7 Underappreciated Towns to Visit in The Ozarks
When people think of the Ozarks, they usually think of mountains or perhaps the popular Netflix show! However, there is so much more to this region than the beautiful rugged peaks of the Ozark Mountains. Also known as the Ozark Highlands or the Ozark Plateau, this scenic area extends around 47,000 sq. mi from southern Missouri into northern Arkansas. It features dense forests, deep lakes, towering cliffs, and secluded valleys. It also encompasses many charming small towns, ready to give visitors a warm welcome as they take in the many stunning sights of the Ozarks. These are seven underappreciated to discover in the Ozarks!
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Just south of the Missouri-Arkansas border is the historic mountain town of Eureka Springs. This lively town is an inviting mix of old and new, with beautifully preserved Victorian architecture in its downtown core, an artsy vibe, and plenty of outdoor adventures. Take a stroll downtown to see St Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, a National Historic Landmark built in 1904 and boasting an impressive stone bell tower. You’ll see lots of gorgeous 1900s buildings at the heart of Eureka Springs, but for the full experience, take the Eureka Downtown Underground Walking Tour, which covers local legends and lore, while exploring historic landmarks such as the Basin Springs Bath House.
Speaking of springs, don’t forget to visit the beautiful Blue Spring Heritage Center, home to the healing waters of the Blue Spring lagoon, the historic Bluff Shelter, and miles of hiking trails through the picturesque botanic gardens. Get even closer to nature with a visit to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, one of the top big cat sanctuaries in the country.
Van Buren, Missouri
Van Buren is a tiny town of less than a thousand residents on the banks of the Current River in southeast Missouri. Van Buren is an ideal base for exploring scenic wonders near the Ozark Mountains and the Mark Twain National Forest. The town lies in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a national park area. Explore the river from The Landing, a recreation area on the waterfront where you can have the ultimate floating experience in a kayak, canoe, tube, or raft. Pinewoods Lake in the Mark Twain National Forest is another beautiful spot to cool off in the summer, with fishing and camping facilities on site. Four miles south of Van Buren is the largest natural spring in Missouri, Big Spring. This striking pool is rich in limestone, giving it its crystal clear blue coloring. The spring is located in Big Spring National Park, where you’ll find dozens of hiking trails, campsites, and the Big Spring Lodge—historic depression-era cabins still in use today.
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Heber Springs began life as a secluded health resort, drawing mid-19th-century travelers needing rest and relaxation. It’s easy to see why they’d choose this scenic and serene spot. The town sits on the shores of the beautiful Greers Ferry Lake, overlooked by the forested summit of Sugarloaf Mountain. Aside from its obvious attractions for hikers and watersports enthusiasts, the town is also a mecca for anglers thanks to the nearby Greer Ferry Dam, home to world-class brown trout fishing. Get the perfect vacation snapshot at Bridal Veil Falls, a beautiful misty waterfall that’s easily accessible and has a strategically placed viewing platform to get the best vistas of the falls and the pools below.
Back in downtown Heber Springs, kids and the young-at-heart will enjoy the Ruland Toy Train Museum, located just a few blocks from the original site of the Missouri and North Arkansas train depot and home to a rare collection of toy trains and memorabilia.
Arcadia, Missouri
Where there are mountains, there are valleys, and one of the most beautiful spots in the Ozarks is the Arcadia Valley in southern Missouri. The area boasts three state parks, providing lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in the stunning natural surroundings. Spend an afternoon exploring Elephant Rocks State Park, which takes its name from the unique granite boulders formed in the shape of elephants on parade.
The Arcadia Valley wasn’t always the tranquil oasis visitors enjoy today. It was once the site of one of the state’s most violent battles, the Battle of Pilot Knob. Visit the Historic Park commemorating the site to see where Confederate and Union soldiers went head to head. The park includes a museum, the military outpost Fort Davidson, a picnic area, and hiking trails. You can also learn more about the area’s fascinating past at the Iron County History Museum in the restored 1941 Ironton-Arcadia Depot.
Jasper, Arkansas
With only a few hundred residents, it’s easy to overlook Jasper when planning an Ozark vacation, but this tiny mountain community is a truly hidden gem. Jasper is on the banks of the Buffalo River, named after the large buffalo population in the area. Every year, hundreds of visitors descend on Jasper for the annual Buffalo River Elk Festival, which takes over downtown with parades, cook-offs, and live entertainment.
Downtown Jasper’s quaint streets have retained much of the town’s early 1900s architecture. Check out the Bradley House off Jasper Square. The former home of Dr Bradley, this Victorian-era home is now a museum where you can wander through the kitchen, office, front room, and library to view the original 1900s appliances and furnishings.
Before you head out of town, take the Ozark Moonshine Run, a scenic route that winds through the Ozark backcountry, climbing 1,000ft up to scenic mountain ridges before meandering into the lush Boxley Valley.
Sunrise Beach, Missouri
Located near the Lake of the Ozarks, Sunrise Beach is the ideal destination for anyone who loves the water and a great place to escape the summer crowds. Enjoy incredible fishing, boating, kayaking, and swimming just a short drive from the village. Take a charter with the family-owned Ozark Charters to experience the lake like the locals, and let the knowledgeable captain show you the best fishing spots to snag prized catch like bass, catfish, walleye, and crappie. For more lakeside fun, head to the Bear Bottom Resort. Initially built in 1959, this lively resort features cottages, a scenic campground, a waterfront restaurant, a pub, live entertainment events, and a 700 ft long water slide.
Bald Knob, Arkansas
On the southernmost ride of the Ozarks, this small community takes its unusual name from the rocky outcrop near the town. Once a thriving quarry, the area is now famous for its fruit, becoming known as the world's strawberry capital. The annual HomeFest Festival celebrates the delicious berry with fun, strawberry-themed activities every spring. Just two miles outside the town lies Bald Knob Lake, a 217-acre reservoir that’s known for its bass, bream, and catfish. Head the other direction, south of town, to visit the Bald Knob Wildlife Refuge, an expansive recreation area of forested wetlands along the Little Red River. The refuge is home to a large population of migratory birds, deer, beaver, coyotes, river otters, and bobcats.
The Ozarks are rumored to take their name from the French aux arcs, referring to the natural rock bridges along the Arkansas River. The area is home to America’s first national river, the Buffalo River, and its highest peak, Buffalo Lookout, is twice the height of the Empire State Building. This is a fascinating area, rich in geological wonders, local legends, and historic sites of interest. It’s also enjoying a tourism boom, welcoming millions of visitors annually. But don’t worry; there are still tranquil towns and cozy villages where you can get away from the crowds and experience the serenity of this jaw-dropping destination.
