Small Town Showcase

Albany is the county seat of Gentry County in Northwest Missouri. It’s beautiful scenery, with lots of rivers and streams, century farms with rolling hills and old barns, and a vibrant downtown. For a town of its size, it's remarkable to see so many thriving businesses, community groups, events, and most of all, restaurants. When asked why this is possible when towns even 5x their size can’t compete with their amenities, Albany residents say it all comes down to the support of the people here and the proximity to other smaller towns that come to Albany to take advantage of all they have to offer.

Carrollton, Missouri, located in Carroll County, is a town of movers and shakers with one eye always looking to the future. Whether it's the revitalization of their main street district, sitting on the planning committees of community events, or leading the charge fundraising for new assets in the community, the people of Carrollton are dedicated to making sure that their town only gets better for future generations.

Aurora is home to about 7,400 people in Lawrence County, Missouri, near Springfield. The pride people have in this town and its strong sense of place are what make Aurora such a thriving, progressive community. There are many ways that this town is dedicated to success, such as beautification efforts, free programs for families, and preserving its story through murals, podcasts, exhibits, and more. The Houn' Dawg pride is strong in Aurora--listen to see for yourself!

Just about 30 miles west of St. Louis sits the town of Pacific, Missouri. While many communities that surround bigger cities have been affected by urban sprawl, the same effect doesn’t seem to have reached Pacific. Though its proximity to a major highway, large cities, and attractions give it the amenities, as you learn about the community, you’ll soon realize that Pacific has fully retained its small town charm, energy, and atmosphere. 

Welcome to where the past meets the Current..the Current River that is. In this episode, travel with us to Doniphan, deep in Southern Missouri. Here, the Current River is their life’s blood. The history of the community is rooted in it, it's an invaluable tourist attraction, and it's also a symbol for the importance of conserving natural history and resources. Jake and Randy join us for this conversation and reflect on this town that’s steeped in history, culture, and community pride.

Seymour is located in Webster County with a population just shy of 2,000 people. This town truly knows how to celebrate the important bond between community, local businesses, and tourism. Seymour showcases so many heartwarming examples of how important this place is to the people who live here, and to those who visit.

Carl Junction is a bedroom community outside of Joplin, Missouri. This town of just under 8,000 people boasts beautiful Ozark scenery and passionate residents whose dedication to community support is unmatched. When there is a need, residents, business owners, and leaders never hesitate to step up. It's no wonder CJ wanted to show off!

St. James, Missouri, is known far and wide for its famed winery, and for good reason, but it's just the beginning of all this town has to offer both visitors and residents alike. The community is home to about 4,000 residents, who are passionate about their town and are always willing to lend a hand to better this special place. Tune in learn more.

With a population of just under 700 people, Norborne knows what it means to be small but mighty. The town is renowned for being the "Soybean Capital of the World," and is a big player in the agriculture community. Their annual Soybean Festival at the end of the summer celebrates the interconnectedness of community, agriculture, and local businesses, and draws large crowds each year to this rural town in Northwest Missouri.

Lamar is home to just over 4,200 Missourians. Many know this town for their famed high school football team, which has won multiple state titles. But this community, which calls itself “a place of legendary beginnings,” also showcases strength, dedication, and opportunity.

Sweet Springs is more than meets the eye. This picturesque community in Saline County, just about an hour east of Kansas City, invites you to take a closer look; you’re sure to find a town dedicated to revitalization and progress, and full of potential.

Deep in the Missouri Ozarks, on the border of Texas and Wright Counties, sits the town of Mountain Grove. Surrounded by deep green pines, clear rivers and streams, and rolling hills, Mountain Grove is full of small town hospitality and passion for this community.

“Small Town Showcase”, presented by Missouri Humanities highlights the uniqueness of Small Town Missouri. Situated along Highway 36 in Livingston County, Chillicothe is perhaps most notable for being the “Home of Sliced Bread.” But there is so much more to love about this Missouri community! From wonderful museums to breathtaking murals, Chillicothe is certainly worth a visit.

“Small Town Showcase”, presented by Missouri Humanities highlights the uniqueness of Small Town Missouri. Join us and explore our pilot community, Marble Hill, in Bollinger County. Situated in Southwest Missouri, this community of 1,500 people is nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks and is a destination for outdoor recreation, charming shops, and smiling locals.