11 Charming Small Towns in Missouri You’ll Want to Call Home
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If you’re thinking about moving to Missouri, bustling cities like Kansas City or St. Louis might come to mind. However, this state has much more to offer. From quaint downtowns to festivals that bring the community together, Missouri’s small towns are perfect for anyone looking to experience what life is like in its quieter corners. In this Redfin article, we’ll discuss 11 charming small towns in Missouri, each with their own unique character and plenty of reasons to call home.
Warrensburg is a small town home to the University of Central Missouri. One of the town’s most notable landmarks is the historic Johnson County Courthouse, which dates back to 1896. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Knob Noster State Park is just a short drive away, where hiking, fishing, and camping are favorite weekend activities. If you’re hungry, popular spots like Heroes Restaurant & Pub serve up hearty American fare in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Kirksville is known for being the home of Truman State University and A.T. One of the town’s unique attractions is Thousand Hills State Park, where locals and visitors can enjoy boating, hiking, and exploring ancient Native American petroglyphs. On weekends, you’ll find locals dining at Maxwell’s, a beloved spot offering farm-to-table dishes, or grabbing coffee at The Java Co. Kirksville also hosts the annual Red Barn Arts and Crafts Festival, which brings artisans, food vendors, and live music to the heart of downtown.
Sedalia is famous for hosting the Missouri State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the country. The fair attracts thousands each August with its carnival rides, agricultural displays, and live concerts. The town’s rich railroad history can be explored at the Katy Depot, a restored 1896 train station that now serves as a museum. Sedalia’s downtown has both historic buildings and modern attractions, with popular eateries like Kehde’s Barbeque, a local favorite housed in a converted train car. Nearby, the Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site offers scenic views and hiking trails, perfect for a weekend adventure.
Neosho is often referred to as the “Flower Box City” because of its natural beauty. The town is home to the George Washington Carver National Monument, a tribute to the famous scientist and agricultural pioneer who spent his childhood in Neosho. Locals love spending time at Big Spring Park, where the natural spring feeds into a pond, making it a favorite spot for picnics and photography. For dining, local favorites like Sam’s Cellar Bar & Oven, known for its wood-fired pizzas, provide a cozy spot to grab a bite after a day of exploring.
Mexico is often called the “Saddle Horse Capital of the World,” because of its American Saddlebred horse industry. Each year, the town hosts the Missouri Horse Shows Association’s annual competitions, drawing equestrian enthusiasts from across the state. For a fun weekend outing, locals enjoy visiting the Audrain County Historical Museum Complex, where you can explore a variety of exhibits including the historic Graceland mansion. Mexico is also features the Presser Performing Arts Center, where residents attend theater productions and musical performances throughout the year.
Every fall, Marshall hosts the Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra, a community gem that brings live classical music to the town’s historic Martin Community Center. For outdoor fun, Indian Foothills Park is the place to go, offering a golf course, walking trails, and tennis courts where locals spend sunny weekends. A beloved local dining spot is the Salt Fork Kitchen, which focuses on serving fresh, locally sourced ingredients in a cozy, welcoming environment.
Fulton is famously known as the site where Winston Churchill delivered his iconic “Iron Curtain” speech in 1946. Visitors can explore the National Churchill Museum, housed at Westminster College. The museum commemorates the speech and Churchill’s legacy with exhibits and a reconstructed 12th-century church. Locals also enjoy outdoor activities at Veterans Park, where people gather for picnics and sports. Each fall, the town hosts the Fulton Street Fair, drawing crowds with live entertainment, food trucks, and carnival rides.
Bolivar is located in southwest Missouri. The town is home to Southwest Baptist University, which hosts numerous cultural and sporting events throughout the year. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Pomme de Terre Lake has excellent fishing, boating, and camping, making it a favorite weekend getaway spot. The town square in Bolivar is lined with local shops and restaurants, including popular spots like The Main Street Mediterranean, loved for its fresh and flavorful dishes.
Lebanon is located in the heart of the Ozarks. The town is home to the Route 66 Museum and Research Center, where visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to the Mother Road’s impact on American travel and culture. Additionally, Bennett Spring State Park is a top destination for trout fishing, hiking, and camping. Lebanon is also famous for its role in the boat manufacturing industry, with Tracker Boats headquartered in the area. Dining options range from local favorites like Dowd’s Catfish and BBQ to the famous Elm Street Eatery, known for its home-cooked meals and pies.
Hannibal is best known as the boyhood home of Mark Twain, and the town embraces its literary heritage with pride. Visitors can tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, which brings the world of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn to life. Hannibal also hosts the annual Tom Sawyer Days, a festival featuring fence-painting contests, live music, and a frog-jumping competition. The town’s location along the Mississippi River provides amazing views and opportunities for riverboat cruises and fishing.
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Rolla is home to Missouri University of Science and Technology. The university brings a dynamic, lively atmosphere to the town, with cultural events, concerts, and sporting events happening year-round. Rolla also has natural beauty with the nearby Mark Twain National Forest offering hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives that locals love on weekends. Every October, Rolla hosts the Celebration of Nations, an event that celebrates global cultures with parades, music, and food from around the world.
Methodology: The median home sale price and average monthly rental data is from the Redfin Data Center.
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