Mayberry. Stars Hollow. Hallmark movie towns. We’ve all seen these Hollywood depictions of idyllic—and, at times, quirky—small towns, and we’ve no doubt used them to describe many communities we encounter. When we hear these names, we picture a quaint town square, townspeople greeting each other on the street, and a slower-paced lifestyle where everyone has time for family dinner, community events, and leisurely chats on the sidewalk. But let’s not leave it to Hollywood. Small Town Missouri invites you to discover for yourself what the often overlooked small communities in the Show Me State have to offer.

Throughout the dynamic, complicated, ever-changing story of this nation, small towns have endured. Though large cities grew up around them, small towns have maintained successful businesses, preserved historic main streets, and carried on community traditions like festivals and fundraisers. When visiting a small town in Missouri, whether you’re stopping for a bite to eat, visiting an attraction, or staying the weekend, you’ll find that the people take care of you because they want to help you enjoy the place they are proud to call home.

Each of the 50 towns featured in this book has a unique story to share. You’ve no doubt heard of (or visited) several, but there are many you likely don’t know! Some may have more attractions or a past with twists and turns, but all are worthy of a visit and have made their mark in the history and culture of the state. The best way to use this book? Plan a trip! Choose a town for a day trip, two or three for a long weekend, or more for a Missouri road trip, and set out on an adventure to discover the wonder and awe of small-town Missouri.