Missouri's 8 Most Laid-Back Towns

Missouri might surprise you in several ways, but one unexpected one could be its laid-back, easygoing vibe. Tucked away between the big towns and quirky spots, some laid-back towns have historical stories to tell, like Arrow Rock and how it played a crucial role in the Westward Expansion that formed the United States. Others have their own laid-back charm, like Kimmswick, home to the best baked pies that have captured the attention of multiple food networks. All of this and so much more awaits you when you head out to the small towns of Missouri.

Hermann

Sitting right in the middle of Missouri's Wine Country is Hermann, ideal for the wine enthusiast as well as those with a love for German heritage. Their annual Oktoberfest is a celebration that you don't want to be passing up on.

But outside of that iconic event, Hermann attracts people with its year-round attractions. Get a taste of the dark and mysterious past of Hermann by attending the Hermann Trolley Dark History Tour. You will get a ride to explore Hermann's most haunted locations, and the guides will share eerie tales about each spot. For something less spooky, the City of Hermann Caboose Museum shares the railroad history in Missouri and how the railroads led to the westward expansion of the United States. And if you want to get a taste of what it's like to be at the center of Wine Country, slip into The 413, Hermann's hidden gem on B Market Street, for wine tasting, fun, and special events.

Kimmswick

Another historical marvel, Kimmswick is surrounded with beauty as it's right against the banks of the Mississippi River. All of this is accentuated with historical buildings, quaint shops, and warm Midwestern hospitality.

The town is riddled with historical sites throughout town, all beautifully preserved for decades, with some still operating as intended, like the Historic Post Office. Meanwhile, the Burgess-How House & Museum gives you a glimpse into what it was like living in those early days, amongst other houses. All of this can be finished by another well-recognized establishment: The Blue Owl Bakery & Restaurant. While its history isn't as storied as the many historical buildings, this restaurant and bakery has been featured on The Food Network, The Travel Channel, The Today Show, and O Magazine as a testament to the quality of its food and the impact it has made on the community.

Rocheport

For one of the most secluded experiences where you can get lost in nature, head over to Rocheport. This town is brimming with natural beauty and continues to remain a calm and peaceful small town ever since its founding in 1825.

The Katy Trail is one of the biggest draws to Rocheport, with gorgeous surroundings and the iconic 240-foot-long tunnel that offers a cool breeze and shade from hot summer days. The trail overall is beautiful and worth slowing down for. Beyond that, the community is so small and compact that you can walk from place to place, allowing you to take in the sights any day of the year. Along your travels, you will likely spot The Rocheport Winery, one of the newest wineries right on the Katy Trail. Despite being the youngest, it boasts over 350 wine brands from all over the world and even received an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine for 2024. Throughout town, there are a handful of shops too that can pull your attention. One is the Manitou Studio, a gallery of fine arts and fine crafts that are one-of-a-kind pieces.

Ste. Genevieve

As one of Missouri's oldest towns, Ste. Genevieve has an overwhelming amount of history and traditions baked into it, but it runs deeper than that. The whole town has a deep love for its history and heritage, which is expressed in everything from the town's ambiance and architecture to community events, cuisine, and the stories they share.

For history, the Bolduc & Lemeilleur Houses share one of the most compelling stories in American frontier history. Best of all, this house isn't an exception but the rule around here, as many historical homes dot the area and give you a glimpse into what life was like centuries ago. The Hickory Canyons Natural Area captures the beauty of the place in any season of the year and is just a short trail off of Sprott Road. And no experience is complete without a trip to the Brix Urban Winery and Market. As part of the Schaaf family's growing collection of beloved local establishments, the Brix Urban Winery and Market has a cozy tasting room and a carefully curated wine-related gift shop with souvenirs and collectibles, glassware, and keepsakes that will make the perfect memento for the trip here.

Arrow Rock

With a blend of history and natural beauty, Arrow Rock is a beautifully preserved town filled with 19th-century buildings and a rich cultural heritage, surrounded by stunning natural scenery. The historic preservation efforts started with the 1923 preservation of the Huston Tavern, a building that set the stage for Arrow Rock's future. To this day, it remains a place with a cozy ambiance, excellent food, and attentive service.

The history of Arrow Rock is diverse, with places like the Thomas Sappington House Museum discussing the legacy of the frontier doctor who popularized the world's first wonder drug, quinine, and the iconic Brown Lodge, a museum that catalogs the lives of freed slaves.

Weston

Only 30 miles north of Kansas City, Weston's history is stored in its downtown area with beautifully preserved buildings housing boutiques, restaurants, and historical sites. Their downtown area has a wide variety of fun and relaxing activities to consider. Visiting Cactus Creek, you will find this boutique has a basement lounge where you can bring food down, buy drinks, and hang out. Otherwise, the boutique offers plenty to browse over. Weston Wine Company, on the other hand, hosts fun murder mystery parties as well as trivia nights in addition to wine tasting. And for the best view of the Missouri River, head out to the Weston Bend State Park. The paved trails lead to a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the river, with the State Park as a whole offering enough space to camp there.

Excelsior Springs

Famed for its healing mineral waters since the 1800s, Excelsior Springs is a larger town but offers the ultimate laid-back experiences. Spas and small shops, alongside the nearby Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, give this town a wide array of things to do and the best opportunities to unwind.

The hallmark of the town is the Hall of Waters Visitor Center, a museum sharing in detail the unique mineral water heritage through stories, famous people, and retellings of past events. If you spend the night, resting at The Elms Hotel & Spa is up there. It was this very hotel where President Harry S. Truman famously spent his election night. With an on-site restaurant and luxury spa services, it is easy to see why. And if you prefer to see all the natural beauty of Excelsior Springs, all you have to do is go through the Downtown Excelsior Springs Trail System, a three-trail system all connected through five parks and stretching for 2 miles.

Marceline

If you have ever enjoyed a classic Disney movie or any of the theme parks, you have Walt Disney to thank for that. However, one thing you might not know about him is that Marceline is the town where he grew up. Marceline, to this day, continues to preserve that in the form of the Walt Disney Hometown Museum in addition to the buildings along Main Street USA. Beyond Walt Disney, there are a few other activities unrelated to the company, such as the Marceline Golf Course. It is a nine-hole course but features over 3,000 yards and is well known for its quick greens and mature landscape. Afterwards, you can stop by the Country Club for a snack and cold drink or indulge in one of the best comfort foods around: pizza from the Marceline Pizza Company. With your choice of traditional Brick Oven pizza or a Chicago Deep Dish pizza, the cozy atmosphere and the smell of pizza create the best experience to unwind.

For Missouri locals, laid-back towns aren't always that far away, and for those outside of the state, they can find a great diversity of things to do and places to see. From spending time at The Elms Hotel & Spa in Excelsior Springs to learning about history in Arrow Rock, Missouri's diversity is broad when considering the small towns outside of the popular spots. So the next time you go about exploring the region, keep your eyes open for one of these towns. At the very least, they are a nice opportunity to refuel and see something unexpected.