Missouri Has Many Small Towns. These Could Be 13 Of The Best

Not that long ago, I wrote an article about a small town in Missouri that had been named one of the best in the nation to visit.  That small town was called Ste. Genevieve and if you missed that article you can read it HERE.  Now we know that the Show Me State has a lot of wonderful small towns.  Could these be 13 of the best? Perhaps.  It is up for debate.  How many of these town have you been to? For the purpose of this list, the town must have a population of about 20,000 or less.

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Parkville, Missouri - Population 6,724

It is a vibrant community known for it's quiet neighborhoods and bustling business districts.  You can click HERE for their website.

Boonville, Missouri - Population 8,418

You can access their website HERE.  A river city full of charm, it is just about halfway between Kansas City and St Louis.  For a taste of history, visit one of the 450 sites belonging to the National Registry of Historic Places.  The Isle of Capri is located here too.

Rocheport, Missouri - Population 239

Another little town in wine country, Boone County, was called one of "America's 10 Coolest Small Towns" by Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine. Antique shops, wineries, bed and breakfasts and access to the Katy Trail.  Visit their website HERE.

Fulton, Missouri - Population 12,779

Located in Calloway County, Fulton boasts 69 buildings on the historic registry. Notable attractions include the National Churchill Museum, located on the campus of Westminster College, along with the Berlin Wall sculpture.  Visit their website HERE.

Hannibal, Missouri - Population 17, 320

The home of Mark Twain, that would be Hannibal Missouri.  You can also visit the Molly Brown Birthplace Museum, Sawyer's Creek Family Fun Park, Haunted Hannibal's Ghost Tours, or a trolley ride and visit The Huck Finn Freedom Center.  Check out their website HERE.

Weston, Missouri - Population 1,728

Located in Platte County, Weston is a town where you will learn something new at one of the museums, orchards, educational farms, old distillery, winery, or operating brewery. Lots of options for music and camping too. Their website link is HERE, and if you want to visit click HERE.

Hermann, Missouri - Population 2,438

Hermann is located in Gasconade County, near the center Missouri Rhineland and south of the Missouri River.  You can participate in a "Wine Trail" featuring seven family-owned local wineries and covering 20 scenic miles. Lots of shops and festivals.  Zip-lining is an option too.  Visit the city's website HERE.

Arrow Rock - Population 36

You are probably familiar with the Lyceum Theatre in Arrow Rock, and the entire town has been designated as a National Historic Landmark, and it features several historic sites including the J. Huston Tavern which was established in 1834, and still in business today, it is the oldest operating restaurant west of the Mississippi. Website link is HERE.

Kimmswick, Missouri - Population 111

Located 25 miles south of St. Louis in Jefferson County, Kimmswick features many buildings that date as far back as 1859 when the town was founded. They have unique shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. You can also visit the Anheuser Busch Museum & Estate or the Mastadon State Historic Site, or take a Kimmswick Riverboat Cruise.  Their website link is HERE.

Cuba, Missouri - Population 3,314

Cuba is located 80 miles southwest of St. Louis in Crawford County.  Visit Mural City, see the World's 2nd Largest Rocking Chair, shop at the Fanning 66 Outpost, and stay at the Wagon Wheel Motel.  Options for some rafting rivers, canoeing, and camping. Oh, and the Route 66 thing too.   Website link is HERE.

Rolla, Missouri - Population 20,273

On Interstate 44, halfway between Springfield and St Louis in Phelps County.  Check out Splash Zone Waterpark, and Kokomo Joe's Family Fun Center.  Nice museums, 2 theaters and it is on Route 66.  The Stonehenge replica is cool too.  Website link is HERE.

Branson, Missouri - Population 11,416

Yes, Branson is a small town.  You visit there, but not a large population live there.  Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake, White Water Waterpark, and take the Scenic Railway.  Adventures of a lifetime for sure.  Website link is HERE.

Washington, Missouri - Population 14,014

Located on the Missouri River in Franklin County, you will find the "corn cob pipe capital of the world" due to Missouri Meerschaum, manufacturer of tobacco smoking corn cob pipes.  Options for guided and walking tours, historic homes, festivals, fairs and farmers markets.  Visit their website HERE.

So how many of those small towns have you visited? And which one peaks your interest the most.  They all have some great options depending on your interest.  Check them out if you get a chance.