Top 11 Missouri Towns To Visit In 2025
Although most trips to Missouri center around the bustling scenes of Kansas City and St. Louis, there is much to discover away from the bright lights and concrete jungle of the famous urban hubs. Take a detour off the well-trodden highways, and you will discover a rich patchwork of small towns brimming with character, charm, and history. These hidden gems offer a quieter, more authentic look at the Show-Me State, punctuated by scenic landscapes, historic downtowns, and warm Midwestern hospitality, culminating in unforgettable travel experiences.
Whether you're drawn to riverfront views, wilderness hikes, or farm-to-table flavors, Missouri's smaller communities promise big rewards in the United States. In 2025, skip the crowds and dive into the heart of the state through its most inviting towns. From Camdenton to Hermann, here are the top Missouri towns to visit in 2025.
Hannibal
Hannibal is Mark Twain's hometown and a great place for fans of the celebrated American author seeking to explore his rich legacy. At the Mark Twain Boyhood Home Museum, several artifacts, relics, and personal memorabilia offer an intimate look into Twain's life when he resided there in the mid-19th century. The home rests on the banks of the Mississippi River, which fuels an array of river-based adventures. By taking a trip on the Mark Twain Riverboat, you can have a fine experience on the water, featuring unique sights and sounds of the town.
Adventure lovers will want to check out the Mark Twain Cave, which was featured in the author's novel "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and invites a fun trek through a maze of underground passageways. If you enjoy theatrical shows, be sure to catch a play or musical in the intimate setting of Bluff City Theater.
Eureka
This picturesque river town and St. Louis suburb is a lovely reprieve for city dwellers, promising them a laid-back experience in its tranquil natural spaces. Route 66 State Park, which lies along the banks of the Meramec River, provides the perfect getaway for outdoor lovers. Its 424-acre wilderness harbors gentle hiking routes, picnic spots, and a boat ramp with over 100 bird species calling it home. The Endangered Wolf Center delivers an alternative experience for nature enthusiasts, with a chance to learn about Mexican and red wolves and see them up close in their natural habitat.
Thanks to Six Flags St. Louis, vacationing families can look forward to a day of thrills and screams at this world-class amusement park. The site promises pulsating rollercoaster rides, adrenaline-inducing water slides, and live entertainment designed for all ages.
Poplar Bluff
Poplar Bluff's location in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains exposes tourists to a rich outdoor scene that is complemented by a vibrant downtown district hosting a delectable mix of museums, art centers, and restaurants. A walk through the town square allows newcomers to get informed about the region's railroad history at the Mo-Ark Regional Railroad Museum. The venue holds exhibits about seven different railroads and a rustic 30-foot model train. Meanwhile, performance art buffs often converge inside the Historic Rodgers Theatre to watch a captivating lineup of concerts, plays, and musicals in an upbeat setting.
On the other hand, visual art lovers are drawn to the Margaret Harwell Art Museum, where they can admire intimate creations by local artists and those from the larger Missouri region. Finally, the outdoor inclined will prefer exploring the raw natural splendor of Ray Clinton Park, where gentle hiking paths let you admire the winding course of the Black River.
New Madrid
This adorable riverside village in New Madrid County charms travelers with its scenic river views and absorbing backstory. Several historical markers around downtown, led by the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site, help mirror the old days. This 19th-century mansion turns heads with its impressive Georgian, Italianate, and Greek Revival designs, while period furnishings inside the building provide a perspective of the old days. A broader and deeper dive into the town's past awaits at the New Madrid Historical Museum, presented through various interactive exhibits.
The Mississippi River Observation Deck is one of the most popular outdoor spots in the area. Sightseers and nature photographers alike camp here for spectacular panoramas of the Mississippi River along a 120-foot-long viewing deck. Also, the Donaldson Point Conservation Area lures hikers, campers, anglers, and other adventurers with unlimited opportunities throughout its almost 6,000-acre expanse.
Ste. Genevieve
Missouri's oldest town is rooted in history and takes guests on an engrossing journey through time, chronicling the state's evolution. The Louis Bolduc House preserves the remains of the earliest European settlement in Missouri, built from timber in the 1780s, and exhibits artifacts showcasing the Franco-Spanish colonial period. You can find more history to explore at the Felix Valle House State Historic Site, a 19th-century American-Federal style dwelling of Jacob Philipson.
Ste. Genevieve lies along the Mississippi River, allowing tourists to enjoy easygoing cruises on the iconic waterway courtesy of the Ste. Genevieve-Modoc River Ferry. Meanwhile, the ultimate outdoor immersion beckons at the 5,000-acre Hawn State Park, where ardent adventurers can hike, bike, camp, and backpack to reconnect with nature.
Camdenton
This charming waterfront town sits on the shores of the Lake of Ozarks, surrounded by storybook natural scenery with unmissable outdoor adventures. It is home to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which covers approximately 3,700 acres. The park boasts a string of physical wonders, from sinkholes and caves to bluffs that you can feast your eyes on. An underground excursion at the Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park promises exquisite surprises, highlighted by Mystery Lake.
Camdenton has a respectable craft brewery scene, which enthusiasts can sample while chilling with patrons at Shortleaf Brewing. Elsewhere, culture connoisseurs can watch electrifying concerts and live performances at the 10,000-capacity Ozarks Amphitheater for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Fredericktown
Rich natural surroundings make Fredericktown one of the most beautiful Missouri towns to visit in 2025, framed by scenic peaks of the St. Francois Mountains and the lush trees of the Mark Twain National Forest. This means no shortage of activities in the great outdoors, especially with ready access to the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area. At 1,800 acres, this playground accommodates hikers, swimmers, and rock climbers. Alternatively, you can test your swing at Beaver Valley Golf while admiring terrific views of the Ozark Mountains.
Beyond the great outdoors, Fredericktown has a walkable downtown district with a fair share of attractions. If you enjoy history, consider passing by the Battle of Fredericktown Civil War Museum to learn about the town's war history.
Van Buren
This isolated gem in the heart of the Ozarks is a popular getaway for outdoor adventures, thanks to its diverse natural surroundings. Home to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, it opens doors to fun adventures on the water. Guests can visit the Landing for riveting rafting trips down the choppy waters of the Current River. Meanwhile, wildlife enthusiasts can look forward to rare meetups with exotic animal species at the Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo. Some of the residents in the sanctuary include kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets.
After an eventful day packed with adventure, there is no better way to replenish than with a hearty Mexican dish at Las Margaritas. This down-home eatery serves authentic Mexican favorites, from nachos and tacos to guacamole.
Arnold
Arnold lies at the confluence of the Mississippi River and Meramec River, which results in stunning views of the two waterways interacting. This is one of the many reasons guests love to spend their time outdoors. The other one is a chance to picnic under the shade of lush trees at Ferd Lang Park.
However, the downtown area is just as enticing to explore. It especially comes to life during the Arnold Farmers Market, when a gathering of local farmers, vendors, and crafters bring their wares to display to potential buyers. The Arnold Historical Society preserves and tells the town's backstory, with a library of old pictures, archives, and relics accumulated over the years.
Hermann
Missouri's German connection comes into perspective in this quaint town of Gasconade County. Famed for its rich history, engrossing culture, and active wine-drinking culture, it promises guests a full-blown itinerary. The Deutschheim State Historic Site is a great place to start investigating the community's origins. It features a couple of 19th-century structures that portray an original German settlement. Elsewhere, the Historic Hermann Museum preserves an 1800s German school building with ancient artifacts providing a window to the past.
Oenophiles are in for a treat at the Hermannhof Winery, whose award-winning wines promise to get you in the right mood. If you are in Hermann for the culture, target the Wurstfest in late March to indulge in the best of traditional culinary delights, headlined by the German sausage.
Branson
If you are planning the perfect family getaway, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better destination than this southwest Missouri community. Branson is famous for its amusement parks, promising unadulterated entertainment for the family at Silver Dollar City. From live performances and thrill rides to roller coasters, there is enough fun to last the whole day. The Aquarium at the Boardwalk is another kid-friendly attraction, where guests can watch and learn about cute underwater species during educational tours.
Adults who wish to see the open spaces can wear comfortable shoes for a trek along the picturesque Waterfall Hiking Trail. This gentle route is lined with stunning rock formations, a fantastic waterfall, and lush trees that deliver a memorable viewing experience. Finally, remember to take the kids to the World's Largest Toy Museum Complex to check out its one million exhibit collection.
Missouri’s Magic Lies Off the Beaten Path
From the lively entertainment of Branson to the scenic riverside charm of Van Buren, these Missouri towns to visit for 2025 offer something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're craving theatrical presentations, outdoor immersion, or a secluded retreat, these precious gems deliver experiences that are rich in culture and natural beauty. On your next trip, step beyond the city limits and explore the heart of the Show-Me State, where Missouri’s most memorable moments await.
