Christmas performances. For some local flavor, grab a pizza and drink at the Ozark Distillery. Taste their award-winning moonshine, learn about the distillation process, and browse their unique merchandise. They also serve local brews for those who prefer beer and craft unique cocktails from their moonshine.
Hermann
Nestled in Missouri wine country, Hermann looks like a storybook village with its red brick buildings and rolling vineyards next to the beautiful Missouri River, the longest river in the United States. Settled in 1837 by German immigrants who wanted to keep their cultural traditions, today Hermann holds many traditional German festivals, from Oktoberfest to Christmas Markets. They also do seasonal wine trails, like the Holiday Fare Wine Trail, happening in early November.
As a wine-growing region, Hermann is home to many wineries and tasting venues. Taste a selection of award-winning wines at Stone Hill Winery, Missouri’s oldest winery. Take their free tour through the largest wine cellars in North America, learn their history, and see how they make their wine. The winery sits on a hill overlooking the town, providing a great view of Hermann.
If you like local history, explore the original Hermann settlement at Deutschheim State Historic Site. From wine exhibits to traditional vegetable gardens, this living museum offers insight into the unique history of the town. For train enthusiasts, check out the nearby Hermann’s Caboose Museum with exhibits on the railroad history of Missouri and westward expansion.
Sedalia
At the crossroads of two major highways, travel to Sedalia easily from cities like Kansas City or St. Louis. The town offers a wide range of activities and festivals that both locals and visitors enjoy. Take a leisurely stroll at Liberty Park or delve into antique shops in the Sedalia Historic District. For art lovers, view collections of mid-20th-century artwork at the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art. Their exhibits include pieces by many incredible artists, including Andy Warhol and Ed Ruscha.
If you visit Sedalia during the month of August, make sure to stop at the Missouri State Fair. As one of the largest State Fairs in the country, it brings over 300,000 visitors to the town each year to experience everything the “Show-Me” state has to offer.
Cape Girardeau
Next to the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau boasts a robust and welcoming community with a population of a little over 40,000. Indulge in a little retail therapy at friendly local shops on Main Street or find well-known brands at West Park Shopping District. Discover fun finds at antique shops or trendy looks at your favorite stores.
If you enjoy history and the arts, Cape Girardeau holds many fascinating museums and theater venues. Visit the Crisp Museum to see exhibits that explore regional art and history. For a theatrical night out, catch a world-class performance at one of the theaters on the River Campus, part of Southeast Missouri State University. They host a variety of creative shows from dance to symphony. If you prefer jazz or rock music, check out the Century Casino on a Saturday night or see if any bands are playing at one of the downtown venues.
Hannibal
Hannibal also lies next to the great Mississippi River, the section that marks the border between the states of Missouri and Illinois. Hannibal proudly claims to have been the home of many well-known figures, including artists like James Carroll Beckwith. The famous American author Mark Twain, whose real name was Samuel Clemens, also spent his formative years in Hannibal. His experiences living in Hannibal influenced many of his most popular works, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Today, you can visit Mark Twain’s boyhood home and other attractions that highlight his life and history.
Besides being the childhood home of a celebrated author, Hannibal holds other historical and artistic attractions for visitors. Take a tour of the historic Rockcliffe Mansion, decorated in original Gilded Age furnishings and antiques. The mansion also serves as a Bed and Breakfast for those looking for a unique place to stay. Hannibal features a lively artistic community and belongs to the famous 50 Miles of Art corridor that includes neighboring Missouri communities of Louisiana and Clarksville. Keep an eye out for studio tours of local artists in the Spring and Fall Seasons.
Ozark
Named for the Ozark Mountains, the small town of Ozark lies halfway between Springfield and Branson, Missouri. The Finley River, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, flows through the town. Take a stroll in the tranquil Finley River Park, which provides views of the river. The Finley River also holds bass and attracts anglers from all over. Another attraction on the opposite side of the river is Finley Farms. Tour the old historic mill or explore the incredible property on one of their guided farm tours. Even if you don’t get a chance to do a tour, get cozy at their coffee shop or savor a farm-fresh meal with a riverfront view at the Mill Restaurant.
Drawn to Ozark’s stunning scenery, many visitors enjoy seeing natural landmarks like Smallin Civil War Cave. This cave offers 1-hour guided tours that explain its history. The tour takes you along gently sloping concrete walkways through the cave. They occasionally do special events like their lantern tours during the Fall season.
Neosho
Known as the “Flower Box City” by some, Neosho decorates its town with outdoor floral arrangements and proudly claims to hold the world’s largest flower box. Like many Missouri towns, they offer a lot of parks and natural areas to explore. Take a short walk at Big Spring Park to see incredible natural features like a waterfall, a fishpond filled with trout, and wading pools. For other outdoor fun, check out the Neosho National Fish Hatchery. You can walk the grounds, feed the fish, and do a little souvenir shopping.
For a little history, do a self-guided walking tour of Neosho’s Historic Downtown. The area offers cute shops and restaurants to explore, too. If you want even more history, visit the Newton County Historical Museum, which is only a few blocks away from East Main Street.
Carthage
Along historic Route 66, Carthage welcomes travelers from all over. This little town offers history and heritage in spades. With four historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, you will see many Victorian-style buildings and homes throughout Carthage. Experience some of the history of this cute little town through the self-guided Historic Homes Driving Tour. You can pick up a physical booklet detailing the route from the Carthage Tourism Office or find instructions on their website.
For more history, visit the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum. The museum offers free admission. Visitors can explore the collection of artifacts and other memorabilia from the Civil War. Other attractions in Carthage include the Precious Moments Chapel, which draws many appreciators of art and faith to the town. They provide free tours of the artwork and murals in the chapel, inspired by the classic Precious Moments figurines.
Kirkwood
A suburb of St. Louis, Kirkwood charms visitors with its beautiful historic downtown, colorful events, and outdoor activities. You can always find something happening in the lively Downtown Kirkwood. From late spring to early fall, explore the Kirkwood Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. During the holiday season, the Summit All Seasons Market does a Pumpkin Patch and then a Christmas Tree Lot & Gingerbread Shoppe in downtown Kirkwood. Even on a regular day, explore fun shops and cute restaurants on the flower-lined streets of Kirkwood’s historic downtown.
For history enthusiasts, check out the nearby National Museum of Transportation. View historic vehicles of all kinds. The museum features indoor and outdoor exhibits that include planes and cars. They also hold the largest collection of locomotives in the country.
Get Energized Through Exploration
Are you an active senior looking for your next Missouri adventure? Studies have found that traveling has benefits to overall health and well-being. Even just a few days of vacation can lower stress levels and boost confidence in older adults, and younger adults, too. Missouri provides plenty of interesting places to explore. Visit pretty river towns, stay at welcoming communities along historic Route 66, or see the natural beauty of the Ozarks.
These lively towns in Missouri offer a variety of attractions from art to history. Almost every town provides a way to learn about its past, offering tidbits of local historical knowledge. Take a stroll on a self-guided walking tour, view exhibits at local museums, or tour historic homes. For those looking for lively seasonal events, view the spectacular Christmas lights at Silver Dollar City in Branson or perhaps enjoy a glass of wine at the Holiday Fare Wine Trail in Hermann.
