Between St. Louis And Columbia Is A Charming Midwest City With Shops And A Sprawling State Park

Known for its friendly people, mouth-watering food, and gorgeous natural landscapes, the Midwest gives travelers the opportunity to experience small-town charm alongside one-of-a-kind outdoorsy attractions. That's why those looking to get away from the urban noise might want to consider a small Missouri gem, like the town of Troy, as their next destination. Between its safe, quaint, community-focused atmosphere and abundant green spaces, the city gives off a laid-back allure that's hard to find in some of its better-known neighbors. Troy has experienced steady growth in the last few decades, with the population having doubled since the early 2000s, contributing to more businesses for visitors to browse through.

The shopping scene, in particular, is worth exploring for many. Troy is home to a surprisingly varied store selection considering its size, from outlets and antique shops to boutiques. Most of these are local, mom-and-pop-type businesses. The Lincoln County Farmers Market is held here, too, offering fresh produce, baked goods, artisanal creations, and more. Another, more nature-focused side of Troy's allure lies in its sprawling Cuivre River State Park. At around 6,400 acres, this is one of the state's most rugged and expansive retreats, complete with dozens of miles of trails, camping opportunities, and a 55-acre lake where you can fish, boat, and swim. According to Tripadvisor, this is the city's biggest attraction, but because it's located 4 miles outside of its center (with virtually no public transportation options), it helps to have your own car.

Don't let Troy's intimate feel give you the wrong impression. Thanks to its convenient position right at the intersection of U.S. Route 61 and Missouri Route 47, the city is easy to reach. It's also located between St. Louis (55 miles southeast) and Columbia (87 miles west), with the nearest major airport being St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL).

Troy is a safe, quiet city with an everyone-knows-everyone atmosphere. Between its friendly, peaceful character and lack of nightlife, Troy boasts a lot of rural charm, though, according to the City of Troy, that is combined with suburban convenience. Case in point: You get access to a wide array of stores.

Your Troy shopping spree should start at The Mercantile Outlet, a retail space known for its varied inventory and great deals. Operated by a local couple, they sell everything from home decor and toys to a variety of gifts. Their plants and garden supplies, in particular, are a hit among buyers. In the mood for some thrift shopping instead? Secondhand Treasures is your spot. It's a resale shop featuring a variety of local booths, with Facebook reviewers constantly raving about the reasonable prices. Be sure to set aside a decent amount of time for your visit, because there's a lot to explore. Stop by Muddy Creek Clothing Boutique next. Owned by a mother-and-daughter duo, this is a popular clothing store featuring a selection of women's clothes that includes a curvy line. The price-to-quality ratio is often complimented, and they even make custom hats.

If you come to Troy between March and November, the Lincoln County Farmers Market is another must-visit. Held every Saturday, this is a place where you can browse through all the booths set up by local vendors selling a variety of produce, plants, baked goods, soaps, and more, though most items are seasonal. Next, you can explore Cottleville, a charming hamlet with historic streets, vibrant markets, and craft brews that's about half an hour away. 

For those eager to spend some time in nature, Cuivre River State Park is Troy's main attraction. Spanning thousands of acres, this is one of Missouri's largest parks. Because of its enormous size, visitors can enjoy a wide array of activities, starting with exploring its dozens of miles of trails, whether that be through hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The pathways are scenic, taking visitors through water bodies, forests, savannas, and grasslands. They're also well-marked and maintained and cater to a variety of experience levels, though the Frenchman's Bluff Trail is a popular first pick. The pathway follows a creek and a hill before taking visitors to a limestone bluff for some must-see sunset views.

These parts of Missouri aren't short on overlooked natural attractions. Mark Twain Lake, Missouri's underrated gem located in a scenic state park, is only 90 minutes away. That said, Cuivre River State Park has its own defining features that help it stand out, including Lake Lincoln, which has its own swimming beach. Keep in mind that it's open seasonally from May 22nd to September 7th. Those looking to get out in the water can take advantage of the free on-site launch area, from where they can go kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, while anglers will look forward to catching their next bluegill, channel catfish, or largemouth bass. 

Want to spend the night here? The park is home to a campground that features basic, electric, walk-in, and equestrian sites. These are reservable, and amenities include water, an amphitheater, and a playground. If you haven't had your fill, continue your Missouri adventures in Wentzville, "the crossroads of the nation" is a city with historic sites, a lively downtown, and festivals.