Alley Spring Mill in Eminence, Missouri.

8 Most Breathtaking Towns In Missouri

Missouri is one of those Midwestern states that is beautiful without even trying. From the Ozark Mountains to the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, there is always something breathtaking no matter where you look. If you want to experience the heart of Missouri, these hidden gems are what the Show-Me State is all about. Think fragrant pine trails that lead to waterfalls, secluded wineries, and maybe even a castle or two. When you are ready to unwind in some of Missouri’s quiet and breathtaking retreats, get ready to hit the road Route 66-style!

Washington

St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Washington, Missouri.
St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church in Washington, Missouri. Image credit Vicnent Parsons via Flickr

West of St. Louis is Washington, a small community settled along the scenic banks of the Missouri River. The James W. Rennick Riverfront Park is the perfect spot to start your day, watching boats on the Missouri River or trains pass through the area. The park is located in central Washington, so you don’t need to travel far for a great meal or an afternoon of shopping. There are great restaurants within walking distance of the park, like Cowan's Restaurant, or fun video arcades like The Alley.

North of the Missouri River, there are some of the most idyllic wineries in the state. The Lake Creek Winery is a rustic winery serving amazing food with an even better view. You can sip chilled wine on their outdoor patio, admiring the lush greenery and vineyards stretching out as far as the eye can see.

Eminence

Alley Spring Mill in Eminence, Missouri.
Alley Spring Mill in Eminence, Missouri.

In the heart of the Ozark hills, you will find the secluded community of Eminence. It is a lonely place free of traffic, noise, and big crowds. The Alley Spring Roller Mill is the crown jewel of Eminence, which is a photographer's dream come true (especially in the autumn). Even if you don’t plan on snapping a photo, visitors can hike the lovely trails around the mill, take a tour of a historical schoolhouse, or hike the overlook trail for an amazing view of the area.

Jacks Fork River Landing near Eminence, Missouri.
Jacks Fork River Landing near Eminence, Missouri.

Another great spot to check out in Eminence is Echo Bluff State Park. It is more than just a scenic spot to take in the views of the Ozarks; there is a myriad of things to discover in the park. You can hike, swim, fish, or float down Sinking Creek, or if you are lucky, see a wild herd of horses roam through the park! After a day of exploring the Ozarks, there is nothing like a burger from the Wheelhouse Grill!

Ste. Genevieve

The County Clerk building in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.
The County Clerk building in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.

South of St. Louis on the Mississippi River, Ste. Genevieve is the oldest permanent European settlement in the state. You will find some of the oldest buildings west of the Mississippi River in Ste. Genevieve, adding to its undeniable old-world charm. The most notable historical landmark in the area is the Felix Valle House State Historic Site. The park serves as a time capsule in Ste. Genevieve, the preserved historical building furnished in the style of the 1830s, has beautifully manicured gardens. But before you start your historical walking tour of the area, make sure to stop by Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center to learn more about the history of the area.

Aside from historical landmarks and beautiful architecture, the natural scenery in Ste. Genevieve is just as breathtaking. When you are ready to lace up your hiking boots and breathe in the fresh air, Hawn State Park is one of the most popular hiking spots. Think rushing brooks, trails shaded by thick pine trees, and sandstone canyons and cliffs. The park is also near the Hickory Canyons Natural Area, offering family-friendly trails weaving through dense woods that lead to a waterfall.

Boonville

Historic railroad Katy Bridge over the Missouri River at Boonville, Missouri.
Historic railroad Katy Bridge over the Missouri River at Boonville, Missouri.

In central Missouri, between Kansas City and Saint Louis, is the hidden gem of Boonville. It has that classic small-town feel, free of busy sidewalks and traffic, but centrally located to unique attractions, museums, and amazing outdoor adventure. The River, Rails, and Trails Museum is a fantastic way to get acquainted with the area. It has interactive exhibits and a half-scale keelboat, all housed within an old train depot. After getting to know the area at the museum, be sure to pop over to the Derailed Coffee Bar and Cafe to fuel up before exploring the natural beauty of Boonville.

City of Boonville Visitor Center sign in Boonville, Missouri.
City of Boonville Visitor Center sign in Boonville, Missouri. Image credit APN Photography via Shutterstock

The cafe is situated along the Katy Trail, the country’s longest developed rail-trail, spanning over 240 miles! The trail runs right through Boonville, allowing visitors to travel along the Missouri River to take in the sights. However, one of the best views of the Missouri River isn’t on the Katy Trail; it’s at Harley Park. It is where you will find Lovers Leap, a unique site that delivers breathtaking views of the Missouri River below.

Weston

Downtown Main Street in Weston, Missouri.
Downtown Main Street in Weston, Missouri. Image credit Matt Fowler KC via Shutterstock

On the western edge of Missouri, not too far from the Kansas border, is Weston, once visited by the Lewis and Clark expedition. Weston is a cultural hub where its deep historical roots meet natural splendor. If you want to learn more about the area, the Weston Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition and its Native American heritage. And after a day at the museum, stop by the Tin Kitchen for classic Missouri barbecue!

Weston’s charm lies far behind its quaint downtown district. Beyond its city limits is a wild wilderness waiting to be explored. Weston Bend State Park is a favorite among the locals and is well worth the drive. It has over 1,100 acres of carved limestone bluffs, fragrant pine hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Missouri River. The Weston Bluffs Trail connects downtown to the park, with informational panels discussing the path traveled by Lewis and Clark.

Sullivan

Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, Missouri.
Meramec Caverns in Sullivan, Missouri.

Sullivan is one of those picturesque Missouri communities where you don’t have to sacrifice great dining for isolated mountain vistas. Situated in the Ozark foothills, the iconic Route 66 runs right through Sullivan, and its popular attractions make it a great stop for travelers. It is where you will find Meramec State Park, which has over 40 caves, most notably Fisher Cave. Fisher Cave stands out as an underground wonderland, with dramatic rock formations and ancient markings on the cave walls.

Above ground, Meramec State Park has almost 7,000 acres dedicated to hiking, swimming, canoeing, and wildlife preservation. While the countryside surrounding Sullivan is spectacular, downtown is just as stunning. You can walk the cozy tree-lined streets and pop into local shops along old Route 66, like the Silo Restaurant. The vibes downtown are never busy, and everything moves at a much slower pace. Much like in the heyday of Route 66, Sullivan is a great place to relax, recharge, and explore.

Carthage

Restored vintage Phillips 66 Gas Station in Carthage, Missouri.
Phillips 66 Gas Station in Carthage, Missouri.

In western Missouri is Carthage, another community settled upon Route 66. Known as America’s Maple Leaf City due to its abundance of Maple Trees surrounding the area, Carthage lights up in fiery shades of red and orange in the fall. One of the best spots to take in the seasonal show of colors is at Kellogg Lake Park, just on the east side of Carthage. It is a lovely green space in Carthage with plenty of opportunities to swim, canoe, fish, or set up a picnic along its calming shores.

Jasper County Courthouse Carthage, Missouri.
Jasper County Courthouse Carthage, Missouri. Image credit Nick Fox via Shutterstock

The best feature of Carthage isn’t the maple trees, but the historical downtown district. The Jasper County Courthouse, for instance, a Romanesque Revival structure built in the late 1800s, is the second-most photographed building in the entire state! And if you love historical landmarks, you have to swing by the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site. It was the site of one of the Civil War’s earliest battles, and now serves as a serene green space on the east end.

Hermann

Fall colors in Hermann, Missouri. Early morning sun lights up the fall colors down Market Street in Hermann, Missouri.
Fall colors in Hermann, Missouri.

The small city of Hermann was founded by German settlers in the 1800s, and much of its German heritage can be felt in the area today! Downtown is something out of a postcard, with beautiful brick buildings, white church steeples, and sweeping views of the Missouri River. Just a few blocks away, you can spend an entire day touring castles, like the Herzog Mansion or the Historic Hermann Rotunda.

Downtown Hermann, Missouri.
Downtown Hermann, Missouri. Image credit Logan Bush via Shutterstock

Downtown Hermann is undeniably enchanting, but the natural splendor is even better. The Katy Trail State Park runs through Hermann, allowing visitors to hike or bike through the manicured limestone trails through the area. If you are looking for wonderful views and solitude in the Missouri wilderness, the Grand Bluffs Conservation Area has 300-foot-high bluffs and panoramic views perfect for hiking, biking, or bird watching.

Missouri’s Most Scenic Small Towns Await

The views are in high supply in Missouri, and these charming towns know how to honor their natural beauty. These storybook-like retreats are sure to capture your imagination, help you tap into nature, and feed your soul. From the Ozark Mountains to the rivers that run between the mountain peaks, they don’t call it the Show-Me State for nothing! There is a quiet kind of magic in these communities, where their historical roots meet natural wonders, highlighting what makes Missouri so special.

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