2025's Most Underrated Towns In The Ozarks
Situated within the river valleys and rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains lies a series of towns that remain largely untouched by mass tourism. These underappreciated gems offer an authentic blend of culture, nature, and community spirit that cannot be manufactured. Stretching across southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, each of these destinations provides a unique opportunity to experience life at a slower, more meaningful pace. From riverfront kayaking to old-time music, these are the towns that deserve your attention in 2025—and beyond.
Van Buren, Missouri
Van Buren is an underappreciated natural paradise where water, wildlife, and welcoming locals define the experience. Situated along the picturesque Current River, this quiet town is surrounded by the protected lands of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the easy access to Big Spring, one of the largest freshwater springs in the United States, which releases an astounding 280 million gallons of water per day. Visitors can canoe, fish, or simply take in the views along the Big Spring Trail, a tranquil loop that meanders through mossy cliffs and turquoise waters. The annual Van Buren Fall Festival (October 11-12, 2025) adds to the town’s appeal, with live acoustic music, local food vendors, and handmade crafts.
Calico Rock, Arkansas
Calico Rock is an undervalued treasure that offers equal parts history, art, and world-class river recreation. Perched high above the White River, this small town is known for its unique dual identity: a thriving modern center and a preserved ghost town, Peppersauce, where visitors can wander through early 20th-century remnants like an abandoned jail and barbershop. The Calico Rock Museum and Visitor Center highlights Native American history, Ozark pioneer life, and rotating art exhibits by regional artists. Outdoor lovers will enjoy kayaking the White River or taking a scenic drive to Bull Shoals Lake, the largest body of water in Arkansas. Consider visiting in autumn 2025, when the misty mornings will reveal stunning fall foliage that reflects off the river’s glassy surface.
West Plains, Missouri
Set in the heart of rural Missouri, West Plains deserves more attention for offering an enriching small-town experience that is both educational and entertaining. As the cultural hub of the Missouri Ozarks, this town features a vibrant arts community, historic architecture, and strong ties to traditional mountain culture. The Harlin Museum showcases local art and historical exhibits, while downtown’s Courthouse Square is ringed by nearly 50 buildings dating from the 1880s to the 1950s. Public murals and performance venues make the area especially lively. But West Plains is not just about preservation—it is also big on public participation. This year’s Old Time Music Ozark Heritage Festival (October 17-18, 2025) invites guests to enjoy folk music, dance workshops, and craft demonstrations.
Hardy, Arkansas
Unheralded Hardy combines small-town nostalgia with rich natural beauty and deep historical roots that few towns can match. Located along the Spring River, this community preserves a sense of Americana that is increasingly rare. The Old Hardy Town district features more than 40 historic buildings, now housing antique stores, local eateries, and art galleries. Step inside the Ozark Classic Crafts Mall, a former movie theater turned artisan marketplace, to browse handcrafted goods from local makers. Nearby Mammoth Spring State Park, fed by one of the largest springs in Arkansas, offers scenic walking trails and wildlife viewing. Hardy’s Homesteaders Day Festival (September 27, 2025) captures its spirit perfectly, with living history displays, traditional crafts, and classic festival games and treats.
Hermann, Missouri
Situated along the Missouri River and nestled among rolling vineyards, Hermann offers an unexpected Old World escape, as if a European village were dropped into the Ozarks. Its strong German heritage is visible in every detail, from timber-framed homes to authentic cuisine and local festivals. The Hermann Wine Trail connects several family-run wineries offering tastings with beautiful views. Deutschheim State Historic Site preserves original homes and artifacts from 19th-century immigrants. The town’s annual Oktoberfest (weekends in October 2025) includes polka music, bratwurst, and beer, but also plenty of great local wine. No matter the season, Hermann offers a level of refinement and character that more travelers should discover.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Tucked into the hills of northern Arkansas, the hidden little gem called Mountain View pulses with the sound of fiddles, banjos, and dulcimers. The Ozark Folk Center State Park allows guests to see traditional skills like blacksmithing, weaving, and broom-making up close. In the evenings, informal jam sessions spring up around the courthouse square, where both locals and visitors join in. Nearby Blanchard Springs Caverns offers awe-inspiring cave tours, perfect for adventurers. This summer’s annual Mountains, Music, and Motorcycles Festival (August 15-17, 2025), will once again feature live bands, a bike parade, and traditional Ozark foods.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is an enchanting blend of history and eccentricity that feels like no other town in the Ozarks—or the country. Built into the side of a mountain, its steep and winding streets are lined with preserved Victorian architecture, giving it the look of a storybook come to life. The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and filled with galleries, antique shops, and locally owned cafés. Iconic landmarks include the ghost-hunting-worthy 1886 Crescent Hotel and the ethereal Thorncrown Chapel, an architectural wonder tucked into the woods. Eureka Springs is perhaps the best-known small town in the Ozarks, yet this must-see destination still seems to fly under the radar of many travelers.
From historic riverside hamlets to music-filled mountain enclaves, the Ozarks offer not just scenic overlooks but also stories, traditions, and communities that welcome travelers with open arms. These seven underrated towns deserve to be explored for their authenticity, character, and enduring charm. Whether you find yourself sipping wine in Hermann, paddling the Current River in Van Buren, or enjoying a fiddle tune under the stars in Mountain View, the Ozarks will leave you feeling connected to a place where the past and present live in harmony.
