8 Breathtaking Towns To Visit In The Ozarks
The Ozark Mountains, also known as the Ozarks, span across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas and extend into northeastern Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas. This highland region is characterized by its rugged terrain with plateaus, springs, caves, and a dense covering of oak and hickory forests. It includes the highest peaks of Missouri and Arkansas, with significant elevation changes that contribute to its vistas.
The region is dotted with small towns that thrive on tourism due to their proximity to natural attractions such as rivers, lakes, and hiking trails. These eight towns are gateways to outdoor recreation, offering a quiet, community-focused lifestyle that is closely connected to the natural environment of the Ozarks.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, was founded officially in 1879. The town rapidly became a popular destination for health seekers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to a boom in the construction of spas, hotels, and bathhouses. Eureka Springs is built into the hillsides with winding streets and a distinct lack of a traditional grid pattern, which adds to its character.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge provides a haven for big cats and other wildlife that have been rescued from neglectful or abusive situations. Visitors can take guided tours. Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural structure designed by E. Fay Jones, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. This beautiful glass and wood structure is in a woodland setting for reflection and worship. Blue Spring Heritage Center has lush gardens and the historic Blue Spring, which emits over one million gallons of water daily. The site has significant archaeological importance.
Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri, has transformed from a small mountain town into one of the Midwest's premier vacation destinations. Branson's history as a tourist destination dates back to the early 20th century, initially drawing visitors with the novel "The Shepherd of the Hills" by Harold Bell Wright, which romanticized the Ozarks' rugged beauty. The opening of the Marvel Cave and the establishment of live music shows in the 1950s and 60s set the stage for Branson’s growth in the entertainment sector.
Table Rock Lake is a sprawling reservoir known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic shores. Here, visitors can go boating, fishing, and hiking. Silver Dollar City, one of Branson's top attractions, blends modern amusement rides with an exploration of 1880s Ozark culture. The park has craftsmen demonstrating glass blowing, blacksmithing, and clay pottery. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a more secluded and natural experience, with 10,000 acres of Ozark landscape to explore. This park is for those interested in trout fishing, hiking, biking, and wildlife tours.
Jasper, Arkansas
Jasper, Arkansas, is a town known for its natural scenery and small-town atmosphere. The area around Jasper is steeped in history, with early settlements dating back to the early 19th century, driven by the lush, fertile valleys and the abundance of natural resources typical of the Ozark region. Jasper is also in proximity to the Buffalo National River, which was designated as the first National River in the United States in 1972.
Buffalo National River has opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing, as well as hiking along trails that provide views of the limestone bluffs and abundant wildlife. Hawksbill Crag, also known as Whitaker Point, is a must-visit for hikers and photographers. The crag is a rocky outcrop that juts out over the valley below, popular during the fall when the foliage transforms into vibrant colors. Lastly, Mystic Caverns features two caves that visitors can explore to see impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and other mineral formations. Guided tours of these caves provide a deeper understanding of the geological history.
Hermann, Missouri
Hermann, Missouri, is a town along the banks of the Missouri River. Founded in 1837 by the German Settlement Society of Philadelphia, Hermann was envisioned as a utopian community and a new homeland for German immigrants, mirroring the rich wine culture and agricultural prowess of Germany's Rhineland. The town's layout, reminiscent of German villages, and its location on the river facilitated its development as a hub for agriculture, particularly grape cultivation and wine production.
The Deutschheim State Historic Site looks at the lives of German immigrants in the 19th century through guided tours of preserved historic houses and gardens. The site includes original buildings from the 1840s and 1850s. Hermann Farm is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the agricultural heritage of Hermann's German settlers. The farm has traditional buildings, heirloom crops, and livestock, along with interactive experiences such as blacksmithing demonstrations and horse-drawn wagon rides. Stone Hill Winery, established in 1847, is a cornerstone of Hermann's viticultural identity. A tour of the winery includes a stroll through its vineyards and a visit to the historic cellars, concluding with a tasting.
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Heber Springs, Arkansas, is a town located in Cleburne County in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Established in 1881 and originally named Sugar Loaf, Heber Springs was renamed after the establishment of a post office in 1910. The town is prominently positioned near the Greers Ferry Lake, a reservoir completed in 1963 that influenced the area's development. This proximity to water has made Heber Springs a popular destination for recreational activities.
Collins Creek Trailhead is a trail that meanders alongside creeks and leads to waterfalls. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for all ages. Sugarloaf Mountain National Recreation Trail presents a more challenging hike that rewards adventurers with panoramic views of Greers Ferry Lake and the surrounding landscapes. The trail up Sugarloaf Mountain is recognized for its vistas and diverse flora and fauna. Lastly, a visit to the Heber Springs Historic District offers a cultural and architectural experience, where visitors can explore the town through its historic buildings and streets.
Kimberling City, Missouri
Kimberling City, Missouri, located in Stone County, is a town on the shores of Table Rock Lake in the Ozark Mountains. The town began to develop in earnest with the completion of the Table Rock Dam in 1958, which created Table Rock Lake. This transformation turned Kimberling City into a hub for water-related recreation and tourism, attracting visitors with its lake views and rugged landscapes.
The Ozark Mountain Highroad is a scenic drive, especially during the fall when the foliage is at its peak. This drive has numerous opportunities for photography and sightseeing stops along the way. At the Port of Kimberling Marina, visitors can experience Table Rock Lake firsthand. As the largest full-service marina on the lake, it has boat rentals to enjoy the water. Talking Rocks Cavern is another must-visit attraction near Kimberling City. Known for its geological formations and colors, the cavern has guided tours that delve into the cave’s vertical chambers, showing its stalactites, stalagmites, and mineral deposits.
Hollister, Missouri
Hollister, Missouri, has a history that dates back to its founding in the early 20th century. Initially designed to emulate an English village, Hollister has Tudor-style architecture that sets it apart from neighboring towns in the Ozarks. The city's development was significantly influenced by its proximity to Branson and the beauty of the Ozark Mountains.
The College of the Ozarks, often called "Hard Work U," is where students work in various campus industries instead of paying tuition. The campus is open for tours and has maintained gardens and the Ralph Foster Museum. White River Balds Natural Area is a chance to explore a savanna ecosystem known as 'balds,' where rare plants and wildlife thrive. This area is a spot for hiking. Table Rock State Park, located just across the bridge from Hollister, has a plethora of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and boating on Table Rock Lake.
Steelville, Missouri
Steelville, Missouri, is often referred to as the "Floating Capital of Missouri." Founded in 1835 and named after landowner William Steele, Steelville's early economy was heavily influenced by the iron mining industry. The region is rich in nature, with its forests, clear rivers, and numerous caves.
Maramec Spring Park is one of the largest springs in the state. Visitors can explore the remnants of old ironworks, a museum detailing the area’s industrial past, and maintained grounds for picnicking and leisurely walks here. Bird’s Nest Beach on the Meramec River is a spot for a day of swimming and sunbathing. This beach area is a favorite among locals and visitors. For those interested in more adventurous pursuits, Meramec Farm has horseback riding tours through the landscapes of the Ozarks. These guided tours allow guests to experience the ruggedness of the area.
In Summary
The Ozark Mountains' most breathtaking small towns exemplify the region's connection to the landscape. Towns like Eureka Springs and Branson not only serve as prime destinations for those seeking nature and outdoor adventures but also retain deep historical roots that enhance their appeal. Eureka Springs, with its Victorian architecture and healing springs, and Branson, with its entertainment scene and lakes, showcase how these towns have successfully blended nature and culture to create compelling, visitor-friendly environments. Each of these eight towns tells its own story, making them ideal spots for those looking to explore the quieter yet enriching side of American life.