Hannibal's character and charm can be enjoyed by all who journey to America's Hometown, without costing an arm and a leg.

No matter how much money you are willing to spend, you can still take in the history and beauty of this area. For a complete list of the things to do and their prices, head to the attractions page.

Downtown Hannibal is the heart of America's hometown. It's loaded with historical buildings and museums and a wide veriety of antique shops.

The free places to visit in and around Hannibal are the most beautiful. Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse sits on top of Cardiff Hill and gives an extraordinary view of Hannibal and the Mississippi river. Down river from the lighthouse is Lovers Leap, which offers another breath-taking view. North of the lighthouse is Riverview Park a beautiful 400 acre park that is a great place for a picnic.

For history buffs, the former town of Ilasco is located south of Hannibal on highway 79. All that remains of the immigrant town is a memorial and church. The drive to Illasco is a beautiful journey along the river and through the rolling hills of Missouri.

If you're willing to take a longer trip, then head a half-hour southwest of Hannibal to Mark Twain Lake. The lake is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get a look at the area's wildlife. There is a public beach, miles of trails and tons of fish for the anglers to enjoy.

When the day is done, or if you get hungry at any point during the day, check out our budget eats guide to find an inexpensive place to eat good food in Hannibal. Also, compare hotel prices by heading to our hotel guide and calling around to find the best buy during your stay.