We have so many small towns in Missouri that are absolutely oozing charm, making them the ideal destination for a weekend getaway. If you have been searching for “cute small towns near me” then we have you covered. Because even if you don’t have an entire weekend, Missouri’s small towns offer plenty to do on a day trip, too. No matter how long you have, make sure you stop by these darling Missouri towns.

1. Warsaw
Warsaw, MO 65355, USA
Facebook/The City of Warsaw, Missouri
A darling Missouri small town, Warsaw looks like it's stepped from the pages of an old-fashioned postcard. Spend a few hours exploring the shops and restaurants. Or, if you love the outdoors, head over to nearby Truman Lake; go horseback riding, or check out one of the nearby hiking trails. Take a peek at one of the hidden gems in Warsaw.
2. Hannibal
Hannibal, MO 63401, USA
Facebook/Historic Downtown Hannibal
Most people know Hannibal as the home of one of America's greatest authors, Mark Twain. The charming small town is home to a slew of Mark Twain-related attractions, including a museum, a statue, and a lighthouse. Make time to visit the nearby cave and the town's many shops and restaurants, too. Learn more about this historic Missouri town in a previous article.
3. Weston
Weston, MO 64098, USA
Facebook/Weston MO Chamber of Commerce
An adorable small town, Weston's an absolute dream, especially if you love antiques. The town is brimming with antique, artisan, and other eclectic shops. Take your appetite with you, too, because you'll definitely want to try the town's cozy restaurants. Find out why Weston is the most beautiful small town in Missouri.

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4. Hermann
Hermann, MO 65041, USA
Facebook/Visit Hermann
If you love good wine, you'll find it in Hermann. Follow the Hermann Wine Trail to sample some of the best wine in Missouri. Carve out some time, too, to check out the antique shops and historic sites. The town also hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year. Read more about this charming Missouri town in a previous article.
5. Carthage
Carthage, MO 64836, USA
Googlemaps/Oliver Richter
Carthage is the small Missouri town to visit during the fall - for its brilliant fall foliage and the annual Maple Leaf Festival. From an old-school drive-in movie theater to fascinating historic sites, Carthage offers something for everyone. Find out why Carthage is America's Maple Leaf City.
6. Lebanon
Lebanon, MO 65536, USA
Facebook/Lebanon – Friendly people. Friendly Place.
Lebanon promises a full menu of family-friendly fun, whether you love the outdoors or want a glimpse of history. Learn more about the rich and storied past of Route 66 at the Route 66 Museum, for example. The charming town is also home to a variety of fun outdoor activities, shops, and restaurants. Carve out time, too, to follow this hiking trail that leads to an amazing natural wonder in Missouri.

What are your favorite small towns in Missouri, especially for a getaway? Tell us about them in the comments! Then plan an epic one-day road trip through Missouri that will keep you busy from sunrise to sunset.

Before you embark on your next road trip, take a look at our carefully crafted ultimate road trip packing list. Ever wanted to rent an RV and take it for a road trip that you’ll never forget? Then head over to RVshare; they offer RV rentals all over the country.

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More to Explore

Visiting Missouri

Luke | July 26, 2023

What are the most beautiful nature attractions to visit in Missouri?

Here are the top 10 natural attractions in Missouri everyone should visit:

  1. Marble Creek Recreation Area - Located in the Mark Twain National Forest, it offers fantastic hiking trails and campsites.
  2. Taum Sauk Mountain - The highest point of elevation in Missouri, located in Ironton, features beautiful views and natural waterfalls.
  3. Echo Bluff State Park - Missouri's newest park, packed with numerous activities and beautiful surroundings.
  4. Rocky Falls - A popular swimming hole, perfect to beat the summer heat.
  5. Cave Vinyard and Winery - Offers unique underground wine tasting experience, ideal for Missouri's hot and humid summers.
  6. Prairie Garden Trust - Located in New Bloomfield, it showcases what Missouri looked like when it was covered in natural prairies.
  7. Bennett Springs State Park - One of the state's popular trout fishing destinations, also known for its trails and swimming holes.
  8. Rockbridge Memorial State Park - Features beautiful trails leading to the cool and enchanting Devi's Icebox.
  9. Arcadia Valley - Home to Johnson's Shut-Ins and Elephant Rock State Park, and a vast number of campgrounds and hiking trails.
  10. Columbia Bottom Conservation Area - Located in North County St. Louis, it is known for its beautiful sunflower field and the stunning scenery around the Mississippi River.

 

What are some other small towns in Missouri that are worth a visit?

Here are the best small towns in Missouri with populations below 20,000, each with its own unique charm and attractions:

  1. Parkville (Population: 7,810) - A historic town north of downtown Kansas City, known for its antique shops, art galleries, Park University, and the extensive English Landing Park.
  2. Boonville (Population: 7,870) - Situated halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis, it's a county seat filled with historical sites, natural trails, and numerous notable attractions like the Isle of Capri Casino Hotel, and the Hail Ridge Golf Course.
  3. Ste. Genevieve (Population: 4,657) - Missouri's oldest town, it offers historic home tours, restaurants, wineries, microbreweries, and natural conservation areas.
  4. Rocheport (Population: 208) - Located in Boone County, this quaint town offers antique shops, wineries, art galleries, a museum, and access to the scenic Katy Trail.
  5. Fulton (Population: 12,721) - The county seat of Calloway County, notable for the National Churchill Museum, the Berlin Wall sculpture, and the Brick District.
  6. Hannibal (Population: 17,067) - Famous for its connection to Mark Twain, it offers historical tours, museums, and family fun parks, along with numerous other attractions.
  7. Weston (Population: 1,765) - Nestled in Platte County, it's rich in historic sites, museums, and music, with plenty of outdoor activities available at the state park on the Missouri River.
  8. Hermann (Population: 2,180) - The county seat of Gasconade County, known for its festivals, galleries, and a scenic "Wine Trail" covering seven family-owned local wineries.

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