Things To Do In Hannibal, Missouri

Contents

Places to visit in Hannibal, MO.

If you’re looking for things to do in Hannibal, Missouri, you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find a great selection of fun things to do here, including the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, Lovers’ Leap, and Riverview Park. Several other attractions, from the history museum to the lighthouse, also keep you entertained.

Hannibal is a quaint town that boasts many exciting attractions and museums. It is located on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River, about 120 miles north of St. Louis. In addition to sightseeing, the city is home to various restaurants, shopping centers, galleries, and parks.

Mark Twain Cave

Mark Twain Cave is an attraction that has captivated the hearts of many. The attraction is located in Hannibal, Missouri, one of the state’s most popular attractions.

The attraction is open year-round and allows visitors to explore limestone formations. Visitors can also take a ghost walking tour.

A Mark Twain Cave tour lasts about an hour. There are no steps or climbing, and the walkways are smooth. You will be given a guide.

Mark Twain Cave has four entrances. Tours are available daily at $24.99 per person. The tour takes about a mile. Therefore, you will want to wear sensible walking shoes and a light jacket.

The walls are covered in black soot from candlelit tours. In addition, you will find thousands of signatures etched into the limestone.

The cave was also home to the outlaws Jesse James and Frank James. After a robbery in 1879, they hid in the cave. This is where they were discovered.

In 1972, the Mark Twain Cave Complex was designated a national natural landmark. Tourists have visited it for more than 200 years.

One of the main reasons for the cave’s popularity is the characters portrayed in Mark Twain’s writings. Samuel Clemens, or “Mark Twain,” was a well-known writer who lived in Hannibal, Missouri, from 1839 until 1853. His writings led to the name change of the cave.

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum

Hannibal, Missouri, is home to the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum, a complex of eight historic buildings and one interactive museum. This museum is an excellent attraction for the whole family.

The Mark Twain Boyhood Home consists of several buildings, most of which are still intact. In the first two buildings, visitors can see the boyhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain. His family lived in this house from 1844 until 1853.

USA Quiz

How many questions would you like?

Mark Twain boyhood home — Mark Twain’s boyhood home

During this time, the Clemens family moved into a house across the street. They lived here during a period of financial difficulty. A second story was added, increasing the living space.

Visitors can tour Mark Twain’s boyhood home and its garden. The home features period furnishings. You can also see his desk, where he wrote “Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”

The Mark Twain Boyhood home is accessible to the public. It is open year-round except for major federal holidays.

Lover’s Leap

Lover’s Leap in Hannibal, Missouri, is a landmark overlooking the Mississippi River. It is a popular sightseeing spot for tourists and locals alike.

The name Lover’s Leap was given to this site in 1840. Historically it was a part of a large estate owned by Settles-Trice. Today it is a city park that offers scenic views of the river.

Located off Highway 79, the five-acre park features a picnic shelter, benches, and panoramic views of the Mississippi River. In addition to its scenic attractions, the park also offers historical information about the site.

Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse

The Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse in Hannibal, Missouri, is a must-see for locals and visitors alike. This modern-era monument is an homage to the man who penned some of America’s most quotable prose.

Among its more than 10 acres of park, you can find one of the city’s best views, if not the state. On a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of the Mississippi River snaking its way through town. There are no shortages of people to talk to and many food and drink options for those looking to sample the wares.

While at it, don’t forget to check out the Mark Twain Memorial Bridge over the Mississippi River, which connects Missouri with Illinois.

Hannibal History Museum

The Hannibal History Museum is a local museum located in Hannibal, Missouri. It opened in 2011. Visitors can learn about the history of the city and the surrounding area. This museum features interactive exhibits and tells stories about the Civil War, railroads, steamboats, and the lumber industry.

There are also many art galleries in Hannibal. In addition, there are festivals and events in the city each year. Some festivals include the Fourth of July Fireworks display at Lover’s Leap, the annual mud volleyball contest, and the Tom Sawyer Days celebration.

The city of Hannibal has over 20 parks. These include scenic overlooks and challenging walking trails. They are located along the riverfront and offer stunning views of the Mississippi River.

There are also several historical statues in the city. Many figures are related to the stories of Hannibal’s most famous residents. Several of these statues are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

You can also enjoy the Mark Twain Cave, Missouri’s oldest show cave. This is where Twain played as a child. You can also take a boat cruise on the Mississippi River. There are narrated cruises offered by the Mark Twain Riverboat.

Riverview Park

Riverview Park is a historic prairie-style public park in Hannibal, Missouri. The park was built from the year 1909 to 1929. It was designed by noted landscape architect Ossian C. Simonds, who was a pioneer in developing the prairie style of landscape design. In addition to a beautiful park, the park includes a variety of amenities such as shelters, picnic tables, restrooms, and playgrounds. Riverview Park was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on September 6, 2005.

Riverview Park is a great place to walk around, play in the playground, sit under the shade of a tree, enjoy a picnic, or sit and watch the sunrise. Among the amenities are the Pettibone Memorial, the Clemens Memorial, and the Clemens Memorial Trail.

Places to go in Hannibal, Missouri

The park is a favorite amongst residents and visitors of the town of Hannibal and is a fond link to the past. In addition to its scenic view of the Mississippi River, Riverview Park is home to several monuments and statues and is a popular destination for weddings and birthday parties.

Visitors to the park can also take advantage of the Pettibone Memorial, a commemorative statue of one of the city’s early residents. Located at the park’s center, the memorial honors the lives of Pettibone and his wife, Helen, and their son, William.