9 Offbeat Missouri Towns To Visit In 2025

Missouri is known for its famed Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium (go Cardinals!), and state parks, like Elephant Rock. These attractions help bring in nearly 42 million visitors every year. But if you’re looking to stray off the more ventured path, then visit another smaller, off-beat town. These nine towns offer charm, attractions, history, and plenty to do for a perfect getaway. Stop at one or more of these towns during your time in Missouri.

Hannibal

Hannibal is most notable for being the home of famed writer Mark Twain. So, naturally, his hometown would be populated with attractions dedicated to him and his life. Make your first stop a thrilling one in the Mark Twain Cave. Inspiring the novel, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, this one-hour tour, traversing a 3/8-mile-long trail, takes you inside the cave where Tom and Becky hid in the famous novel. Another relic dedicated to the author is the Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse. Sitting atop Cardiff Hill, the lighthouse offers views of Hannibal and the Mississippi River. While the public is not allowed in the lighthouse, they can take the 244 steps leading up to it, get right close to it, and take in the views from the area. A final Mark Twain-themed stop in Hannibal is at his boyhood home. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum not only offers tours, but also exhibits, the Tom & Becky Program, music and events.

Boonville

The town of Boonville has very strong connections to the Missouri Pacific Railroad as well as the Katy Railroad (Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad). Being historically known for the railroad, the town has multiple businesses and historical sites dedicated to that achievement. Katy, the former rail bridge, is now a foot bridge over the Missouri River and is in the process of being incorporated into the 225-mile Katy Trail bicycle trail. Although visitors can only walk about halfway across the bridge (currently), there are still immaculate views of the river from it.

Continue learning about the railroad’s historical connection to Boonville at the Rivers, Rails & Trails Museum. Located within the visitor center, stop and see an authentic wagon, learn about the history of the steamboat, and check out loads of train memorabilia. For a final knowledge-enhancing trip in Boonville, visit the Friends of Historic Boonville. You can tour their historic properties, including the Old Cooper County Jail & Hanging Barn, Thespian Hall and Hain House & Memorial Gardens. The purpose of the Friends coalition is to plan, promote, expand and celebrate the cultural life of their town. They believe this is done through art history and preservation.

Carthage

The town of Carthage holds significant value in US history. The earliest full-scale battle of the Civil War was fought here - the Battle of Carthage. Patrons can visit the area where the encampment for Union and Confederate troops was set up during the battle. Little has changed in the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site since the 1861 war, and the meadow and spring provide an idyllic view for a tranquil afternoon. To continue learning about the town’s involvement in the Civil War, head to the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum. The museum features artifacts, a diorama and a mural painted by a local artist. For another unique experience, visit the Precious Moments Chapel. Designed around and dedicated to the classic figurines, the chapel features all things Precious Moments. There are murals, a garden, and wood carvings all featuring the tear-dropped faces of the figurines.

Excelsior Springs

Start your trip to Excelsior Springs at the Excelsior Springs Museum. Designed by Louis S Curtiss, it is only one of 38 of his designs still standing today. Each year the museum features new displays of over 36,000 items that depict the history of the town. Collections of displays include items from famous town residents, archives of maps, postcards and family photographs, as well as a military room displaying items from the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Afterwards, enjoy some time outdoors at Tryst Falls Park and awe at the waterfall, one of the only natural waterfalls around. Listen to the sounds of falling water or walk around the park on the trails that run through it. For a unique social experience, visit the Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery and Distillery. Located in the rolling hills it is the only winery in the region that features a wine cave. Come for a wine tasting and stay for the cave tour.

Cuba

Popular by their slogan “Where Art Meets History”, take part in the local history by visiting the Cuba Murals. The first mural was commissioned in 2001, and today the total is at 15. Each mural features a QR code that, when scanned, shares the significance of the artwork in relation to the community. The murals represent history, hope and gratitude. Continue your learning of the town’s history with a visit to the Crawford County Historical Society & Museum. The museum features displays from the town’s history, including the Kitchen, Vintage clothing, military, schoolhouse, and Route 66. Finally, visit the Osage Trail Legacy Monument. The 35-foot steel monument, located at the visitor’s center, represents the Osage Nation throughout Cuba. The sculpture portrays an Osage Indian Family traveling west along the trail featuring the same name. The attire is representative of a warrior in period-specific attire and historically accurate adornment.

Parkville

The town of Parkville features not one but two nature sanctuaries. Visit the first of two at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary. A wildlife preserve and educational site, the 115-acre outdoor area provides nearly three miles worth of trails for visitors to explore the natural land. The other protected area lies in the Sullivan Nature Sanctuary. Located along Rush Creek, the sanctuary land includes just over three acres that was dedicated to the Sullivan Nature Center. Take the Maria Ewing Trail, named in honor of the Sullivan Family Matriarch and explore all the land has to offer. Another outdoor excursion to enjoy in Parkville is Platte Landing Park. The 140-acre park, located on the Missouri River, includes two miles of trails, and a boat ramp with river access.

Hermann

Visit Hermann, Missouri and get a taste of Germany while you’re there. Start by learning about the town’s German roots at the Deutschheim State Historic Site. The entirety of the site preserves multiple historical buildings reminiscent of when the Germans first settled in the Missouri River Valley. These structures were replicated from buildings that reminded the immigrants of home. Learn more about the history and heritage at the Historic Hermann Museum at the German School. The building itself dates back to 1871 and features collections from the town’s past. Take a guided tour of the museum and watch the 22-minute video that tells the story of this little German town in the US. The museum includes antique toys, books, photographs, musical instruments, a replicated pilot house and so much more. For a final learning experience, check out the Hermann Caboose Museum. Considered a “micro museum”, everything on display is housed in an actual caboose. Enter the caboose at your leisure for a quick stroll through history.

Rolla

Rolla also features a small chunk of Mark Twain history; similar to what you can experience in Hannibal, even if it is just in namesake. Visit the Mark Twain National Forest. Although the entirety of the forest spans beyond Rolla, a portion of the 750 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking can be accessed from the town. The trail winds through the forest, past streams and into the wilderness for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the Little Prairie Conservation Area. The 40-acre land features a three-mile hiking trail that takes you through woodlands, grasslands and plantings. Don’t miss a stop at Towell Lake. Considered the main attraction of the conservation, the 97-acre lake allows opportunities for boating and fishing. After a day loaded with nature, head over to the Phelps County Historical Society. Visit one of the museums represented by the society to learn about the town’s history. The Dillon Log House, Original Jail, and Old Courthouse are a few of the stops you can view on your walking tour.

Cape Girardeau

Don’t leave Missouri without making a pass-through Cape Girardeau. Sitting on the bank of the Mississippi River, this quaint town has plenty to do in the form of outdoor activities as well as niche roadside attractions. Enjoy the views and feel of the river at Riverfront Park. The park is located on the riverside of the flood wall, so it may not be accessible during high water, but during low periods, it provides a walking trail and boat ramp. On the other side of the flood wall are educational murals about the town’s history. Another park located in this riverside town is Cape Rock Park. Also found along the Mississippi River, this 21.3-acre park was the town’s original trading post. Mostly underdeveloped, the park promotes the natural preservation of the area. And no stop to Cape Girardeau would be complete without a visit to the World’s Largest Fountain Drink Cup. This roadside attraction is 15 feet tall, and it can hold 605,556 regular cups of beverages! The giant cup is located next to Rhode’s Convenience Store, whose name appears on the side of the structure.

Located along the Mississippi River and with the Missouri River running through it, the state of Missouri offers plenty of outdoor water recreation. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit one of these unique towns and partake in that recreation amongst other activities. Acres of forested land, multiple historical sites, and railroad memorabilia are just a few of the things that bring people to these nine offbeat towns in Missouri.