7 Most Beautiful Small Towns in The Ozarks in 2024

If you are craving a proper break from the grind — and are considering exploring the Ozarks — you will find a cornucopia of many beautiful towns, many of which are layered with incredible natural beauty. Some of these slow-paced towns sit on shimmering lakes and feature views that any vacationer will die for. Eureka Springs, for example, is a frequent feature in leading travel magazines. But there are others, often just as beautiful, just as enchanting. If you are looking for specific recommendations, discover below 2024’s seven most beautiful small towns in the Ozarks.

Jasper, Arkansas

Jasper boasts a lovely and quaint downtown area, with many buildings more than 100 years old, including Brasel Mercantile on Court Street (now Ozark Cafe), the oldest commercial building on Jasper Square. Jasper is unique because it is one of a handful of towns whose entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After a long day of hiking waterfalls in the area, including the Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls, the tallest waterfall between The Rockies and Appalachians, sit down to some fried mushrooms at the Ozark Cafe, an Americana-filled hangout with weekly live music. This done, pick a souvenir at the nearby Scenic Point Gift Shop before pitching your tent at Dogwood Springs Campground, a quiet, shady space with almost all the amenities one will need.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Often named among America’s prettiest small towns, Eureka Springs can cause any heart to miss a beat. Beautifully preserved Victorian architecture sways the sight at every turn — while locally owned shops, almost block after block — provide a world of adventure to avid shoppers. In addition, art seems to pour out from every open space, firing the imagination and awakening a sense of awe and wonder in the enchanted souls. Check out the Crescent Hotel, ostensibly one of America’s most haunted sites, particularly after grabbing a filling meal at Mud Street Cafe, one of the most popular breakfast spots in the Ozarks. At the nearby Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, you will come up and close with leopards and tigers in an experience that may make you feel like you are in the wilds of Africa.

Branson, Missouri

Branson, Missouri, the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” has a stunning downtown area noted for its eye-catching murals, inviting restaurants, and chic boutiques. Snap a picture at the "Greetings from Branson" mural at the corner of Main and Sycamore Streets — or at the Star Spangled Banner Bicentennial Mural on the west side of the Liberty Utilities building. Avid shoppers will enjoy exploring Dick’s 5 & 10, Patricia's Victorian House, or numerous other options on the Branson Strip. Depending on your taste, you may want to listen to imitators of Music greats such as Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash at Legends In Concert on Highway 76, climb Inspiration Tower for a panoramic view of the town, or get your heart pounding at Silver Dollar City, arguably the best theme park in the United States.

Mountain View, Arkansas

Mountain View, the Fok Music Capital of the World, is encircled by the pristine beauty of the Ozarks, something that rubs off on the town, imbuing it with a rustic charm and aesthetic flair. The trout-filled White River flows close to the town and offers a world of outdoor fun and adventure. Start with a hearty breakfast at The Rustic Cup across the street from the old Stone County Courthouse before visiting the Ozark Folk Center State Park, America's only institution dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Ozark Mountain people. Outdoor enthusiasts will get a blast at Blanchard Springs Caverns, a significant cave system in the Natural State. Mountain View is known for spontaneous music. So do not be surprised to find random people churning out beguiling banjo tunes, making the air vocal with melodious strains.

Van Buren, Arkansas

Named for the eighth president of the United States, Van Buren is nestled on the Arkansas River opposite Fort Smith, about two hours west of Little Rock. It features handsomely restored Victorian architecture and boasts a stylish line-up of antique shops and inviting restaurants. Perk Coffee House serves some of the best croissants in the area — and is loved for its sweet and friendly atmosphere. Drennen Scott House, once home to the town’s co-founder, has a history that goes back more than 180 years. It is on a beautiful spot that overlooks the Arkansas River. Enjoy a good laugh at the iconic King Opera House — or hit up Lee Creek Hiking Trails, a picturesque loop that boasts tasty views of the surrounding area.

Ozark, Missouri

This cute little town is tucked away in the heart-ravishing Ozark Plateau — and is among southwest Missouri’s best antiquing destinations — if not the best. While small and home to just about 22,000 residents, it packs a punch. Camp Flea Antique Mall, among other venues in town, speaks to Ozark’s antiquing fame. Other Ozark attractions include the Ozark Area Depot Museum, from where one can view the Historic River Bridge and The Lock and Dam. There is the Historic Methodist Church as well, which is noted for its beautiful stained glass windows. If you want to see where felons were held many years ago, work your way to the Old Franklin County Jail on the banks of the Arkansas River near the Franklin County Courthouse. The jail is conspicuous for its hard lines and rusticated stone walls, no doubt the effects of time and tide.

Bella Vista, Arkansas

Rounding off this list is the cute, slow-moving town of Bella Vista, an Arkansas charmer layered with natural beauty at its most raw and pristine. Bella Vista is known for its world-class hiking trails. It features stand-outs such as The Back 40 trail system, which weaves across the oscillating ridges on the east side of town. There is The Blowing Springs Trails as well, which transports hikers through hulking cliffs, sparkling cascades, and enchanting caves. That said, no one comes to Bella Vista without setting foot on the grounds of the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, whose design follows that of the more famous Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs. It is the most beautiful wedding venue for miles. On the culinary side, one cannot go wrong with spots such as BV Bar & Grill, located at the equally beautiful Bella Vista Country Club Golf Course.

Exploring the Ozarks’ Charming Small Towns

There you have it. The Ozarks can go toe-to-toe with any top-ranked region in the United States, especially if natural beauty is a vital consideration. Think of fairy-tale landscapes, shimmering lakes, spectacular sunsets, a system of caves, name it. Several towns provide access to these wonders, some big, others much smaller. If looking for the most beautiful small towns in the Ozarks, you will probably think of Eureka Springs, a peach of a town famous for its eye-catching Victorian architecture. But there are others, especially the ones highlighted here.