Why would someone visit, or live, in Kirksville, Missouri?
A little city in northern Missouri whose small town atmosphere would seem a less than ideal place to live?
A place where visitor’s first reactions may not be impressionable ones?
Despite that first appearance on Route 63, the small city of Kirksville may prove to be an oasis among the plains of Missouri.
With many surprises that do not meet the eye, one must know that it is merely a shy town. It doesn’t shout out when it is hurt, or when it has done something extraordinary. It stands there quietly: delicate as a garden, but as stubborn as the soldiers who fought the Kirksville battle during the Civil War.
It has the potential to be one of the most sustainable places in America, and is consequently a very economical place to live.
Kirksville, Missouri makes the value of living in smaller cities much more appealing and is only boring to those who do not take advantage of what it has to offer.
I have lived there for four years and I’m just now discovering all there is to know.
Here are 8 Appealing Things in Kirksville, Missouri
1. Blueberry Picking: One of the many things that you would never be able to find living in a larger city is blueberry picking. Kirksville lies right on 63 highway, but before you enter the city when you are heading north you’ll see 6 East highway. If you take a right on Hwy 6 for five and a half miles, then you will see Lost Branch Blueberry Farm on your left. It lies behind a clearing of trees and rolling hills, and a small pond.
Jackson Stables Winery
2. Local Wineries: If you want a special night out–0ne where you can get dressed up, dance, drink the local wine, and listen to local bands play, then a visit to Jackson Stable Winery will be worth your while to make nights more special in Kirksville, Missouri.
3. Skating and Bowling: At Leisure World, one could take their family and enjoy a game of pool, go bowling, and skate.
Overall, Leisure World in Kirksville offers a great time with the family or a group of friends.
4. Local Colleges and Universities: There are three institutions that deliver higher education in Kirksville: A.T. Still University, Truman State University, and Moberly Area Community College (MACC).
With a focus on the liberal arts and sciences, Truman State University, offers a high-quality, affordable, and well-rounded education that prepares students for future success.
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) in Kirksville, Missouri, is a non-profit, private, graduate school focusing on health sciences, as well as the world’s first osteopathic medical school.
Moberly Area Community College (MACC) offers quality, affordable, and accessible higher education in Kirksville, Missouri.
Many of the students at these colleges and universities come to Kirksville from Missouri’s three largest cities: Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis.
Ray-Miller Elementary School Farm
5. Local Gardens: Kirksville does, in fact, have a very large farming community with 85 farms within a 40 mile radius. There is a community garden at the local schools.
6. The Thousand Hills State Park: Here, you can go boating, kayaking, fishing, swimming on the beach, rent a cabin, and much more. 
My friends and I have enjoyed a few picnics at the park.
Farmer’s Market-Photo Courtesy of David Shane
7. The Farmer’s Market: It runs from 7:00 a.m. -12:00pm Downtown on the square every Saturday during the Summer.
The rooftop deck offers great views at the Wooden Nickel, which is a combination bar, restaurant, and catering company.
Sweet Espressions Coffee Shop where I work.
8. Local Homestyle Restaurants: Kirksville has some great local restaurants that have helped kept the real Midwest style alive. 
If you haven’t be to Kirksville, Missouri, you should take a road trip and check it out.
You might be very surprised.
Have you already been to Kirksville? Or perhaps you live there or nearby? If so, please share with us your thoughts of this little town in comments below.
This post is written by Megan Bryde, a forever student of the world while also finishing up her bachelors in English at Truman State University this semester.
Involved in too many activities, she sings as loud as she can, writes, cooks, bakes, and drinks a lot of coffee. Check out her blog and LinkedIn page to see more about what she does.
Megan is currently completing an internship with VentureTime Travel and aspires to be teaching English someday.
Enjoy learning about little country towns? Or desire to know about others? Here are other rural towns to consider visiting: