These Towns in The Ozarks Come Alive in Spring
Not as big as the Rockies or as iconic as the Appalachians, but with perhaps more intrigue than both, the Ozarks is a range of American highlands known for its ruggedness and scenery. A trip to the region, which comprises parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, can confirm or disprove such impressions, but it will likely be the latter if you visit in spring. That season brings the best out of the Ozarks: wilderness, festivals, and whole communities bursting with safe, fun, and colorful life. Moreover, with plenty of small towns scattered throughout the beautiful region, visitors have plenty of communities to pick for an Ozarks spring break.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is one of the Ozark’s more eclectic communities, which is palpable through many attractions and spring events. Those here for the attractions will enjoy sites like Christ of the Ozarks and Quigley's Castle, offering a mix of culture and nature. When it comes to events, mid-March sees Eureka! Fiber in the Ozarks, a festival of fiber arts. Late March brings the Kite Festival at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a 32-year-old event that pairs big kites with big cats. Even if you miss out on the event, the wildlife refuge is a world of fun for outdoor enthusiasts.
A few weeks later, in April, Eureka Springs welcomes Ozark Mountain Soul, a multi-day, multi-genre music festival focused on Americana. The spring festival season concludes with the Eureka Springs Pride Festival, a four-day LGBTQ+ party in early June. Not bad for a 2,000-ish-person community 1,400 feet in the Arkansas Ozarks.
Marshfield, Missouri
An authentic spring vacation is not complete without a flower festival. Thankfully, the small Missouri city of Marshfield hosts one of America's largest cherry blossom celebrations. Thanks to resident Nicholas W. Inman, who was inspired by the floral flourishes of Washington, DC, Marshfield has plenty of cherry trees that bloom alongside a three-day festival. But the Missouri Cherry Blossom Festival is not just about pretty pink flowers. It honors American history with presentations and panels by presidential descendants. Also honoring American history is the Hubble Space Telescope Replica, a 1,200-pound scale model of the legendary telescope in the center of town, marking Marshfield as Edwin Hubble's birthplace. Another tourist hotspot nearby is Hidden Waters Park, the home of 171-year-old Callaway Cabin.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Mountain View, Arkansas, is called the "Folk Music Capital of the World," and its spring fests reflect that moniker. Kicking off the season is the Mountain View Spring Bluegrass Festival, which runs for three days in early March. This is followed in April with the unique shopping experience of Mountain View Junk Fest, which reflects Mountain View's second identity as a unique shopping destination. Those interested in shopping outside the festival can check out some of Mountain View’s offbeat businesses, including Mellon's Country Store and the Rainbow Antique Mall. Lastly, in early May, the Mountain View Iris Festival puts irises on irises, turning the 3,000ish-person Mountain View into a moderate-sized city.
Eminence, Missouri
Eminence may not have a spring flower festival, but it has vibrant native plants blooming along its Ozark National Scenic Riverways. This 80,000-acre preserve engulfs Eminence and other Missouri river towns in luxuriant vegetation that explodes with color in spring. Species include the red royal catchfly, the blue Ozarks wild crocus, and the multicolored showy lady’s slipper. These might be found near the historic Alley Spring Mill, a historic building from the 19th century, and its turquoise spring. In addition to wildflowers and wild colors, Ozarks adventurers can see Eminence's federally protected wild horses. They tend to graze near Shawnee Creek Campground and Round Spring Campground.
Grove, Oklahoma
Home to about 7,000 people, Grove is a hub of the Oklahoma Ozarks that you can literally dip your toes into. Running for three days in June is Toes in the Grand, an aquatic party at Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees. This truly grand lake straddles the community and hosts Big Bass Bash, a fishing derby set to run at the end of May 2024. Before those June fests, visitors can check out chiller and chillier events like Art in the Garden, which mixes natural and artificial art at Lendonwood Gardens in early May, and Get Your Grove On, a Christian music festival in late April at Grove City Hall. Those who miss out on the events need not fret, as attractions like Lendonwood Gardens are available year-round, offering stunning views and fun activities for the outdoors person.
Camdenton, Missouri
Another waterfront Ozarks community, Camdenton rides the banks of Lake of the Ozarks, the second-largest body of water in Missouri. Beyond all-season attractions like Ha Ha Tonka State Park and Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park, Lake of the Ozarks has its array of spring events, such as the Spring In-Water Boat Show and the famous Dogwood Festival. Going into its 73rd year, this festival honors Missouri's state tree, the flowering dogwood, which blooms during spring. Officially, its 2024 edition is set to run from April 25 to 27, but festivities have already begun with a dogwood pageant. Other scheduled events include carnivals, food vendors, live music, dinner theater performances, a bake sale, and a parade. Camdenton's Dogwood Festival is considered the longest-running springtime event in the region and draws roughly 10,000 visitors.
Witts Springs, Arkansas
Witts Springs is an isolated Arkansas base for a genuine Ozarks spring break. Located at 1,800 feet, it is the gateway to the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, a 1.2 million-acre expanse of high-elevation woods offering hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding, and sightseeing. Those looking to get away from the spring sunlight can opt for one of many scenic drives, like the Sylamore Scenic Byway, showcasing endless forests, rivers, and hills. Moreover, one can watch waterfalls and wildflowers come alive during the wetter months, perfect for an outdoor vacation. Back in town, the small community of Witts Springs attracts enough people for multiple spring events, including the Dustin Reid Memorial Poker Run and the Witts Springs Eh Club Hunt. From playing a game of cards to meeting the locals, these events are perfect for springtime fun in the Ozarks.
Branson, Missouri
The polar opposite of Witts Springs, Branson is an Ozarks community that is more like an amusement park. There is no shortage of attractions here, no matter what one is into. For example, family travelers can opt for the Hollywood Wax Museum, WonderWorks, Bigfoot Fun Park, and Ripley's Believe It or Not! Meanwhile, older travelers might prefer the historic Silver Dollar City and the Titanic Museum Attraction for a rustic experience. Branson also has plenty of spring-specific events, such as Shepherd’s Springfest in March and/or April, Crafts & Music Festival in April, and the Bluegrass & BBQ Festival in May.
From a Pride festival in Eureka Springs to cherry blossoms in Marshfield, spring adds all kinds of colors to a region known for its towering peaks. Moreover, the season brings about a change to outdoor attractions, with flowers blooming all around. This makes hiking through hills, camping at the base of mountains, and meeting local wildlife much more enjoyable. Put it all together and these towns in the Ozarks are one big, bumpy rainbow of fun from March to June.
