26 Best & Fun Things to Do in Hannibal (MO)

Looking for the best and fun things to do in Hannibal, MO? This city sure has some cool attractions and activities for a fun exploration.

Hannibal is a beautiful city located on the Mississippi River in Northeast Missouri with a population of seventeen thousand, three hundred and twenty according to the last census.

The city is home to the Mark Twain Boyhood museum where the famous American Writer grew up and began his career.

Hannibal is an outstanding city filled with various cultures and histories that contribute to the city’s immense beauty and adventures.

There are many exciting attractions where you can have fun all the way or just sit back and relax. This unique city never runs out of beautiful places and exciting sites that not just bring you closer to nature but also teaches you more about history and culture.

Are you planning an exploration of Hannibal? Here are the top things to do in Hannibal, MO.

Things to Do in Hannibal

1. Mark Twain’s Boyhood Home

Mark Twain’s boyhood home has lots of stories revolving around it, interesting stories, though. So if you are curious about the history of the home, visiting Mark Twain’s boyhood home is one of the fun things to do in Hannibal.

Mark Twain’s boyhood home is a popular tourist attraction in the city that welcomes hundreds of visitors.

Mark Twain was a young boy from a little town that became the most loved Author in America, and his house currently serves as a museum.

The Museum contains a wide range of exhibits inspired by books, beautiful sculptures, and his books.

Many people visit his home as a way to pay tribute to the celebrated intellectual; when you visit, do well to tour Mark Twain’s boyhood home.

You get to discover how he transformed his childhood friends into characters in his novel and also glance through some of his other novels, like explore a cave with Tom and Becky, ride a raft with Huck and Jim, and more.

Mark Twain’s boyhood home consists of three gift stores that feature a special collection of books, gifts, and souvenirs.

Address: 120 N Main St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

2. Becky Thatcher’s House

Another top thing to do in Hannibal is visiting the Becky Thatcher’s House; it was the home of the Elijah Hawkins Family.

Laura Hawkins, his daughter, was a childhood friend of Mark Twain and his muse for Becky Thatcher, a character in his book “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”

Becky Thatcher’s House was purchased by the Mark Twain museum in January, 2001 from private ownership.

The building was recently renovated in 2016; the Becky Thatcher store is fully packed with a variety of toys, books, and dolls.

Becky Thatcher’s House plays an essential part in the Mark Twain National Register of Historic District, make sure you stop by.

Address: 213 Hill St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

3. The Haunted Museum

If you’re a fan of horrifying and unnerving stories, add a visit to the haunted museum to your list of best things to do in Hannibal.

The haunted museum promotes the culture and history of Hannibal; it also features a cemetery just beside it, which makes it more terrifying and fun.

It is themed as a haunted museum because it is said to be haunted by ghosts; you get to discover stories of murder and wrongdoings that occurred during the days of Mark Twain boyhood.

The haunted museum offers tours throughout the museum, including the cemetery, where you find out any spooky activity and check out the graves of civil war soldiers and slaves.

The museum offers private and group tours with dinner and tour packages, so offer you book your reservation in advance.

Address: 200 N Main St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

4. Ayers Pottery

Ayers Pottery should be your number one destination when you want to shop for unique and beautiful items.

It is a locally owned pottery store located in the Historic Downtown Hannibal and is highly recognized in the country for its exceptional products.

Ayers Pottery features the pottery work of Steve Ayers, who has been in pottery making for more than thirty years. They make every piece of pottery with customers in mind with long-lasting durability and highly safe for food.

Ayers Pottery produces an extensive collection of drinkware, bakeware, homeware, serveware, and dinnerware.

The pottery works are oven-safe, handles are always comfortable, fit in the dishwasher, and are incredibly beautiful.

Address: 308 N 3rd St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

5. The Historic Downtown

The Historic Downtown is the heart and soul of Hannibal. It is a favorite location for many tourists and locals alike.

This district offers nothing short of excitement and expedition as there are fun attractions at almost every corner in the area.

The Historic Downtown is filled with several shops and food eateries with unique bakeries featuring nice outdoor seatings.

There are so many things to do here, like shopping, touring the classical views of the architecture of the structures, visiting historical museums, hanging out in some of the lovely parks, etc.

The Historic Downtown is the center of many unique festivals, starting from the Victorian festival of Christmas, the great girlfriend gateway, Twain on Main chocolate extravaganza, to the haunted Hannibal Halloween festival.

Address: 115 N Main St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

6. Steyermark Woods

If you’re a nature lover, add a stop at Steyermark Woods to your list of things to do in Hannibal, MO, as you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Steyermark Woods spans approximately seventy-two acres of magnificent forest named after Juliana Steyermark woods, a reputable botanist.

This center consists of several mature sugar maple, Kentucky coffee tree, blue ash, black walnut, northern red oak, white oak trees, and basswood.

The Steyermark woods and conservation area is a great place for bird watching as there are birds like warblers, Cardinals, bluebirds, Eagles, and more.

Well-paved trails make it a general destination for many hikers, runners, and bikers with one-mile hiking trails.

The Steyermark woods and conservation area is a perfect place for picnicking; you can grab a meal, meditate, relax or read a book as you also enjoy the beauty of nature.

Address: Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

7. Sodalis Nature Preserve

If your definition of a day well spent is being surrounded by exceptional natural beauty, add a visit to Sodalis Nature preserve to your Hannibal list of fun things to do in Hannibal, MO.

Sodalis Nature preserve is currently the second-largest park in Hannibal; it is a popular location for wildlife photographers.

This preserve serves as a refuge for a variety of flora and fauna, with an incredible diversity of wildlife. In addition, it serves as a hands-on laboratory where students can observe and carry out research on bats.

Sodalis Nature preserve contains a mile-long pabsd accessible hike or bike trail and 6 miles of recreational trails.

This preserve is prominently beautiful and adequately maintained; make sure you come with your camera to get beautiful pictures of the Preserve.

Address: Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

8. Rumor Has It… Bar & Grill

For a nice dining experience, add dining at Rumor Has It… Bar & Grill is one of the fun things to do in Hannibal, MO.

Rumor Has It… Bar & Grill ensures there is something for everyone with gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.

Each meal is made from scratch using locally grown ingredients and some professional chefs in the restaurant.

Rumor Has It… Bar & Grill serves delicious meals like bleu burger, mozzarella sticks, Reuben, catfish dinner, fresh chicken wings, French fries, steamed vegetables, bratwurst, and more.

They offer well-crafted cocktails and a wide range of craft brews, including Deschutes mirror pond ale, big muddy blueberry blonde ale, hail mary Belgian IPA, cathedral’s Square’s, and lots more.

Rumor Has It… Bar & Grill is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11am-1:30am, Saturday from 11am-12am, and Sunday from 12pm-12am (closed on Monday).

Address: 125 N Main St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

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9. Haunted House on Hill Street

Haunted House on Hill Street offers visitors a spooky and exciting experience that will send thrills through your veins.

It is on hill street, featuring a wide range of distinct exhibitions and other items that ensures you and your family have a good time.

Haunted House on Hill Street features wax statues of several prominent singers and artists that look real and fascinating.

The museum is open to the public regardless of their age, and visitors first get to explore a holiday magic area filled with different gifts and holiday items.

Haunted House on Hill Street also features a dark room comprising unblinking stares of twenty-seven wax figures made by Martin Krewson.

Address: 215 Hill St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

10. Rockcliffe Mansion

Rockcliffe Mansion is located in the Georgian Revival Style and beautiful grand ancient residence established between 1898 and 1900.

The building consists of ten ornate fireplaces, more than thirty rooms, and it is filled with quarter-sawn oak and mahogany appointments.

Rockcliffe mansion has an assortment of architectural details that makes it almost impossible to duplicate.

It consists of authentic antique furnishings and is decorated in the late Victorian and art nouveau styles; the mansion is incredibly rich in history.

Rockcliffe Mansion offers guided tours, including accommodation for visitors who decide to spend the night and stay a bit longer.

Address: 1000 Bird St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

11. Finn’s Food & Spirits

Finn’s Food & Spirits is a wonderful restaurant in Hannibal excellent for family and friends to hang out where you get to enjoy delicious food.

The restaurant offers a welcoming and friendly ambience for customers to relax and enjoy their meal, coupled with the beautifully decorated interior.

Finn’s Food & Spirits offers a large food menu including chicken sandwiches, catfish sandwiches, Shrimp PO’ Boy, Fried Pickles, Cajun Catfish Basket, Catfish with Cucumber Salad, onion rings, beer battered fries, Reuben, and more.

They also serve drinks like lemonade, fritz bottled soda, tea, diet coke, root beer, Sierra mist, coffee, Dr. Pepper, and more.

Finn’s Food & Spirits staff is lovely and attentive when taking orders from customers and ensuring they are well satisfied.

Address: 214 N Main St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

12. Molly Brown Birthplace Museum

One of the top things to do in Hannibal, MO, is visiting Molly Brown birthplace museum, especially if you are a fan of the Titanic Movie.

Molly Brown’s birthplace museum is Margaret Tobin Brown’s home, who gained so much attention because of her brave actions during the Sinking of the RMS Titanic.

Margaret was the second child out of four children; when she was just thirteen, she worked at the Garth Tobacco Factory in order to support her family.

She later on, moved to Leadville with her father, where she met her husband, James J. Brown. They got married on September 1, 1886, and had two children, but after some years, they legally separated.

She was born on July 18, 1867, in Hannibal and was fondly referred to as Maggie throughout her lifetime. Molly Brown birthplace museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history about the Titanic tragedy and Feminism.

Address: 600 Butler St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

13. Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse

Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse was built in honor of the late Mark Twain, who was a writer, author, intellectual, critical thinker, and lecturer.

He was a very popular writer during his era, born in the city of Hannibal. The town upholds his memory up till date, and this lighthouse consists of everything you need to learn about the author.

Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse gives an incredible panoramic view of the entire town that will amaze you.

The lighthouse was erected in 1935 in honor of Mark Twain on his 100th birthday; there is a storyboard that informs the public about the lighthouse’s history with photos of the remnants of the structure in 1960 when a windstorm destroyed it.

 Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse was reconstructed in 1963, and the board with information and photos was replaced.

Address: E Rock St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

14. Big River Train Town

If you haven’t visited Big River Train Town, add it to your list of things to do in Hannibal, MO, as it offers a whole different experience.

Big River Train Town is a highly pocket-friendly attraction; it is a heaven for those people who love trains and everything automobile.

The Museum is packed with old-fashioned toys trains & memorabilia; the facility is privately owned and well maintained.

Big River Train Town features an interactive layout of the golden age of railroading, and toys were at one stage part of everyone’s life.

Bring your camera along and take beautiful of the items displayed, don’t forget to browse the gift and hobby shop.

Address: 320 N 3rd St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

15. Cave and Camp Grounding

Camping is a fun and exciting thing to do in Hannibal, especially with your friends and family, for an amazing experience.

Cave and camp grounding offers visitors an adventurous experience and a must-visit in the Hannibal.

This is an excellent place for camping in tents, with a spectacular campground consisting of ninety-nine campsites.

Cave and camp grounding features shaded campsites to provide a calm and relaxed environment.

Although, there are campsites in open and sunny areas for those who want steady phone reception or internet connection. Cave and camp grounding is just like a home away from home, but with more adventure; there are several shops, a playground, a camp store, and more.

Cave and camp grounding also features a fantastic winery, a laundry house, and a free Wi-Fi network. You can either take a walk around the property or relax and enjoy a tasty glass of wine.

Address: 300 Cave Hollow Rd, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

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16. The Huckleberry Park

One of the fun things to do in Hannibal, MO, is visiting Huckleberry Park for a phenomenal experience with your family and friends.

The Huckleberry Park is available for different fun activities and is open to everyone, both locals and tourists.

This park is a seventy acres park featuring wooded areas, a handicap-accessible pond, and rolling hills.

The Huckleberry Park consists of an 18-hole disc golf course, one lighted softball field, half&court basketball, and four lighted tennis courts.

This is also a great place for picnicking, featuring two shelters available for rentals and picnic tables with benches.

The Huckleberry Park consists of trails excellent for running, bike riding, and running with the wildlife and the amazing scenery to behold.

Address: 1300 30th St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

17. Dempsey Dog Park

The Dempsey Dog Park is nestled in the downtown district of Hannibal; it is a favorite park for dogs.

This dog park is a fenced 1-1⅓ acre park featuring large open areas and separate areas for little and large dogs.

The Dempsey Dog Park features a large space for dogs to play around with their owners and other dogs.

There are picnic tables with shade trees throughout the facility where families can sit, relax and enjoy a meal together.

The Dempsey Dog Park provides waste deposit stations and trash cans, and the park is well maintained and clean.

Address: 607 Ely St. Hannibal, MO 63401 United States

18. Nipper Park Waterfront

Nipper Park Waterfront is your number one location if you want to spend some time alone and reflect in Hannibal.

The park is a beautiful and simple park featuring a nice walking route that offers an incredible view of the Mississippi.

This small park consists of a large space for kids to run around, including a little playground consisting of a neat/parent swing.

Nipper Park Waterfront features a massive shelter house with amazing picturesque views of the river, and you can sit by the river to child and watch the sunset.

There is a fountain and history plaques on the grassy riverfront space; make sure you stop by this park.

Address: 103 Broadway, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

19. Karlock Kars and Pop Culture

Karlock Kars and Pop Culture is a 10, 000 Square feet facility consisting of beautiful and unique items you can’t get elsewhere.

The museum is undoubtedly one of the best places to shop in Hannibal as it offers an impressive array of ancient and modern cars.

Karlock Kars and pop culture is a beautifully restored warehouse full of high-tech infrastructure and architecture.

This museum features jukeboxes, arcade games, movie props, hundreds of signs & posters, several vintage cars, unique toys, and lots more.

Karlock Kars and pop culture is a great place to visit; take a self-guided tour and browse through the entire facility, It is worth it.

Address: 114 S 3rd St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

20. The Hannibal History Museum

If you’re interested in learning about the history of Hannibal, visiting the Hannibal History Museum is one of the best things to do in Hannibal, MO.

The Hannibal History Museum was built essentially to uncover, preserve, and promote Hannibal’s culture, nature, and industrial heritage.

The visitors get to learn and celebrate Hannibal’s colorful and highly rich culture and history through the variety of displayed exhibits.

The Hannibal History Museum provides clear details about the life of Mark Twain and his hometown. Visitors also get to discover the tales about the birth and rise of steamboats and railroads, the lives of millionaire lumber barons, the region’s river explorers and early settlers, and more.

The museum features a unique gift shop that offers a wide variety of handmade vintage items and accessories available for purchase.

The Hannibal History Museum is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 10am-7pm, Friday & Saturday from 10am-9pm, and Sunday from 10am-5pm.

Address: 200 N Main St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

21. Cave Hollow West Winery

Cave Hollow West Winery is an excellent place to relax and chill with your dear ones and should be on your list of things to do in Hannibal, MO.

The winery is located inside Mark Twain Cave Complex, offering small-batch wines crafted at Macon and West winery, including Mark Twain wines.

Cave Hollow West Winery features an indoor and outdoor seating with an event Center for simple family or friends gatherings, small meetings, or parties.

They offer a lovely and vibrant atmosphere for guests to relax and enjoy all they offer, including local wine and beer lights like crackers and cheese.

Cave Hollow West Winery offers historic Mark Twain Cave/Cameron Cave tours, a full-service campground, and a gift shop.

Address: 217 Cave Hollow Road, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

22. Riverview Park

Riverview Park is a beautiful forested land of four hundred and sixty-five acres with incredible spectacular views of the Mississippi River.

The park features several fun amenities for the public to enjoy; on September 6, 2005, it was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Riverview Park features a fantastic waterfall and spring house found on the extended loop, making it a nice spot to enjoy spring beauty.

This park gives visitors the opportunity to glance at wildlife such as wild dogs, ducks, coyotes, deer, and even go fishing.

Riverview Park comprises a wonderful playground and a shelter with picnic tables for the family’s pleasure.

You’ll find the Pettibone memorial, Clemens Memorial, paved and unpaved trails, including Soap Hollow, North River Road Trails, and White Pines, specifically for non-motorized traffic use.

Address: 505 N 3rd St, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

23. MT Olivet Cemetery Association

For a unique experience, a visit to MT Olivet Cemetery Association should be on your list of things to do in Hannibal, MO.

MT Olivet Cemetery Association is one of the biggest cemeteries in Northeast Missouri and was established as a place to recreate and remember.

The cemetery is the final resting place of Samuel Clemens’s parents and siblings; it has served as a place of comfort to the citizens for different generations.

MT Olivet Cemetery Association is also the burial ground for many distinguished people like Pettibone, Dulany, the Coontz, Robards, Clayton, and more.

The cemetery offers maps for those who want to go on a historical walking tour. In addition, MT Olivet Cemetery Association hosts All Saints’ and Souls’ Day celebration before Halloween.

MT Olivet Cemetery Association also hosts other annual events like bonfire and wiener roast, a memorial balloon release, the decorating of graves for the winter months, and narrated hydrides.

Address: 2340 Fulton Ave, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

24. Historic Downtown Hannibal

The uniqueness of any city can be found in its downtown area, which also applies to Hannibal. Its downtown area offers visitors an amazing dining experience and a variety of shops to purchase amazing items.

The nice mini restaurant in the downtown area of Hannibal is its most visited location. You might want to check out this area at night as it is well-lit and beautiful, providing you with an amazing experience. 

You can check out the antique stores in the area and browse through the many art galleries available. You do not have to worry about the distance between these attractions as they are nearby.

The area has mini bakeries with outdoor seating, and the atmosphere to meet in this place is vibrant and full of life. Do not hurry to leave the area as you can enjoy a great deal of shopping. You can visit several beautiful cafes in the area and enjoy the lovely atmosphere. 

Address: N Main Street, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

25. Lovers Leap

Lover’s Leap occupies five acres of land and is located on top of a bluff on the south corner of the town just near highway 79.

This place is well known in the city as it provides excellent views of the Mississippi River, Hannibal, and even some areas of Illinois. It has a barbecue grill, benches, shelter, lighted flag for your pleasure, and also historical information, 

Lover’s Leap is a popular attraction in Hannibal to enjoy picnicking or sightseeing, as it has many amazing views. You can bring a camera to take beautiful photos to post on your social media accounts.

While you enjoy the beautiful view this place offers, you can use the barbecue grill to make a tasty meal. This place has been known as the Lover’s Leap since 1840 and has a love story behind it which you can read up fully on a historical marker in the park.

Address: 1132 MO-79, Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

26. Glascock’s Landing

Glascock’s Landing is a beautiful riverside park well-known in Hannibal. This place provides great views of the river and an opportunity for visitors to sit or stroll beside the shores of the Hannibal Levee. 

A park at Glascock’s Landing, known as Nipper Park, went through a thorough renovation and opened again in 2021. The renovation took care of many infrastructural deficits.

A new boat ramp and marina were built to create docking areas for two big riverboats and the Canton Marine Tow and Mark Twain Riverboat.

Other unique amenities in the park include a rock wall beside the river, lighting, fencing, restrooms, a large green area, handicap accessibility, and recent stormwater services.

Visitors will see a bronze sculpture of Mark Twain that was donated by the J. Fred Schwartz family of East Hannibal, IL, as a gift.

The bronze statue showcases Samuel L. Clemens as a riverboat pilot before he transitioned to a renowned lecturer, writer, and humorist bearing the pseudonym “Mark Twain.”

Address: 100 Hill St., Hannibal, MO 63401, United States

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Plan Your Trip to Hannibal

Hannibal has something for everyone; whether you’re traveling alone, with your family or group of friends.

This beautiful city is filled with exciting adventures providing various recreational activities perfect for a fun adventure.

The city of Hannibal consists of several local breweries, historic restaurants, galleries, a lively music scene, scenic and river-front views, pottery stores, theaters, and much more

Start planning your trip to Hannibal!