麻豆AV

Missouri is full of surprises. With over 6,100 known caves, more than 300 miles of Route 66, and nearly 90,000 farms, the state has plenty of unexpected stories to tell. Some of the most fascinating ones come from its smallest towns, where you can find everything from herds of wild horses and hypnosis shows to classic drive-in theaters. Even if you think you know Missouri inside and out, these eclectic towns might surprise you.

Eminence

Eminence is famous for the wild horses that roam near the Jack鈥檚 Fork and Current Rivers just outside town. Their origins remain uncertain, but many believe they descend from domesticated horses released by farmers during the Great Depression when they could no longer care for them. Today, these wild horses are a legally protected group, roaming the Ozarks. In addition to trying to spot this majestic herd of horses, travelers can visit some of the nearby caves. Devil鈥檚 Well is an interesting one to check out, located along Highway KK. This cave consists of a massive sinkhole opening that leads to an underground lake bigger than a football field. Round Spring Cave, meanwhile, is roughly 12 miles north of Eminence and features more than a mile of passages with intricate rock formations that travelers can explore via a guided tour with the National Park Service. For a bit of history, make sure to stop by the Alley Mill, a striking red mill from the late 19th century that was once among the area's largest and served as an important source of food.

Branson

Nicknamed 鈥淎merica's Top Live Music Show Destination鈥�, Branson has over 100 live shows on its calendar for 2025. These live shows take place in a variety of theaters throughout town, including the Americana Theatre and Branson Hot Hits Theatre, and will include performances ranging from comedy hypnosis shows to country hits and 80s tunes. Before attending one of the live shows, consider stopping into one of the town鈥檚 strange museums, such as the 鈥淩ipley's Believe It or Not!鈥� Museum, which features more than 450 wacky artifacts, strange optical illusions, and interactive exhibits. If you are traveling in a group, consider grabbing a bite at the Branson Board Game Cafe, where you can have coffee and deli sandwiches while choosing from over 1,000 games.

Neosho

Affectionately referred to as 鈥淭he Flowerbox City鈥�, visitors will find the 麻豆AV鈥檚 largest flowerbox in Neosho. Inside a 66-foot-long railcar that has been in town since 2001, travelers will find a colorful garden that volunteers come together to plant annually. There are a variety of exciting parks to explore in Neosho as well. Mountain bikers can head over to the High Ground Bike Preserve, which offers over eight miles of mountain biking trails as well as a bicycle playground for the kids. Antique hunters will also have plenty to do while in Neosho. The Antique-ish Antique Mall and Flea Market features over 300 booths spread across 50,000 square feet, offering plenty of chances for even the most selective shoppers to uncover a treasure. After an afternoon of mountain biking or antique shopping, visitors can unwind for the evening at Indian Springs Brewing Company, which serves locally brewed craft beers and sodas.

Weston

Weston has a tasty agricultural and culinary scene to explore, surrounded by local farms, vineyards, and orchards. Green Dirt Farm & Creamery is a great place to start your farm tour, producing some of the region鈥檚 most delicious cheeses, ice creams, local meats, and craft beer. Travelers can either enjoy their treats at the farm鈥檚 picnic area or order them to go. Open from May to November, travelers should also make sure to visit the Historic Weston Orchard & Vineyard. Sitting on 50 acres of land, this orchard and vineyard give travelers a chance to pick their own apples or blackberries or sip on the farm鈥檚 locally produced wine or cider. Beyond its agricultural roots, Weston is also home to the National Silk Art Museum. This museum is home to the largest collection of 18th and 19th-century silk tapestries, primarily originating from England and France.

Hannibal

As the boyhood home of American author Mark Twain, Hannibal is one of Missouri鈥檚 top destinations for literary fanatics. Those eager to explore Mark Twain鈥檚 inspirations can visit the Mark Twain Cave Complex, the state's oldest show cave, where a winding labyrinth helped shape The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Afterward, visitors can hop aboard the bright red and green trolley of Historic Hannibal City Tours, which operates starting in May and stops at key landmarks throughout town. From March 7 to 9, travelers can participate in Hannibal鈥檚 annual chocolate extravaganza, using a 鈥渃hocolate passport鈥� to claim sweet treats from cafes and restaurants across town. Make sure to grab a souvenir to remember Hannibal at the Mark Twain Book & Gift Store, which sells everything from t-shirts and keychains to handmade goods from local artisans.

Carthage

Established in 1842, Carthage is situated along the iconic Route 66, offering a nostalgic and historic experience. From April through October, travelers can step back in time with a drive-in movie at the 66 Drive-In Theatre, open Friday and Saturday nights beneath the stars. Red Oak II is another roadside attraction worth a stop. This small village was designed by artist Lowell Davis to resemble a 20th-century ghost town, complete with a gas station, general store, and schoolhouse. If you are looking for a place to stay, consider the Boots Court Motel, a restored mid-20th-century gem featuring renovated rooms with nostalgic touches like a radio in every room.

Final Thoughts

There are so many interesting towns to visit in Missouri that it can be hard to narrow them down. If you like Route 66 history, you might enjoy a visit to Carthage. To explore some of Missouri鈥檚 most impressive caves or see some of the state鈥檚 wild horses, Eminence could be a good travel destination. Regardless of where you decide to travel, rest assured that you will leave with a lot of memorable stories and a desire to return.