By Melissa Buckley
GUIDON staff
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Nestled in the heartland of America, along the banks of the Mississippi River, is a tourist destination that will take you back in time.

Hannibal, Mo., is best known as the boyhood home of Samuel Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910)— better known as the internationally known author Mark Twain.

“As Sam Clemens, he lived here from age 4 through age 17. Later, writing as Mark Twain, he used incidents from his childhood as inspiration for many of his writings,” said Henry Sweets, curator of Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum. “In Hannibal, one can tour the Mark Twain Boyhood Home, which becomes Aunt Polly’s in ‘Tom Sawyer;’ climb Cardiff Hill, where the boys played Robin Hood; stand on the banks of the Mississippi River, take a riverboat cruise, explore the great cave, walk through the downtown young Sam Clemens knew, and visit parks with breathtaking vistas across Hannibal, the Mississippi River and the Illinois farmlands.”

The Mark Twain Museum includes the Mark Twain Boyhood Home, the reconstructed Huckleberry Finn House, John M. Clemens’ Justice of the Peace Office and two museum buildings. Displays include Norman Rockwell paintings for special editions of “Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn;” personal items, including Mark Twain’s Oxford gown, one of his white suit jackets and a death mask of his son, Langdon Clemens; and interactive exhibits examining five of Twain’s books.

“We are a Blue Star Museum. We admit with no charge active service personnel and up to five Family members,” Sweets said.

The Mark Twain Museum experience begins with several of the actual buildings Mark Twain knew. One can imagine the life young Sam Clemens had in Hannibal.

“The exhibits range from collections of Mark Twain memorabilia to first editions of his books, photographs, and personal artifacts from the Clemens family. People of all ages can step up to Tom Sawyer’s fence and pose with a white wash brush, venture onto Huck Finn’s raft or sound a whistle in a steamboat pilot house,” Sweets said. “In Hannibal you can feel much of the inspiration Mark Twain took with him that led to his best writings and go away with a better appreciation for America’s foremost author.”

A tank of gas and about three hours on the road can get you from Fort Leonard Wood to Hannibal, which features a wide range of historic and modern-day attractions.

“Hannibal boasts a beautiful historic district with shops, art galleries and restaurants,” said Megan Rapp, Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau assistant director and group sales manager. “We have attractions for people of all ages and interests — museums, riverboat rides, caves, theater shows, historic homes, romantic bed and breakfasts, art, a winery and great outdoor recreation.”

Rapp said Hannibal is proud to be both family and military friendly.

“Almost all of our attractions are designed with the whole family in mind. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum properties have lots of interactive exhibits, the Mark Twain Cave is always a family favorite, as is the Mark Twain Riverboat, and the Hannibal Trolley or a carriage ride are both great ways to take in an overview of Hannibal,” Rapp said. “Hannibal is extremely military friendly. In addition, to the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum being a Blue Star museum, other attractions like Rockcliffe Mansion have military discounts.”

According to Rapp, many shops and restaurants in Hannibal are owned by former military service members.

“I have personally seen in shops and attractions military Families ask about discounts, and though there is nothing posted, they get a big thank you for their service to our country and some type of benefit, be it a discount or a special gift,” Rapp said.

Even though Rapp works in Hannibal, she never runs out of fun things to do. One of her favorite things is spending time in Hannibal’s historic downtown.

“If I have an afternoon to myself, the unique shops are always fun to explore. I also love taking my kids out to the Mark Twain Cave Complex. They have gemstone sluicing, and my kids just love it,” Rapp said. “Another family favorite is mini-golf at Sawyer‘s Creek Fun Park. My husband and son both love golfing.”

One of the most common mistakes visitors to Hannibal make is not spending enough time there, Rapp said.

“I would definitely plan to stay two days. We so often hear families lament the fact they only planned a few hours in Hannibal, not realizing all there was to see and do. So, I definitely suggest planning for two days and looking at our website or giving us a call with any questions,” Rapp said. “You can request a visitor guide on our website, VisitHannibal.com or call us toll free at 1.866.263.4825.”