7 Missouri Hidden Gem To Visit in 2025

Around 49 million tourists visit Missouri each year, most coming to see the state’s busy cities, stunning parks, and historic landmarks. Tucked away amid these attractions are the small towns that are the heartbeat of the Midwest. In these hidden gems, you can avoid the crowds and get to know the real Missouri. The state where you can step back in time in a pioneer-era village, wander the country’s oldest rail trail, see turn-of-the-century French architecture, and explore the Ozark Mountains. There’s a reason Missouri is known as the ‘Show Me State’ — these off-the-beaten-track towns showcase the best of Missouri’s history, heritage, and hospitality.

Arrow Rock

In 1963, the entire village of Arrow Rock was designated a National Historic Landmark in recognition of its links with Westward Expansion in the 1800s. In fact, the settlement’s history goes back even further, to when it was a key trading point on the Missouri River for Native Americans and early explorers.

Today, the tiny town is a quaint village full of historical sites. Given its size, it’s easy to explore on foot, walking through the storybook streets to see the 1830s home of celebrated landscape artist George Caleb Bingham or the J Huston Tavern, which has served hungry travelers since 1834.

As you’d expect, Arrow Rock is also packed with small, speciality museums. Call into the Print Shop Museum to see what a 1800s newspaper office looked like, visit the Black History Museum at Brown Lodge to learn about the town’s black community, drop into the Dr John Sappington Museum to delve into the challenging profession of a frontier-era doctor.

Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve is the oldest permanent European settlement west of the Mississippi River. First settled by the French, the town later welcomed a large population of German immigrants, giving it a unique heritage that’s still evident today in its culture and architecture. One of the best examples of French style is the Louis Bolduc House, a National Historic Landmark built in the 1700s and managed by local historian group, French Colonial America which offers public tours of the property.

Ste. Genevieve is also known for its wineries, so don’t leave town without sampling the local grapes. If you’ve time, take the Route Du Vin Wine Trail which takes visitors around the area’s five vineyards and microbreweries, including Charleville Vineyard, housed in a restored log cabin, and The Terrace at French Village which can trace its history back to the 1890s.

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience on your trip to Ste. Genevieve, meet some of the town’s more unusual residents at the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary. A rescue center that cares for unwanted or neglected big cats, the Sanctuary offers educational tours, an observation deck, a gift shop, and VIP experiences where you can meet the keepers and interact with the cats.

Rocheport

Founded in 1825, Rocheport is a scenic small town in central Missouri, bustling with art galleries, wineries, boutiques, and beautiful walking trails. The town lies on the 240-mile-long Katy Trail, the longest rail trail in the country, which meanders along the Missouri River, through waterside towns, deep forests, meadows, and fields. Suitable for hikers and bikers, you can pick up the trail from the Rochefort Tunnel, a 240-ft former rail tunnel on the western side of town.

The Rocheport Winery is conveniently located on the Katy Trail, housed in the historic Nebo Inn. Here, you can refresh and refuel with gourmet snacks, brunch, and/or a cold glass of award-winning wine. Once you’ve wined and dined on the trail, head back into town to visit Art Off The Trail, a locally owned gallery and gift shop where you can pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir while supporting Missouri creatives.

Hermann

Hermann is a little bit of Germany, nestled in the heart of Missouri’s wine country. The town was established in 1837 by the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia who are thought to have chosen the site due to its resemblance to Germany’s Rhine Valley. Set amid rolling vineyards and boasting a historic, red brick downtown, this pretty village has lots to offer visitors.

Start at the Historic Hermann Museum, housed in an 1871 schoolhouse, where you can browse artifacts and displays that tell the story of the early German settlers. The town clock on the top of the museum has been continuously operating since 1890. Another must-see for history lovers is the Deutschheim State Historic Site which includes two 1840s homes, beautiful gardens, a visitor center, and a gift shop. Soak up more Hermann heritage while sipping award-winning wines at the Hermannhof Winery, whose stone cellars and brick buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hermann isn’t just historic, it’s also beautiful. A 15 minute drive east of town takes you to the Grand Bluffs Conservation Area where you’ll find 236 acres of unspoilt natural attractions including a range of steep dolomite bluffs that overlook the Missouri River and provide ideal nesting sites for many bird species. The preserve contains hiking trails and campsites.

Van Buren

Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains, Van Buren is a lively playground for outdoor adventurers. This scenic town is located on the Current River, part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Explore the water from The Landing, a family-friendly waterfront attraction that rents a variety of watercraft from the beach, including floating tubes, canoes, and rafts. There’s also a restaurant on-site for when you need to take a break and grab a snack.

Four miles south of town is another watery attraction, Big Spring Park. One of Missouri’s oldest parks, this preserve is home to Big Spring, one of the top three largest natural springs in America with an average daily flow of 286 million gallons. The park also contains campgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas.

For a fun family day out, visit Missouri Down Under, an ‘adventure zoo’ where you can pet a kangaroo, go gem mining, and explore the Current River Cavern. The zoo also hosts seasonal events and group tours.

Boonville

Boonville began in the 1800s as a homesteading community and quickly grew thanks to its position on the Santa Fe Trail. Now, this pretty town is a vibrant community with over 400 historical properties on the National Register. The Friends of Historic Boonville manages several sites of interest. Call into their offices, located in the Old Jail and Hanging Barn, for guides, maps, and more information.

Boonville is also home to the Warm Springs Ranch, the premier breeding and training facility for the Budweiser Clydesdales. Book a guided tour to meet the 100+ horses housed at the site and explore the ranch which is open to guests in the summer season.

The history of Boonville, a riverboat and railroad town, reflects the history of transportation through the ages. Find out more at the River, Rails, and Trails Museum in the town’s Visitor Center. Motorheads may also want to check out the Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum, home to the largest collection of antique Mitchell motorcars and wagons in the world.

Parkville

Parkville is a welcoming riverside town with a historic downtown lined with galleries, shops, eateries, and parks. Call into the La Bottega Vintage Market to find hidden treasures within its eclectic collection of antique home decor, furnishings, jewelry, pottery, and more. If you’re hunting for more gifts, or just in need of a snack, head for the Parkville Trading Post. This quirky shop sells antiques, collectibles, and old fashioned candies including over 70 different varieties of taffy.

After exploring downtown, take some time to relax at English Landing Park, a 68-acre green space by the Missouri River. The park contains three miles of walking trails, a boat ramp, picnic shelters, a playground, and a disc golf course. Be sure to bring your camera — there are stunning views over the water from the riverfront trail. You’ll find more camera-worthy moments at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary, north of town. This 115 preserve contains hiking trails from which you might encounter songbirds, deer, turtles, snakes, and other wildlife.

Making Memories In Missouri

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, looking for a weekend away, or taking a road trip, put these Missouri towns on your travel itinerary to experience the real Midwest. From rolling vineyards to the Ozark peaks and from the Missouri River bluffs to the Santa Fe Trail, the scenic Missouri landscape contains many tucked-away small towns that are well worth the stop. And, with natural playgrounds, historic sites, boutique shopping, and fine dining, there’s plenty to keep the whole family happy.