11 Off The Beaten Path Towns in the Ozarks
The Ozarks, also known as the Ozark Mountains and the Ozark Plateau, is a scenic and diverse region in the central United States that spans four states: Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty and charming small towns, there are many areas to explore off the beaten path in the Ozarks. From Van Buren, Missouri, to Baxter Springs, Kansas, and other picturesque towns scattered throughout the region, the Ozarks provide rest and relaxation with a scenic view.
The Ozark area is home to historic downtowns, hot springs, equestrian trails, and ample hiking trails to explore. Whether you want to spend time horseback riding in Eminence, Missouri, or canoeing in Ponca, Arkansas, these small towns in the Ozarks offer something for everyone.
Beaver, Arkansas
Located where the White River meets the westernmost edge of Table Rock Lake is the charming town of Beaver, Arkansas. The town is nestled among the Ozark Mountains near the border of Missouri. Due to its location and suspension bridge, Beaver boasts the "Golden Gate of the Ozarks," a historic swinging bridge that offers beautiful water views.
With a population of under 100 people, the town offers a tranquil setting where you can relax and unwind. Visitors enjoy taking a leisurely stroll along the Town of Beaver Trail, roasting marshmallows at local campgrounds, and fishing in Beaver Lake. The town is also home to Castle Rogue’s Manor, an American Castle that took over 20 years to build. Although the castle can be viewed along the town’s waterfront, visitors can also take a guided tour of the unique manor.
Calico Rock, Arkansas
The beautiful town of Calico Rock, Arkansas, offers visitors a glimpse of small-town living in the Ozark Mountains. Located along the White River, Calico Rock offers ample trout fishing, guided fishing trips, and boating opportunities. One of the best spots to view the river and view the natural beauty of the area is at City Rock Bluff.
A trip to Calico Rock must include a stop at the Calico Rock Museum & Visitor Center, which provides a look at the unique history of the river port city. The town is also home to the Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour each September, which showcases the work of local artists in the area.
Eminence, Missouri
Eminence is a picturesque town in southern Missouri, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located along Jacks Fork, a tributary of the Current River, Eminence is a water enthusiast’s paradise. Visitors can canoe, kayak, and float along crystal-clear waters, surrounded by stunning bluffs and lush forests. For land lovers, the area also boasts miles of hiking trails, including Lick Log Hollow Trail. There are also stunning views of nature and wildlife to discover along the trails at Angeline Conservation Area and Echo Bluff State Park.
A unique feature of the town are the wild horses that roam free in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The area is home to one of only two wild horse herds in the Midwest, and visitors occasionally spot the roaming horses.
Ponca, Arkansas
Ponca, Arkansas, a hidden gem in the Natural State, rests in the heart of the Buffalo National River region. The quaint town offers several outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, and floating. The Buffalo National River itself is a prime spot for canoeing, kayaking, and floating, and provides breathtaking views of untouched wilderness.
Ponca is also a great starting point for exploring the limestone bluffs and hiking trails of the Ponca Wilderness and the Boxley Valley. If you are lucky, you may even view elk herds along these trails. If you want to see incredible views of the sunset, sunrise, or the stars, be sure to book a cabin on top of the Ozark Mountains just above Ponca.
Jasper, Arkansas
Known for its natural beauty and tranquility, Jasper, Arkansas, is the perfect spot to escape tourist crowds in the Ozark Mountains. Since the town sits along the Little Buffalo River, surrounded by the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, Jasper, provides incredible outdoor adventures. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike, canoe, rock climb, and mountain bike in the national forest and hike along the Koen Interpretive Trail and Round Top Mountain Trail.
For a unique experience, visit the Arkansas Grand Canyon. The expansive valley is part of a scenic drive that begins at the southeastern part of Jasper. The best time to view the Arkansas Grand Canyon is at sunrise or sunset when the sky blankets the valley in majestic colors.
Baxter Springs, Kansas
Nestled within the 55 square miles of the Ozarks in Kansas, Baxter Springs is a unique gem in the southeastern corner of the state. Bordering Oklahoma, the town is a great place for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts to visit. Since Baxter Springs is along the Spring River, the town boasts several fishing and camping sites, such as Kiwanis Park and Riverside Park.
For those who enjoy history, the town was also the site of the Baxter Springs Civil War Battle. You can learn more about the battle and the town’s history at the Baxter Springs Historical Museum. Another great spot to learn about history is at the Baxter Springs, Kansas Route 66 Visitors Center. Although there are only 13 miles of Route 66 in the state, Baxter Springs is worth visiting for a scenic ride on this historic road.
Grove, Oklahoma
The charming town of Grove, Oklahoma, offers a serene getaway on the Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. A tranquil spot to explore the outdoors in Grove is at Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park. Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, boating, and swimming along the lake shores at the park. If you visit in October, the park hosts the Pelican Festival, with carnival rides, local art vendors, a parade, and a pelican tour.
The charming town also boasts plenty of land activities. The Lendonwood Gardens is an eight-acre botanical garden that showcases thousands of plants, walking paths, and self-guided tours. The town’s Rotary Veterans Park also features a great playground area and picnic areas in a peaceful setting.
Salem, Missouri
Surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest is the charming town of Salem, Missouri. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts due to the ample hiking trails in Montauk State Park. Located along the Current River, the state park is also renowned for trout fishing. For history buffs, a tour of the park’s historic gristmill provides a history lesson about the Ozarks region.
Salem is also home to the Shawnee Mac Lakes Conservation Area, which boasts two lakes, Ziske Lake and Turner Lake. Visitors enjoy fishing in the lakes, hiking along the conservation area’s two trails, and primitive camping.
Pocahontas, Arkansas
The small town of Pocahontas, Arkansas, offers history, water activities, and breathtaking nature views. Located where the Fourche River empties into the Black River, Pocahontas is a great place for fishing and boating. Visitors also enjoy the scenic waterfront views at Overlook Park along a leisurely stroll along the park’s paved walking path.
The town is also home to the Eddie Mae Herron Center, a historical school site featuring 200 years of African-American history in the area. History buffs can also learn about the town’s history at the Randolph County Heritage Museum, which offers free admission.
Norfork, Arkansas
Nestled in a stunning valley in north central Arkansas is the charming town of Norfork. At the heart of the town is the confluence of the North Fork River and White River, making Norfork the perfect place for fishing. The town is also one of the oldest settled areas in the Natural State, hosting Pioneer Days on the third Saturday in May to pay tribute to the town’s history.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Norfork offers a beautiful hike along the Matney Knob Trailhead with picturesque views of the valley. You can also enjoy a scenic drive of the mountains along Highway 341.
Van Buren, Missouri
With a population of less than 1,000 people, Van Buren, Missouri, offers small-town charm to visitors. Nestled along the Current River, Van Buren provides many options for outdoor enthusiasts. You can fish, boat, and view the incredible landscape at Van Buren Riverfront Park. The area is also home to one of Missouri’s first state parks, Big Spring. Visitors enjoy viewing the big spring in the park, staying in the lodge or camping, and hiking along the park’s trailheads. Another first the town is known for is being home to the first national park that protected a riverway, Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
These charming towns provide a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and unique cultural experiences without the crowds of large tourist destinations. From trout fishing in the White River to stargazing and hiking along scenic trails in the Ozark Mountains, the area offers ample outdoor activities. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these small towns offer a peaceful getaway in the picturesque Ozarks region.
