Just take a two-hour drive north of St. Louis and travel from the bright lights of the big city to the inspiration behind America’s best literature: Hannibal, childhood home of author Mark Twain.
Be sure to check each attraction’s website for updated hours.
Mark Twain’s Hometown
Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
Hannibal was just a small village when Samuel Clemens grew up there. Discover the town that encouraged a young man to become first a riverboat pilot and then author Mark Twain by taking a self-guided tour of the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. The two interactive museums also include 15 original Norman Rockwell paintings, live performances, historic artifacts and treasured Clemens family belongings.
Jim Waddell as Mark Twain
Meet the man himself – in a way – by attending one of the Mark Twain shows. See Mark Twain Live at Mark Twain Cave’s Cave Hollow Complex, featuring Jim Waddell as the famous author.
Mark Twain Cave Complex
There’s only one place in the country where a young Samuel Clemens played (and left his autograph) in a cave made famous in his novels: the Mark Twain Cave Complex. Set aside about an hour to tour this registered National Natural Landmark, and remember: the temperature down under is 52 degrees year-round.
Local Attraction
Molly Brown Birthplace and Museum
Molly Brown was on her way home to Hannibal when the Titanic sank. Learn more about this “Unsinkable” heroine of the Titanic. Visit the place where one of America’s most fascinating rags-to-riches stories began. Just a few short blocks from downtown, Margaret (Molly) Tobin Brown’s birthplace in an original Irish immigrant’s cottage has been restored. See photo displays on her life in Hannibal, and the world, plus a room dedicated to the Titanic’s voyage.
Restaurants and Dining
The Brick Oven
If your taste buds are demanding Italian, head to The Brick Oven for a taste of Tuscany, with wood-fired brick oven pizza, pasta and entrees made with the freshest ingredients. Their wine list is stocked with hand-picked Italian imports.
Becky’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and Emporium
For an afternoon treat or dessert, Becky’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor is a don’t-miss. Indulge in an old-fashioned ice cream confection or special concoction and browse books from children’s classics to Mark Twain and Hannibal region special books and souvenirs.
Places to Stay
Rockcliffe Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Combine an elegant place to lay your head with a spectacular river view at Rockcliffe Mansion Bed and Breakfast. The historic Georgian Revival mansion was built between 1898 and 1900, is furnished with original antiques and offers daily guided tours. But be aware, the mansion is closed during the winter months.
The Belvedere Inn
This exquisitely and extensively restored 1859 Italianate mansion is just four blocks from Hannibal’s Historic Downtown. The building may be mid-19th century, but the luxury is all 21st century, with two-person subway-tiled showers, high thread count sheets and smart TVs. Breakfast is all made from scratch, accompanied by freshly ground dark roast coffee.