SAINTE GENEVIEVE
1 hour
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The oldest town in the state draws you in with its rich history and stunning French colonial architecture, and keeps you entertained with cultural attractions, from the Ste. Genevieve Museum Learning Center (home to Missouri’s dinosaur) to the picturesque hills of nearby wine country. (Click here for more details about Ste. Genevieve.)
NEW HAVEN
1 hour
Located in Missouri’s wine country, New Haven is nestled along an active train route next to the Missouri River, making it an excellent base for exploring the town and nearby wineries and breweries. In town, Pinckney Bend Distillery and Paddle Stop Brewery offer refreshing beverages and scenic views.
- Must-Visit: Visit Astral Glass Studio to see skilled glassblowers in action and discover unique handcrafted home and kitchen items.
- Hidden Gem: Reserve a canoe adventure on the Missouri River with Paddle Stop, which provides introductory classes and full-moon outings.
IRONTON
1.5 hours
Situated in the heart of the Arcadia Valley, the Iron County seat is an ideal starting point for adventures in the Ozark countryside or to explore Missouri’s Civil War history at Fort Davidson. Make sure to visit Arcadia Valley Soap Company for unique gifts or enjoy a home-cooked meal at Thee Abbey Kitchen at Arcadia Academy.
- Must-Visit: Take a hike at Elephant Rocks State Park, just 10 minutes north of town, featuring unique landscapes and well-maintained trails suitable for the entire family.
- Hidden Gem: The trails at Shepherd Mountain Bike Park offer some of the most thrilling and challenging technical biking (and hiking) experiences in the Midwest.
FULTON
2 hours
Known for the National Churchill Museum, Fulton is famous as the site of Winston Churchill’s iconic “Iron Curtain” speech. To honor his pursuit of peace, a significant portion of the Berlin Wall is displayed as a sculpture on the campus of Westminster College.
- Must-Visit: Explore the newly renovated National Churchill Museum, featuring engaging exhibits on the London Blitz, wartime experiences, and World War II espionage.
- Hidden Gem: Wander through the downtown Brick District, where you can shop, dine, and experience local businesses, including GoPo Gourmet Popcorn, known for its distinctive black truffle lemon peel popcorn.
ARROW ROCK
2.5 hours
Once a key stop on the Santa Fe Trail, this entire town (with 56 permanent residents) is now designated as a National Historic Landmark.
- Must-Visit: Attend a performance at The Lyceum Theatre, celebrated for its professional-level productions and musicals like A Christmas Carol and Jersey Boys.
- Hidden Gem: Every December, Arrow Rock State Historic Site hosts Old Fashioned Christmas in the Village, allowing visitors to glimpse life in the mid-1800s, complete with travelers at the tavern and children in the schoolhouse preparing for a festive meal.
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS
4 hours
Located just northeast of Kansas City, Excelsior Springs became well-known in the late 19th century for its healing waters, and it continues to thrive as a spa town with its mineral springs.
- Must-Visit: The Hall of Waters is an Art Deco masterpiece from the 1930s and the most significant Federal Public Works Administration project in Missouri. It now features a small museum, a visitor center, and a mineral water bar.
- Hidden Gem: Have lunch at Willow Spring Mercantile, where you can enjoy a café backed by a boutique that offers the largest selection of Missouri wines, craft beers, and spirits in the state.
CLINTON
4 hours
Home to the largest town square in Missouri, Clinton features the western trailhead of the Katy Trail, excellent shopping, dining, and the Henry County Courthouse.
- Must-Visit: Visit the Henry County Museum and Cultural Arts Center, a collection of restored historic buildings with costumed guides.
- Hidden Gem: Don’t miss the annual Wine Stroll, held each fall, showcasing flavors from over a dozen Missouri wineries along with classes, parties, and giveaways.
CARTHAGE
4 hours
After being rebuilt during the Victorian era following destruction during Civil War skirmishes, Carthage now boasts over 600 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including one of
