8 Most Relaxing Missouri Towns
Located along the Mississippi River, Missouri is home to many towns that enjoy comfortable riverfront locations and boast lovely parks and viewing areas. Other parts of the state, in the shadow of the Ozark Mountains, benefit from pleasant temperatures and enviable natural destinations.
With so much to offer, small towns in the state are perfect for anyone hoping to relax without the noise of urban life. For example, Rocheport provides access to the Katy Trail for outdoor lovers, while Arrow Rock offers an excellent blend of history and nature at the Arrow Rock State Historic Site. Clarksville is known for its serene riverside attractions and the Ste. If you are looking for a chance to relax, consider traveling to any of these eight Missouri towns.
Rocheport
Rocheport is a very relaxing destination, situated right along the Missouri River. Outdoor lovers can stroll through town and over the Moniteau Creek along the Katy Trail, which leads to the 240-foot-long Rocheport Tunnel. The tunnel itself provides cool relief during long walks. A full day outdoors can also be found just 12 minutes away in the Big Muddy National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is a popular destination for those hoping to toss a line on the water or go wildlife watching. For those hoping to enjoy their afternoon over a glass of wine, the nearby Tasting Room on the Blufftop offers tastings with wine flights and tours of the winery grounds. The A-Frame Winegarden provides a premier view of the river to enjoy with your drink.
Ste. Genevieve
Ste. Genevieve is yet another riverside destination perfect for those who enjoy time along the water. The Ste. Geneve Levee Wildlife Refuge sits right by the river and acts as a habitat for local species. Guests can walk along the top of the levee, enjoying kiosks that describe the area’s history while spotting various animals and plants. South of the levee is Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park is a laid-back historic destination that depicts the area’s history. Ste. Genevieve was first established in 1750 by French Canadian settlers, and the park features historic homes dating to the 18th century. You can explore more about the area’s history at the nearby Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center, where guests can see artifacts from ancient cultures, fossils from ancient eras, and a vintage collection of artifacts from the area’s history, including items from the Civil War.
Weston
Weston is another stop along the Missouri River, perfect for those who love time by the water. The perfect place to relax around town is Weston Bend State Park. Located just south of town, the park includes campgrounds along the water, overlooks of the area, and walking trails. The Missouri River Trail is ideal for those who want to stay close to the riverbanks. Back in town, the Weston Historical Museum provides a relaxing time for history lovers. The museum preserves artifacts dating through the country’s wars, including the Civil War, as well as vintage items once owned by local Weston residents. Just outside of town, the Historic Weston Orchard and Vineyard is popular among individuals and families. The vineyard’s pumpkin patch is open for guests to find their perfect pumpkin in the fall. At the same time, adults can enjoy wines and ciders in the Cider Barn throughout the year.
Excelsior Springs
Excelsior Springs has plenty to do for anyone who wants to relax in Missouri. Not far outside of town is Watkins Woolen Mill State Park. The most famous feature of the park is Watkins Mill Lake, and the Watkins Mill Lake Loop Trail circles the entire lake, making for long and relaxing days by the water. Also near the town is the popular Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery, a particularly popular destination. Guests can enjoy not only a glass of wine but also live music and themed nights throughout the year. Those who do not want to leave town can relax at Century Park. This park is particularly appealing to those who want to relax while casting a line, with Powell Lake available for catch-and-release fishing.
Arrow Rock
The village of Arrow Rock is an interesting destination perfect for those who relax best among historic sites. The most prominent spot in the area is Arrow Rock State Historic Site, which sits along the Missouri River and Arrow Rock Bend. While there, you will want to visit the J. Huston Tavern, first built in 1834 and still serving up meals ot guests today. Those who want to relax while enjoying live theatre can visit the Lyceum Theatre instead. Hosted in a historic church first constructed in 1872, the theatre features performances such as “Annie,” “Steel Magnolias, and “1776 The Musical.”
Carthage
Carthage is a fairly diverse destination with plenty of ways to relax. The Battle of Carthage State Historic Site is a wooded area where one of the first battles of the Civil War was fought. Guests can walk the area along the Carter Spring Trail, which winds through meadows and past the natural spring that made the area a coveted position for Civil War armies. For a throwback to a bygone era, you can relax at the 66 Drive-In Theatre, just outside of town. This retro drive-in features current films but puts guests on the grounds of a drive-in first opened in 1949. The drive-in operates in seasons, beginning in April. And for those who relax best over a round of golf, the nearby Carthage Golf Course serves up a full 18-hole course over 120 acres of green.
Clarksville
The city of Clarksville is another destination along the Mississippi River, but one with a unique Lock Viewing Platform. The platform is located alongside Lock & Dam 24, and guests can access it from Clarksville Riverfront Park. The platform provides some of the best views of the river in the area, while the park itself offers trails along the mighty Mississippi. Nearby Cherry’s Bar & Grill is a popular local spot for unassuming American fare, with guests easily able to head out to view the water steps away. And for those who want to talk with friends while hitting the green, the nearby Eagles Bluff Golf Course is a championship 18-hole course with exquisite views, shaded areas, and plenty of water features.
Fulton
Morningside Park is a popular local spot, especially among anglers who want to set out from the boat ramp for a day of catching sunfish, catfish, crappie, and black bass. Those looking for a more traditional park can enjoy time alongside Stinson Creek at Memorial Park. True to its name, the park is a part of history. On the grounds is a memorial dedicated in 1922 to the members of the Callaway Company who served in the First World War. While on the grounds, guests can enjoy the quarter-mile walking trail and time beneath the gazebo. If you instead want to get out of the heat, you can head to the Brick District Playhouse. The Playhouse features live events such as the Odd Couple Dinner Show, a production of Neil Simon’s “Odd Couple” that provides laughs while guests enjoy a night of dinner.
Downtime In Missouri
There is so much to see and enjoy in the state of Missouri, and so much of it is perfect for anyone who wants to sit back and relax. The towns throughout the state are filled with parks that are tucked along creeks or the Mississippi River itself, allowing for long days spent on the water. Other destinations are historic sites where you can relax while learning more about the region’s history.
