Hannibal, Missouri: Home of Mark Twain and Much More
Mark Twain’s real name was Samuel Clemens. He grew up in the small Missouri town and used it as the setting for many of his stories including the still popular The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
Twain’s books are not Hannibal’s only claim to fame. Margaret Tobin who grew up to survive the sinking of the Titanic and a reputation as “the unsinkable Molly Brown” also hailed from Hannibal.
Today, Hannibal is one of Missouri’s top tourism draws as those who enjoyed Twains’ books come to see just where it happened. Twain tourism is a major business in Hannibal where many of the attractions are centered on Twain characters and his novels.
Hannibal is located in the northeastern corner of Missouri, north of St. Louis, the state’s largest city and across the river from Illinois. Older portions of the city are on a hill that goes down to the banks of the Mississippi. These areas look much as they might have in Tom and Huck’s day but newer hotels, motels, restaurants, and businesses can also be found near US Highways 61 and 79 in Missouri and Interstate 72 on the Illinois side of the river.
On arrival in Hannibal, one of the first stops is often the Adventures of Tom Sawyer dioramas located on North Main Street. The hand carved miniature figures depict scenes from the novel and have been a local attraction for many years.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum at 208 Hill Street features several buildings that deal with the life of Samuel Clemens. The restored two story frame home where Clemens lived as a boy is the centerpiece of the complex. Built by Clemens’ father in 1843, the house has stood the test of time and is visited by thousands each year. Today, the home features period furnishings. Next door, the museum features a host of Twain memorabilia including the desk where the author brought Tom Sawyer to life.
At the New Mark Twain museum, two blocks south of the boyhood home and museum, features sixteen Norman Rockwell paintings that feature Twain’s beloved characters. Rockwell made the sketches for the paintings in Hannibal during the 1930’s.
Visitors will find the Twain theme ever present in Hannibal. The Mark Twain Cave on Route 79 was made famous as the cave where Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher are lost in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. There’s no chance of becoming lost today – the well lit passageways are marked. Guided tours are available daily.
For those who haven’t read the books or want to refresh their memory, the Mark Twain Outdoor Theatre features a two hour play based on the many exploits of Tom and Huck. The play is performed from May through August. An impressive set features a lake and an actual riverboat.
Experience the real Mississippi River on the Mark Twain Riverboat that docks at the foot of Center Street in Hannibal. The vintage boat has three decks and offers daily cruises that range from simple sight seeing excursions to a two hour Dixieland dinner cruise.
At the foot of Cardiff Hill in Hannibal visitors will find the Tom and Huck Monument. Called Holiday Hill in the books, the monument at the base features life sized figures sculpted in 1926.
Visitors who prefer to let someone else do the driving can take a Twain ride on the Twainland Express Sightseeing Tours that depart daily from a location on North 3rd Street in Hannibal. The one hour trips are narrated so visitors will see all the sights from the comfort of a tour.
Another way to get around Hannibal is on the Hannibal Company Trolley Ride. The trolley departs from 227 North Main daily. This trolley visits the Mark Twain Cave, Sawyer’s Creek, Rockcliffe Mansion, Molly Brown’s Birthplace, the Mark Twain riverboat and the Mississippi River.
At 400 acre Riverview Park in Hannibal, visitors can enjoy a view from the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. There is also a statue of Samuel Clemens looking out across the river at Inspiration Point. Riverview Park is also a great spot for a picnic.
Other local attractions include Molly Brown’s Birthplace. Sawyer’s Creek Fun park on Highway 79 is a small amusement park with bumper boats, shooting gallery, miniature golf, carnival style games and rides. Rockcliffe Mansion on Bird Street ranks as one of the nation’s best river estates. Built in 1998, Rockcliffe Mansion has thirty rooms decorated in art nouveau dÃ?©cor and is open to the public. Another local mansion is the Garth Woodside Mansion, home of Clemens family friend Colonel John H. Garth. The twenty room mansion was built in 1873 and features a three story flying staircase – one with no visible means of support. Much of the furniture and decorations are original to the Garth family.
Visitors who aren’t Twained out might want to visit The Optical Science Center and Museum at 214 North Main. Over 500 pairs of glasses from many periods are on display and there are hands-on activities for the kids.
Another favorite Hannibal attraction is Pilaster House at Hill and Main streets. This old time drugstore features the office, living room, and kitchen of Dr. Orville Grant, a family friend of the Clemens family. After young Sam Clemens family lost their home, they moved here for a short period.
Take time out for a meal at the Mark Twain Dinette and Family Restaurant. In Hannibal since 1942, this family style diner offers home cooked food served in private booths or at the lunch counter. There is also an old style drive up window. The location close to the Mark Twain Boyhood homes makes it popular with visitors but the good home cooking brings visitors back for another taste!
Each year, an annual celebration, National Tom Sawyer Days, is held in Hannibal on the week of the Fourth of July. Tom Sawyer look alikes and Huck Finn wannabees arrive from across the country to enjoy the festivities which include a fence painting contest.
Mark Twain fans will enjoy a trip to Hannibal and even those who may not have read the books will enjoy this journey back into the America of yesteryear, a place where time has seemed to stand almost still.
