13 Nicest Small Towns In Missouri
The name Missouri comes from the word ouemessourita, which originates from the language of the Missouri tribe, the namesake of the state. It means “wooden canoe people,” a fitting description since the state’s identity is closely linked to the Missouri River. Missouri is a land of hills and streams and is known for its prairie-like landscape. It is also located near Tornado Alley, a region with frequent tornado activity, making winds quite common in the area. This windy weather creates some underrated spots worth visiting. Many small towns within the wind influence offer a quaint and charming atmosphere that tourists often enjoy.
Marceline
Marceline was founded in 1888 and settled along the Santa Fe Railway, named after Marcelina, the wife of the railway's director. Although the small town is most famous as the childhood home of Walt Disney, his work left a lasting impact. Many locations in Marceline are named after him, and his memories of growing up here inspired his theme parks. Main Street USA, for example, was inspired by Marceline’s former Kansas Avenue. Walt used to walk the downtown streets and gained inspiration from his daily life. The Disney Family Farm, where the Disney family lived since 1906, was a major source of inspiration for Walt. As young children, he and his sister Ruth were not expected to do housework, so they spent time wandering the grounds and came up with stories under their beloved Dreaming Tree. Today, visitors can stop by the farmhouse, but it's a private residence, so they are expected to be respectful. To celebrate Walt's 100th birthday, the Walt Disney Hometown Museum was built, showcasing his achievements. The museum is located in the former Santa Fe train depot, where Walt first arrived in Marceline, and it features over 4,000 artifacts, including personal collections donated by Ruth. The EP Ripley Park is another charming spot to visit, a place the Disney family often went. The park is home to a train donated by the Santa Fe Railroad, with Disneyland painted across it, and it's filled with memories of Walt and his family.
Kimmswick
Propped up by the Mississippi River, Kimmswick stands out with its brick-paved streets, preserved architecture, and Midwestern hospitality. Historically, people have lived in this small town for over 12,000 years, dating back to the last Ice Age, and over time, the town has welcomed the Indigenous peoples of the Clovis Culture, the Spanish, and the French. Kimmswick is best known for its seasonal festivals. The Strawberry Festival in June draws around 40,000 visitors to enjoy all things strawberry—cheesecakes, shortcakes, iced teas, and the Famous Kimmswick Strawberry Jam. In October, the Apple Butter Festival celebrates autumn by inviting visitors to watch how apple butter is made and to pick some up for their trip home!
Kimmswick also features several museum estates, including the Anheuser Estate. This cozy historic site, once used as a summerhouse by the Anheuser family, sits on 23 acres with scenic river views. Today, it offers walk-in tours to explore relics from the family’s history. Contributing to the town’s human history, the Mastodon State Historic Site showcases the area's archaeological and paleontological past. With evidence of Clovis hunters and mastodon bones, visitors learn how early peoples and ancient animals coexisted. You can finish your small-town visit with a quick stop at the Port of Kimmswick, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the water. The port also offers a glimpse into its history as a trade hub in the 19th century, letting visitors imagine how goods were transported across the Mississippi River.
Hermann
Situated in the Missouri River Valley, the picturesque small town of Hermann features red-bricked buildings, German heritage, and sprawling vineyards. A town rich in history and traditions, Hermann exudes old-fashioned charm and has deep roots in wine production. Much of this heritage is reflected in Hermann’s Oktoberfest, which continues the town’s German customs of drinking and celebrating community. For those interested in exploring Hermann’s German roots, the Deutschheim State Historic Site serves as a reminder of the early German immigrants. The site's origins begin with Julius Hundhausen, a retired vintner, for whom the visitor center was built in 1890. The house exhibits German-style artifacts, such as a traditional German kitchen garden and the town’s first German newspaper. To appeal to wine enthusiasts, Hermann Farm offers a glimpse into German history and the legacy of winemaking in Missouri. The farm highlights the stories of prominent figures in early winemaking and features a German-style stone barn called the 1847 Teubner-Husmann home. For a peaceful stop on your way back, Hermann Riverfront Park invites visitors to enjoy serene views. Built atop the limestone bluffs of Hermann Farm, the park offers space for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, and walking trails.
Excelsior Springs
Excelsior Springs has experienced several cultural periods: Mississippian, Woodland, and Archaic. Human settlements were modest but consistent, with much of the town spread across small villages and camps. The town’s most notable story begins with the discovery of its mineral waters. Starting with Siloam Spring, the natural flow of ferro-manganese mineral water was found to have healing properties when a farmer gave his sick daughter the water to drink and bathe in. After his daughter was cured, news spread of the healing waters in Excelsior Springs, and over time, the town became known as a health resort. Built in the Art Deco style, the Hall of Waters Museum is the best tribute to the town’s history. It features various water-based amenities, including the world’s longest water bar built into a solarium and a saltwater swimming pool. Centered around the mineral springs, the museum is a top place for visitors to learn about Excelsior Springs’ origins. Visitors can also explore the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives to discover more about the town. This museum displays generations of history, art, and stories from the area. With a striking arched ceiling and recreations of “The Gleaners” and “The Angelus,” it’s an attraction visitors will not want to miss. Lastly, The Elms Hotel & Spa is a luxurious boutique hotel offering guests an immersive wellness experience that reflects the town’s promise. With over 125 years of service, the hotel provides a relaxing retreat nestled among the trees in a historic town filled with natural springs.
Ste. Genevieve
A town with colonial-era buildings and Frontier history, Ste. Genevieve holds a variety of settler stories. Long before the 1730s, French soldiers and settlers arrived, and with lush land and the salt water of Saline Creek as a valuable resource, Ste. Genevieve was established as a settlement. Later, German immigrants arrived around the 1830s. During the Revolutionary War, Spanish-occupied Missouri experienced turbulent times. By the 1930s, Ste. Genevieve moved past its war history and became known as an artists’ colony. Inspired by the town’s countryside and charming architecture, artists flourished in Ste. Genevieve. This small town is home to several historic residences that tell the stories of all who passed through. The Bolduc & LeMeilleur Houses are excellent examples. Built with a distinctive vertical timber style, the Bolduc House was constructed by French Creole merchant Louis Bolduc in the 18th century. Restored to its original 1790s splendor, it displays artifacts illustrating Creole life. The LeMeilleur House, next to the Bolduc House, was built by Louis’ granddaughter. The Beauvais-Amoureux Historic House is another great stop. With views of communal agricultural fields, its “poteaux-en-terre” or “posts-in-the-earth” architecture is unique. Owned by Benjamin and Pelagie Amoureux, the log house serves as a reminder of Ste. Genevieve’s French-Canadian history and architecture. The Felix Vallé House State Historic Site is a perfect final stop. The American Federal-style house features French influences and artifacts from its era.
Hannibal
Located in Missouri, Hannibal is a small town that's rich in artistic culture, with many talented artisans, artists, and craftsmen calling it home. Although Mark Twain is the most famous figure associated with the town, it's also where Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, grew up and created many of his characters based on real people from Hannibal. The author of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has inspired several attractions in the area, thanks to his literary fame. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum Properties include a range of historic estates dedicated to the writer and his works. In addition to his childhood home, the properties feature the Becky Thatcher House, Huckleberry Finn House, and more. These museums, set in the atmosphere where Mark Twain did his brainstorming, showcase his art and personal belongings, giving visitors a glimpse into his daily life. Another notable attraction is the Mark Twain Cave Complex, which is the same cave that inspired The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Even after 170 years, the mysterious labyrinth of caves still bears the writer’s name on the walls and is now a series of show caves for visitors to explore. Hannibal is also home to another historic figure, the “Unsinkable” Molly Brown, a prominent Titanic survivor. The Molly Brown Birthplace & Museum, where the survivor was born, now commemorates her life story. Born as Maggie Tobin, her childhood in Hannibal’s Gilded Age is a story worth telling, even before her heroic actions on the Titanic.
Branson
Set in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Branson is a small town that's made a big name for itself in music and theater. The town's history is reflected in the novel “The Shepherd of the Hills,” which draws inspiration from the region's residents. Today, the story comes alive in an outdoor theater production. Branson is a hub of musical and theatrical talent, with shows spanning every genre. For a dose of fame and fun, visitors can check out the Hollywood Wax Museum, featuring a star-studded cast of wax figures. Take selfies, explore pop culture, or just take a stroll through the famous faces. The town also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including the Silver Dollar City theme park. This 1880s-themed park has era-inspired attractions, thrilling rollercoasters, and family-friendly rides. The highlight is the park’s crafts colony, where over 100 artisans showcase their carvings and creations. Finally, the Titanic Museum Attraction houses one of the largest collections of artifacts from the Titanic's sinking. Founded by the co-lead of the second expedition to the wreckage site, John Joslyn, the museum aims to recreate the Titanic's voyage experience. Visitors can walk through the Grand Staircase, shovel coal in the Boiler Room, and experience the sensory effects of the ship's sinking.
Boonville
Back in the 1800s, Daniel Boone’s sons, Nathan and Daniel Morgan, stumbled upon a salt lick along the Missouri River. This discovery led to the founding of Boone’s Lick, which later became Boonville. Perched on bluffs overlooking the river, this small town has witnessed several Civil War battles and a couple of occupations. Boonville is home to a series of historic sites related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Civil War, and more. A must-visit spot on your trip is the Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum, featuring a large collection of antique Mitchell motorcars and wagons from the 1900s to the 1920s. For a more compact experience, check out the Rivers, Rails & Trails Museum, which showcases a miniature version of the motorcar museum. The museum is packed with memorabilia of original wagons, trains, and steamboats, making it a great stop in the historic Depot District. Wrap up your visit to Boonville with a stop at the Old Cooper County Jail & Hanging Barn, a historically rich site frozen in time. The jail's dark tales are etched in its dungeon-like rooms, where prisoners were once shackled. The "stable/jail barn," now known as the Hanging Barn, takes its name from the last public hanging in the state, which occurred there.
Rocheport
Rocheport is a small town with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. It was settled along the Missouri River, which played a significant role in trade. The town's name, "Rocheport," comes from the French phrase “Roche à la Poste,” meaning “rock at the post." Over the years, Rocheport has been home to settlers, trade, and war. Today, it's a quaint town with preserved 19th-century structures, charming shops, and a historic atmosphere. The Rocheport Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the town’s history, including its connection to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Civil War. For art enthusiasts, the ART Off the Trail Studio and Gallery is a must-visit. This cute shop features vintage items and artwork, including oil and watercolor paintings, sculptures, glass art, drawings, and jewelry. Another highlight is the A-Frame Winegarden at Les Bourgeois Vineyards, which offers stunning views of the Missouri River and a serene retreat. It's a perfect spot for wine enthusiasts to enjoy a great meal and a well-aged drink.
Carthage
A town that rose from the ashes of its former self, Carthage has seen many battles. The original Carthage was burned down in the Civil War and promptly rebuilt during the Victorian Era. This small town is home to a colorful history - Wild West outlaws, Civil War guerrillas, power-hungry capitalists, Ragtime music makers, and women’s rights pioneers. All have passed through at some point, making the town home to an interesting past, which makes for some intriguing stories in the present. The Carthage Civil War Museum is a great first stop for immersing oneself in the town’s history. It exhibits Civil War artifacts and information on outlaws such as Belle Starr. Featuring a 7-by-15-foot mural, this museum is a must-see attraction. Although for those willing to get up close to the war efforts, the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site is the place to be. The site was the place where the final confrontation of the 12-hour battle on July 5th, 1861, occurred. Around 6,000 Southern troops persuaded Union soldiers to withdraw from the fight, leaving for Sarcoxie. The Battle of Carthage was a full-scale battle, one in which visitors could pretend to be on the front lines as they walked through the former battlefield. And lastly, the Red Oak II is an open-air museum created by artist Lowell Davis. A recreation of a ghost town, Lowell gave it life by moving the original buildings of the town of Red Oak to his family's land, dubbing the new town Red Oak II. This museum includes a range of 20th-century buildings, a Phillips 66 station, a schoolhouse, a cemetery, and a general store.
Fulton
Formerly called Volney, the town of Fulton was renamed after Robert Fulton, a steamboat engineer and inventor. It is famously known for being the location of the “Iron Curtain” speech by Sir Winston Churchill. Fulton is home to a state hospital, a school for the deaf, and is a hub for agriculture. There are many unique attractions for tourists, such as the National Churchill Museum. Westminster College, where Churchill’s speech took place, marked a significant moment, which was commemorated 20 years later by bringing the St. Mary the Virgin Aldermanbury Church from London to Fulton. Beneath this church lies the museum, a collection showcasing Winston Churchill’s life story. Complete with sensory effects, this museum educates visitors about “The Blitz” in London, Churchill’s role in World War II, and other notable exhibits. Tourists can also walk to the Auto World Museum, a collection of vintage automobiles. With over 80 vehicles, the museum offers a wonderful journey through the history of transportation, especially for car enthusiasts. Finally, the Brick District provides a peaceful ending to a trip to Fulton. Visitors can enjoy fine dining, shopping, and exploring here. Built with brick streets and historic buildings, the district elevates downtown Fulton into a charming area.
Weston
Originally occupied by the Sac and Fox Native American tribes, Weston later thrived as a steamboat port. The town was a prominent marketplace and point of departure for a while, until the 1850s, when several fires ravaged the area. Afterwards, Weston was left without a port and no means of boosting the town’s growth. As time passed, the townspeople managed to uplift their economy, ensuring Weston’s history was preserved through its architecture and its people. Complete with more of the town’s history is the Weston Historical Museum. A wonderful place to learn from its early Indigenous settlements, all the way to World War II. Artifacts exhibited include relics from the war, glassware, furniture, documents, and many more. Interested in the outdoors more? Take a stroll around the Weston Bend State Park, a calm 1,133-acre park with views of the Missouri River, Fort Leavenworth, and more. Once visited by Lewis and Clark, this park also has a history in tobacco production, which visitors can explore through the five tobacco barns on site. Aside from its history, visitors can hike its trails, bike, or enjoy its woodsy views. Passersby can also visit the National Silk Art Museum when they have the chance. A one-of-a-kind museum in Weston, it is home to the largest collection of woven silk tapestries in the world. This museum teaches visitors about the history of a long-forgotten art and community of craftsmen.
Lake Ozark
Named after the Lake of the Ozarks, the town of Lake Ozark is a beautiful and historic place of lakeside charm and local elegance. Home to tons of shopping opportunities, a movie theatre, and the glistening lake, everyone has fun at Lake Ozark. The Lake of the Ozarks offers a variety of activities, being Missouri’s most popular lake. With 1,100 miles of shoreline, visitors can fish, play, or relax on the beach. Those interested in getting into the water can boat, take a helicopter tour, or even zipline. The lakeside is home to a range of adventurous activities, but none more interesting than The Malted Monkey. A combination of a ropes course and a restaurant, it is perfect for those wishing to grab a meal after a day of adrenaline-pumping fun. Made for everyone, the restaurant offers fun for both kids and adults, so no one misses out! And to cater to those history buffs, the Willmore Lodge and the Bagnell Dam Historical Museum speak for the town’s past. The Willmore Lodge served as a meeting place for those involved in the Osage River Project. A building with Adirondack-style architecture, the lodge was home to many of the project’s discussions, a project that was the reason for displacing towns and creating the lake. The museum also exhibits the Bagnell Dam’s origins and history.
Missouri is home to an incredibly intense history, much of which its small towns retain. A state of wars, settlements, and occupations on one side. On the other side, there are famous figures, popular culture, and recreation. A place with many stories to it, Missouri is as welcoming as ever. With much to share, the state curates its surroundings to benefit its visitors and its residents. The small towns of Missouri are a must-see for travellers in the U.S.
