8 Tiny Off-Grid Towns In Missouri
From the Mark Twain National Forest to the Ozark Plateau, there's no denying the Show-Me State's natural beauty. Missouri has a lot to offer - lush forests, rivers, and wildlife, as well as a rich history. Missouri sees its share of tourists, most of whom head to the cities such as Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield, or Columbia. But there's a whole lot more to Missouri that you can't see from the Interstate.
But what if you're looking for something a little different? Something off the beaten path? To many travelers who are searching for idyllic small-town charm and breathtaking scenery, the cities just can't quite deliver. Find your next off-grid adventure in Missouri in our list below.
Kimmswick
This small town with a unique name is located just twenty-five miles south of St. Louis. Wineries, museums, and boutiques thrive in Kimmswick, offering travelers all the warmth the town of just over 150 residents has to offer. And who can overlook the town's famous bakeries, which draw patrons from all over the country? The Dough Depot and Blue Owl offer delicious homemade goods and are must-sees for many visitors. Downtown Kimmswick is home to many boutiques and gift shops (such as Kimmswick Keepsake and Ellyn's Boutique), ideal for visitors looking for that special something to remember Kimmswick by.
The Anheuser Estate was the home of Fred and Mabel Ruth Anheuser, who were part of the same family that founded the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company. The historic estate, built in 1867 and located along the banks of the Mississippi River, was donated to the City of Kimmswick and offers tours on Saturdays.
Whether visitors want history, great food, or stunning scenery, they can get all three in Kimmswick - especially if you're around in June or October, when the town hosts its annual Strawberry and Apple Butter Festivals.
Defiance
Often called the gateway to Historic Missouri Wine Country, Defiance boasts lush vineyards where the region's celebrated vintages are produced. In fact, there are three wineries located within two miles of the town: Defiance Ridge Vineyards, Sugar Creek Winery, and Chandler Hill Vineyards. The town's incredible vineyards certainly make Defiance the heart of one of the state's lesser-known industries.
But it's not all about wine in Defiance. This small town is home to the Historic Daniel Boone Home, where visitors can tour the carefully preserved historic buildings and expansive grounds. For those looking for a bite to eat, Saddles Social House offers a comfortable, friendly atmosphere and great food, highlighting the warm spirit of Defiance's residents.
Steelville
There aren't many towns with a large sculpture of multi-colored canoes - in fact, aside from Steelville, we're not sure there are any. Steelville's famous Canoe Tower is one of the town's most photogenic spots, and many visitors flock there to capture a shot of the unique art installation. But that's not all to see in Steelville.
The town of 1,445 sits among several scenic state parks and wilderness areas, including Zahorsky Woods, a popular hiking destination for its 100-foot dolomite bluff overlooking the Meremac River. Birds Nest Beach Park is popular with anglers and birdwatchers and is home to several native bird species, including the bluebird, Missouri's state bird. Visitors will enjoy the scenic natural setting among lush greenery, including the state flower, the white hawthorn blossom.
Steelville is a prime destination for canoeing and river rafting, and visitors can rent everything they need for a fun weekend at The Rafting Co. River Resort.
Arrow Rock
With a population of just 43 in 2023, it doesn't get much smaller than Arrow Rock when you're searching for a small town. The town is in the National Historic Landmark District and is widely considered one of the state's prettiest towns. Set on the bluffs above the Missouri River, locals and visitors alike can experience the breathtaking scenery for themselves.
But the scenery is just part of Arrow Rock's story. The town has a rich history, most notably as an important frontier village on the Santa Fe Trail. Historical icons such as the artist George Caleb Bingham and Dr. John Sappington put down roots in Arrow Rock.
But it's not just the scenery that draws visitors to Arrow Rock. The Lyceum Theater draws visitors from all over the country, and Arrow Rock even has various restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts. J. Huston Tavern delivers a peek back in time to diners and is even set in one of Arrow Rock's first buildings, dating back to the 1830s.
Every year, locals and tourists experience this off-the-grid town in all its glory. The historical buildings have been consistently maintained by the town's non-profit and the Missouri State Parks, preserving the town's unique beauty.
Versailles
Named after the Palace of Versailles, this tiny town of 2,700 residents may not have the same flashy presence as its French namesake, but locals and visitors alike appreciate its lovely small-town charm. Those who plan to visit should come during the first week of October, when the town hosts its annual Old Tyme Apple Festival. Versailles has a large Mennonite population, and visitors might see horse-drawn buggies on the town's streets.
Jacob's Cave is arguably the most popular destination in Versailles. It's part of the largest cave system in the Ozarks, and one of the reasons it's so popular with tourists is that it offers a fully accessible path for people with disabilities. Jacob's Cave is also the site of Frank's Swap, one of the largest swap meets in the region, seeing more than 30,000 visitors annually. Visitors can buy, trade, and sell a wide range of goods. The Royal Theater, housed in a historic Art Deco building, hosts year-round performances and is a must-see for anyone planning a visit.
Moscow Mills
While the town was officially founded in 1821, Moscow Mills was settled by Europeans as early as the 1790s, when Spaniards arrived in the Americas. The town's famous Old River Mill is a protected National Historic Site, constructed in the 1830s by Henry Martin and in operation until 1945. Located along the Cuivre River, Moscow Mills is a tranquil little town of about 3,500 - but it wasn't always that way. During the War of 1812, locals fortified their town as tensions between settlers and local indigenous tribes escalated.
Now, Moscow Mills is best known as a quiet, friendly place with plenty of small-town charm. There are several thriving businesses, such as Cuivre River Pizza Co. and Harry J's Steakhouse, that offer down-home cooking to locals and travelers alike. Mill Park offers scenic walks along the riverbanks, showcasing the region's natural beauty.
Tipton
Have you ever seen a town with a water tower painted like an 8-ball? After a visit to Tipton, you can finally say you've been there. But the water tower wasn't painted on a whim - it was painted in 1967 to commemorate Tipton-native Ewald Fischer, the founder of Fischer Manufacturing Company and the largest manufacturer of billiard tables in the country.
Aside from its quirky water tower, this small town of 3,300 has many thriving restaurants that draw in visitors. Bobbio's Eatery and Dutch Bakery & Bulk Food Store are just two of the most popular places to grab a bite.
Two main historical landmarks make Tipton a must-see for those seeking small-town sights off the beaten path: the Marclay Home, originally called the Rose Hill, was built in 1858 as a school for girls. Now, it's a protected National Historic Place and serves as a reminder of Missouri's history. Music lovers also come to see the gravesite of music legend Gene Clark, a Tipton native who founded the musical group The Byrds before his untimely death in 1991.
Florida
Nestled against the lush shores of the popular Mark Twain Lake and home to the historic landmark, the Florida Schoolhouse, it's easy to miss this tiny town if you're not paying attention. Florida's main claim to fame is the Mark Twain Birthplace Monument, which celebrates the American author. While the house where Mark Twain was born no longer stands, the monument commemorates the site. The gravesite of Mark Twain's grandfather, Benjamin Lampton, is located in the western part of the town. Visitors to Florida will enjoy the town's tranquil atmosphere and bask in the scenery along the waterline.
While Florida has a rich history, it also has modern attractions. The area has churches such as Florida United Methodist Church, plus the Florida Winery and Resort (Florida Resort & Winery) for visitors seeking a unique stop near Mark Twain’s birthplace.
Experience The Lesser-Known Wonders Of Missouri
It's no surprise that a large state like Missouri has many hidden gems tucked among its lush green river country. Whether you're looking forward to experiencing the bounty of Missouri's wine country, searching for a unique shopping experience, or taking in the breathtaking sights of the many wilderness areas, these towns have something for everyone.
While Missouri's cities certainly have a lot to see and do, these tiny off-grid towns offer visitors a deeper glimpse into Missouri's rugged culture and rich history.
