Interstates have long been to blame for the slow death of America's small towns. Ghost towns have popped up all across the nation near old highways, but you'll find some of the best forgotten towns along the old Route 66. When traveling down this old highway, you'll encounter Red Oak II, a re-located ghost town that has slowly come back to life. It might just be the most unusual town in Missouri, and it's perfect for an Autumn day trip.
Lowell Davis, an artist by trade, lived in the forgotten town of Red Oak, Missouri prior to World War II. By 1950 the town began to fade and by 1970, when Davis returned, the town was abandoned.
In 1987, Davis decided to bring his hometown back to life. Over the next few years, he personally moved buildings from Red Oak and other Ozark ghost towns to his farm, dubbing it Red Oak II.
Admission into this ghost town is completely free, although donations are appreciated. This strange little town is hauntingly beautiful and so fun to explore. Imagine gassing up at this iconic Route 66 station.
You'll feel right at home when you visit Red Oak II. Locals love to tell you about the history of the buildings, art, and vehicles. However, do remember to respect the privacy of those who live here.
At times Red Oak II feels like a scene out of Pleasantville. Yet, this picture perfect ghost town is real and it's the perfect location for an Autumn day trip.
Take Route 66 for an amazing scenic trip through Missouri to Carthage. Red Oak II is located just 4 miles from downtown Carthage. If you visit, you might just get to visit with Mr. Davis!
If You Only Have One Day To Visit This Small Town In Missouri, Here’s Everything You Absolutely Can’t Miss
Discover the best things to do in Washington, Missouri, in just one day! Explore local art, history, unique shops, train watching, and more in this small town.
Tucked along the banks of the Missouri River, Washington, Missouri, is the perfect destination for a one-day adventure. With its rich history, thriving arts scene, and local charm, this small town offers a taste of everything that makes Missouri special. In just one day, you can explore a National Historic Trail, browse locally-made goods, take in local art, find unique old books, step into a historic factory, and even watch trains rumble by, all while soaking in Washington’s small-town hospitality. Best of all, nearly every must-see stop is within walking distance, so lace up your sneakers and get ready to explore!
Your first stop in Washington should be WashMO On the Go, a one-of-a-kind shop that doubles as the town’s unofficial visitors center. Owner Toni has thoughtfully curated a space that’s more than just a shopping experience; it's an insider’s guide to all things Washington. She knows the town like the back of her hand, so don't be shy if you have any questions. You’ll be hard-pressed to stump her!
Housed in the historic 1888 Water Works Building, the shop is a treasure trove of local history. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on Lewis and Clark, Daniel Boone, Native American history, and even a model train exhibit that kids (and adults!) will love, especially given its location right next to the railroad.
The shop showcases goods from over 72 local artisans and crafters, offering everything from handmade gifts to vintage finds, antiques, and seasonal decor.
The shop is family-friendly, featuring a 2,000-gallon fish tank with local Missouri River fish, dioramas of local animals, a Lewis & Clark boat replica, and a train car to sit in. Plus, a tactile exhibit featuring locally resourced bones, insects, rocks, and furs.
Open seven days a week, WashMO On the Go is the perfect place to grab a snack, pick up maps of the area, and even get your National Parks Passport stamped (the shop is located on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail). I was surprised this stop made it on the National Parks list, and it made me want to explore further what parks are included in the National Parks system; check out the link.
Take in Local Art in Washington, Missouri
If you’re going to visit a local art gallery, you’d want to go to the one owned by the head of the local arts council, right? Room for Art in Historic Downtown Washington, Missouri, has some of what you might expect: beautiful oil paintings, watercolors, and photography, much of it showcasing local scenery. But I love this gallery's approachability and community-driven spirit through the goods it offers. In addition to fine art, local artisans can make usable pieces, like handcrafted leather keychains, wallets, walking sticks, greeting cards, and fiber arts (they make great gifts). It's the perfect blend of art you can admire and art you can take home.
Visit a Historic Factory, the First and Last of Its Kind
One of Washington's most unique stops is the Missouri Meerschaum Company, the only remaining factory in the world that still manufactures corn cob pipes. I know, corn cob pipes? Stick with me here; this place has over 150 years of rich history!
The on-site museum tells the story of the company’s beginnings in 1869 and features an impressive collection of documents and correspondence from famous literary figures and military personalities who enjoyed their pipes. A tour guide will walk you through the factory’s history and the craftsmanship that has kept the company thriving for over a century. Even if pipes aren’t your thing, it’s hard not to respect the legacy of this factory. They sell tobacco, “cob wear,” and natural pipes from their Cornabis Collection, a nod to Missouri’s legal cannabis scene. This was one stop that local guide Toni from WashMO On the Go insisted you can't miss!
Washington Is One of the Best Places in Missouri to Watch Trains
Even if you’re not a rail fan, there’s something captivating about watching trains in Washington, Missouri. I feel like the steady rhythm of the wheels on the tracks, the distant whistle, and the sheer power of these machines can be mesmerizing. Trains evoke a sense of exploration and movement, a reminder of the open road or, in this case, the open rails. The anticipation of spotting a train builds excitement; hearing it approach, seeing it emerge in the distance, and feeling it rumble by is exhilarating, much like birdwatching when you spot a rare species.
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Here Are Three Ways You Can be a Trainspotter in Washington, Missouri:
1. The Amtrak Station
Housed in the historic 1923 Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot: Amtrak Train Station Washington, Missouri, also serves as a visitor center and home to the Mid-Missouri Fine Arts Gallery. Here, you can watch trains go by while waiting in the passenger room or exploring the depot’s history.
2. Rennick Riverfront Park
Just a block from downtown, this riverfront park in Washington, Missouri, is steps away from the railroad and offers an unobstructed view of trains passing by, with the Missouri River in the background. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in both natural and mechanical beauty.
3. Marquart's Landing
For a more up-close-and-personal train-watching experience, grab a bite to eat at Marquart's Landing, a restaurant practically perched on the railroad tracks. Sit out on the amazing patio, and you’ll feel the vibrations and hear the sounds of trains passing right next to you.
And here’s a bonus stop for train enthusiasts: while it’s not the real thing, the Iron Spike Train Museum is still worth a visit. The museum features model trains of various scales on working tracks, exhibits on train history, and a library dedicated to railroading.
If you only have one day to spend in Washington, Missouri, you’ll be amazed by how much this small town has to offer. From its rich history to its vibrant arts scene, Washington is a perfect mix of heritage and local charm. What are some of your favorite small towns in Missouri?
Step into the early 20th century through historic buildings and timeless books, all in one excursion. This Missouri literary road trip spans two counties, but you can explore all five stops in just a few hours—unless you lose yourself in a cozy reading nook along the way. Discover your next favorite book, dive into regional history, and hang out in cool neighborhoods on this unique journey.
1. St. Louis Public Library, Central Library - Downtown St. Louis
It might be a mistake to start our trip here because you could truly spend the whole day at the St. Louis Public Library, Central Library. This historic library, built in 1912, is known for its beautiful reading rooms and extensive collections of over four million items. It is a perfect stop for those who love books and stunning design. You can take an architectural tour on Mondays and Saturdays; no need to make a reservation; just check the tour times. The library was renovated to modernize the interior and refurbish many historic rooms to their turn-of-the-century grandeur. But don't worry if you love the smell of old books; they are still there.
This iconic indie bookstore, located in the Central West End, has been a staple since 1969. Left Bank Books offers everything from bestsellers to rare finds and hosts regular author events. You'll also find progressive political books and art that mirror the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the Central West End neighborhood. The walkable neighborhood has a "European feel," where you can stroll between outdoor cafes and independent shops.
3. Subterranean Books - University City, St. Louis
Subterranean Books is another indie gem located inside an iconic neighborhood. You can take your time browsing here. The shop is packed with books but doesn't feel crowded. The incredible selection spans all genres and all ages. You'll find the newest titles, Black history, feminism, LGBT+ books, and more. You may even encounter the shop kitty Titus when you stop in. If you don't know what you're looking for, check in with the friendly staff for a recommendation. University City, or U-City, is another fun, walkable neighborhood with music venues, galleries, restaurants, and local shops.
The next part of our literary road trip takes us across the Missouri River into St. Charles County, Missouri. This area is rich in history. St. Charles itself was Missouri's first state capital between 1821 and 1826. The first part of the trip is in the area's oldest neighborhood, St. Charles Historic Main Street.
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4. Main Street Books - St. Charles
Located in the heart of historic St. Charles, this independent bookstore offers a warm, inviting atmosphere and a great selection of new and local authors. Main Street Books also has a selection of locally made book-themed crafts made by Missourians. As the shop is in a historic building, be prepared to climb three levels to explore all the books and gifts. An adventure within an adventure!
5. St. Charles City-County Library, Kathryn Linnemann Branch - St. Charles
I saved my favorite stop for last. While working there one afternoon, I stumbled upon an incredible local history and genealogy collection at the St. Charles City-County Library, Kathryn Linnemann Branch. When taking a break from my laptop, I found the Bizelli Flemming Collection, which focuses mainly on St. Charles County and the counties that adjoin it. You might be scratching your head, wondering why you, as a traveler, might find this collection interesting. The Indexes are compilations of old newspapers, county and state records, photos, advertisements, and obituaries. If you're into old stuff and learning how real people lived, it is a chance to get your hands on history in a way you can't access at museums.
I spoke with one of the librarians, Jim, who was excited to tell me about one of the most interesting books in the collection. America celebrated its first centennial in 1876. Nationwide, Congress encouraged counties to publish a historical record up to 1876. The Goodspeed Company would send liaisons to gather information from locals and publish a book that tells the history of geography, government, and religious institutions. A copy of St. Charles County's is housed at the Kathryn Linnemann Branch.
I believe books are about inspiration. What do you think of this literary road trip in Missouri? Are you inspired to get on the road? What other stops would you add? Let us know! Road-tripping in Missouri is so easy and so much fun. We've got you covered with more of the best road trips in Missouri. I'd always encourage you to shop locally at these independent bookstores, but if you can't find what you're looking for, check out one of my favorite online bookshops.
