10 Most Charming Town Squares In Missouri

Few town squares have the ability to dissolve a first-time visitor's heart and leave him completely blown away. Sometimes, you may not even pin it down on anything; not beautiful architecture, not moss-draped oaks, not flower planters. It's just the feeling that makes you want to linger a bit, or a setting that features photogenic mountain backdrops, the kind that can be described as Norman Rockwell-esque. Missouri may not have the outdoor grandeur of states like California or the sugar-white beaches of Florida, but wait until you discover its small, slow-paced towns and charming town squares. It is hard to hammer out a consensus, but the following are the ten most charming town squares in Missouri.

Kimmswick

Kimmswick is a quaint suburb of St. Louis that has the feel of a living museum. Founded in the 1850s by a community of enterprising German immigrants, Kimmswick still boasts a decent number of historic structures, many of which enhance its nostalgic charm. Before ambling through the town, pass by the Kimmswick Historical Society Museum, where you will find a lot of interesting historical information on the founding and development of Kimmswick. Next in line should be the well-maintained Anheuser House, a quiet spot on the west bank of the Mississippi. A tour of the house costs a trifle but is filled with interesting information about the Anheuser couple. After this, sate your hunger pangs at the Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery, a homey, inviting eatery known for its Levee High Apple Pie and delicious strawberry salads.

Hermann

It is a close contest, but Hermann could be the most quaint German town in the Midwest. It is known for its outstanding Oktoberfest, along with some fine wineries. Stone Hill, for example, has the distinction of being Missouri’s oldest winery. It sits on the largest network of underground, hand-dug, vaulted limestone cellars in North America. No need to speak about the yummy views of the rolling landscape that is certainly part of the package. Start with a hearty meal at the Vintage 1847 Restaurant, an upscale-casual German dining in a converted carriage house. At the Deutschheim State Historic Site, you will have a glimpse of the town's German heritage and admire German architectural styles, interior decor, and historic furniture. Taking the cue, Herzog Mansion is a stunning example of German Renaissance Revival and has been around since the 1880s.

Ste. Genevieve

This uniquely named town is tastefully perched on the west bank of the Mississippi River and has an official tagline that instantly connotes adventure. “Play, Stay, Dine, and Experience Yesterday in Ste. Genevieve” is an almost irresistible invitation. Many of Ste. Genevieve’s earliest residents were French-Canadian, and the town still retains its distinctive French character. Neat, narrow streets and fenced gardens encircle some of the nation’s most significant eighteenth-century architecture. No wonder it is often compared with the fabled Mayberry.

You can shop for antiques at places like the Ste. Genevieve Antique Mall, visit the nearby Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary, or explore the handsomely preserved buildings at the Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park. Crown the day with some decadent pasta at Oliver's, a local favorite conveniently located on Main Street.

Excelsior Springs

Located about 30 minutes northeast of Kansas City, Excelsior Springs will intrigue you with its history, specifically its well-established reputation as a mineral water resort town. Back in the day, people believed its mineral waters were a sure antidote for ailments like tuberculosis or even gunshot wounds. Today, the Art Deco-style Hall of Waters, built in the 1930s, gives a complete history of the historic health and wellness spa, and is a beautiful piece of history by itself. The downside is that what was once the world's longest water bar is now dry.

However, the building has been creatively repurposed into a visitor center and a museum. You can sample some Kansas City-style barbecue at Wabash BBQ, relax at the 135-year-old Elms Hotel and Spa, or stretch your legs at the Siloam Mountain Park, a cool, swoon-worthy space with beautiful scenery and lovely trails.

Lebanon

Route 66 travelers will scarcely be surprised that Lebanon is on the list of Missouri towns with the most charming town squares. The downtown area has wide sidewalks, beautiful historical buildings, and large storefronts that are ideal for pedestrian window shopping. Although you can have other ideas for filling up your time, the Route 66 Museum is often the starting point. You will see several things that will transport you back to a bygone era, including antique cars, an old-school diner display, and a 1950s gas station replica.

Meanwhile, Boswell Park is also Route-66-themed. It features a playground and a rock-climbing wall that your little angels will enjoy. For an epic outdoor adventure, the nearby Bennett Spring State Park is certainly the place to be. It offers serious trout fishing in a stocked stream, as well as camping, hiking, canoeing, and a rustic dining lodge. If you don't want to step out, Atchley Park has big shade trees, a paved walking trail, and a lovely gazebo with a picnic table.

Perryville

Considering what it offers (and its heart-dissolving look), Perryville is among the most underrated towns in Missouri, especially its downtown area. Work your way to the highly rated National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and enjoy the quiet, reflective grounds and a rosary walk arranged in the formation of the rosary. The Perry County Courthouse, which anchors the beautiful town square, is a majestic structure with an amazing bell tower. Nab a chair at Mary Jane Burgers & Brew, a relaxed eatery with brick walls that serves delicious burgers, cheese curds, and several house-made sauces. The burgers feature juicy patties and other creative toppings that cater to almost all tastes.

Kirkwood

Kirkwood is a surreal, storybook suburb with a downtown that can stop a first-time visitor mid-step. It features gorgeous red-brick buildings and a train station right in the center. The historic Kirkwood Train Station, one of Kirkwood's most beloved buildings, has a history that dates back to the 1890s. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile, the streets here are lined with huge, shade trees, making walking so delightful and pleasurable.

You will find shopping venues like Cornucopia, which sells all kinds of unique kitchen gadgets, such as spatulas, pizza cutters, and muffin pans. Kirkwood Park is clean and well-maintained and offers a shimmering lake, a pool, and an awesome walking trail. The best part is that the trail is around the lake and hence features heart-stirring water views. Enthusiasts will also want to pass by the iconic Robert G. Reim Theater and check if there's a mood-lifting show to enjoy.

Weston

With its historic storefronts and beautiful brick-lined streets, Weston always feels like a secret you want to shield from prying eyes. The town is situated in the rolling hills of Platte County, just 30 minutes northwest of Kansas City. The downtown district, which is an attraction by itself, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features dozens of pre-Civil War buildings. Start your adventure at the Tin Kitchen, a warm spot housed in a historic building that whips up decadent ribs and briskets. For various kinds of winter-themed fun, Snow Creek is one of the few ski areas in Missouri, and it is just a short drive from the town square. Crown the day with an evening visit to Pirtle Winery on Spring Street, a warm, friendly place that was once a Lutheran church.

Arrow Rock

Arrow Rock is a tiny town on the furious Missouri River that can best be described as a time capsule. If you think this is trite, the whole town is today a national historic landmark. Its structures, many of which date back to the 1800s, encompass the history of early pioneer trade, as well as more tragic aspects of western expansion, including displacement, enslavement, and Civil War. The annual Arrow Rock Heritage Festival, typically held on the second weekend of October, is one of Missouri’s oldest and most popular heritage festivals.

You can stroll through the village and get a feel for its time-capsule character at places like the Arrow Rock State Historic Site, a unique open-air museum encompassing bluffs along the Missouri River and a slice of the village. Check if there's a show at the historic Lyceum Theatre, a quaint, old church known for its top-notch productions, or spend some time at Bucksnort Trading, a cute little store full of different, unusual items.

Carthage

If what lights you up is beautiful architecture and impressive courthouses, Carthage’s town square will be challenging to forget. The town's defining landmark is the Historic Courthouse Square, and the contest is not even close. The Jasper County Courthouse is often cited as the second-most photographed building in Missouri and remains the square’s crown jewel. It is the handiwork of M. A. Orlopp, an architect who also designed the beautiful Dallas courthouse in the same Romanesque style. With its towers and arches, anyone can mistake the building for a medieval castle that looks over a place that time forgot.

But before that, sit down to some delicious spring rolls at Orchid Thai Kitchen, a little gem of a food truck that serves authentic Thai food. You can swing by Central Park to rest or people-watch, and then walk down to the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum, an informative space that retells the story of the historic battle of Carthage and keeps a couple of outstanding art pieces.

The Takeaway

Except for the ruddy hills around the Lake of the Ozarks, many people believe Missouri has nothing else to offer. What they don't know is that Missouri is pockmarked by a string of small, charming towns, some of which are mentioned among the most beautiful in the United States. Hermann, for instance, affectionately dubbed Missouri's Rhineland, is often ranked among the nation's finest. First-time visitors usually get blown away by its picturesque riverside charm, traditional architecture, and cultural vibrancy. But there are others, and with town squares that most artists would salivate at putting on canvas.