Eureka Springs, Arkansas / USA. Editorial credit: shuttersv / Shutterstock.com

7 Little-Known Towns In The Ozarks

The Ozark Mountains in the south-central United States cover approximately 50,000 square miles and numerous states. They are a highly sought-after destination for travelers because of their remarkable beauty, many natural attractions, and entertainment venues. The small towns that comprise the landscape exude the best of the stunning scenery and small-town charm.

Little-known towns are generally the best to visit because of the lack of crowds, quaint downtown, and natural springs. The tight-knit communities are welcoming and friendly, and there are live events that celebrate the best of this unique region. These seven little-known towns are among the most suitable locations in the Ozarks.

Camdenton, Missouri

Exterior of the famous Ozarkland gift shop, in Camdenton, Missouri. Editorial credit: melissamn / Shutterstock.com
Exterior of the famous Ozarkland gift shop in Camdenton, Missouri. Editorial credit: melissamn / Shutterstock.com

Camdenton is a little-known town in Missouri that is big on natural beauty and fascinating architectural and historical sites. The Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins is a state park featuring sinkholes, caves, and a natural bridge. Boardwalks and trails wind around the geological wonders and the famed castle, built by a rich businessman in the early 20th century.

Other geological sites include the Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain. Located at the Lake of the Ozarks, this natural wonder has been taking guests through the past for 75 years and is considered the prettiest cave in Missouri. Outdoor adventures can be enjoyed in town at places like Adrenaline Zipline Company, which offers panoramic views with canopy ziplines.

Van Buren, Missouri

Van Buren, Missouri. In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_Buren,_Missouri By Brian Stansberry - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=108643942
Van Buren, Missouri. In Wikipedia. By Brian Stansberry - Own work, CC BY 4.0, Wikipedia

Named after the eighth US president, Van Buren is a gorgeous river community in Missouri. The Current River is the natural landmark that makes the town remarkable and provides paddling, fishing, and a tranquil setting. The Landing provides river tubes, one of the best ways to absorb the natural beauty, and operates five of the six National Park floats on the river's lower portion.

Another scenic area is the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. It is the first national park designed to protect a river system, and the spring-fed system has jaw-dropping foliage, particularly in the Fall. Downtown is just as charming, with many shops and historical sites to explore.

Rolla, Missouri

Rolla, Missouri, United States. Editorial credit: Sabrina Janelle Gordon / Shutterstock.com
Rolla, Missouri, United States. Editorial credit: Sabrina Janelle Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Rolla, Missouri, near St. Louis, is known for its university and traditional downtown with brick storefronts and small-town charm. The Missouri University of Science and Technology, Missouri's premier university's history, dates back to the 19th century. An academic and cultural atmosphere is prominent, especially in the commercial district.

Ozark Actors Theatre on Cedar Street is a must-see stop and the premier performance theatre in the region. While walking the quaint town, check out the Rolla Antique Mall, a popular destination for many. Rolla offers a unique history and a quaint vibe that is rare in the bigger towns and makes for a charming visit.

Batesville, Arkansas

Oldest house in Batesville, Arkansas built in 1842.
Oldest house in Batesville, Arkansas built in 1842.

Batesville is the oldest town in Arkansas. It was founded in 1821, and the downtown area comprises brick storefronts, which give an air of nostalgia and Americana. It is also the state's Christmas Capital and, each season, transforms Riverfront Park into a winter wonderland. The tight-knit community, surrounded by beautiful scenery, boasts many other attractions, including the famed 70-foot Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the White River during the Wonderland event.

Motor enthusiasts are familiar with Batesville, the dirt track capital of the South and the hometown of famed racer Mark Martin. Batesville Motor Speedway is packed with summertime races, which is one of the primary reasons people visit the small town. It is also home to many outdoor adventures, like canoeing, fishing, and quiet trails through the forest.

Ozark, Arkansas

Ozark Courthouse Square Historic District (Ozark, Missouri). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozark_Courthouse_Square_Historic_District_(Ozark,_Missouri) By Kbh3rd - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44434171
Ozark Courthouse Square Historic District (Ozark, Missouri). In Wikipedia. By Kbh3rd - Own work, CC BY 4.0, Wikipedia

Ozark is a picturesque town surrounded by unspoiled preserves in Arkansas. The unspoiled land includes mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests. Downtown is just as beautiful with its landmark Courthouse Square. The Historic Ozark District has several buildings on the National Historic Register, including the 1909 First United Methodist Church.

Other historic sites downtown include a veteran's memorial wall and even a "pocket park." A self-guided walking tour introduces visitors to the Historic Depot Museum and the Bristow Hotel, among other charming sites. The Bristow was built in 1909 next to the iconic courthouse in what was then dubbed a "New Stone Building." It is an idyllic place to absorb the historic vibe and be within walking distance of the numerous historic structures.

Mammoth Springs, Arkansas

Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

What makes Mammoth Springs, Arkansas, unique is its abundance of natural springs. Among the many stunning springs is one of the world's largest, with an amazing nine million gallons of water flowing hourly. The runoff formed a 10-acre lake, which flows into the tranquil Spring River, a notable trout and floating river.

The National Natural Landmark town offers many cultural and historical sites, like the quintessential mill remnants at Mammoth Springs State Park. The park also has an 1886 train depot and museum. This excellent walking town is surrounded by stunning beauty and charming 19th-century structures that whisk visitors to a different era.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Historic downtown Eureka Springs, AR, with boutique shops and famous buildings. Editorial credit: Rachael Martin / Shutterstock.com
Historic downtown Eureka Springs, AR, with boutique shops and famous buildings. Editorial credit: Rachael Martin / Shutterstock.com

Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is brimming with artistry, history, and natural hot springs, some of which bubble under the downtown buildings. It is also home to the iconic Flat Iron Building, where Spring and Center Streets intersect. Walking the downtown district is one of the best experiences in the Ozark region, and there is much to see and do.

The Grotto embodies the town's defining spirit among the many restaurants downtown. The name is derived from the spring in the middle of the dining room, where tranquility flows while patrons enjoy their meals. The historic district contains walkable paths under the buildings, once used for construction, that lead to the Crescent Hotel and other memorable landmarks.

These seven little-known towns are among the best in the Ozark Mountain region because of their natural beauty, cultural points of interest, and attractions. The landmark natural springs are some of the prettiest in the US and provide a great reason to visit. Artistic towns like Eureka Springs, Arkansas, offer stunning and quirky downtowns where there is always something to do.

Outdoor enthusiasts love the Ozark region for its abundance of hiking, camping, and angling opportunities. When visitors are not hitting the trails, there is much to see and do in town. The small hamlets bordering these areas have an eclectic blend of dining, shopping, and cultural interests to match the outdoor activities.

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