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Located in America’s landlocked heartland, Missouri is home to some of the country’s most charming and interesting small towns. On these bustling main streets, lined with historic architecture and beautiful green spaces, you’ll find quirky local businesses, inviting cafes, historical landmarks, and exciting attractions. It’s easy to see how Missouri earned its nickname of ‘the show-me state.’ Sprinkled across Missouri’s beautiful plateaus, plains, lowlands, lakes, and rivers, the state’s friendly communities make for a fun-filled vacation any time of year!

Branson

Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, Branson has it all - gorgeous scenery, outdoor attractions, and a lively downtown with a thriving arts and cultural scene.

Check out the historic Owen Theater, built in 1936, and the headquarters of the Branson Regional Arts Council. The quaint and intimate venue hosts musicals and other performances year-round. A short walk from the theater is the Branson Centennial Museum which houses rotating exhibits telling the story of the town from the 1800s, including displays on vacations through the 40s and 50s, and Branson’s long history as a musical hub.

Head towards the water to visit Branson Landing, the busiest attraction on the waterfront. This vibrant entertainment center is packed with stores, boutiques, and restaurants. It’s also where you can board a tour on the Lake Queen, a renovated replica of an old-fashioned riverboat, courtesy of Main Street Lake Cruises. Options include daytime sightseeing tours to evening fireworks cruises.

Near Branson Landing is the Branson Depot, where you can do more sightseeing, this time on a restored railcar from the 1940s and 50s. The Branson Scenic Railway is a great way to explore the stunning scenery of the Ozarks while leaving your hiking boots at home. In November and December, the railway runs a Polar Express for families celebrating the season.

Osceola

A waterfront town on the banks of the Osage River in St Clair County, Osceola has lots of activity in its bustling downtown. If you’re in the mood to shop, you can pick up some unusual souvenirs in its welcoming local businesses. Check out the Osceola Cheese Co., established in 1944 and offering great varieties of cheese and homemade ice cream. Next, head to historic Osceola Square, where you’ll find the Pine Street Merchantile, a quaint gift shop packed with repurposed items, antiques, home decor, boutique clothing, and more.

For a taste of Osceola’s fascinating past, visit the St Clair County Museum and Research Library. Housed in a historic church on Main Street, the museum has displays and exhibits of key moments in Missouri history, including the burning of Osceola in 1861, the exploits of legendary outlaw Jesse James, and the heated border war between Missouri and Kansas.

Boonville

A beautiful town overlooking the Missouri River, Boonville boasts over 400 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Pick up a guide from the Visitors Center to see 23 of them on Boonville’s self-guided walking tour. Stops include the Old Jail, in operation from 1848 - 1978, and Hotel Frederick, built in 1905 and a stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture.

The hotel is steps away from the trailhead to the scenic Katy Trail, which stretches over 200 miles across Missouri and is an easily walkable pathway repurposed from former railway lines. This section of the trail heads east, between towering bluffs and the river. The Boonville Visitor Center is just beside the trail and houses another popular Boonville attraction, the Rivers, Rails, and Trails Museum which charts the history of the region’s transportation through the ages.

Kirksville

Founded by industrious pioneers including its namesake James Kirk, Kirkville is a historic town that played a key part in the American Civil War. Step back in time through this fascinating past at the Adair County Historical Society Museum, where you can view pioneer artifacts, Native American relics, and Civil War memorabilia.

If you’re staying in town, catch a show at the Curtain Call Theater which stages new plays and modern classics courtesy of Kirksville’s talented local actors. Experience more art at the Kirksville Arts Center which hosts workshops, concerts, and art shows throughout the year. Kirksville is also home to the Truman State University where you’ll find the Ruth W Towne Museum and Visitors Center, a multi-media museum dedicated to the history of the college.

Arrowrock

Founded in 1829, the entire village of Arrowrock is a National Historic Landmark. This tiny town is highly walkable. Stroll around the quaint streets to see sights, including the 1872 Christian Church, the 1839 Miller-Bradford House, and the log-built courthouse erected in the mid-1800s. After your walk, fuel up at another local landmark, the J Huston Tavern, built in 1834 and still serving traditional country cooking.

Book a Friends of Arrowrock tour to see all of Arrowrock’s many historical sites. Options include 75-minute tram tours, Life in the 1800s tours, and Preservation tours. While visiting the Friends of Arrowrock, take some time to browse their extensive gift shop, which offers souvenirs, Missouri-made gifts, handcrafted items, and more.

Sedalia

Known as the ‘queen city of the prairies’, Sedalia is a historic town with a quaint downtown that’s always busy with activity. Every Thursday during the summer months, the streets become an open-air market with First Thursdays, an event showcasing the town’s food, culture, businesses, and music.

Ragtime legend Scott Joplin lived in Sedalia in the late 1800s and the town has continued his legacy with a keen focus on the arts. In May, ragtime takes over the Sedalia streets for the annual Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival. But it’s not just music that takes centerstage in Sedalia. You’ll notice some beautiful artwork and architecture strolling around downtown, including the historic Hotel Bothwell, built in 1927 with a classic American Revival-style design. Visit Sedalia City Hall to see a colorful mural of Sedalia’s history of ragtime and the railroad. Nearby, the Sedalia Public Library is an imposing Greek Revival-style structure on the National Register of Historic Places.

Discover The Magic Of Missouri’s Main Streets

Take a ride on a riverboat, follow the exploits of outlaw Jesse James, go back to where ragtime started, or enjoy a meal in a Civil War-era tavern — if your idea of the perfect vacation is unique experiences, beautiful scenery, and friendly towns, then Missouri should be the next destination on your travel bucket list. The Show Me state is full of surprises. Whether you’re a history-lover, a fan of the arts, a culture vulture, or just want somewhere to relax and unwind, there’s something for everyone in the vibrant downtown streets of Missouri’s charming small towns.