Any of us who have lived here in Missouri for a decent length of time, know that there are so many hidden gems and small towns that our state has. 

Many of them are worth visiting.  With Thanksgiving weekend coming, and many people going out of town, maybe in the future, you will want to take a 3 or 4 day weekend and visit these 6 destinations in northern Missouri. Let's begin.

Jesse James Home Museum - St Joseph

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Facebook - Jesse James Home Museum
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Did you know that the famous outlaw Jesse James met his demise in Missouri? I didn't but I could learn that info if I visit the museum in St Joseph Missouri.  The Jesse James Home Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and death of the fugitive. It is a one-story, Greek Revival style frame dwelling measuring 24 feet, 2 inches, wide and 30 feet, 4 inches, deep. You can visit their Facebook page HERE.

Mozingo Lake Recreation Park - Maryville

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Mozingo Lake Recreation Park is a municipal park located 5 miles east of Maryville, Missouri.  Maryville's population is only about 11,000 or so, but this park will offer options for boating, golf, rustic cabins and RV and camping options.  You can check out their website HERE.  If you like to hunt and fish, this also may be worth checking out. Horseback riding is also available there.  Their Facebook page link is HERE.

Main Street - Chillicothe

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Facebook - Main Street Chillicothe
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Sliced bread can claim Chillicothe as its birthplace.  Seriously.  Their website link is HERE.  Chillicothe is a thriving community in north central Missouri, and their historic Main Street is the heart of this great town.  The purpose of Main Street Chillicothe is to enhance the vitality of the downtown by preservation of its architectural, commercial, and cultural heritage; encouraging education and community awareness of resources available to property and business owners; stimulating economic development through its design, economic vitality, and organization committees; and promoting Chillicothe as an attractive city in which to shop, dine, work, live, and be entertained. Facebook link is HERE.

Thousand Hills State Park - Kirksville

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The rolling, wooded hills of Thousand Hills State Park bring a piece of Ozark beauty to northern Missouri. Two miles west of Kirksville, Thousand Hills has a lot to offer, from hiking, cycling, camping, and interpretive programs to dining, swimming, cabins, and a marina. The park’s centerpiece, scenic Forest Lake, gives visitors a chance to enjoy fishing and boating.  Their Facebook page link is HERE.  You can click HERE to get more info from their website, and plan your visit.

Hannibal, Missouri

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The home of Mark Twain.  Hannibal is site of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, an iconic statue of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, and the Mark Twain Cave. This would be a wonderful place to check out for their thriving downtown, a boat ride down the Mississippi and so much more.  You can click HERE for the town's website.  Check out their Facebook page HERE for more details.

Long Branch State Park - Macon

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Long Branch State Park spans more than 1,800 acres, so you have a lot to explore. Long Branch Lake is a big feature of this state park.  With its sandy beach, it’s particularly popular in the summertime.

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Facebook - Long Branch State Park
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You can check out their Facebook page HERE.  For more info on the state park check out the website HERE.

Have you been through any of these towns and places?  How was your experiences?  Feel free to share, and happy travels.

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