11 Most Scenic Towns in the Ozarks
The Ozarks, spanning parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, have captivated people with their rugged beauty for centuries.
The area is a range of tree-covered highlands that run from St. Louis, Missouri, all the way up to the Arkansas River, occupying around 50,000 square miles.
The hills, dense forests, and twisting rivers define this uniquely American landscape, allowing you to pull up your hiking boots and explore its countless opportunities.
These eleven towns exude an unmistakable charm and are a testament to the beauty of the Ozarks.
Magnolia
Less than 3 hours south of Little Rock, this small Arkansas town is dripping with character and charm.
Magnolia has quaint streets that are a blend of Victorian-era homes and contemporary brick, a fusion of history and modernity in a tight-knit community.
The town is centered around a colorful courthouse square, full of vivid murals that paint the buildings that occupy the square.
Close to Magnolia, you can find expansive Lake Columbia, a 3,000-acre lake that pulls in fishers and outdoorsmen from all over the region.
Visitors looking for local education and history can stop at Logoly State Park, an environment-education park surrounded by old-growth forests, distinct plant species, and mineral springs.
Jasper
Jasper is the perfect gateway to the nearby hillsides and a springboard for any visitor looking to hike, camp, or canoe.
The town also acts as a springboard to Buffalo National River, America's first designated national river, which features clear water, limestone cliff sides, and challenging kayaking.
Jasper is one of several stops on the Scenic Highway 7, a designated scenic highway in Arkansas, and has become a popular stop-off for motorcyclists traveling through the area.
As well, Jasper is in Newton County, an area known as the ‘Elk Capital of Arkansas’, and herds roam free range throughout locations near Buffalo National River.
Branson
Stone church at top of the rock in Branson Missouri
Branson, Missouri, is often called the 'Live Entertainment Capital of the World.' This is thanks to its huge collection of theaters showcasing a wide array of performances such as music, comedy, and more.
Branson is alive with color when autumn comes in, and the forested hills start to turn an array of colors.
The town offers a variety of ways to see the beautiful fall colors. First off, visitors can rent a boat to experience the changing colors around Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo.
During the fall, Branson celebrates the new season with several craft and music festivals, including the Autumn Daze Festival and the Bluegrass & BBQ Festival.
Siloam Springs
Found in the northwest of Arkansas, Siloam Springs is a town known for both its natural beauty and the community's sense of togetherness.
The entire downtown is a nationally registered historic district and is recognized by the National Park Service for its historical importance.
The town's downtown area holds a distinctive ambiance, and Sager Creek provides a leisurely walkthrough, sheltered by majestic trees and adorned with dogwood.
Through efforts spanning over a decade and involving residents, city personnel, and park board members, the Dogwood Springs trail in Siloam Springs was created.
This trail winds through tranquil wooded sections of the town and is slated for expansion, with the goal of connecting all the various parts of the town.
Mountain View
Deep in the Ozarks, Mountain View is bordered on all sides by rolling mountains and peaceful rivers.
Founded all the way back in the 1870s, Mountain View has a long connection with traditional music, and residents make it a point of pride to keep this tradition going.
Ozark Folk Center State Park is an important part of keeping this tradition alive. The park provides the chance to watch skilled craftsmen in action, wander through the Heritage Herb Garden, and listen to live performances of traditional Southern music.
For visitors looking for something a bit more high-octane, Loco Ropes, a state-of-the-art adventure park, offers a high-wire adventure rope course featuring over 30 challenging experiences.
If you want to get out and see the outdoors, you can explore caves at Blanchard Springs Caverns or do some fly fishing on the White River.
Paris
Paris, Arkansas, lies at the foot of Mount Magazine, located in the northwestern region of the state, encompassed by a rich expanse of woodlands and waterways.
The surroundings feature dense oak and pine forests and the winding Petit Jean River, creating a vibrant natural haven for locals and tourists.
The town pays homage to its namesake with a 25-foot Eiffel Tower rising above the town, with a seven-foot water fountain base.
Some of the nearby attractions are must-sees, like Petit Jean State Park's trails and Cedar Falls.
After that, visitors can tour Mount Magazine for breathtaking views and thrilling hang-gliding adventures for those with nerves of steel.
Mountain Home
Mountain Home is surrounded by a network of waterways and tucked away and encircled by the Ozarks.
Visitors can soak up the sun on either the Norfork and Bull Shoals Lakes or the White and North Fork Rivers. With so many options, there are incredible aquatic adventure possibilities.
The Bull Shoals Caverns are a fascinating look at the earth's history, and Geologists say the caverns were created about 350 million years ago.
According to carbon dating, human habitation was initially recorded close to 300 BC, and it is believed the cave was utilized by Native Americans approximately 10,000 years ago.
Eureka Springs
In the core of the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is encircled by a series of beautiful waterways.
Eureka Springs has three lakes and two rivers to explore in the area. On Beaver Lake, known for its clear, blue waters you can take a winding 12-mile tour to get a one-in-a-lifetime experience.
Nearby, you will find Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, an expansive 459-acre sanctuary dedicated to wildlife. Here, guests can observe lions, tigers, and cougars in meticulously recreated habitats, all from only a few feet away.
Beneath the surface lies a sheltered world inside the Onyx Cave Park, featuring a network of lakes, mazes, and rock formations. Here, cave explorers can find cave-dwelling creatures, sparkling crystals, and remnants of ancient fossils.
Van Buren
Van Buren is a hub for unique shopping, arts, crafts, and antiques you will not find anywhere else.
The town is on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, hidden away in the scenic Arkansas River Valley, Van Buren’s backdrop is a series of rolling hills.
The well-preserved Victorian Main Street is the centerpiece of the beloved Van Buren Downtown Historic District.
The restored Drennon-Scott House Museum is open to visitors and is dripping with history as the building has connections to the Trail of Tears, the Underground Railroad, and the Civil War.
For a classic view of the area, A&M Railroad offers a historic journey through Arkansas. The train provides captivating journeys through the Ozark Mountains, giving you a close-up view of the quiet beauty of the forest-covered hillsides.
Warsaw
Warsaw lies in Benton County, Missouri, and graces the shores of the Lake of the Ozarks.
Rich in history, the town has deep ties to the Civil War, as both the Battle of Warsaw in 1861 and the Battle of the Hemp Bales in 1864 were fought in the area.
The town offers many recreational activities due to the plethora of attractions close by. These include boating and fishing on the Lake of the Ozarks, hiking in Truman Lake's scenic trails, or exploring Harry S. Truman State Park.
The Joe Dice Swinging Bridge, constructed in 1904, endures today and holds a place on the National Historic Register. It remains a beloved attraction for both locals and visitors alike.
The bridge gives a great passageway to accessible trails and provides memorable views of the Osage Arm of Lake of the Ozarks.
Mammoth Springs
Mammoth Spring, a town tucked away in Fulton County, Arkansas, shares its name with the awe-inspiring natural spring it is celebrated for. This Mammoth Spring is counted among the largest of its kind in the entire country.
Every hour, 9 million gallons of water rushes out, feeding into the Spring River, which winds its way through town.
For those seeking a quiet day outside, both River Trail and Dam Trail offer tranquil views and peaceful walks through the beautiful natural environment.
The area is also a haven for bird watching, and you can spot Belted Kingfishers, Great Blue Herons, and Ospreys, along with seasonal birds like Warblers and Sparrows.
Ozarks' Timeless Charm
For years, the Ozarks have been known for their wooded slopes and beautiful fall foliage.
Whether it is a peaceful train ride through the forest, a town with a musical legacy, or timeless brick buildings, every town in the Ozarks has its own story to tell.
The area is a classic American experience, inviting you to embark on a journey that promises memories to last a lifetime.
