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Scenic Drives on Highway 19

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Credit: Hannibal Parks & Recreation

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Grab your riding partner and set out on a journey along one of Missouri’s designated scenic roads. An original Missouri 1922 roadway, Highway 19 takes you through wine country, Ozark National Scenic Riverways and segments of Mark Twain National Forest.

A red jeep drives across a bridge. Below is clear blue water and the banks are forested hillsides. The sky is bright blue with large, puffy clouds.
Cruising down the highway while listening to your favorite tunes is the perfect recipe for relaxation and fun!

In addition, the towns you’ll encounter are littered with scenic lookout points, locally owned eateries and comfortable accommodations for an evening of R&R. Whether you start in the northeast region near New London or southeast close to Thayer, this itinerary provides all you need for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.

Hannibal (Northeast Region)

Sights You Won’t Want to Miss

  • Lover’s Leap – The sights at Lover’s Leap are spectacular, offering miles of panoramic views of Hannibal and the Mississippi River. The park also has a large double-heart structure where couples can place a padlock to recognize and celebrate their love.
  • Riverview Park – Sitting on the north side of Highway 19 is Hannibal, the birthplace of Mark Twain, one of America’s most famous authors. When riding through, you must stop at Riverview Park, a peaceful, 465-acre spot. You’ll pass abundant forestry, wind along the park’s curvy path and marvel at the park’s vista point.
An aerial view shows a person looking out over a bluff and forested hills. The Mississippi River is in the background, and the sky is a bright blue with no clouds.
Visit Lover’s Leap and learn about the romance that inspired the lookout point’s name.

Where to Eat

  • Finn’s Food and Spirits – A nod to Huckleberry Finn (one of Twain’s characters), this delightful downtown location specializes in the classics. Try the juicy, tenderized pork loin or their award-winning catfish as you sit on the charming front patio.
  • Ole Wolfhound Pub – A pub-style design and friendly atmosphere will welcome you at Ole Wolfhound Pub. It’s all about traditional Irish spirits and authentic Irish fare. Start off with the Pot O’ Gold bites and finish with one of the crowd-favorites: Fish ‘n Chips or the Main Street Reuben.
  • Rustic Oak Grill and Pub – This restaurant’s welcoming environment is clad with country-themed decor and hometown vibes. It has options for every palate and price, and they make their own homemade fudge!

Where to Sleep

  • Main Street Bed and Breakfast – As you approach this B&B, you might be wondering if your GPS is wrong – but it isn’t! This hotel was once a bank, and now it’s a beautifully renovated building that houses spacious and cozy rooms.
  • The Traveler’s Rooming House – This hotel is in downtown Hannibal. It’s a three-story building with comfortable, peaceful rooms. Prefer a view? Book one of the suites that overlook the magnificent Mississippi River.

Eminence (Southeast Region)

Sights You Won’t Want to Miss

  • Echo Bluff State Park – Echo Bluff State Park is about 20 minutes north Eminence. The area houses towering bluffs and hillsides covered with oak and pine trees. The park’s namesake, Echo Bluff, is a geologic wonder that soars hundreds of feet above Sinking Creek. It’ll be hard to leave, but the good thing is you don’t have to! The park has lodging accommodations, cozy cabins and a restaurant – Creekside Grill – with casual indoor and outdoor seating.
  • Alley Mill and Spring – Travel about six miles west of Eminence and you’ll find one of the Ozarks’ most famous scenic landmarks: a beautiful, century-old mill limned in bright red. Tours are free and take place from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The spring is adjacent to the mill and boasts a pristine shade of turquoise.
A red mill sits in the background surrounded by lush green trees. In the foreground, a sparkling teal blue, freshwater spring is framed by yellow wildflowers.
Alley Spring, located near Eminence, is Missouri’s seventh-largest spring that pumps out more than 80 million gallons of water each day.

Where to Eat

  • J&B’s Olde Tyme Family Restaurant – This mom-and-pop restaurant has a menu full of American fare and a homestyle breakfast buffet. Finish off your meal with a delicious dessert, like blackberry cobbler or a specialty cake. (Try the three-layer chocolate cake because you can never have enough chocolate!)
  • The Dairy Shack – A staple in the community since 1968, this restaurant serves mouthwatering, made-to-order 100% Angus beef burgers. On a hot day, their hand-squeezed lemonade or fresh brewed tea are the perfect addition to your meal.
A double bacon cheeseburger sits on a white wrapper beside crispy onion rings and golden fries. A hand is at the edge dipping an onion rings into ranch.
Order a side of delicious fries or crispy onion rings (or both!) with your choice of made-to-order burger at The Dairy Shack, a small town staple for decades.

Where to Sleep

  • Shady Lane Motel – Shady Lane Motel provides spacious lodging in the heart of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Units include charcoal barbecue grills and horseshoes, so you can grill and chill after a long day on the road.
  • Eminence Cottages and Camp – Sleep in a comfortable suite while being surrounded by the surreal allure of nature. Cook on your gas barbecue grill and admire the surrounding foliage, birds and other woodland animals.

Other Stops Along Highway 19

Sights

Eats