7 Most Charming Towns In The Ozarks to Visit in 2024
The Ozark Mountains are a gorgeous mountain range in the middle of the United States, surrounded by charming towns. The towns include natural springs, historic districts, and classic architectural styles that are fun to discover. There is also a booming culinary and nightlife scene, which adds to the quaint atmospheres of these towns. Quaint inns in the historic downtown areas are within walking distance of several Ozark landmarks and are the best way to soak in these mountain towns.
Eureka Springs is packed with history, Van Buren has stunning scenery, and Mountain View is known as the Folk Music Capital of the World. Thousands of people visit the Ozark towns every year to experience the healing power of the springs or to spend an afternoon strolling through historic districts. These are seven of the most charming towns in the Ozarks, where relaxation and entertaining venues go hand in hand.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is one of the most visited towns in the Ozarks because of its historic district, natural springs, and stunning scenery. The Flat Iron Flats building sits at the intersection of Spring and Center Streets, so each side faces a different road. It is the most iconic and most photographed building in Eureka Springs. The Historic District contains beautiful examples of Victorian architecture, such as the Basin Park Hotel, the Crescent Hotel, and the Palace Bath House.
Main Street has several historic sites, including the vintage locomotives. The Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway has a 1940 diesel locomotive, a dining car, and other classic locomotive exhibits. While the town centers around the natural springs, there are also two rivers and three lakes, so outdoor activities are abundant. The natural springs include Basin, Grotto, Blue Spring, and several more in the area.
Van Buren, Arkansas
Van Buren, Arkansas, was named for the Vice President in office when the town was incorporated. The Historic Downtown has vintage buildings, including the Victoria King Opera House. The performing arts theater has been a Main Street landmark since the 19th century. The signature commercial structure is the Citizens Bank Building. It was built in 1876 where Main Street and 6th Avenue intersect and is a timeless brick edifice.
Main Street has been restored to its Victorian splendor, including six blocks of boutiques, shops, and restaurants. Another point of interest is the Drennon-Scott House Museum, located in a restored building from 1832. The University of Arkansas owns the museum for research purposes, but the public is welcome to explore the historic site.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Mountain View, Arkansas, as the name implies, has beautiful scenery and views of the Ozarks. It is also considered the "Folk Music Capital of the World." The Arkansas Folk Festival was founded in Mountain View in the 1960s, and the Ozark Folk Center State Park is dedicated to preserving American Folk Music. The park contains a Craft Village, where visitors can watch artisans work, and the Heritage Herb Garden to learn about medicinal herbs and plants.
A touching point of interest is the Stone Amphitheater, dedicated to the local farmers who made City Park a reality. The amphitheater provides a tranquil setting for photography or even an outside wedding. Other attractions include The center of downtown Courthouse Square on Peabody Avenue. The charming town hosts many live events around the square throughout the year and is the ideal time to mingle with the local community.
Bentonville, Arkansas
Bentonville, Arkansas, is a small town with a picturesque downtown, several museums, and Walmart founder Sam Walton's original five-and-dime store. The downtown area has brick facades centered around Bentonville Square on Main Street. The trendy and vibrant downtown has a walkable section, historical buildings, food trucks, and restaurants like AOI Sushi and Oven and Tap.
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded in 2011, is a relatively new and exciting cultural attraction. General admission is free on the 120-acre property, which features art exhibits and beautiful architecture. The Walmart Museum includes the five-and-time store, but both were closed in mid-2024 for renovations. The amount of stores, activities, and history makes Bentonville one of the most charming in the Ozarks.
Mammoth Springs, Arkansas
Mammoth Springs, Arkansas, might be a small town, but it boasts one of the largest natural springs in the world: Mammoth Spring. The spring, located in Mammoth Spring State Park, pumps an astonishing nine million gallons of water hourly. The state park contains a ten-acre lake formed by the spring and an 1886 Frisco train depot and museum. The park is a must-see when visiting charming Mammoth Springs.
The downtown area is a collection of 19th-century brick buildings and contains a vintage Arkansas-Missouri Power Company building. Mammoth Springs was partially responsible for electrifying the Ozark region, and this building is a monument to this feat. The nostalgic downtown area, railway history, and one of the biggest springs in the world make Mammoth Springs a fun and charming town to visit.
Branson, Missouri
Branson, Missouri, is a booming family vacation destination with amusement parks, museums, and great nightlife. Silver Dollar City is one of the amusement parks. It is an 1880s-themed park with roller coasters and water rides. One of the more unique cultural sites is the Titanic Museum. This is one of two; the other is Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, which contains over 400 pre-discovery artifacts in 20 galleries.
One of the best ways to experience the history of this region is by taking a ride on the Branson Scenic Railway. The 45-minute daytime excursion picks up from a 1905 depot and winds along a commercial track. The expansion of the railway played a major role in this area, and seeing it firsthand is an unbelievable adventure. Those looking for a fun family night should dine at Dolly Parton's Stampede. It is a dinner theater and boasts the most fun place to eat in Branson.
Ozark, Missouri
Ozark, Missouri, is the third largest in the Springfield area. Attractions include the Smallin Civil War Cave and the Stained Glass Theatre. The Smallin Civil War Cave was discovered in 1918 and is 100 feet wide and 55 feet deep. Guided tours last one hour.
The Stained Glass Theatre puts on seven annual shows that last six weeks each. Finley Farms is a major attraction by the Finley River. The farm hosts many family-friendly events throughout the year and offers hands-on workshops. Ozark is an antiquing destination with several antique shops, like the ever-popular Yesteryear Antiques Mall. Ozark is one of the most charming towns in the region because of its natural beauty, family-friendly activities, and quaint downtown area.
The Ozark Mountain Range is a unique and gorgeous geological wonder in the central region of the United States. It is known for its natural springs, including the largest one in the world, Mammoth Spring. The area also has charming towns that exhibit what this region offers. Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is one of the most famous, overflowing with historical buildings and natural wonders to explore.
Branson, Missouri, is an ideal family getaway with several amusement parks and dinner theatres. This region is known for its railway history; visitors can take train rides in vintage cars. The combination of natural scenery and the small and historic feel of the commercial districts make these the Ozarks' most charming towns.
