Missouri is home to some pretty magnificent small towns, so it’s easy for a few to fly under the radar. For the most part, people are familiar with Boonville due to its location along the Katy Trail, but the majority of Missourians may not know just how unique this town is, and it starts with its rich history.

Before it was Boonville, the town was called "Boonslick."
Boonslick Historical Society/Facebook
Daniel Boone's sons, Nathan and Daniel Morgan established their salt business near Boonville. They transported the goods from their salt lick to St. Louis in the early 1800's. News of their business spread and the town was referred to as "Boone's Lick" and the route to St. Charles and St. Louis was called, "Boone's Lick Trail."
It's home to the oldest continuously running theatre west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Boonslick Historical Society/Facebook
Thespian Hall was built in 1855 and opened in 1857. Throughout its 150 years of existence, it has played hosts to plays, concerts and movies. During the Civil War, it acted as a quarter for Federal Troops and a hospital for soldiers.
Boonville was once a major trading town along the Missouri Pacific Railroad.
Missouri Division of Tourism/flickr
The town was situated right along the Missouri Pacific Railroad, making it an attractive place for business owners and traders to live.
Once the train line became defunct, it was created into a public place for outdoor recreation.
robertstinnett/flickr
In the 1980's, the train line was no longer being used by trains, so it was turned into public parkland. It is now part of the Katy Trail, the longest rail trail in the United States.
To celebrate the town's historical significance, each year "Heritage Days" is held.
Boonville Heritage Days/Facebook
Heritage Days started in 1989 to celebrate the town's 150th year on the Missouri River. It has been held every summer since then.

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The weekend festival takes place the 4th weekend of June.
Boonville Heritage Days/Facebook
Locals and visitors can enjoy 4 days filled with a beer garden, a fantastic parade, a car show, local crafts and tasty treats.
Many people may be surprised to know that there are some celebrities living in Boonville...
Shutterbug63/TripAdvisor
Specifically, some four-legged celebrities.
Tina T./TripAdvisor
The Budweiser Clydesdales are cared for and live in the stables at Warm Springs Ranch.
dh64/TripAdvisor
You may have seen them in Super Bowl commercials. Or perhaps when you visited the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis. But on their off days, the Clydesdales like to relax and roam about at Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville. Guided walking tours are given every day of the week from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., except on Wednesday. Admission is $14 per guest, with children under 2 free.

Address:
25270 MO-98
Boonville, MO 65233
To experience a Missouri town a bit different than the rest, consider a day trip to Boonville.
robertstinnett/flickr

Boonville is located about equidistant of Kansas City and St. Louis and its just west of Columbia. Its perfect location along the Katy Trail provides plenty to see outside of town if you’re interested in visiting some neighboring trail towns such as Rocheport or Arrow Rock.

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25270 MO-98 Boonville, MO 65233