2024's 7 Most Adorable Small Towns in The Ozarks
The Ozarks—also known as the Ozark Mountains—are a forested highland landscape located in the US states of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, with the majority covering northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. A popular vacation destination, the Ozarks draw millions of visitors each year looking to soak up its distinctive natural beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. The best way to experience the Ozarks is by visiting its many extraordinary towns scattered throughout the picturesque region; these inviting destinations offer everything from rich historical heritage to family-friendly entertainment, iconic natural settings, and offbeat and quirky mountain retreats. Below are the most adorable small towns that define the region and give its unique personality and charm.
Branson, Missouri
Branson is a popular Ozarks town in Southwest Missouri. Known as “America’s Top Live Music Show Destination,” Branson is known for its diverse entertainment, family-friendly atmosphere, and quirky, offbeat attractions. From theaters to theme parks, Branson’s version of The Strip, aka Country 76 Boulevard, has something for everyone. Popular attractions include must-see shows like Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction or Presleys’ Country Jubilee; thrill rides, attractions, and entertainment at Silver Dollar City, considered one of the world’s best theme parks; and Branson Landing, a bustling area including shops, restaurants, and a colorful fountain spectacle.
Branson also has plenty of museums—from offbeat to historical, spots like the Titanic Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and the Hollywood Wax Museum are worth a visit. Complete an unforgettable stay in this adorable Ozarks town with a ride on the Branson Ferris Wheel. Located in the town’s entertainment district, it is the perfect place to soak in Branson’s bright lights and breathtaking views of the Ozarks. For even more spectacular views, visit the 165 Overlook or the viewing tower at Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is an artsy and offbeat town in Northwest Arkansas. Complete with a historic downtown district and eclectic signature attractions, Eureka Springs is a bustling Ozarks hub. Stroll through the Museum of Eureka Springs Art or the Eureka Springs Historical Museum, sample the local wine scene at Keel’s Creek Winery, visit the “Ozarks’ Strangest Dwelling,” Quigley’s Castle, and visit St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, a town landmark with a unique bell tower entrance and the distinction of being listed in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. While exploring, don’t forget to visit some of the town’s namesake springs, including well-known springs like Sweet Spring, Magnetic Spring, Basin Spring, and Blue Spring, located at the Blue Spring Heritage Center, a must-visit destination capturing the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The area surrounding Eureka Springs is also worth exploring for its scenic natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and even more off-the-beaten-track attractions. Travel on the Beaver Bridge, a historic swinging bridge dubbed the “Golden Gate of the Ozarks,” before heading to the breathtaking Thorncrown Chapel, an architectural and spiritual marvel made only with organic materials. Located across the border in neighboring Missouri, Roaring River State Park is one of the Ozarks’ most popular parks. Known for its spectacular natural scenery, the unique state park is just 30 minutes from Eureka Springs. War Eagle Cavern is another top destination near Eureka Springs. Located in a box canyon at Beaver Lake, the distinctive attraction is Arkansas’ only lakeside cavern and has guided tours, nature trails, and several family-friendly activities.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Arkansas' Mountain View is an idyllic community nestled in the heart of the Ozarks. With its picturesque setting and proximity to both the White River and the Ozark National Forests, Mountain View is known for its spectacular natural beauty. However, the small community’s real claim to fame lies in its passion for folk music. Known as the “Folk Music Capital of the World,” Mountain View’s dedication to preserving folk music’s traditions and heritage is evident in everything from events like the Arkansas Folk Festival to attractions like Ozark Center Stage Park. From April through November, the town’s bustling music season includes the Mountain View Bluegrass Festival and concerts, events, and cultural celebrations. More popular Mountain View festivals include the Iris Festival, Mountains Music & Motorcycles, and Christmas on the Square.
Mountain View is also a top destination for outdoor recreation. White River and Mirror Lake are famed for their fishing, while hidden gems like Gunner Pool Recreation Area and Sylamore Creek offer the chance to beat the summer heat with a scenic swim. Explore epic spots like the Syllamo Mountain Hiking and Biking Trails, the Ozark National Forest (Sylamore District), and the Blanchard Springs Caverns & Recreation Area for more unforgettable Ozarks outdoor activities.
Camdenton, Missouri
Camdenton is a charming community located on the Niangua Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. Camdenton’s proximity to the Lake—considered Missouri’s top tourist destination—provides visitors with nearly endless recreational activities, including boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, wildlife and bird watching, and exploring underground caves. Additionally, Ha Ha Tonka State Park, located just five miles from Camdenton, is a stunning spot known for its rugged beauty and distinctive geological features, including caves, natural bridges, and underground streams. The vast state park also has hiking trails and picnic areas and is home to one of the largest springs in Missouri. Bridal Cave at Thunder Mountain Park is another popular Camdenton area attraction with activities including guided cave tours, an observation tower, a nature trail, and a boat dock. Lake of the Ozarks State Park in nearby Kaiser also has spectacular caverns to explore, in addition to hiking, biking, horseback riding, watersports, and overnight accommodations.
Though known for its outdoor recreation, Camdenton (and the surrounding area) also has many other exciting attractions. Catch a show at the “Best Live Music Venue in Missouri,” Ozarks Amphitheater; learn about local history at the Camden County Museum or visit Big Surf waterpark, both in nearby Linn Creek; and attend local events like the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show or the spring Dogwood Festival. Whatever the season, Camdenton has something for every Ozarks visitor.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Tahlequah is located in the Ozarks foothills of Eastern Oklahoma. The capital of the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, has many cultural attractions celebrating Cherokee and Native American heritage. Notable sites include the Tahlequah Original Historic District, the Tahlequah History Trail, and the Cherokee Cultural Pathway connecting the Cherokee National Historical Museum, the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum, and the Cherokee National Prison Museum. Additionally, Sequoyah’s Cabin Museum, located just one hour from Tahlequah in nearby Sallisaw, is a National Literary Landmark offering visitors an in-depth look into Sequoyah’s life and times, including artifacts, exhibits, and a 10-acre park. For more sites exploring Cherokee history, visit the National Historic Landmark, Honey Springs Battlefield (Checotah), the John Ross Museum (Park Hill), and Fort Gibson Historic Site (Fort Gibson)—all one hour or less from Tahlequah.
Tahlequah also has its share of natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Popular activities include rafting, tubing, and canoeing on the Illinois River; hiking and biking the Welling Ridge Trails; and fishing, swimming, scuba diving, hiking, and boating at Lake Tenkiller, which is also home to two state parks, Tenkiller State Park and Cherokee Landing State Park. Visitors can also soak up Eastern Oklahoma’s picture-perfect landscapes with a drive on the Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway.
Jasper, Arkansas
Jasper is a quaint community in Northwest Arkansas. Surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the Ozarks, the Newton County town—aka “The Elk Capital of Arkansas”—is also known for its epic recreation. The nearby Buffalo National River offers an array of activities, including watersports, hiking, historic districts, camping, and horseback riding; fishing on the Little Buffalo River, situated in Jasper’s lovely Bradley Park; and breathtaking panoramic views and adventurous hiking opportunities on Round Top Mountain. For even more spectacular vistas, visit Whitaker Point, a beloved spot for hikers and nature lovers alike. Jasper is also known as a popular stop on the Arkansas Scenic Byway 7. Some of the Byway’s most popular spots include the Arkansas Grand Canyon, the nearby Scenic Point lookout tower, the sprawling Koen Experimental Forest, and the charming town of Harrison.
With the splendor of the Ozarks as its backdrop, Jasper’s historic town square is as pretty as a postcard. Notable buildings line the town’s cozy streets, including the Newton County Courthouse, the Bradley House Museum, the Arkansas House, and the Newton County Library. Jasper also hosts community events throughout the year that attract visitors looking to admire the area’s natural beauty, including the summer Westbrook Music Series and the Jasper/Newton County Trail of Holiday Lights.
Van Buren, Missouri
Named after US President Martin Van Buren, this cozy river town is situated amid the Courtois Hills region of the Southeast Missouri Ozarks. Its proximity to the Current River and the Mark Twain National Forest provide a breathtakingly beautiful backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts who flock to the area for everything from hiking to outstanding fishing and other watersports. Enjoy the beauty of the Current River with a visit to Current River State Park and its two lakes, overnight accommodations, floating swimming, and horseback riding opportunities, and soak up the splendor of Van Buren’s natural scenery with a trip to the sprawling Mark Twain National Forest. Van Buren is also home to the Visitor Center and headquarters of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a historic national park area encompassing some of the region’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes and recreation. The Landing, located on the Current River, is another popular Van Buren destination hosting floating excursions, stunning river views, and comfortable lodging. Finally, while in Van Buren, visit the Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo and enjoy its interactive animal exhibits, guided tours of the Current River Cave, quarry digs, and gem mining.
There is no better way to experience an Ozarks vacation than with a trip to one of its many adorable small towns. Dramatic mountain backdrops, crystal-clear waterways, and sprawling forested landscapes serve as the backdrop to these bustling communities with their own brand off-the-beaten-path attractions and signature Ozarks scenery. With something for every type of vacationer—from adventure-seekers to road-trippers and everything in between—these inviting small towns in the Ozarks are the perfect showcase for the region’s spectacular natural beauty and distinctive, offbeat charm.
