8 Best Small Towns In Missouri For A Crowd-Free Summer
From the Mississippi River to the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Show Me State of Missouri is recognized for a variety of great landmarks. Those alone make for excellent summer retreats in and of themselves. However, dotted throughout Missouri are small towns that arguably can measure up to even those world-famous landmarks. Resting in beautiful and peaceful towns, below is a list of gems in Missouri that you'll want to check out to avoid the throngs of people and crowds this summer.
Hermann
Lying on the Missouri River Valley rests the small town of Hermann, a town that looks like it's pulled from a storybook and offers nothing but quiet pleasures from slower and easier times. Tourism is one of Hermann's biggest industries as a result, and the tall steeples and clock towers looming over brick cottages add to that picture-book village atmosphere.
Visit the Historic Hermann Museum to be told why and how the town of Hermann was established. Beyond its German heritage roots, Hermann is also a wine country, and the Hermannhof Winery takes front and centre for that. Sample some wines and enjoy deli food or locally made German sausages while listening to some music on the outdoor patio. Alternatively, the Stone Hill Winery offers cellar tours, and they are a treat. The cellar is the oldest and highest-awarded winery in the area and sits upon a hilltop, offering an impressive view of the town. Best of all, the tours are free, and wine tasting and a large gift shop are available.
Warrensburg
Southeast of Kansas City rests the historical town of Warrensburg. While it is a college town, Warrensburg is full of quaint attractions perfect for a fun weekend getaway. The variety includes shopping at specialty boutiques or art shops, dining at award-winning restaurants, soaking up the view of gorgeous parks, and so much more.
More specifically, a great place to take in the view and nature is the Knob Noster State Park trails. Regardless of which park you go to, the trees and the atmosphere throughout are bound to be breathtaking. Some, such as the Pertle Springs Trail, are excellent spots for expert hikers. For dining, the Raging Bull Steakhouse has some truly memorable meals. If you're looking for something lighter, the Mary Janes Café has homemade meals.
Hannibal
A small town that is a must-visit for those seeking adventure and historical attractions is Hannibal. You get a sense for that history and relaxation immediately when checking out Mark Twain Lake, a primary fishing spot in the area. Surrounding the lake, there are campgrounds, picnic shelters, beaches, playgrounds, boat ramps, and several other facilities. Alternatively, there is the Hannibal River Cruises on the Mark Twain Riverboat, which gives you a one-hour sightseeing cruise or a two-hour dinner cruise.
If the lake isn't for you, the Sodalis Nature Preserve is a few blocks away from the downtown area. It offers 185 acres of biking and nature exploration. It also happens to be the second largest park in Hannibal and has a third of all known Myotis sodalis, an endangered bat species.
Beyond that, the steeped history of this place is connected to Mark Twain. He grew up in Hannibal, and the beloved author's childhood has been preserved in seven historic properties and museums, including the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site.
Branson
Between natural wonders and cozy atmospheres, Branson offers a variety of adventures and experiences. For the summertime, you'll find no shortage of classic mini-golf spots and ice cream shops. This is on top of the three lakes that Branson is in close proximity to!
Bull Shoals Lake is great for fishing, but the crystal-clear water makes it wonderful for diving if you prefer that. Alternatively, the lake views at Lake Taneycomo can be just as relaxing. The boardwalk area makes it great for shopping and dining.
For ice cream with a unique twist, check out YOLO Rolled Ice Cream, where you can watch them scoop and then roll your ice cream like a taco. It's a local treat. And if you want to escape it all, you can experience an interactive piece of history through the Branson Scenic Railway, where guests are taken on a one-hour-and-45-minute trip through the foothills of the Ozarks.
Kirksville
In the Northeast of Missouri, Kirksville is a small town surrounded by a 3,000-acre state park, making it a prime spot for hunting. But even if you're not a big hunter, Kirksville still has a lot to offer with a blend of recreation, nature, art, and history.
The Kirksville Arts Association hosts a variety of exhibits at the Sue Ross Arts Center over the course of the year. They also host an annual "Summer on the Square" every Friday night from June through August, where music is played and artists gather. For peace and tranquility, Kirksville has a number of trails to walk, bike, and hike through. Several can be found through the City's Hike & Bike Trail Map, but some notable ones are the Forest Lake Trail for an easier time and the Red Bud Trail for a tougher challenge.
Parkville
Another great small-town escape rests with Parkville, a town brimming with charm and gorgeous scenery to relax and enjoy. From spring through to fall, enjoy a round of 18-hole mini-golf at Parkville Mini Golf and enjoy some ice cream afterwards. You can also avoid the large crowds by walking through English Landing Park and the accompanying Riverfront Walking Trails. Alternatively, the Parkville Nature Sanctuary provides a mixture of wildlife preservation and an educational site for those interested. This is in addition to a 115-acre natural outdoor area that's accessible through nearly three miles of hiking trails.
Round off the trip at the relaxing wine bar at Parkville Wine House. Their selection of wine flights, cocktails, and local craft beers meshes well with the shareable menu selections. Beyond that, the home-like atmosphere adds privacy and a cozy atmosphere that only a home can provide.
Ste. Geneviève
One of Missouri's oldest European settlements, the French roots of Ste. Geneviève is unmistakable in its architecture and ambiance. Moreover, this town boasts many wineries, which promise a soothing experience despite their mass tourist appeal. Whether you're checking out Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery or the other world-class wineries, you are in for a treat. Each tasting room on the Route du Vin offers a beautiful view across the rolling hills and farmland.
Shopping in the downtown area is also peaceful, with mostly women traversing through the streets on the weekends. For the men, visiting Dannie's Sports Tavern is a great place to relax while the ladies do the shopping. That said, if you can muster looking around, some places to purchase gifts or check out are the mystical crystal spot, Lavender Moon, or one of the many creative one-off stores, like Louie's Smokin' Hot, which offers cigars, hot sauces, and infused olive oils.
Camdenton
Enveloped by the Lower Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, the town of Camdenton is popular among tourists looking to escape crowded chaos as well. This makes sense given the various attractions, and the appeal of Camdenton is in its unique natural attractions. To start, there is Bridal Cave, Missouri's most beautiful cave and one of Camdenton's longest-running attractions. To get there, you have to go by boat.
For a blend of history and nature, check out Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which features outstanding geography and landmarks such as the 12th largest spring, natural bridges, sinkholes, and caves. There's even a turn-of-the-century stone castle overlooking the area. Lastly, there is the Niangua River that can provide either a thrilling or relaxing ride for beginner and experienced canoe paddlers alike.
Whether it's sipping wine in Ste. Geneviève, learning about Mark Twain in Hannibal, walking through Hermann's picture-book town, or experiencing the natural beauty of Camdenton's Bridal Cave, Missouri, has a range of natural beauty and experiences to share with travelers near and far. Combined with the small-town charm that many of these have to offer along with natural beauty, checking out the Show-Me State is bound to offer a memorable experience to anyone looking to visit.
