The charming town of Branson, Missouri.

These Small Towns In Missouri Come Alive In Summer

Summertime is the ideal opportunity to delve into the secret gems of Missouri, and these 8 small towns are here to bewitch you with their gorgeous scenery and effervescent environment. You'll discover beautiful lakes, serpentine rivers, imposing mountains, and fascinating state parks. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adrenaline junkie, or a history fanatic, there's something for everybody to relish. The summer months deliver an array of fascinating activities and occasions to these towns. Lose yourself in regional culture by participating in energetic festivals, tasting scrumptious cooking, and examining the remarkable stores and boutiques. 

Branson

Looking down the Branson Landing during an early morning. Editorial credit: NSC Photography / Shutterstock.com

Referred to as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World," Branson is a vibrant community that turns up the level of activity in the summertime. Sitting in the center of the Ozark Mountains, Branson provides a unique fusion of amusement, natural attractiveness, and family-oriented attractions. One of the major draws to Branson is its remarkable live music scene. With more than a hundred live performances daily, varying from country and gospel to rock and humor, there is something to please every inclination. The well-known Branson Landing has a magnificent waterfront area, featuring shopping, dining, and astounding live acts. Besides the pleasure, Branson showcases remarkable outdoor loveliness. Table Rock Lake, a giant reservoir, provides plentiful chances for sailing, angling, and swimming. Outdoorsy types can explore the neighboring mountains via picturesque hiking trails, such as the Lakeside Wilderness Hiking Trail, giving remarkable views of the lake and the potential for wildlife sightings. Branson is remarkable with its mixed bag of options, bringing together first-class entertainment, natural miracles, and thrilling outdoor activities, making it a must-see summer spot in Missouri.

Lake Ozark

Beautiful Lake Ozark in Missouri.
Beautiful Lake Ozark in Missouri.

Located in the middle of the Ozarks, Lake Ozark is a stunning municipality that draws in holidaymakers with its spotless lake, leisure activities, and picturesque magnificence. Called the "Playground of the Midwest," this captivating village presents plenty of aquatic activities and opportunities for leisure. In the middle of Lake Ozark lies the immense Lake of the Ozarks, a colossal storage that spans more than 1,150 miles of shoreline. It is an oasis for seafaring aficionados, where they can procure vessels, jet skis, or pontoons to traverse the crystalline waters. Angling fans can test their luck with bass, catfish, and crappie fishing. Nature devotees can uncover the beauty of the Ozarks through rambling trails and spectacular outlooks. The Lake of the Ozarks State Park provides wonderful trails, camping facilities, and even horseback riding, offering an ideal combination of nature and outdoor adventures. With its plentiful aquatic actions, serene natural settings, and vigorous diversion choices, Lake Ozark is an exquisite summer spot for visitors of all ages.

Hermann

Early morning sun lights up the fall colors down Market Street in Hermann, Missouri
Early morning sun lights up the Market Street in Hermann, Missouri. Image credit: Davekeiser, via Wikimedia Commons.

Snuggled away along the banks of the Missouri River, Hermann is a diminutive township with a lofty renown for its profound viniculture, ancient loveliness, and breathtaking backdrops. Summer is the ideal moment to explore this concealed gem and dip oneself in its captivating atmosphere. Hermann boasts a thriving viticulture, with vineyards and wine-making establishments sprinkling the striking countryside. Vino aficionados can gratify in samplings at parent-owned wineries, where they can sip a selection of wines, from light whites to hearty reds. Nature lovers will be enamored by the loveliness surrounding Hermann. The undulating hills, vineyards, and picturesque river sights form a lovely landscape for outside exercises. Take a tranquil stroll along the Riverfront Park or initiate a bike ride along the Katy Trail, a much-liked track that curves through the core of Missouri. Hermann's fusion of vintner culture, traditional grace, and natural prettiness make it a must-visit goal for those searching for an unusual summer encounter. 

Osage Beach

Osage Beach by the Lake of the Ozarks.
Osage Beach by the Lake of the Ozarks.

Nestled on the banks of the immense Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach makes a great summer retreat and provides gateways to infinite aquatic thrills. Renowned for its colorful waterfront setting and plenty of leisure activities, Osage Beach is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake of the Ozarks, a pervasive reservoir, is the focus of Osage Beach. Those looking to navigate the immense lake can rent boats, pontoons, or yachts, while water sports aficionados can revel in water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. Public beaches such as Public Beach #2 and Grand Glaize Beach present sandy coasts for sunbathing and swimming. Situated near Lake of the Ozarks State Park, vacationers can take pleasure in hiking trails, picnic spots, and camping facilities for those wishing to submerge in nature. With its unbeatable waterfront location and energizing water sports, Osage Beach makes an ideal destination for those wishing for an unforgettable summer holiday.

Camdenton

Lake of the Ozarks Photographed from an overlook at Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton Missouri
Lake of the Ozarks photographed from an overlook at Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton, Missouri.

Nestled in the middle of the Lake of the Ozarks domain, Camdenton proffers a reposeful retreat into the tender clutch of nature. Featuring delightful topography, alluring caverns, and electrifying water sports, Camdenton summons adventurists and seekers of experience to explore its clandestine rarities. The reservoir itself is a virtual paradise for aqua fun. From yachting and angling to paddleboarding and swimming, the choices are interminable. Lake Jacomo, proximate by, provides immaculate deeps for sailing and windsurfing. For a more leisurely outing, visitors can hire a pontoon boat and drift along the lake, taking in the transverse visions. Nature admirers will love the loveliness composing Camdenton. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, renowned for its towering bluffs, trekking courses, and castle vestiges, furnishes a gorgeous arena for al fresco exploration. The park's namesake, Ha Ha Tonka Castle, supplies a peek into the region's affluent chronicles. Camdenton's amalgam of native marvels, cave delving, and water sports renders it a beguiling goal for those 

Kimberling City

Kimberling Bridge in Kimberling City, Missouri.

Perched along the shoreline of Table Rock Lake, Kimberling City provides a serene oasis in the Ozark Mountains. Famous for its beautiful lake vistas and superior fishing prospects, this humble hamlet is a paradise for those desiring tranquility and outdoor pursuits. Table Rock Lake, a glimmering jewel of the area, is the mainstay of Kimberling City's summertime entertainment. Anglers can cast their lines for bass, bream, and catfish, as the lake flaunts some of the greatest fishing grounds in Missouri. Water-based activities are a primary focus of Kimberling City's summertime recreation. Cruising, jet skiing, and swimming are favored amusements that permit guests to savor the lake's loveliness and bask in the sun. The Port of Kimberling Resort and Marina presents convenient access to boat rentals and miscellaneous aquatics paraphernalia. Kimberling City's picturesque landscape, alongside its abundance of aquatic activities and serene ambiance, makes it an ideal summertime destination for nature aficionados and outdoorsy fanatics.

Ste. Genevieve

Historic buildings in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.
Historic buildings in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Editorial credit: Roberto Galan / Shutterstock.com

Steeped in French colonial legacy, Ste. Genevieve is a settlement that exudes allure and offers a distinct vista into the past. With its well-preserved architecture, spirited cultural jubilees, and celebrated vineyards, Ste. Genevieve beckons visitors to voyage back in time and savor a summer packed with heritage, culture, and gustatory joys. The town is an inexhaustible trove of soundly-maintained French colonial constructions. Trekking through its roads resembles a journey through time, with a grand number of ancient edifices and abodes displaying the community's generous heritage. The Bolduc House Museum and the Ste. Genevieve Museum affords exciting insights into the area's tale and the lives of original settlers. Ste. Genevieve thrives during summer with its upbeat cultural festivities. The Jour de Fete festival glorifies the settlement's French origin through melodies, dance, delectable fare, and local arts and crafts. Ste. Genevieve's amalgamation of French colonial chronicles, cultural festivals, and renowned wineries make it a captivating summer destination that seizes the hearts of all who stop by.

Rocheport

Missouri River near Rocheport, Missouri.
Missouri River near Rocheport, Missouri.

Nestled alongside the Missouri River, Rocheport is an enchanting town that merges antiquity, exterior adventures, and imaginative flair. From its time-honored track and picturesque cycling paths to its bubbly art scene, Rocheport offers the ideal summer retreat for those seeking a harmonious amalgam of culture and nature. The Katy Trail, a sought-after biking and hiking trail that traverses across the state, passes through Rocheport. Pedalers can traverse the route's aesthetic beauty as it meanders alongside the Missouri River, offering splendid sights of the encircling bluffs and gorgeous panoramas. Rocheport's traditional downtown area boasts preserved buildings that date back to the 1800s. The village's arty vibes are further impressed by various occasions and festivals that honor the innovative character of the community. Open-air aficionados can savor activities such as fishing, paddling, and boating on the Missouri River. Rocheport's seamless integration of history, alfresco undertakings, and imaginative atmosphere make it a captivating destination for a summer voyage.

From picturesque lakes and rivers to ancestral allure and exterior expeditions, every settlement has its one-of-a-kind temperament and magnetism that separate it from the rest. Unearth the beauty of these secret pearls, submerge yourself in their copious past, and build lasting recollections in the attractive small towns that come to life in summer.

Share
  1. Home
  2. Places
  3. Cities
  4. These Small Towns In Missouri Come Alive In Summer

More in Places