Hannibal, Missouri Brings the Mississippi River and The Legacy of Mark Twain to Life
What is It – The Mississippi River carves its way from northern Minnesota for 2300 miles down the center of the United States until it flows out into the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans. It ranks as the tenth largest river in the world based on discharge flow and the largest in North America. The river has long been viewed as a gateway for America’s expansion to the west. The river created many legends during the steamboat days when paddleboats and barges moved commerce and people to the many small towns and cities along its banks. Today, this pathway through the nation’s heartland supports agricultural, industrial and recreational activities.
Hannibal is a charming and historic town located on the Mississippi River in northeast Missouri with a population of about 18,000 people. It attracts approximately 500,000 tourist visitors each year because of its legacy as the hometown of Samuel Clemens. Hannibal inspired some of the places depicted in the fictional writings of Mark Twain. People enjoy taking a riverboat ride, visiting the boyhood home and museum dedicated to Mark Twain, exploring caves and outdoor landmarks described in the novels, and enjoying festivals and the historic downtown places in the river town.
LEGACY OF MARK TWAIN
Mark Twain's early novels and lectures are viewed as the embodiment of 19th century Americana. A one act play featuring Hal Holbrook as Twain sold out across the country one hundred years after he died in the 1980s and even Disney World uses his image to present American stories. Twain began his life working in different cities around the country but eventually headed west and took jobs ranging from a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi to a reporter in the Wild West mining town of Virginia City, Nevada during the silver rush.
Few people realize that Twain also spent over a dozen years overseas and was one of the United States’ first great travel writers. He was regarded internationally as a good will ambassador for the United States. Whether dining with European royalty, exploring the middle east or presenting travelogues about his books such as “The Innocents Abroad” or “Following the Equator", he embodied the rising confidence of the American middle class during the periods of westward expansion and the Gilded Age. So it is not surprising that he is still revered by the American people.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN HANNIBAL
Cruise on the Mississippi on the Mark Twain Riverboat – One of the most popular activities to enjoy in Hannibal is to take a cruise on Mark Twain Riverboat that is berthed at the town landing located at the bottom of Center Street. This brightly adorned historic vessel takes one hour sightseeing voyages along the Mississippi River during the day and a two-hour dinner cruise in the evening from early April to early November. The triple deck riverboat provides a variety of indoor and outdoor seating which offer great views of activities on and along the river. You will see huge barges plying the waters near Hannibal as they have for 150 years, and local sites like Lover’s Leap, the Lighthouse, Jackson Island and other places mentioned in Mark Twain’s early books.
Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum- There are a variety of buildings and museums in the historic downtown that bring to life the history of this riverfront community and the legacy of Mark Twain’s formative years here. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum is a complex of restored buildings on Main Street and Hill Street that offers a consolidated ticket to all eight buildings. It features the author’s Boyhood home, an Interpretive Center with mementos and excerpts of Mark Twain’s works, a bookstore with all of his writings for sale, an old-fashioned drug store, and buildings such as the Becky Thatcher House, Huckleberry Finn House, and a museum gallery.
Mark Twain Cave Complex- Outdoor enthusiasts and spelunkers may enjoy the Mark Twain Cave Complex where you can tour Cameron Cave and discover the cave maze that inspired Mark Twain, Jesse James and others who have wandered around its labyrinth over the years. Other activities there include a fun park, winery, a campground and trolley tours of the historic areas.
Other Activities- There are other interesting activities to enjoy in Hannibal. There is a museum dedicated to the Unsinkable Molly Brown, who was born in Hannibal and lived through the sinking of the Titanic to become a philanthropist and an advocate for women’s rights in public life. Festivals and events occur throughout the year and include everything from a Chocolate Extravaganza to a comic convention, riverfront concerts and races, art and music festivals, to holiday events. Downtown is full of restaurants providing family fare and quiet dining opportunities as well as excellent ice cream and pizza offerings.
When to Go – The weather in Hannibal allows for pleasant visits just about any time from Mid-April to the end of October. May is the rainiest month during this period and July has the warm temperatures that sometimes are refreshed by breezes along the river. November to February have the lowers temperatures, less rainfall, and the most affordable prices for the attractions that are open.
How to Get Here – Hannibal is easily reached from St Louis along Route 79 heading north for about two hours, or in 90 minutes heading west along Route 72 from Springfield, Illinois.
Where to Stay – Mid-level hotels that fall into the two-and three-star categories are available in or around the downtown Hannibal area. These include Wyndham Hannibal, Quality Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Best Western and Comfort Inn and Suites. There are also an abundance of locally owned inns, mansions and bed and breakfasts with quaint locations and historic Victorian rooms.