12 Cutest Small Towns in the Ozarks
The Ozark Mountain range, or the Ozark Plateau, is a stretch of forested highlands extending from Missouri to the Arkansas River. The two mountain ranges, the Boston Mountains and St. Francois Mountains cover an area of approximately 50,000 square miles across five states, and the region includes magnificent lakes, waterfalls, springs, and even caves. Ancient humans inhabited the Ozarks during the late Ice Age, but for a long time, the mountains have not received the praise they deserve. Today, cute small towns in the Ozarks are thriving, and the area is a popular tourist attraction. These towns each offer a unique perspective on the mountains that surround them and provide yet another glorious way to explore America’s natural and man-made beauty.
Horseshoe Bend
The 640-acre Crown Lake is the crowning glory of Horseshoe Bend, which lies in the foothills of the Ozarks on the banks of the Strawberry River. The lake is popular with boaters, while the river draws those who love to fish and canoe. Horseshoe Bend is the ideal destination to relax and enjoy the view before heading out for paddle boarding, tubing, and kayaking. The Music in the Mountains show takes place here once a month, and the town of 2,440 people celebrates the 4th of July with an elaborate parade and fireworks every year. There are also a couple of golf courses for tourists who want to perfect their swing.
Bull Shoals
Bull Shoals was established in the late 1940s when builders constructed the Bull Shoals Dam on the White River. The dam created Bull Shoals Lake, which borders the town of Bulls Shoals on the north, northeast, and western sides. The lake is Arkansas’s largest, and the water teems with lunker bass, crappie, and catfish.
The town is also home to Bull Shoals-White River State Park, where people picnic under the trees and hike the Lakeside Trail. The main section of the park, which sits on the White River, is a camping site for tents and RVs. Those who camp here have plenty of activities to choose from, including multi-use trails, motorboating, and kayaking.
West Fork
West Fork sits on the banks of the White River and has been around since the 1880s. The river also cuts West Fork in half, with the town located on the fork that heads west. The town built its economy through timber, railroad commerce, and milling. The small-town feel remains in modern times, even though the economy is still booming.
A popular recreational green space in West Fork is Riverside Park, which is often used for parties and special occasions. There are several bike trails perfect for exploring the town, as well as a summer farmers market to enjoy. Another nearby park is Devil's Den State Park, just south of town, offering stunning views of waterfalls.
Jasper
Jasper owes its initial popularity to Dogpatch USA, which was a theme park that opened along State Highway 7 in the 1960s. Tourism slowed after the park closed in the 1990s, but thanks to the town’s spectacular location in the middle of the Ozark Plateau, it is once again a top destination for anyone who loves small-town charm.
Jasper reintroduced elk, and the Hilary Jones Wildlife Museum & Elk Information Center displays several exhibits aimed at teaching children more about these amazing creatures. There are many hiking trails to choose from, including the Round Top Mountain Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Ozarks. Family-friendly hikes include the Buffalo River Ponds Trail and the Koen Interpretive Trail. Other must-see places near Jasper include the Arkansas Grand Canyon and the heart-pounding Horseshoe Canyon Ranch Zipline.
Calico Rock
Calico Rock also lies on the White River, and the town took its name from its calico-cloth-colored bluffs that overlook the river. Calico Rock, located in Izard County, Arkansas, was once a steamboat landing in the 1880s before it became a boomtown just after the turn of the century.
This charming place includes a ghost town, antique-looking storefronts, and the historic Main Street, which draws thousands of tourists every year. The Calico Rock Museum displays historical and culturally significant exhibits that include American Indian collections. For those who love music, there are numerous annual music festivals in Calico Rock. There are also many biking and hiking trails in the center of town and lots of places to fish along the river.
Mammoth Spring
The rustic town of Mammoth Spring lies between the Ozarks and the Arkansas Delta. It is home to the Mammoth Spring State Park, which has the largest karst spring in Arkansas. The Mammoth Spring karst is also the seventh largest on Earth. The park features a Frisco train depot dating to 1886 as well as a museum.
Popular activities in Mammoth Spring include baseball, picnicking, and pedal boating. The town may be rural, but it boasts the world-class Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery, which utilizes the water of Mammoth Spring. This hatchery also holds the world’s only captive spawning population of Gulf Coast striped bass.
Pea Ridge
Pea Ridge sits in the northeast part of Benton County. The town has a rich history, as displayed in the Pea Ridge National Military Park. The park is the site of one of the fiercest Civil War battles to the west of the Mississippi River and one of the best-preserved battlefields in Arkansas. There is a visitor center, museum, bookstore, and a bunch of trails to explore.
There are also several unique things for tourists to do in Pea Ridge, including visiting historic churches and playing golf. The formation of Beaver Lake on the banks of White River helped put Pea Ridge on the tourist map, and it increased swimming, camping, fishing, and boating activities.
Tontitown
Tontitown was established in 1898 by Italian settlers and is still known worldwide for its grapes and wines. The town celebrates its heritage every year with the Tontitown Grape Festival, which draws hordes of tourists. Tontitown provides easy access to surrounding airports and freeways from its location along Highway 412.
However, before leaving the town via these freeways, tourists thoroughly enjoy themselves at the nearby War Eagle Cavern, Arkadia Retrocade, and on the Making Memories Tours. True to its history, there are also many Italian restaurants in Tontitown, including The Venesian Inn with its delectable menu of fried chicken and spaghetti. Eating delicious food while taking in the gorgeous natural surroundings is just one of the many charms of this small town.
Berryville
Berryville is the quintessential laid-back American town, and you will not miss the big red hog on the way in from the south side of US 62. Here you will find country music festivals and float trips. It is also one of the best locations for hunting, hiking, and fishing.
Berryville has a strong Civil War history, and most of the town burned during the fighting. Today, the town’s historical sites draw tourists from all over the world. These sites include Saunder’s Museum and the Carroll County Heritage Center Museum. For those looking for a bit more of a thrill, there is Snake World, located on Highway 62, which houses a collection and snakes and reptiles.
Greers Ferry
Greers Ferry is the place you will find one of the five largest lakes in Arkansas, namely Greers Ferry Lake. This cute town is one of the most popular vacation and tourist destinations in the US, especially for families looking for a well-deserved break.
Greers Ferry offers fishing, a variety of water sports, and camping. The Shiloh Marina sells some of the best ice cream in the area, and the coves at the lake offer smooth swimming waters. The Greers Ferry Dam is the place JFK delivered his last major address shortly before he was assassinated. The dam impounds Greers Ferry Lake, and Dam Site offers spectacular views over the water and the nearby Ozarks.
Mountain Home
Surrounding the stunning town of Mountain Home are the Bull Shoals and Norfolk Lakes, as well as the White and North Fork Rivers. The sheer amount of water in the area draws thousands of visitors who love canoeing, fishing, and boating here.
Anglers can enjoy river tours like the Cotter Trout Dock Guided Trout Fishing Tour, and those who love the rugged outdoors will love Big Air, which offers unparalleled views of the mountains and water from 2,000 in the air. Other great attractions include the James A. Gaston Visitor Center, the Bull Shoals Theater of the Arts, and Wolf House, which offers a fascinating glimpse into pioneer life.
Flippin
Flippin has fewer than 1,400 permanent residents but is one of the most beautiful towns in the Ozarks. The community is thriving because of local business activities and tourism and also because of Ranger Boats, which is the infamous bass boat brand.
In and around this small town, visitors can fly fish in the White River and explore the Bull Shoals City Park Trails. The Buffalo City Bluff Overlook in Flippin follows an old horse trail that stretches upwards of 980 feet for six miles. At the top of the hiking trail, you can take in the impressive views over the river and rolling hills. For a less strenuous day, you can go for a hot brew at the Bean Barn or visit Big Spring Park to see the old railroad cars.
There is a town in the Ozarks for every type of tourist. Here you will find glittering lakes, plenty of places to relax, and unmatched views of nature. You can enjoy a walk in the Ozark National Forest or find a unique shop for souvenir shopping. Whatever you choose to do in these towns, one thing is for sure; you will be back for more.
