Missouri is home to big cities like Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, and several small towns. Unfortunately, some of these small towns are sadly underrated, and it is a shame because they boast a fair share of the state’s natural attractions, history, and culture. When it comes to natural attractions, the Missouri River and other rivers sweep through these towns, while some share borders with the iconic Ozarks. Discover more of nature’s beauty, historic allure, and serenity across these eight underappreciated towns in The Show Me State of Missouri.
Arrow Rock
Arrow Rock is one of the smallest towns in Missouri, with just about 60 residents, but that’s not enough reason to undermine this charming destination. For one, its location on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River makes it enchanting. But the town increases its attractive worth with its historical attractions such as the Courthouse (1834), the Old Jail (1873), and J. Huston Tavern (1834) still serving countryside meals.
After exploring these historic homes, visitors can catch interesting Broadway-like musicals and plays at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre. Meanwhile, one-fourth of the town is classified as Arrow Rock State Historic Site, comprising 169 acres overlooking the Missouri Valley. The historic site has a four-acre fishing lake, a museum complex for history buffs to learn about the town, picnic areas, a playground, a campground, and hiking trails.
Van Buren
Van Buren is one of the river towns in Missouri that gets unfairly neglected. The town has one of the finest rivers in the state, the Current River, a perfect destination for boating, fishing, kayaking, paddling, and canoeing adventures. Additionally, wildlife lovers can see and interact with animals such as kangaroos and tortoises, tour a cave, and mine gems at the Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo. For visitors who would love to get entertained, the 21 Drive In Theatre is an amazing destination for movies.
However, the best place to lose track of time and have fun in Van Buren is at The Landing by the current river. This resort is beautiful and features many amazing things including equipment to float on the river, luxury accommodations, and Blue Heron Restaurant, offering exotic dining experiences.
Rocheport
Rocheport is a small river town of fewer than 300 residents that punches above its weight in terms of tourism. Here, visitors, especially outdoor buffs, will have a field day at the 240-mile-long Katy Trail that runs through Rocheport and offers stunning views of the Missouri River. Visitors can also recline back in the town or rent a canoe or kayak. After exploring the river, enjoy lunch at The Bistro on The Blufftop at Rocheport, which has views of the water.
The town's history is available at the Rocheport Historical Museum near the Katy Trail Tunnel. For those who appreciate the incredible world of arts, visit the ART Off the Trail Gallery to admire its collection.
Maryville
Maryville is a charming university town along the One Hundred and Two River in the Missouri Point region. This town has much going on for it especially with attractions like the Missouri State Arboretum inside Northwest Missouri State University, featuring more than 100 species of trees, making the university campus a mini forest. Outdoor buffs are always welcome to chill at the Mozingo Lake Park to golf, boat, fish, camp, and ride horses around its 1,000-acre reservoir.
The town is also historic, and landmarks like the Nodaway County Courthouse (1881), Northwest’s Administration Building, and Thomas Gaunt House (1865) are worth exploring for every history fan. If visiting with the family, the town offers the Maryville Aquatic Center, featuring water slides, kids' and adult swim areas, splash areas, fountains, and diving boards. For shopping, Barnyard Boutique has different clothing for men, women, and kids.
Camdenton
Camdenton is one of the most underappreciated towns in Missouri, even though it is positioned at the doorsteps of premier attractions and is surrounded by the Lake of the Ozarks. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the town’s major attractions remarkable for its geological marvels such as sinkholes, caves, a spring, and a natural bridge. The park also features around 15 miles of trails, ruins of an early 20th-century castle, picnic sites, and a lake where visitors can enjoy water sports.
Bridal Cave is another major attraction near Camdenton that visitors would love as it features stunning geological formations, an 18-foot Mystery Lake, and a Bridal Chapel for weddings. Tours are available to explore this natural wonder and marvel at the spectacular interiors. After the exploration, visitors are invited to shop for antiques at the Two Antique Girls Gift Shop and dine at The Tavern Smokehouse for a wholesome experience.
Parkville
Parkville is a charming and often overlooked town in Platte County that’s surprisingly full of attractions and things to see and do. For starters, the Missouri flows by the town, and the English River Landing Park is a great place to savor views of the river along its three-mile riverfront trail. The 68-acre park also features a boat ramp, playground, and picnic shelters to relax and play. The town is also home to the 115-acre Parksville Nature Sanctuary, featuring about three miles of trails leading to waterfalls and wildlife.
Meanwhile, laid-back tourists can stroll downtown, grab coffee at Parksville Coffee, shop at J. Quinn Boutique, and appreciate artworks at Cathy Kline Art Gallery. Notably, the art gallery is housed inside the historic Parkville Train Depot, so history buffs can check it out after visiting the art gallery.
Carthage
Carthage is an underappreciated town in Jasper County with much to offer. First off, this town is famously known as Maple Leaf City, and it hosts the Maple Leaf Festival, which is held every October. The town is also a haven for history with attractions like the106-foot Jasper County Courthouse, built around 1894 and representing Romanesque Revival architecture. The Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum is another historic attraction in town, featuring Civil War artifacts, videos, and a large mural reflecting the iconic Battle of Carthage.
Art lovers will struggle to leave the Precious Moments Chapel and Gardens, lavish with sculptures, figurines, murals, artworks, and stained glasses. Before leaving, visitors are invited to enjoy thrilling movies at the 66 Drive-in Theater, one of the few remaining theaters of its kind in the state.
Ste. Genevieve
Ste. Genevieve is a charming town that sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River, waiting to give visitors a time of their lives. The Hickory Canyons Natural Area is a foremost draw here, featuring bluffs, hiking trails, occasional waterfalls, box canyons, and interesting plants and animals. River Rapids Waterpark is another exciting attraction in town, featuring a water walk, water slides, and the Lazy River for boat cruises around the park. For a unique experience, visit the Sainte Genevieve Museum Learning Center and explore its historic and ancient culture galleries, and interesting dinosaur replicas. To wrap up, enjoy the best meals in town at Café Genevieve or Audubon’s of Ste. Genevieve, then head to the Belle Ever After Boutique to go shopping.
Small towns are often undervalued and find themselves at the bottom or missing from a traveler's bucket list. Missouri, the famed Mother of the West, is not an exception to this marginalization. The state boasts hundreds of small towns that are not easily noticed, but a visit to one or two of these towns will leave one’s jaws dropped. From scenic natural destinations to pristine historic attractions, these small towns in Missouri always show why it is a mistake to underrate them. They drive this point home further with a warm and cozy atmosphere, safe streets, unstuffy air, and fewer crowds to enjoy a retreat.