8 Playfully Peculiar Towns In Missouri

Missouri is full of lesser-known wonders that range from rare, unexpected, and outright cheeky. The 24th state has a playful side that will delight those who seek a stranger side to sightseeing. When traveling through Missouri, you may not expect to find sword swallowers, 3D blacklight golf courses, and weiner dog derbies. However, the state is full of these oddities and much more. Travelers who want an out-of-the-ordinary vacation in 2025 will easily find it on this list.

Bonne Terre

Explore Bonne Terre by venturing 200 feet below its surface. Bonne Terre Mine Tours takes visitors on an unforgettable scuba diving adventure through the world's largest subterranean lake, which is made of a labyrinth of underground passages. Swim through mining equipment, which remains in some passages as a reminder of the town's industrial past. Experienced guides make this thrilling adventure suitable for both expert and novice scuba divers.

Remerge from the depths to voyage through space at the Space Museum & Grissom Center. The history of spacecraft is captured in this time capsule, which displays rocket engines and spacesuits, highlighting how they have evolved throughout time. Finally, relax by the lake at Lakeview Park. This serene park allows you to sit on a bench and admire Missouri’s wildlife, surrounded by a calming lake breeze.

Cuba

Known as “Route 66 Mural City”, Cuba is an illustrated storybook that you can jump into. The Murals of Cuba Walking Tour highlights the artwork that makes the town so offbeat. The murals share the town’s rich, bizarre Route 66 history. More modern, but no less bizarre, see the largest Giant rocking chair, which stands at over 42 feet tall. The giant structure was too mincing in motion and has now been welded to the ground. This steel chair makes a great background for tourism photography.

Learn about the legends of Cuba and beyond at the Crawford County History Museum. Three stories' worth of history is packed into this 1934 building. There is so much to discover in the exhibits, from a 2000-year-old vase to articles of clothing that have been passed down through multiple generations.

Rocheport

With a population of only 215, venturing through Rocheport is an intimate experience. Start your adventure at Les Bourgeois Vineyards. This cliffside winery offers more than delicious wine and picnic-style food; it also has incredible views of the Missouri River. Live music nights take place in the wine garden, making this beautiful vineyard a treat to all of the senses. Afterwards, head to Art & Antiques and Blacksmith Shop, where you can learn a trade and shop for antique jewelry all in one building.

The space holds a working educational blacksmith shop and also has a gallery space for local artists, and stands full of vintage antiques. More fun awaits at The Rocheport General Store. Don’t be deceived by the name, this store is actually a tiny music venue and cafe as well as a treasure trove of fun gift items. Bands perform on weekends, when locals gather to listen to music and enjoy the store’s homemade cream.

Uranus

If you’re looking for a laugh, look no further than Uranus. With a population of 25, this tiny cheeky town really embraces its name. Apparently, the best fudge comes from Uranus. At least, Uranus Fudge Factory says so. The factory explores different pallets for fudge fans, from fruity to cake-like, all made fresh daily. After your fill of fudge, become a “putt pirate” at the local mini golf field.

Along with 18 holes for various skill levels, the Putt Pirates also have a beverage stand and a shop for gifts and apparel. To understand the delightful strangeness that makes this small town special, visit Uranus Sideshow Museum. The museum feels more like a vintage circus. Animals, sword swallowers, and more greet guests with tricks and treats alike. This museum has the second-largest collection of oddities in the world.

Branson West

Explore the depths of Branson West at Talking Rocks Cavern. Cave exploration is made comfortable and simple, with concrete walkways winding around unique underground geology. Even more activities surround the caves, where gemstone mining pits and nature trails are available to guests of all ages. After emerging from real-world magic, immerse yourself in a fantasy realm at World of Wizards Blacklight Minigolf. Colorful illustrations with animated effects light the way through the darkness between fantasy-themed courses. After playing golf, play games in the equally magical arcade.

For history and fun, head to Copper Run Distillery, the first Moonshine distillery in the Ozark Mountains since 1933’s prohibition. Taste the barrel-aged whisky and rum of Cooper Run, which fully embraces the unique climate and environment of Missouri, using all of it to inspire the flavors in each glass.

Carthage

Start your Carthage discovery at Precious Moments Chapel, where faith meets artistry. This spectacular chapel is completed with 9,000 square feet of hand-painted murals of the iconic “Precious Moments” characters. The beautiful building also has 30 stained glass windows and hand-carved wooden doors. This chapel is a peaceful space for visitors and locals who seek a space for introspection or simply a place to admire artistry and craftsmanship that is not typically found in modern-day structures.

Another archaeological wonder awaits only a few miles away at the Jasper County Courthouse. Looking more akin to a castle than a courthouse, this Romanesque Revival-style building is awe-inspiring and inspiring, even making its way onto the National Register of Historic Places.

Wrap up the evening with retro fun at the 66 Drive-In Theatre. This experience is classic Americana. New movies hit the screen every weekend throughout the summer. Enjoy the movie from inside your car, or bring a chair or blanket to watch the film beneath the starry sky.

Hermann

Hermann is home to many festivals, including Wurstfest. Meat-fanatics travel from all over the world to taste Missouri’s finest sausages curated by Missouri locals. Along with an abundance of food and competitions, the event hosts the Weiner Dog Derby. The derby is part fashion show, as many of the weiner dogs arrive in costumes.

Tour underground cellars full of wine that you can sample at Stone Hill Winery Cellars. Missouri’s most awarded winery boasts a wide variety of flavors meant to suit all tastes. Learn even more about the drink in your glass in the museum room that shows wine artifacts and the history of wine curation and manufacturing. Finally, step back in time at Historic Hermann Farm. Here, visitors can explore homesteads and homes from the mid-1800s. The grounds are also home to friendly animals, such as Black Shire horses and mules, all ready to greet visitors who want to learn about the farming practices that shaped this small town.

St. James

A voyage through St. James often starts with a glass of wine made by St. James locals at Meramec Vineyards Winery. Offering small-batch wines, sangria, beer, and moonshine, this community gathering space is a great spot to meet locals. For a more peaceful option, head to Maramec Spring Park. The park is home to the fifth-largest spring in Missouri. The blue water cuts through the lush green park, making it a great place to fish, picnic, or just relax and enjoy the view.

After venturing along the stream, walk through the old Ironwork ruins that stand in the park, a ghost of the town's past of iron manufacturing. More aquatic fun welcomes visitors of all ages at Tiger Shark Waterpark. The waterpark is a great way for a family to spend the day. While small, the park is packed with waterslides, pools, and sprinklers. This waterpark also hosts special events, such as night swims.

The places on this list make playing in Missouri easy. Surprises are tucked into every corner of these small towns. From minne-shafts-turned-subterranean lake, to Blacksmiths shops that also sell antique jewelry, and General Stores full of live music and home-made sweets, travelers are guaranteed to find an unexpected journey masked by banality. Even towns with a population of less than 50 people have surprising fun and strangeness in the playful, pretty, and peculiar state of Missouri.