10 Missouri Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
When was the last time you realized, in the middle of it all, that this was a memory in the making? Well, a visit to the Mother of the West—and a stroll down its storied main streets—is not something you would soon forget. Missouri has been home to many cultures for over 11,000 years, from the ancient Mississippian civilization to the earliest European settlers, each leaving its mark on the state's rich history. Today, visitors from all over come to explore the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, tour the Missouri wine country, and discover the caves and trails in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Missouri’s forests and rivers await your arrival year-round. Whether you choose to visit during a chilly winter or a warm summer, it is a gorgeous destination worth exploring in every season.
Hermann
Described as a Rhineland village, Hermann is part of a German-American cultural region that sits on the Missouri River and enjoys a busy main street. Frene Creek cuts through Market Street, where you will find the Historic Hermann Museum. There, you can learn about local history, German culture, and more! The Deutschheim State Historic Site is just north of the Hermann Riverfront Park, which has an almost therapeutic effect.
Hermann is a small town, so you can explore the Hermannhof Winery just minutes after your leisurely stroll by the riverbank. One spot you should not pass up, however, would be the Herzog Mansion west of town. This 1886 building stands beautifully decorated, with incredible park-like grounds worth exploring.
Ste. Genevieve
Missouri has a way of bringing people, even countries, together. If you could not tell from the name, Ste. Genevieve boasts some eye-catching French colonial architecture and is a small community that might merit an extended stay.
If you head down South 4th Street, you will notice that South Gabouri Creek cuts through the town, as it sits along the Missouri riverbank. You can learn all about the area at The Centre for French Colonial Life & the Bolduc House Museum from there, conveniently placed by Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park. The entire area is a treat to walk in, and the Green Tree Tavern, another nearby historical landmark, is just south of the park and very much worth exploring!
Weston
Located near the Kansas border, the town of Weston sits by the Missouri River. The first thing you will notice in the small community nestled in Platte County is the 19th-century architecture. There is even a working tobacco barn, which you can learn more about on Main Street. There, you will find original storefronts like Weston Tobacco.
Along those busy streets, you can also explore incredible weaves at the National Silk Art Museum or delve into local history at the Weston Historical Museum and its excellent exhibits. There are several unforgettable experiences to be had on this block alone—especially for coffee lovers, as the Weston Coffee Roastery will almost certainly leave a lasting impression with its incredible brews!
Boonville
Some of Missouri’s best towns are built along the scenic banks of the Missouri River. Boonville’s Main Street is especially busy when the great Thespian Hall is hosting a performance. A lot of history can be discovered in this theater, one of the oldest continuously operating theaters west of the Mississippi, where local plays are the highlight for visitors and townsfolk alike.
North of that is Maggie's Bar and Grill, where you can enjoy the local cuisine before heading west on Spring Street. There, visitors can explore incredible exhibits at the Lewis Miller Mitchell Collection and discover a treasure trove of history at the River, Rails & Trails Museum.
Lexington
Lexington’s Main Street covers the entire small community, and, as such, becomes the busiest part of town. Many gravitate towards the popular Maid-Rite restaurant with its signature ground-beef sandwiches before exploring the Wentworth Military Academy Museum next door. The Lexington Historical Museum, just south of that, completes the visit here.
The Missouri River lies west of town, following the road down Broadway. There, if you are not looking for river adventures, you can find the Lafayette County War Memorial—an almost 100-year-old monument originally dedicated in 1925 to World War I veterans.
Louisiana
It might come as a shock to some that this small town by the Mississippi River, located on the Missouri-Illinois border, bears the name Louisiana. East of town is the go-to spot, where 3rd Street likes to keep busy by the New Louisiana Boat Ramp, where you can get the best views of the river.
You can even enjoy your stay close to the water at the aptly named River's Edge Motel—complete with, of course, an unforgettable vista at the nearby Riverview Park. The tourist information center is on the same street, eager to help you get the most out of this hidden gem!
Washington
Though Washington, Missouri, may be a small riverside town, it proudly holds the title of the largest residential community in Franklin County. West Front Street and East Main Street enjoy the most attention. The Missouri River is its own destination, but this area is a particularly good option thanks to the James W. Rennick Riverfront Park and the nearby Rotary Riverfront Trails. You can savor a warm barbecue dinner at Sugarfire Smoke House if you head northwest from there. However, if you are interested in the local history here, the Washington Historical Society south of the park offers a great way to spend your time!
Fulton
When it comes to local history, Fulton is one place that can give you a fascinating glimpse into the past. On Westminster Avenue, you can find stories and landmarks that are sure to pique your interest! For instance, America's National Churchill Museum stands in Westminster College, where Winston Churchill gave his famous "Iron Curtain" speech in 1946. A historical landmark lies just to the south, but if you would prefer to skip the Westminster College Historic Gymnasium, West 4th Street is just to the east. If you continue heading east from there, you will find the Lovers Leap-Star Park Historical Marker, located just a few feet from historic downtown Fulton!
Marceline
Marceline, a small community in Chariton and Linn counties, welcomes you via the unmissable Highway 5—the gateway into its quiet charm. If you are looking for something unforgettable, this small town, well known as the boyhood home of Walt Disney, was also the inspiration for Main Street, USA. The Walt Disney Hometown Museum steals the show here, and Ma Vic's Corner Cafe is conveniently located nearby for anyone craving a classic American dining experience afterward! North of town is where you will find the Son of Dreaming Tree—a historical landmark and a great place to take a walk while learning more about the late pioneer and animator.
Hannibal
A famous American figure also grew up in the small river town of Hannibal by the Mississippi. You can probably guess who the man in question is as you head down Mark Twain Avenue, where a slew of sites and attractions await along the Illinois-Missouri river border! The most popular spot here is the Mark Twain Boyhood Home Museum Gallery—the original home of the author. Historic Downtown Hannibal is where all the best spots for capturing the perfect photo come alive, and fans of the books will be stoked to know that the museum called “Jim's Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center” is located on North 3rd Street.
You never know what you might stumble upon as you wander around the Cave State—its small towns always hide the best gems. The busy streets of Missouri are chock-full of adventures to be had and history to be discovered. Whether you are on the eastern border, basking in the Mississippi River, or on the western side by the Missouri River, you will find no shortage of things to do and sites to see. It is safe to say that a getaway here offers far more than the endless commercial destinations that have been visited, photographed, and overhyped time and again.
