7 Idyllic Small Towns In Missouri To Visit In 2025

According to the Missouri Division of Tourism, Missouri received 42.4 million visitors in 2024, which is larger than the total population of Canada! These statistics, however, will not come as a surprise to those familiar with the Show Me State. Countless lakes, hidden caves, Route 66 landmarks, and amusement parks make it easy to find the perfect spot for a memorable vacation. If you are looking to visit some of the state’s most idyllic destinations this year, these seven towns should be on your radar.

Branson

With three lakes, an amusement park, and plenty of live shows, Branson is the perfect destination for an entertainment-filled weekend. Table Rock Lake is a prime spot for water recreation, featuring nearly 800 miles of shoreline, a sandy beach, campsites, and plenty of swimming areas. You can easily spend the day at Silver Dollar City as well, a renowned, 1880s-style theme park with more than 40 rides and attractions to explore. One of its rides, Outlaw Run, even earned a Guinness World Record in 2015 for having the world’s steepest drop on a wooden coaster! Travelers can finish off their evening with one of the town’s famous dinner shows. The Branson Comedy Bash is an excellent option, a family-friendly show that mixes sketch comedy with catchy songs and magic acts.

Hermann

Hermann sits in the heart of Missouri’s wine country, where its rich German heritage creates a weekend experience that feels unlike anywhere else in the state. The town hosts several German festivals throughout the year, with its Oktoberfest coming up soon! Throughout the entire month of October, the town’s atmosphere fills with live music, keg tappings, hearty German fare, and events happening all over. You should also visit at least one of Hermann’s wineries during your time in town. Hermannhof Winery is a great one to consider, producing award-winning wines and boasting stone cellars that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Looking for a cozy place to stay? You will almost certainly love the Bohlken House Bed & Breakfast, set in a Victorian-era home that once belonged to a successful steamboat builder.

Rocheport

Designated as one of the “Best Tiny Towns” by Southern Living, Rocheport has a lot of surprises that you would not expect from a town of just over 200 residents. Travelers looking to enjoy the outdoors can begin at the Katy Trail Rocheport Trailhead, one of the gateways to Katy Trail State Park. Stretching 240 miles, this rail trail is the longest in the country, much of it meandering along the Missouri River through rolling countryside. After a scenic hike, travelers can unwind with a glass of wine at the Blufftop at Rocheport, a winery that offers tours, tastings, and occasional special events. Enjoy a historic night away at the School House Bed and Breakfast, set in a restored, three-story building that once served as the town’s public school.

Parkville

Parkville, a relaxed suburb not far from Kansas City, provides a wonderful setting for a laid-back weekend retreat. There are several green spaces around town to enjoy, such as English Landing Park, a 68-acre area with three miles of trails, a playground, a boat ramp, picnic shelters, a disc golf course, sand volleyball courts, and more. For a blast to the past, swing by the Parkville Trading Post, an old-timey store selling nostalgic candies, chocolates, ice cream, fudge, gifts, and antiques. Travelers looking for an unforgettable meal will love Cafe de Amis, a French restaurant that features tree-lined wooden decks, contemporary French dishes, and a selection of over 100 wines.

Sullivan

Sullivan is home to Meramec State Park, one of the most majestic parks in Missouri. The Meramec River flows through the park, passing scenic bluffs and woods, which travelers can explore via 13 miles of hiking trails. There are also cabins, a campground, and a motel on the property, making it easy to immerse yourself further in nature. Inside the park lies Fisher Cave, an underground wonder featuring massive calcite-lined chambers, winding streamside passages, and towering formations that reach up to 30 feet in height. Before leaving town, grab a souvenir at The Surprise Shop, which sells collectibles, toys, trading cards, books, comics, and other quirky items.

Ste. Genevieve

As the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri, Ste. Genevieve is rich in cultural heritage and history. Throughout the year, the town’s calendar is filled with festivities, including French celebrations, country fairs, and seasonal events. November brings the annual Pecanapalooza Street Festival, consisting of live music, pecan-themed goodies, an artisan market, and other fall-themed fun. At the Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park, travelers can learn more about early settler history and appreciate a large collection of French Colonial-style buildings. Travelers seeking a charming place to spend the night can lodge at The Inn St. Gemme Beauvais, which is set in a home that dates back to 1848.

Carthage

As a stop along Route 66, Carthage offers the kind of nostalgic atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have stepped back to simpler days. At the 66 Drive-In Theatre, operating since 1949, visitors can enjoy movies on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the season from April to October. The Boots Court Motel is one of the most classic places to lodge while in town, constructed back in 1939, making it one of the oldest hotels on the highway. You will also want to check out Red Oak II while in the area. Artist Lowell Davis created this mini “town” by relocating abandoned buildings from his hometown of Red Oak to his family’s property near Carthage. Today, the site features nostalgic early 20th-century landmarks, including a general store, a schoolhouse, and a Phillips 66 station.

Final Thoughts

Even though summer is coming to a close, there are still plenty of ways to have an adventure, all within the state of Missouri. Your trip can take so many different directions, as well! History fanatics might explore Ste. Genevieve, while outdoor and nature lovers will enjoy destinations like Sullivan and Branson. Or if a weekend of wine tasting sounds perfect, Hermann will deliver. So pack your bag and get ready to experience all of the beauty that Missouri has to offer!