It’s hard to pick just a few small towns in Missouri. This state has so many lovely little communities! However, there are a few that stand out among the rest.
If you travel to Missouri, you’ll have no end of beautiful small towns to visit.
Enjoy riverfront living for a summer or an afternoon when you visit one of these lovely small towns. Be sure to check out at least one of the charming small towns in Missouri.
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Beautiful Parkville has a population of under 6,000, but it also has plenty of tourists walking its streets on any given day.
This small town in Missouri is the perfect place to go for a weekend of antiquing and browsing the art galleries.
It’s also a nice place just to spend some free time outside—the town boasts plenty of historic architecture, and it features English Landing Park, which runs along the Missouri River.
Address: Parkville, MO
Boonville is most famous for being the location of a Civil War skirmish, but today it is peaceful and lovely.
The town was founded 200 hundred years ago, and it received its name from the sons of Daniel Boone, who built a salt business near the town.
The town’s historic significance runs deep, as it has been the country seat since 1818 and sits on both the Santa Fe Trail and the Missouri River trade route.
Today, it is one of the most wonderful Missouri small towns to visit and explore the state's rich history.
Address: Boonville, MO
If you visit Rocheport, be sure to stay in a lovely local bed and breakfast for the ultimate small-town treatment.
This town is home to only a few hundred residents, who love the community for its old-time feel and historic infrastructure.
Originally, Rocheport was a trading post for Native Americans and settlers. Lewis and Clark passed near the site of the town during their great expedition.
Today’s visitors can still enjoy a local trail—one that is a bit tamer! Take a bike trip on the 225-mile Katy Trail that runs through Rocheport, or stay a while and visit the shops and galleries.
Address: Rocheport, MO
If you love touring wine country, don’t miss out on Hermann, Missouri!
Here, you can find seven wineries and plenty of opportunities to taste some of America’s best wines.
The vineyards were originally established by German settlers, who left their mark on the culture of the town.
Each fall, the Hermann Oktoberfest draws people from miles around. If you visit in spring, you can also enjoy the German Maifest. Don’t forget to try some locally made sausages with your wine.
Address: Hermann, MO
This beautiful small town in Missouri has retained its French spelling, much to the confusion of school children and tourists.
However, the spelling is also a point of pride for the 4,500 residents of Ste. Genevieve.
This town was founded way back in 1735 by French Canadian colonists, making it the first European settlement west of the Mississippi.
Much of the original architecture is classically French, making this a lovely destination for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
Address: Ste. Genevieve, MO
Fulton is a college town. It is home to Westminster College and Williams Woods University, as well as the Missouri School for the Deaf.
The school for the Deaf has created a wonderful hearing-Deaf culture in this town since the school serves all Deaf students in Missouri who choose to go to a Deaf-specific school.
In addition to the schools, Fulton has museums that visitors find interesting. If you go, you will love the small-town feel as well as the lovely views.
Address: Fulton, MO
This Missouri small town is a popular destination for those seeking a day trip from St. Louis.
Hannibal features many interesting activities, such as shopping, river boat rides, and museums.
However, Hannibal is most famous as the boyhood home of Mark Twain and the inspiration for the setting of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
When you visit, you’ll get to see the Mississippi River through the eyes of these notorious characters and get new insight into the famous author’s life.
Address: Hannibal, MO
Weston’s main claim to fame is that it was a stop on Lewis and Clark’s westward trail.
However, there are many reasons why Weston is one of the best small towns in Missouri! In 1836, at the time of the Platte Purchase, Weston was the westernmost settlement in the United States.
Weston was also home to Buffalo Bill Cody and other gold-rush era heroes and villains. It was also a departure point for the Oregon Trail.
Today, it’s a fun place for families to stay and play. Summertime brings sunshine and greenery to Weston Bend State Park, while winter is the perfect time to hang out at the Snow Creek winter sports facility.
Address: Weston, MO
Tiny Kimmswick only had 157 residents during the 2010 census, but don’t bypass it because of its size.
This historic town is perfectly delightful, and you are sure to love the Kimmswick Historic District! Here, you’ll find quaint bed and breakfasts, shopping, and a slow pace of life.
One of the most fun things to do here is taking a cruise on the Kimmswick Delta Queen, which paddles through the river along the town.
Address: Kimmswick, MO
This beautiful small town on the Missouri River has many stories echoing through its streets and byways.
This was once a significant city for westward expansion in America, and many important people passed through here on their way west.
The entire village is a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The large lawns and old trees that characterize the town add extra beauty to the historic shopfront and quiet streets.
Spend a pleasant weekend here, enjoying the architecture, live shows, shopping, and comfortable bed and breakfasts.
Address: Arrow Rock, MO