Have a Ball in Hannibal

Travel 100 miles north of St. Louis along the Mighty Mississippi and you’ll run smack into Hannibal, Missouri, the boyhood home of Mark Twain. This town of about 20,000 along the Illinois border is the backdrop for many of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer’s exciting adventures. And Hannibal takes its notoriety seriously, with lots of tourist attractions focused around its most famed resident, Mark Twain. Even if you aren’t very into Huck Finn and his wild adventures, you’re sure to have fun in Hannibal.

Founded in 1819, Hannibal grew quickly and was considered Missouri’s third largest city by 1846. Today it is the largest city in Marion County and is known around the world because of Samuel Clemens’ (pen name: Mark Twain) stories set in the area (although the Unsinkable Molly Brown, the well-known Titanic survivor, is also from Hannibal). Visitors to this great town can experience so much, from local wineries to Mark Twain’s childhood home and much more. If you’re looking for a great town in Middle America to soak in, Hannibal is the place!

Exciting spots to visit in Hannibal, Missouri

• The Rockcliffe Mansion- Catch a glimpse of the gilded age when you tour this historic mansion built around 1900. It doubles as a bed and breakfast, where guests can stay the night if they choose. It is also the place where Mark Twain spoke to 300 society members during his last visit to Hannibal. You won’t want to miss this spot!
• Cave Hollow Winery- Toast a great trip at this local venue with exceptional wine. Check the schedule to watch live entertainment as you sip the night away. This spot serves and supports local Missouri wineries, so you are truly getting a taste of the Show Me State. 
• Mark Twain Cave Complex- Traipse through the cave that inspired The Adventures of Tom Sawyer on a one hour tour. Missouri’s oldest show cave, the Mark Twain Cave is lit and cool year-round, and even bears the signature of Jesse James, who stopped through and signed the cave wall on his way to start more trouble in Independence, Missouri. 
• Mark Twain Casino- If you’re looking for a fun night out during your Missouri vacay, look no further than the Mark Twain Casino. Try the slot machines, or hit the table for a game of Blackjack or whatever strikes your fancy. Fun awaits! 
• Mississippi River Boat Cruise- Cruise down the Mighty Mississippi on the Mark Twain Boat, leaving from Hannibal. Storytelling, dining and scenic views await visitors on this beautiful, old-fashioned boat. You’ll feel as if you’re living out your own Mark Twain-esque adventure when you book one of these unforgettable trips. 
• Mark Twain Birthplace- Step back in time to 1835, the year that Samuel Clemens was born in Florida, Missouri. This spot is now part of a museum that teaches visitors about Clemens’ upbringing in the area, where his family moved in 1839. This historic site is a unique glimpse into yesteryear. 

Hannibal-area lodging

When you set your sites on a Hannibal getaway, book a stay at Heavenly Hills Resort in Clarksville, Missouri. Located less than an hour from Hannibal, Heavenly Hills is truly a remarkable, peaceful spot to stay. Their onsite accommodations, including a driving range, tennis courts, swimming pool and more, mean you can truly relax in nature and have a great time. Book your stay at Heavenly Hills today.