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Mark Twain's Mississippi Hometown

A travel journal to Mississippi by Casual Tourist

Hannibal MOMore Photos

We've visited Mark Twain's hometown of Hannibal, MO at least three times now and always find it a joy to return. This journal is a compilation of our visits there and the things we saw & did.

  • 7 reviews
  • 15 photos

Mark Twain's Mississippi HometownBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Hannibal MO
The very best thing to do is to take a dinner cruise on the Riverboat. It's a step back into the past to cruise down the river watching the sunset while you have a scrumptious meal.

Quick Tips:

There are many, many things to see and do, so plan to stay for several days.

Best Way To Get Around:

Driving between some of the attractions, but one can walk from one historic house to another near Mark Twain's house.

Mark Twain RiverboatBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Riverboat Dock
The Mark Twain Riverboat dinner cruise is a two hour affair to remember. Prior to eating we sat on the upper deck and watched the Mississippi River float by while we gained our sea legs. The dining area on the lower deck was elegant -- linen table cloths and napkins, etc. The meal was well prepared and enjoyable. After the meal dance music was provided for those wanting to dance. My husband & I took the opportunity to go back onto the upper deck and watch the moon over the river and the lights on shore. Ah, a bit of romance on the Mississippi.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Casual Tourist on October 10, 2000

Mark Twain Riverboat
Center Street Hannibal
(573) 221-3222

Becky Thatcher Home & BookshopBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Becky Thatcher Home & Bookshop"

The Mississippi
Located across the street from Mark Twain's boyhood home is what used to be the home of Laura Hawkins. Twain modeled his character Becky Thatcher after this neighbor, who was his own childhood sweetheart. The main floor of the home is now a bookshop that carries an extensive selection of works by Mark Twain. There are also souvenirs available. This was a great place to browse and spend a little money.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Casual Tourist on October 10, 2000

Becky Thatcher Home & Bookshop
211 Hill Street Hannibal

Mark Twain Boyhood Home and MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Mark Twain Cave"

This cave is really large and steeped in history. It is Missouri's oldest show cave and the guided tour takes an hour to complete. Cost is $10.00 per adult and $5.00 for children 5-12 (4 & under are free).

One of the most unique experiences of this cave is that at one point, all of the lights are extinguished. You've never experienced anything so dark as the interior of a cave -- absolutely black and a bit frightening. Throughout the tour the guide fills you in on the connections to Twain's writings and the adventures of Tom & Huck in the cave. Quite fascinating from a literary viewpoint as well as simply for the pleasure of exploring a cave.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Casual Tourist on October 10, 2000

Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
208 Hill Street Hannibal

Clemen's Law OfficeBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Clemens Law Office"

It was rather interesting to see what a 1840s law office looked like. The opulence of current law offices certainly wasn't prevalent at that time. John Marshall Clemens, Mark Twain's father was the former occupant of this office. According to the literature provided, the building that houses the office was to be torn down in the 1940s, but Warner Brothers studio purchased the site and paid for its repair. If you've read Tom Sawyer you might remember that the Muff Potter trail was set in the courtroom here. A visit here is recommended to all literature and history nuts.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Casual Tourist on October 10, 2000

Clemen's Law Office
Historic district Hannibal

Mark Twain Boyhood Home and MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Hannibal MO
The price of adult admission to the boyhood home of Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, is $6.00. The tour is self-guided. I found the house, which has been restored to the conditions in Mark Twain's lifetime, to be quaint and well-kept. And of course, beside the house was that famous fence that Twain reportedly managed to get his friends to paint for him, free of charge. Next door to the Twain home is the Mark Twain Museum and Gift Shop. Featured here are pictures painted by Norman Rockwell featuring some of the stories written by Twain. It was an interesting display.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Casual Tourist on October 10, 2000

Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
208 Hill Street Hannibal

Mississippi RiverBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Mississippi River
While we were in the area of the Mississippi we took the opportunity to do a little exploring along its shore and the commerce on the river. Barges are a frequent sight on the river and they are always interesting to watch. Locks are also an asset to commerce on the Mississippi. Of course these do not compare to what you would find in Panama, but watching the process of moving the river traffic through the locks is quite interesting and educational. We had a pleasant time checking out the locks.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Casual Tourist on May 12, 2001

Mississippi River
Throughout Hannibal Hannibal

About the Writer

Casual Tourist
Casual Tourist
Enterprise, Kansas

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