Missouri is bursting with charming little towns with barely there populations. While some sleepy little towns attract minimal attention, others offer something a little special making them always worth visiting. From historic river towns to quiet wine capitals, here are 10 tiny towns in Missouri that you’ll keep coming back to visit.
- Kimmswick
Paul Sableman/Wikimedia This charming town of less than 200 residents sits on the banks of the Mississippi River, just 30 miles south of St. Louis. Many of the historic homes date back to the 1850’s, but have been transformed into boutique and specialty shops. It’s the perfect destination for a fun day-trip.
- Arrow Rock
Friends of Arrow Rock/Facebook Arrow Rock is another historic community worth visiting. With just over 50 residents, this town is now a model of historical preservation. Over 100,000 visitors come to Arrow Rock each year, many to see a play at the beautiful Lyceum Theater. This itty bitty town in central Missouri will win your heart with its histrionic charm and natural beauty. Be sure to grab a meal at J. Huston Tavern, the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi.
- Rocheport
MoBikeFed/Flickr A bit further down Intersate 70, past Columbia, is the small river town of Rocheport. The life blood of this tiny town is now the Katy Trail. You’ll find bikers taking a break at one of the restaurants or wineries in the area. Head to town to stay in a cozy B&B and dine at Abigail’s for a fantastic dinner.
- Clarksville
Paul Sableman/Flickr Rivers and railroads created many of Missouri’s small towns. This is true of the tiny of Clarksville, with less than 450 residents, this town has the most picturesque riverfront. Stroll past shopfronts while taking in the river views. In the winter months you can typically spot eagles nesting along the icy river.
- Celedonia
TheCatalyst31/Wikimedia Almost forgotten by time, Celedonia is an old Ozark town with just 130 residents. Much of the town is now a part of a national historical district. Come and visit the Golden Rule General Store then stay at Twelve Mile Creek where you can dine, drink, and stay in an old civil war hospital.
- Steelville
Steelville Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook Steelville is another adorable Ozarks town worth an annual visit. While normally the town only has a population of about 1,600, it seems to triple in the summer as floods of visitors come to camp and float the near by rivers and streams.
- Stockton
SACC Stockton Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook If you’re looking for a quaint little lake town, look no further than Stockton. This lake community only has 1,800 residents and the peaceful lake is a popular sailing destination. Stockton is also home to The Squeeze Inn, where you can get deliciously cheesy burgers and fries.
- Warsaw
The City of Warsaw, Missouri/Facebook With a population of just over 2,000, Warsaw is one of the larger towns on this list. Warsaw sits just east of Truman Lake and west of Lake of the Ozarks. Visit Drake Harbor Recreation Area and then get a bite to eat at Common Ground Cafe.
- Louisiana
Visit Louisiana, Missouri/Facebook The Mighty Mississippi created many beautiful little towns across the nation. Louisiana another fantastic example of what a wealthy river community looked like in the mid-1800’s. You’ll love the beautiful antebellum homes that retain much of their original beauty. Don’t pass up the opportunity to watch a steamboat paddle by from the river front.
- Augusta
Doug Kerr/Flickr The nation’s first vitacultural area is still one of the best places to taste Missouri wines. Augusta sits in the heart of Missouri’s wine region. With just 250 residents, it’s surprising you can find so many wonderful wineries and restaurants in the area. It’s one of the most relaxing destinations in the state.
How many of these tiny Missouri towns have you visited? What other small towns in Missouri deserve some attention? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Paul Sableman/Wikimedia
This charming town of less than 200 residents sits on the banks of the Mississippi River, just 30 miles south of St. Louis. Many of the historic homes date back to the 1850’s, but have been transformed into boutique and specialty shops. It’s the perfect destination for a fun day-trip.
Friends of Arrow Rock/Facebook
Arrow Rock is another historic community worth visiting. With just over 50 residents, this town is now a model of historical preservation. Over 100,000 visitors come to Arrow Rock each year, many to see a play at the beautiful Lyceum Theater. This itty bitty town in central Missouri will win your heart with its histrionic charm and natural beauty. Be sure to grab a meal at J. Huston Tavern, the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi.
MoBikeFed/Flickr
A bit further down Intersate 70, past Columbia, is the small river town of Rocheport. The life blood of this tiny town is now the Katy Trail. You’ll find bikers taking a break at one of the restaurants or wineries in the area. Head to town to stay in a cozy B&B and dine at Abigail’s for a fantastic dinner.
Paul Sableman/Flickr
Rivers and railroads created many of Missouri’s small towns. This is true of the tiny of Clarksville, with less than 450 residents, this town has the most picturesque riverfront. Stroll past shopfronts while taking in the river views. In the winter months you can typically spot eagles nesting along the icy river.
TheCatalyst31/Wikimedia
Almost forgotten by time, Celedonia is an old Ozark town with just 130 residents. Much of the town is now a part of a national historical district. Come and visit the Golden Rule General Store then stay at Twelve Mile Creek where you can dine, drink, and stay in an old civil war hospital.
Steelville Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
Steelville is another adorable Ozarks town worth an annual visit. While normally the town only has a population of about 1,600, it seems to triple in the summer as floods of visitors come to camp and float the near by rivers and streams.
SACC Stockton Area Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
If you’re looking for a quaint little lake town, look no further than Stockton. This lake community only has 1,800 residents and the peaceful lake is a popular sailing destination. Stockton is also home to The Squeeze Inn, where you can get deliciously cheesy burgers and fries.
The City of Warsaw, Missouri/Facebook
With a population of just over 2,000, Warsaw is one of the larger towns on this list. Warsaw sits just east of Truman Lake and west of Lake of the Ozarks. Visit Drake Harbor Recreation Area and then get a bite to eat at Common Ground Cafe.
Visit Louisiana, Missouri/Facebook
The Mighty Mississippi created many beautiful little towns across the nation. Louisiana another fantastic example of what a wealthy river community looked like in the mid-1800’s. You’ll love the beautiful antebellum homes that retain much of their original beauty. Don’t pass up the opportunity to watch a steamboat paddle by from the river front.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
The nation’s first vitacultural area is still one of the best places to taste Missouri wines. Augusta sits in the heart of Missouri’s wine region. With just 250 residents, it’s surprising you can find so many wonderful wineries and restaurants in the area. It’s one of the most relaxing destinations in the state.
Do you love visiting Missouri wine country? These wine trolleys makes visiting Missouri wine country fun and safe!
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