Missouri is famous for its two largest cities, Kansas City and St. Louis, as well as its vacation spots at the Lake of the Ozarks and Branson, and its Midwestern hospitality. The Show Me State also boasts many charming small towns that offer something special.
Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, charming historic streets, or a relaxing weekend getaway, Missouri's small towns offer a variety of experiences. From wine country to scenic lakes and delightful main streets, here are 10 of the best small towns in Missouri that you should visit.
Table of Contents: 10 Delightful Small Towns in Missouri:
1. Kimmswick: Mile High Apple Pie
Kimmswick, located approximately 30 miles south of St. Louis, this quaint town feels like a step back in time. With beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, boutiques, and antique shops, Kimmswick is a great getaway for those who love history and vintage treasures. One of the best-known spots in town is The Blue Owl, a local restaurant, famous for their Great Levee High Apple Pie, created by Mary Hostetter and named for the flood of 1993 and the levee that held the flood back by 0.1 inches. This famous apple pie has been featured in Forbes, Oprah magazine, and on television. So, what makes an apple pie so special? The answer is in its name. This pie is truly tall. Each Great Levee High Apple Pie is made with 18 apples and weighs 16 pounds.
Annual Events in Kimmswick, Missouri:
Kimmswick's Strawberry Festival held the first full weekend in June: The Strawberry Festival brings around 40,000 visitors to the town and features 125 food and craft vendors. The Strawberry Festival celebrates everything strawberry with fresh strawberries, strawberry shortcake, chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry cheesecake, and strawberry iced tea. Enjoy your favorite festival foods as well.
Kimmswick's Apple Butter Festival is held the last full weekend in October: The Apple Butter Festival Kimmswick is the largest celebration Kimmswick has annually drawing over 100,000 visitors. Shop over 500 food, drink, and craft vendors. Live music includes bluegrass, country rock, and dulcimer music. Early, before dawn, on each day of the festival, the wood-burning fire is lighted, the kettle is filled with apples, and cooking and stirring continue for seven to eight hours until the fragrant spread is thick enough to be sealed in jars. Families enjoy the miniature train, petting zoo, and pony rides.
Kimmswick's Christmas Festival is held the first full weekend in December: Experience the charm of historic buildings adorned in festive Christmas decorations. Immerse yourself in the joyous melodies of carolers and let the warm glow of luminaries illuminate your path as you embrace the spirit of the season. Plus, don’t miss the chance to meet Santa Claus himself! This event focuses on highlighting our local merchants and shops.
For more, see Kimmswick's event calendar.
2. Hermann: Missouri’s Wine Country
Nestled along the Missouri River, Hermann, known for its German heritage and wineries, is a favorite bed-and-breakfast town in the heart of Missouri’s wine country. Visitors can tour several local wineries, enjoy traditional German cuisine, and take in the stunning views of the rolling hills and vineyards that surround the town. Hermann is approximately 80 miles west of St. Louis and 190 miles east of Kansas City.
Stone Hill Winery, the oldest winery in Hermann, offers tours. The free tours are offered daily on a first, come, first serve basis. We thoroughly enjoyed the 30-minute tour where guides took us through the winery's renowned underground cellars, which are the largest series of arched underground cellars in the United States. The cellars maintain a natural temperature of 45-55° F throughout the year, so it's advisable to dress appropriately. They suggest wearing shoes with good grip and bringing a light jacket.
Following the tour, we also suggest visiting the Vintage 1847 Restaurant, situated in the original stable and carriage house of Stone Hill Winery. The restaurant on-site offers both German and American cuisine for lunch and dinner.
In addition to Stone Hill, Hermann boasts several other historic wineries, distilleries, and breweries, each providing tastings, live music, and events. Discover Hermann's wineries, breweries, distilleries, and tasting rooms here.
Annual Events in Hermann, Missouri:
Hermann's Wurstfest on the third weekend of March: This event features a sausage-making competition for both professionals and amateurs, a kraut-making class, and traditional German dancing and music. The popular Wiener Dog Derby might just make Hermann the Wiener Dog Capital of the World!
Hermann's Maifest on the third weekend of May: Maifest is a traditional celebration of spring and Hermann’s German roots, featuring German music, dancing, food, and parades. With Maypole dancers, children's games, heritage tours, beer gardens, and an outdoor market, visitors can experience a delightful small-town festival.
Hermann's Oktoberfest every weekend in October: Throughout October, amidst the stunning fall colors of Missouri, Hermann celebrates Oktoberfest, honoring the town’s German heritage, and is the autumn season, and offering great food, wine, beer, and music.
Hermann's Christmastime in Hermann from weekends after Thanksgiving to Dec. 31: Starting with a traditional Lantern Parade right after Thanksgiving and concluding with the annual bell ringing in the Clock Tower to welcome the New Year, Hermann offers plenty for visitors of all ages.
For more, see Hermann's Event Calendar.
3. Weston: Historic and Picturesque
Weston is a charming small town that should be included in your Missouri travel plans. Located about 30 miles northeast of Kansas City, Weston boasts a historic downtown with boutiques, restaurants, and historic architecture. Visitors can discover shops offering Italian pasta, Polish pottery, Scottish fashion, antiques, and beverages.
The town also has hidden gems. Cactus Creek, a boutique on Main Street, features a basement lounge where guests can bring their food, purchase drinks, and enjoy shuffleboard, board games, and socializing. Celtic Ranch has an upstairs Whiskey Snug with new drinks to try each month. O'Malley's Irish Pub is famous for its cellars and live music on weekends.
Weston Wine Co. hosts fun murder mystery parties and trivia nights. Pirtle Winery offers tastings. Green Dirt Farm provides tours of their farm where they make sheep's milk cheese, with tastings available. Holladay Distillery also offers tours. This town is a great getaway for adults.
In the fall, visitors enjoy local orchards and pumpkin patches. Winter visitors head to Snow Creek for skiing and snow tubing. Our family enjoys hiking and camping at Weston Bend State Park. One of the park's paved trails leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Missouri River.
Annual Events in Weston, Missouri:
Weston Applefestheld the first weekend of October: This annual fall festival features over 100 vendors, live music, local food, and more.
Weston’s Wassailing Market held the weekend after Thanksgiving: Old world style outdoor Christmas market featuring food, wassail, artisan vendors, roaming storytellers, woodland Santa, and holiday activities.
Weston’s Candlelight Homes Tour held the first weekend of December: Purchase tickets to tour some of the town's most beautifully decorated homes.
For more, see Weston's event calendar.
4. Excelsior Springs: A Soothing Escape
Excelsior Springs is famous for its healing mineral waters since the 1800s. With various spas, small shops, and the nearby Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, Excelsior Springs offers a tranquil retreat.
The Hall of Waters, the city's most beloved landmark, features Art Deco design. Visitors may take a free self-guided tour of the world’s longest water bar. The Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives is an affordable local museum with exhibits on the town’s mineral water history.
Excelsior Springs offers many hotels and vacation rentals, but the most famous is The Elms Hotel & Spa where President Harry S. Truman famously spent his election night. The 130-year-old luxury hotel offers spa services and an on-site restaurant.
Annual Events in Excelsior Springs, Missouri:
Chocolate Tour held the first Saturday of February: Chocolate lovers enjoy this decadent day of chocolate sampling. Each stop features a unique chocolate creation, making this a deliciously fun way to explore local shops and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Waterfest is held the last weekend of June: From water games and activities for the kids to live entertainment, food vendors, and local crafts, this fun-filled event has something for everyone.
BBQ & Fly-in on the River is held the third weekend in August: The BBQ & Fly-In on the River features some of the top pitmasters in the nation battling it out in a rugged competition, the aromas of meat filling the air, great music, food trucks, beer, and more.
Christmas in Excelsior Springs: The holidays kick off with a Lighted Christmas Parade on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Throughout November and December, enjoy activities such as Lane of Lights, a drive-through light display, the Hall of Trees, visits with Santa, crafts, Christmas home tours, Candy Cane Hunts, and shopping events.
For more, see Excelsior Springs' event calendar.
5. Lake of the Ozarks: Fun for All Ages
Lake of the Ozarks is more than just a small town; it's a region offering beautiful lakeside resorts, outdoor activities, and year-round fun. Located 2.5 hours from both Kansas City and St. Louis and only 1.5 hours from Springfield, this centrally located lake brings visitors from all over the Midwest. Missouri's favorite lake boasts over 1,100 miles of shoreline—more shoreline than the entire coast of California. Lake of the Ozarks provides access to public beaches, excellent fishing, and marinas for boat rental. Whether you enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, or exploring the lake's many coves and islands, there's something for everyone. The area also features excellent dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Annual Events at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri:
Lake of the Ozarks Shootout: This summer event is the nation's premier powerboat sporting event. The fastest boats in the world compete on a 5-mile course on Lake of the Ozarks.
Enchanted Village of Lights: Central Missouri’s largest drive-through Christmas light display features 27 acres of lights with over 250 displays. This display begins the week before Thanksgiving and goes through Jan. 1.
Christmas Village & Ice Skating at Old Kinderhook held every Weekend Thanksgiving-Christmas: Families enjoy The Ice at Old Kinderhook with family-friendly events and; beautiful Christmas music.
Christmas Around Versailles: Festivities begin with the Lighted Christmas Parade in downtown Versailles the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
For more, see Lake of the Ozarks' event calendar.
6. St. Charles: A Blend of History and Charm
Just 30 miles northwest of St. Louis, St. Charles offers a blend of history, beautiful architecture, and riverfront charm with brick roads. The historic Main Street is lined with boutiques, cafes, and galleries housed in 19th-century buildings.
The area's history dates back to its first settler, Louis Blanchette, who set up a trading post here in the late 1700s. This marked the beginning of the city's long-standing role as a trading hub and commercial center. Many of the buildings on Main Street were initially constructed to serve as residences and businesses for early fur traders and blacksmiths who settled in the region. Although some of these structures have been repurposed over the years, their original facades and architectural details have been meticulously preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the early days of St. Charles.
As Saint Charles expanded and evolved, it became a key stop on Boone's Lick Road and the location of Missouri's first State Capitol. Visitors may explore a museum on the original site that is a restoration of the State Capitol building used from 1821 to 1826.
Another popular attraction is the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum, where visitors can learn more about the famous explorers and their westward journey. Many visitors also take a photo with the Lewis and Clark statue overlooking the Missouri River on the southern end of Frontier Park. The statue features both Lewis & Clark and their dog, Seaman.
Annual Events at St. Charles, Missouri:
Once Upon a Valentine™: Stories for the Loved & Loveless in February: Visitors meet characters like Romeo & Juliet, Cupid, and the Queen of Hearts during this festival on Main Street.
Fourth of July at St. Charles Riverfest: Two-day festival features a parade, live music, food and drinks, children’s activities, a carnival, and fireworks.
Festival of the Little Hills in August: Shop over 300 craft booths, artisan demonstrations, food vendors, and live music.
Oktoberfest: Compete in the stein holding competition, enter the brat eating contest, watch the wiener dog derby, and visit the antique car show all while enjoying live music and food and beverages.
Legends & Lanterns®: This Halloween event features visits from Edgar Allan Poe, the Fiddling Plague Doctor, the Big Bad Wolf, and others who haunt Main Street for several weekends in October.
Saint Charles Christmas Traditions®: This annual event begins the day after Thanksgiving and occurs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Christmas Eve. Main Street is decorated with lights and garland and Christmas characters like Jack Frost, Ebenezer Scrooge, and Santa Lucia can be found on every block of South Main Street. Also, enjoy exhibits like the Holiday Food Hall of Fame.
For more, see St. Charles' event calendar.
7. Harrisonville: Small-town hospitality
Located 30 miles south of Kansas City, Harrisonville offers a welcoming atmosphere. The town features a variety of parks, including the popular Harrisonville City Park, which has walking trails, sports fields, and a peaceful lake for fishing. The town’s friendly atmosphere, along with its historic downtown and local attractions like the Cass County Museum, offers a mix of outdoor activities and history.
One of the most unique experiences in Harrisonville is a visit to Yaya's Alpaca Farm, a local ranch where they give guided tours, offer an annual Christmas event, and sell products made with alpaca wool.
In recent years, Harrisonville Square has undergone a revitalization, now offering a range of boutiques, antique stores, and local dining options. Artisans Corner on Wall showcases items crafted by local artists, such as jewelry, pottery, clothing, decor, candles, artwork, and more. Birdie's Boutique and Antiques is a store specializing in antiques and collectibles. Headquarters Winery and Mercantile is famous for its wine slushies and boutique offerings. Additionally, you'll find cute coffee shops and restaurants. The city park and library are both nearby, making this a convenient place to spend a day.
On weekends from May to October, the Little Dixie Mud Run features a mud bogging or mud running race - an off-road motorsport where the objective is to drive a truck through a mud track. Spectators are invited to watch this outdoor competition and cheer on their favorite drivers.
Also in Cass County, visitors head to Peculiar Winery, where they offer tastings, live music, and craft classes throughout the year.
Annual Events in Harrisonville, Missouri:
Cass County Sheriff's Rodeo: Every October, this local rodeo is hosted as a fundraiser for the local sheriff's department.
Annual Log Cabin Festival held the first weekend in October: This annual festival features a carnival, food trucks, vendors, live music, and historic reenactments.
For more, see Harrisonville's calendar of events.
8. Ste. Genevieve: A Slice of French History
Ste. Genevieve is one of the oldest towns in Missouri, and it has a distinct French influence that sets it apart from other small towns in the state. Just a 1 hour and 15-minute drive from St. Louis, this charming small town offers a perfect getaway destination. The town’s historic district is home to several 18th-century buildings and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
For history buffs, some of our favorite sites include Ste. Genevieve Museum where you can discover the history of this French Colony. The Felix Valle State Historic Site tells the story of Ste. Genevieve's earliest settlers and how the original colonists lived. The Center for French Colonial Life and the Bolduc House is an interactive museum telling the history of Ste. Genevieve.
The square features many cute shops and restaurants including antique stores, boutiques, candy shops, and more. One of the most unique places to shop is ASL Pewter where you may purchase pewter products created by a Missouri artisan.
For nature lovers, the nearby Hawn State Park offers beautiful trails for hiking and birdwatching. Animal lovers won't want to miss Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary a rescue facility where you can come face to face with big cats.
We recommend Audubon's Restaurant and Hotel for your stay. This beautiful hotel features Audubon's artwork, and a nice restaurant and bar. Also, visit Chaumette Vineyards & Winery a local winery and favorite for a couple's getaway.
Annual Events in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri:
Jour de Fete held the second full weekend in August: This festival features arts and crafts booths, hands-on exhibits, and a 5K and 1-mile run.
Oktoberfest held the second weekend of October: Oktoberfest celebrates German culture
and heritage with food and fun.
Ste. Genevieve Christmas Festival held the first full weekend in December: Considered one of the top two Christmas celebrations in the entire Midwest according to AAA magazine, this festival features more than a dozen free performances, an art show, tours at historic sites, a tree-trimming, and a live nativity. Le Reveillon, a French Christmas celebrating food, customs, and decorations of an early 1800s Christmas Eve, is a favorite feature of the event. FREE photos with Santa are another highlight of this event.
For more, see Ste. Genevieve's calendar of events.
Marceline: Walt Disney’s Hometown
For Disney fans, Marceline is a must-visit small town. This quaint town was the boyhood home of Walt Disney. It is said the Main Street Marceline inspired Main Street USA at Disneyland. The district is lined with unique shops and restaurants, and the town has a nostalgic, all-American feel.
Our family has visited the Walt Disney Hometown Museum many times. This 10,000-square-foot museum features exhibits and artifacts telling the story of the Disney family, a model of Disneyland, and other Disney memorabilia. The town celebrates its Disney heritage with the park, elementary school, and other local landmarks named in his honor.
Railroad fans can see Santa Fe Steam Locomotive #2546 (learn about Disney's connection to this train here) and the Santa Fe Engine #5008 a model SD40 6-axle Diesel-Electric locomotive.
One of our favorite stops is Walt’s Dreaming Tree and Barn. This barn in Marceline was the setting for Walt’s first venture as a showman, where he would dress up pets and farm animals for the “Disney Circus,” a show he'd put on for neighborhood kids charging 10 cents for admission. The Dreaming Tree is said to be a spot where Walt dreamt up his wildest ideas. Visitors to the barn are encouraged to "sign the walls" to mark their visit.
The city fully embraces its Disney legacy and you'll find Disney-themed lodging at hotels and vacation rentals.
Annual events in Marceline, Missouri:
For more, see Marceline's event calendar.
Eminence, Missouri: Wild Horse, Historic Mills, and Float Trips
Echo Bluff State Park is a beautiful site surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest with stunning views of the Bluff at Sinkin' Creek, and easy access to our favorite Missouri rivers for float trips. If you love the outdoors, a float trip on the Current River or Jack's Fork is the best way to enjoy the scenery. We love Carr's Canoe Rental. You may choose half to full-day routes, or even longer routes if you want to camp along the way.
The state park is also home to wild horses. Shannon County's Wild Horses are well known in Southern Missouri as they roam Echo Bluff State Park, Round Spring, Broadfoot, and Shawnee Creek.
It is just a short distance from Alley Mill, a beautiful historic mill on the National Register of Historic Places, Rocky Falls one of Southern Missouri's prettiest waterfalls, and Peck Ranch an elk preserve.
Annual events in Eminence, Missouri:
The Ozark Mountain Festival is held the first weekend of May: This annual celebration features Civil War encampments, crafting and art demonstrations, car, boat, ATV, and motorcycle shows, and more.
Scenic Riverways Arts-n-Crafts Show is held the second weekend in October: This annual arts and crafts festival is a fall tradition.
Christmas Parade & Celebration is held on the first Saturday in December: This annual event includes a parade, tree lighting, and a local holiday festival.
For more, see Eminence's calendar of events.
Whether you're a history lover, enjoy wine, or love nature, Missouri’s small towns have unique attractions for everyone. These ten towns highlight the beauty, culture, and rich history of the Show-Me State, making them ideal for your next road trip. So pack your bags and discover these hidden gems in Missouri!
While we've driven through Missouri, I'd love to have time to explore some of these sites, especially seeing the wild horses in Echo Bluff State Park.