Each community has its own special things that make it unique. Things no one else has or would even dream of. Hannibal has some unique landmarks and businesses that you will want to visit. Start off with Lovers Leap. The legend is that an Indian princess fell in love with a warrior from the other side of the river. They could not be together so she jumped from Lovers Leap to end her sorrow. You’ll have a wonderful view of downtown Hannibal. From this vantage point you’ll see the floodwall that protects the historic downtown from flooding. It was built in 1992 just in time for the flood of 1993.

The floodwall has protected historic Hannibal through two serious disasters that left many homeless. Take a walk downtown and visit the parks that are on top of the floodwall. From there you have a beautiful view of the Mississippi River. The gates that close off the floodwall are nearby and maybe of interest. Each weights 1000 pounds, and are lifted by crane to block off the streets and protect the city from high water.

At the crossroads of Highways 61 and 36/72, Hannibal is easily accessed, and well worth the trip. Plan your trip and find out just how friendly and welcoming Hannibal is.

THINGS TO DO
Looking for something to do? Enjoy the best view of the Mississippi River on the Mark Twain Riverboat. Enjoy dinner and music under the stars. Speaking of stars, in the summertime, the Mark Twain Home and Museum organizes Music Under the Stars – free concerts on the mall area of the Mark Twain Home. Bring a lawn chair and a cold drink and enjoy a wide variety of music from Irish Folk to Southern Blues. The 1st through 4th of July enjoy Tom Sawyer Days where you can compete with other fence painters to win awards. In the Fall you’ll enjoy the Folk-life Festival that celebrates the rich heritage of Hannibal’s craftsmen.

CITY ATTRACTIONS
Marion County is one of the only counties in the United States to have two courthouses. There is one on Broadway in Hannibal and another on Main Street in Palmyra. Hannibal also has one of the few inland lighthouses in the nation. You can take a serious hike up hundreds of stairs to see this local treasure on the north end of Main Street. With one of the only wood fired brick ovens in the state, The Brick Oven restaurant is an experience at lunch or dinner. You’ll simply have to visit Mark Twain’s boyhood home and the childhood home of Molly Brown.

LOCAL ART
Hannibal has many unique statues that honor our city leaders. You’ll find a grand statue of Mark Twain overlooking the river in Riverview Park, and a statue of Morris Bates in Central Park right downtown. While we’re talking about public art, you may want to visit some of the very unique artisans that call Hannibal home. Nancy Kaufman’s weavings are beautifully crafted and luxurious to wear, Ayers Pottery produces functional pie plates, mugs and brie bakers with brilliant coordinating glazes. There are many local galleries and artists to visit in historic downtown.