6 Breathtaking Towns to Visit in Missouri
Missouri is situated in the Midwestern portion of the United States and is filled with diverse landscapes. These regions feature everything from flat plains to mountain peaks and truly accentuate the breathtaking towns dotted throughout the state. Each town has its unique charm and natural attractions, such as the Battle of Carthage Historic Site in Carthage or the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse in Hannibal, making these destinations perfect for travelers of any age! Add these six Missouri towns to your next vacation itinerary and take in some of the best sights in the Midwest.
Carthage
Known as the town where the Battle of Carthage, one of the first portions of the Civil War, occurred, Carthage is a historic location with incredible views. Visiting Carthage provides an opportunity to get a glimpse into the past through the well-preserved architecture and historic landmarks, with the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site being one of the most prominent. This park is not only a key piece of the town’s history but also provides visitors with a peaceful area to enjoy, containing a field and a small spring. The Historic Phelps House is another iconic location in Carthage boasting beautiful Victorian-style architecture, which is used as an event center and site offering tours of the home.
In addition to its rich history, Carthage is also known as ‘America’s Maple Leaf City.’ This nickname emphasizes the town’s beautiful foliage that lines the streets in autumn. Main Street in Carthage is lined with vibrant maple trees that change color with each season, providing a picturesque backdrop for the Jasper County Courthouse. Other popular attractions with stunning views include The Precious Moments Chapel and Gardens, a chapel adorned with painted murals, and the historic 66 Drive-In Theater, where you can get a snack at the concession stand and watch a movie under the stars. No matter your hobbies or interests, Carthage offers plenty of fun activities.
Hollister
Located just outside the bustling city of Branson lies Hollister, a town with just under 5,000 people and a reputation for being home to one of the state’s most idyllic attractions: the Branson Scenic Overview. This location is sometimes called the 165 Scenic Overlook due to its place on Historic Highway 165 and offers a place where guests can experience some of the best views of Table Rock Dam and Lake Taneycomo. The overlook is just a ten-minute drive from the town’s main strip, making it a quick and easy trip during a vacation to Hollister. It’s also close to Buffalo Ridge Golf Course, providing stunning views of the Ozarks.
Alongside outdoor attractions, Hollister’s close proximity to Branson offers countless fun activities for all ages and interests. Kendall’s Treasures is a popular flea market and antique shop with vendors selling eclectic goods, while Olivia's Heartland - Vintage Gift Market features handmade gifts and unique items exclusive to Hollister. Overall, this town has everything that makes it a must-visit destination, from beautiful lakes to distinctive shopping opportunities.
Perryville
Perryville is a small town roughly 80 miles south of St. Louis, with a welcoming community and numerous historical places to visit. This town is the County Seat of Perryville County, and 8,555 people call this peaceful area home. There are several locations in Perryville with great views, but one that stands out is Missouri's National Veteran Museum. The museum pays respects to service members and strives to preserve the state's military history through monuments and creating a peaceful place to reflect. At the outdoor portion of the museum, The Wall is a black granite exhibit that mimics the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C., and the Honor Flag Memorial is a 49-foot structure outside of the welcome center.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and Rosary Walk is a popular site in Perryville dating back to 1818. Spanning 55 acres, this historic location offers a peaceful atmosphere where visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along The Rosary Walk. Tourists can also visit nearby spots like the Red Rock Landing Conservation Area, which features views of the Mississippi River and five acres of ponds. Additionally, Perryville hosts the American Tractor Museum on North Main Street, with exhibits showcasing tractors from different eras that have played a vital role in Missouri's agricultural history.
Hannibal
Travelers who enjoy visiting places with historical significance and a variety of outdoor attractions with alluring landscapes should consider planning a trip to Hannibal. Situated along the Mississippi River at the Illinois border, Hannibal is most widely known for being the town where famous author Mark Twain spent his childhood, and today, it remains a hub for tourism and culture. The best way to see this town and all of its incredible views is at the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse. Guests can climb the 244 steps up to the lighthouse to see panoramic views of the town, though it’s important to note visitors are not allowed inside the structure itself.
Lovers Leap is another must-visit spot in Hannibal. This bluff offers excellent opportunities for photography of the Mississippi River and the downtown area. Lovers Leap Park covers 5 acres and features a historical marker that visitors can view and sit beneath at the covered picnic table. Riverview Park boasts beautiful foliage in autumn and provides hiking trails, several statues, and a shelter with picnic tables.
Kimmswick
Kimmswick is a small town with just 134 residents, located right in the heart of Missouri. It’s another Mississippi River town that boasts a friendly community, and its historic district helped it earn a spot among the “Top Small Towns in Missouri.” Kimmswick is an charming area, making it a great destination for travelers wanting to relax and browse shops and restaurants filled with 19th-century charm. The town features many spots with stunning views, including the Anheuser Estate. This historic estate dates back to 1867 and offers tours of the home and museum, event hosting opportunities, and a dedicated park area.
The Windsor Harbor Road Bridge, found at the intersection of Front St. and Mill St., is another historic attraction from the River Des Peres in 1874. Though the bridge was replaced and relocated to Kimmswick in 1928, it holds a special place in the town’s history and remains the oldest wrought iron span in the state. The Mastodon State Historic Site is just a short drive away from Imperial and holds some of the town’s best outdoor views. The 431-acre park is a breathtaking archaeological and paleontological site with trails, an informative museum, and Missouri’s Kimmswick Bone Bed. Overall, this state site is a great place for the whole family to get outside and learn about the area’s history.
Cape Girardeau
One of the larger Missouri towns on our list, with a population of just over 40,000, that offers stunning views is Cape Girardeau. Sometimes referred to as “The City of Roses,” Cape Girardeau is situated southeast of St. Louis and roughly 170 miles north of Memphis, giving the town a convenient location for enjoying the hustle and bustle of nearby cities or the peaceful outdoor recreation areas. The town has an enchanting and historic downtown section that provides some of the best views of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, a 4,000-foot cable-stayed bridge structure that stretches from Missouri over the Mississippi River to Illinois.
Visitors to Cape Girardeau can plan a trip to Trail of Tears State Park, which offers 3,415 acres of stunning scenery unique to Missouri. This park is one of the official sites along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, commemorating the Cherokee relocation in 1838. The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is a great place for the whole family to spend an afternoon learning about the area’s natural resources. The family-friendly nature center features engaging, hands-on exhibits for all ages, aquariums and outdoor wildlife displays, and two miles of outdoor trails to explore.
Missouri has a wealth of small towns filled with natural beauty and sights you can only experience in the Midwest. There are historic sights in Carthage that date back to the Civil War, and the charming downtown streets of Kimmswick highlight just how many breathtaking scenes you can find throughout the state, though these are just a snapshot of the numerous towns you can visit. If you’re planning a trip to the “Show Me” state, these six small towns are sure to provide you with exciting memories and breathtaking views.
