14 Small Towns In The Ozarks Were Ranked Among US Favorites

Reputed for its rugged terrain, the Ozarks is a picturesque region of the south-central United States suitable for outdoor fun and nature-themed adventure. Vacationers will have a blast exploring the area’s underground streams, sparkling brooks, clear springs, and rolling hills. Once a vast wilderness where the Osage Natives roamed free, the Ozarks region is today dotted with several charming small towns first-time visitors will have a blast sampling. Read on to discover the 14 small towns in the Ozarks that are often ranked among US favorites.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

While Arkansas hosts several beautiful small towns, many consider Eureka Springs the prettiest. While it can get busy, especially on weekends when it is often swarmed by crowds seeking the many optical pleasures it offers, Eureka Springs is still slow-paced and peaceful — and will appeal to those seeking rest and relaxation. Boasting some of the most impressive collections of Victorian architecture in the United States, the whole of Eureka Springs’s downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Then again, as its name implies, Eureka Springs hosts more than 60 natural springs, many of which are exquisitely landscaped.  You will want to particularly check out Crescent Springs, spend the night at Crescent Hotel, and stroll through Crescent Street, to taste what Eureka Springs has to offer. 

Branson, Missouri

Are you wondering why many rank Branson among their US favorites? Just think of Las Vegas. Only that Branson is a tad more refined and decent and the gambling scene is not as wild. Actually, you’ll hardly find a casino in Branson. Still, Branson boasts an amazing entertainment landscape — among the best of its kind in the Ozark region. Part of what makes Branson a much sought-after destination is Silver Dollar City, a humongous amusement park that spans more than 60 acres and features seven roller coasters. While there is something enjoyable about each of these roller coasters, you may particularly want to experience  “Outlaw Run,” that is, if you want your highest expectations shattered — of course, in a positive way. And don’t taste their cinnamon bread because you will not want to battle the addiction.

Bella Vista, Arkansas

If you are wondering why Bella Vista appears on this list, you are late to the party. This is because Bella Vista’s name itself is an easy give-away. Bella Vista is Spanish for “beautiful view.” As many often discover, Bella Vista lives up to its evocative name. Set in a peaceful, wooded environment, this Ozarks favorite has been ranked among the “Top 10 Best Healthy Places to Retire. ” If you know a thing about retirement — you may want to think of it as an extended vacation. Here is what many love about Bella Vista. The town boasts up to seven excellent golf courses — and plays host to an equal number of lakes, including Loch Lomond, the largest of the seven — and the only one that has a full-service marina. 

Kimberling City, Missouri

Kimberling City is another Ozarks stunner vacationers rank among their favorites. While it is home to just about 2,400 residents, Kimberling City sits about 30 minutes from Branson, and hence, not far from big-city amenities. One reason Kimberling City is a heart-warming eye candy is its idyllic setting. It provides access to Table Rock Lake, and that alone — gives it views that will completely blow away a first-time visitor. So if you want to splash on the water and dabble in some sport fishing in a beautiful, tree-lined lake that features clear, glass-like waters, Kimberling City should be on your travel bucket list. For even more fun on the water, and more gorgeous views,  Fisher and Schooner Creeks are both amazing options worth backpacking for.

Berryville, Arkansas

Known for its quaint downtown, Berryville is an amazing escape for city dwellers who want to escape the whirl of cars, crowded streets, and soulless architecture that define many of America’s big cities. If you want to have a bird’s eye view of Berryville and appreciate its charm and beauty, wend your way to the summit of Saunders Heights, an elevated park whose seclusion and greenery will leave you in awe. From here, you will want to shift gears and explore the underground marvels at the nearby Cosmic Cavern, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Arkansas. Not only is this subterranean wonder home to two bottomless lakes — but it also provides shelter to the Ozark Blind Cave Salamanders, a unique species that dwells exclusively underground.

Mountain View, Arkansas

Mountain View is home to an isolated but friendly community that has made music a part of its culture and heritage. Known as the "Folk Music Capital of the World," Mountain View is a favorite travel destination for those who want to sample the breezy, fun-filled musical shows that take place right in town — often with exciting spontaneity. For those who want to experience the musical side of Mountain View, the Ozark Folk Center State Park is the go-to venue. The 1,000-seat music theatre often stages awesome music shows from top artists in the region and features a craft area that showcases traditional Ozark crafts. For a leisurely stroll amid some heart-warming scenery, the incredibly photogenic Mountain View City Park will be worth checking out.

Jasper, Arkansas

Part of what makes Jasper famous is that it serves as the gateway to Buffalo National River, the first National River in the United States. Buffalo River is widely famous for the towering limestone bluffs that surround it and the many adventure options it provides, especially to those who desire some skin-cooling splashes and sprinkles.  Then again, known as the "Elk Capital of Arkansas," it is not uncommon to lock eyes with one of the biggest deer species on earth — whose males are known for their gorgeously branched antlers. If you want to while away the time in a cool, quiet place — while finding convenient access to the Little Buffalo River — you might be thinking of Bradley Park, a green-space gem situated at the end of Clark Street.

Siloam Springs, Arkansas

This Arkansas stunner, named for a healing pool mentioned in the Christian Bible, boasts not one — but two National Register Historic Districts within its precincts, a feature rarely found in most of America’s small towns. One of these is the downtown area — while the other is Carl's Addition, a predominantly residential historic district that features an impressive array of gorgeous Queen Anne and Craftsman-style houses. And with Sager Creek meandering right through its downtown area, Siloam Springs is also a tasty eye candy big on outdoor attractions and natural scenery. Then again, whether you love drama or dance, the Sager Creek Arts Center, a repurposed 1921 church named for the first white settler in the town, will be fun to explore.

Marshall, Arkansas

Marshall is a history lover’s paradise that sits at the foot of the picturesque Boston Mountain Range reputed to be the highest portion of the Ozarks Mountain Range. Such a setting gives Marshall a dramatic appearance visitors will find delightfully photogenic. Part of what makes this town a favorite is the fact it is one of the gateways to the Buffalo National River, an outdoor haven that offers several heart-stirring activities. However, besides being a base camp to America's first National River, Marshall brims with historic sites, many of which will pique the interest of a history enthusiast. It is home to the Anthony Luna House, for instance, a Victorian-style masterpiece at the southwest corner of Main and Spring Streets. Then again, one block off the Marshall Town Square stands the Buffalo River Historic Jail & Museum which preserves the fascinating history and rich culture of the area.

St. Robert, Missouri

We all know every small town exudes its distinctive charm and personality. But if you want it all funky and quirky, you should place your bet on St. Robert, Missouri, a sweet, little charmer named for one of the most enlightened Catholic cardinals renowned for his role in the Counter-Reformation. If you want to experience the funky side of St. Robert, find your way to Uranus, a lively plaza chockful of interesting stuff, including hilarious T-shirts, unique souvenirs, and retired circus equipment. Besides, this popular facility plays host to the Uranus Side Show Museum where visitors will lock eyes with Fiji mermaids, unicorn skulls, shrunken heads, and a two-headed bull shark, among other perplexing oddities. Finally, the on-site Uranus Fudge Factory could just be making the sweetest fudge on Earth.

Morrilton, Arkansas

Since Morrilton sits about midway on the Scenic 7 Byway, it is often a great favorite with day trippers keen on a quick, accessible getaway. As a fun fact,  Scenic 7 Byway is the first scenic byway in Arkansas and meanders through some of the most photogenic spots in the Natural State. Morrilton plays host to a population of about 7,100 and styles itself as “a small city with NO limits.” It hosts a vivacious downtown area that brims with casual but classy eateries, eclectic boutiques, and locally-owned shops. If you love movies, Rialto Community Arts Center is a step back into the old, good times — and could just be the best thing about Morrilton. On the flip side, outdoor enthusiasts will get a blast at Petit Jean State Park, a colorful, heart-ravishing expanse that happens to be Arkansas’ first state park as well as the most visited.

Lakeview, Arkansas

There is something enchanting about Lakeview, a small, beautiful town that provides access to panoramic views of a shimmering lake that knows no closed season. Lakeview is a quaint, slow-paced town that hosts just about 700 residents, yet is arguably Arkansas’ ultimate summer destination. This is because — as its name implies — Lakeview sits on the picturesque banks of Bull Shoals Lake, a blue-space gem known for its many miles of arms and coves as well as its crystal-clear waters. Besides, Bull Shoals Lake is Arkansas’ largest lake and is often considered one of its finest fishing lakes. If you want to experience what makes Lakeview a travelers’ favorite, the free-to-enter Bull Shoals-White River State Park, Arkansas’s premier park for trout fishing, will leave you completely blown away.

Mammoth Springs, Arkansas

With up to a mind-boggling nine million gallons of water flowing every hour, Mammoth Springs is a world-famous natural spectacle and one of the largest springs on Earth. Yet, there is Mammoth Springs, the water wonder — and Mommoth Springs, one of the coolest towns in the United States. The most exciting part is that the town of Mammoth Springs plays host to the largest spring in Arkansas, and the one natural feature for which the town is best known. If you want to dip your toe in this picture-perfect spring, or even your entire body, the Mammoth Spring State Park, a staple of the town since 1957, should be on your itinerary. This spring flows into a beautiful, 10-acre lake — which in turn flows into the Spring River —one of the most popular canoeing streams in Arkansas.

Van Buren, Arkansas

While Martin Van Buren, the eighth president of the United States may not be among the most famous presidents in America — the Arkansas town named after him is among the most beloved in the Ozarks. Van Buren was known for his penchant for fine clothes and keen taste of style. Fortunately, the town named after him is just as stylish — and is one of a few where the downtown sits perpendicular to a massive, picturesque river — that also happens to be among the most popular whitewater rafting destinations in the country. Downtown Van Buren comprises up to six blocks of art galleries and eclectic boutiques, several of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Attractions in Van Buren include the King Opera House, a gorgeous, Victorian-style performance hall that has graced Van Buren’s Main Street for more than a century.

The Take-home

Nature has cooked something spiced and tasty in the Ozarks Mountain region of south-central United States. The Ozarks features a landscape that is impossibly photographic — and one defined by underground streams, sparkling brooks, cascading valleys, clear springs, and rolling hills. Dotting this photogenic kaleidoscope is a delightful array of charming small towns suitable for all kinds of adventure. Among the small towns Americans consider the favorite Ozark gems include Jasper, Arkansas; Branson, Missouri, and perhaps the best of them all, Eureka Springs. Here is the thing. If you are a small-town enthusiast, the Ozarks will leave you spoilt for choice.