Things to Do in Hannibal, Missouri

Hannibal Things to Do

The tiny community of Hannibal, Missouri is known throughout the world as the hometown of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better know as Mark Twain. Readers of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer can explore many of the museums and activities devoted to Twain’s classic American novels.

In the Footsteps Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer

Huckleberry Finn’s House: This is a recreation of the type of home Huck may have lived in based on descriptions in the novels. Visitors can learn about life during the time of the novels, and about Tom Blankenship, the person which the character of Huck may have been based on. It is located near Mark Twain’s childhood home.

Tom Sawyer’s Fence: Nearby Huckleberry Finn’s House is the fence where Tom Sawyer persuaded local boys to pay him for the privilege of whitewashing. Young visitors are free to try their hands at painting the fence — no payment necessary.

Becky Thatcher’s House: Tourists can visit a recreated version of the type of home Becky Thatcher, Tom’s first crush, may have lived. Visitors can explore typical clothing for children of the time period when the novels are set. Becky Thatcher’s House is located on Hill Street.

Mark Twain’s Life and Legacy

Mark Twain’s Boyhood Home and Museum: This museum is housed in the home where Samuel Clemens lived with his family from 4 until 18. The home is filled with period antiques, and visitors can learn more about Samuel’s upbringing in the town, and why it played such an important part in his future stories.

Glascock’s Landing: The Mississippi River played a huge part of Mark Twain’s life. Take a stroll along the public docks at Glascock’s Landing watch the boats lazily drift down the river.

Take a steamboat cruise: No trip to Hannibal would be complete without a steamboat cruise. Visitors can opt for a short, one-hour cruise to see the site, or a longer dinner cruise.

Hannibal is More Than Twain

Explore “Millionaire’s” Row: Quite a number of residents of Hannibal became rich over the years. Visitors who love to view architecture from the “Gilded Age”, can explore fine homes along Hannibal’s “Millionaire’s” Row on 5th Street. Maps are available at the Hannibal Welcome Center.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Hannibal, Missouri.