Things to Do in Hannibal

At Discover Powered Paragliding, pilot Michael Mixer positions aspiring paragliders on proper flight paths with instructional voyages and a complete line of BlackHawk paramotors. Michael’s expertise is the result of seven years of flying ultralight planes, and he continues to fine-tune his skills by taking off on an engine-assisted paraglider at least three times a week. The gliders—tricycle-like contraptions that can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour—allow Michael and a tandem pilot to ascend up to 18,000 feet in the air. Flights depart in the calm air of early morning, as well as two to three hours before sunset, giving passengers the opportunity to admire bursts of color on the horizon and steer clear of the migratory pathways of feral fighter jets.

At Fulton Bowling Center, patrons pummel pins across 16 lanes and fuel up with pizza, sandwiches, and drinks at the Ten Pin Cafe. Tournaments and leagues facilitate competitive rivalries or guests can angle cue balls on pool tables and quell a hunger for blinking ghosts at the arcade. The alley welcomes all kinds of people, including herds of field tripping children and bands of adults attending leisurely office get-togethers or bands of adults playing hooky from work.

Artisans fashion their handcrafted wares before visitors' eyes, strolling minstrels entertain passersby with song, and knights suit up for their next jousting match. Such sights are commonplace in the wooded 16th-century village of Petit Lyon, where the award-winning Renaissance St. Louis hosts its annual St. Louis Renaissance Faire. Renaissance St. Louis opts not to set its festivities in England or atop a napping dragon like so many fairs before, but rather in 16th-century France as homage to the city's French-exploration roots. At Petit Lyon, volunteers costumed as villagers, noble courtiers, and peasants chat with guests, while nearby swordfighters and jugglers entertain visitors with their standup routines. Meanwhile, the town's king and queen host special audiences with youngsters, who can greet critters in the petting zoo or explore the Viking camp's longboat display. Along with the St. Louis Renaissance Faire, Renaissance St. Louis continues educating the public with its St. Louis Pirate Festival, regional events, and travelling exhibits.