10 Small Towns in Missouri to Visit for a Weekend Getaway
Missouri, famous for its iconic arch in St. Louis and the lively scenes of Kansas City, also has a quieter side with its smaller towns. With each of these towns being founded in a different decade, Carthage, Jefferson City, and Kimmswick stand as testaments to Missouri's historical and cultural influences. From the historic Battle of Carthage site to the Victorian-era elegance of Jefferson City's Capital designation and the riverside charm of Kimmswick, these towns promise a historic experience. Whether it is strolling through vineyards in Weston or relishing the German heritage of Hermann, each town presents a rejuvenating escape for the weekend.
New Haven
New Haven is like entering an open-air art gallery in the middle of the state's burgeoning wine country. You can observe vibrant and thought-provoking murals, spanning from wildlife to celebrating prison abolitionists, that adorn the buildings, reflecting the town's commitment to the arts. Art enthusiasts will also appreciate Astral Glass Studio, showcasing exquisite nature-inspired hand-blown glass creations.
The Pinckney Bend Distillery is the stop for wine lovers for a sip of local craftsmanship with its small-batch spirits, gin, tonic syrup, vodka, and whiskey. Complete your trip with an afternoon at the Röbller Vineyard, enjoying top-notch wine selections of white, red, and fruity. The 200-acre property of Cedar Creek Hotel & Event Center is an excellent lodging option with all the modern comforts.
Arrow Rock
Arrow Rock, a small town designated as a National Historic Landmark, is best known for a glimpse into 19th-century life in the Midwest. You can walk around to observe the conscientiously preserved buildings, including the 1834 Federal-style J. Huston Tavern, Missouri's oldest continuously operating restaurant, still serving up hearty meals.
Next up on the list is Lyceum Theatre, famous as "Missouri's oldest professional regional theatre," where you can see productions ranging from comedies to musicals and dramas. Equally captivating are the tours at Arrow Rock State Historic Site, where knowledgeable interpreters bring history to life, sharing tales of westward expansion and frontier life. Down Over Bed & Breakfast, featuring cozy cottage vibes, can be your accommodation in town.
Fulton
Fulton, home to Westminster College and the Churchill Museum, is primarily about historical moments. The National Churchill Museum, set in a striking Christopher Wren-designed church, explains the life and legacy of Winston Churchill. Do not miss the iconic "Breakthrough" sculpture and the famous "Iron Curtain" segment, reminders of Churchill's pivotal "Sinews of Peace" speech delivered on the college campus.
A visit to the boutique Serenity Valley Winery will also be worthwhile for some relaxation while tasting more than twenty hand-crafted wines. Loganberry Inn, the charming bed and breakfast in a Victorian-era house, is just the perfect resting place in town.
Cuba
If three words could describe Cuba, then they would be murals, Route 66, and small-town charisma. Art lovers can explore the Viva Cuba Mural Project, a vibrant outdoor gallery showcasing the town's culture and heritage through 14 colorful murals, solidifying its designation as Route 66's Mural City. Furthermore, you can dive into Cuba's rich past at the 1934 structure of Crawford County Historical Society Museum, featuring three-floor exhibits on local history, vintage fashions, Native American artifacts, and military displays.
Mark Twain National Forest is also not far from the town and gives access to the Ozarks's hiking and biking trails. After a full day of exploration, Wagon Wheel Motel, a historic Route 66 gem, invites you to their nostalgic building that's on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hannibal
Hannibal is a historic town shining in the legacy of its most famous resident, Mark Twain. You can find yourself in Twain's world with a visit to the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. Here, you can step into the adventures of Tom and Huck as you explore the authentic buildings and artifacts from Twain's childhood. Also, cruise the river on a Mark Twain Riverboat, capturing scenic views while relishing tales of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. For a stay as charming as the town, check into the Garth Woodside Mansion Bed and Breakfast, a 1980s mansion turned into a luxurious B&B, providing a lavish retreat with period furnishings.
Weston
Weston has a historic downtown and scenic vineyards, and both never fail to impress. History buffs can stop by the Weston Historical Museum, set in a restored 1845 Church building, showcasing artifacts on the town's pioneer past through exhibits like The Weston Chronicle, Native American exhibits, and Growth of a Rivertown. Afterward, you can discover the downtown adorned with well-preserved 19th-century architecture, notably the 1845 St. George Hotel.
Moving on, Weston is also a rising destination for wine enthusiasts. A tour of the Weston Brewing Company, accommodated in a historic brewery dating back to 1842, is a must. You should also step into the McCormick Distilling Company, the 'oldest distillery west of the Mississippi' and the renowned Holladay Distillery, to learn about the art of crafting premium spirits. To end, you can reserve a room at another 1845 structure, the Weston Steamboat Inn, for the weekend.
Carthage
Carthage has a connection to the Mother Road at the Route 66 Drive-In Theater, where visitors experience a nostalgic cinema night under the stars. Those interested in historical knowledge can make a stop at the Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum, containing artifacts and exhibits that illuminate the region's Civil War-era past, including Andy Thomas' '7-by-15-foot mural'.
Next, you can marvel at the stunning architecture of the Jasper County Courthouse, a magnificent 106-foot-tall example of Romanesque Revival design. Meanwhile, Precious Moments Chapel, featuring intricate murals and sculptures by artist Samuel J. Butcher, is another fascinating spot to visit. For lodging, unwind at the Boots Court Motel, a Route 66 icon offering retro accommodations.
Jefferson City
As Missouri's capital since 1826, Jefferson City brings alive the state's political history with a tour of the Missouri State Capitol, where you can fancy the magnificent Neoclassical architecture and learn about legislative sessions. If up for the task, you can also discover the haunting beauty of the Missouri State Penitentiary, 'once the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi,' with tours narrating paranormal incidents while going around dungeons and the gas chamber.
Riders, cyclists, and hikers can grab their equipment to get on the adventures of Katy Trail running along the town. Alternatively, you could spend time fishing, disc golfing, camping, or mountain biking on the 15-mile trails and the 644 acres of Binder Park, the city's largest park. A short drive would take you to Capitol Plaza Hotel, where you can rest your feet for the night.
Kimmswick
A weekend getaway in Kimmswick would be full of culinary delights. The first stop has to be for a sweet treat at the Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery, notable for its Levee High Apple Pie and welcoming atmosphere. The opportunity to tour the Anheuser Estate Museum and Gardens, showcasing 19th-century Victorian elegance and 23-acre lush landscapes, is hard to pass up.
Additionally, the Mastodon State Historic Site is home to the Kimmswick Bone Bed, which is noted as the proof of coexistence between American mastodons and humans in the region. The Greenhouse Inn is the ideal place to lodge for the duration with its snug yet contemporary ambiance.
Ste. Genevieve
Ste. Genevieve carries a French influence from its establishment by French Canadians. The Felix Valle State Historic Site uncovers the Valle family's historic mansion and outbuildings, providing an inside journey into early 19th-century life. Simultaneously, the 1790s-built Bolduc House Museum gives a glimpse into 18th-century French colonial life through its well-preserved structures and artifacts. Sainte Genevieve Catholic Church is another iconic structure to look out for with an extensive construction past.
Sampling premier wines, in addition to fine dining, at Chaumette Vineyards & Winery will be a well-spent evening experience as well. Then, you can complete your weekend relaxation at the 1840s The Inn St. Gemme.
From the educational, lively murals of Cuba to architectural marvels like hotels and theatre along Route 66 in Carthage, Visitors expect to encounter quaint streets, historic sites, and friendly locals, and these expectations are met with open arms in towns like New Haven, Hannibal, and Weston. More than just a weekend escape, the small towns provide a genuine taste of the Show-Me state's character, leaving visitors with memories of a Missouri that extends far beyond its urban boundaries.
