7 Undiscovered Small Towns in The Ozarks
The Ozarks are an iconic landscape associated with parts of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. The fresh mountain air and serene atmosphere draw people to the area yearly. While towns like Mammoth Springs are popular tourist destinations in the region, there are other undiscovered towns out of the spotlight worth visiting. For example, Grove, Oklahoma, is a charming town in the Ozarks near Grand Lake where you can enjoy a picnic on the beach in peace. Here, we will explore seven of Ozark's most undiscovered small towns.
Branson, Missouri
Branson is a scenic town in the Ozarks full of outdoor adventure opportunities and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Near Branson, there is the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a great spot to enjoy a hike or bike ride. A great trail in Branson to enjoy views of the Ozarks is the Lakeside Wilderness Hiking Trail. The trail goes right through the terrain of the Ozark mountains and offers spectacular views. Branson is also a great place to catch a show. It is known as "America's Top Live Music Show Destination." Some unique show experiences in Branson include Dolly Parton's Stampede and Shepherds of The Hills. These are both dinner and show experiences.
Versailles, Missouri
Versailles, Missouri, is a relaxing small town with something for everyone. The picturesque town offers visitors the chance to indulge in the stunning scenery of the Lake of the Ozarks. The reservoir has 54,000 acres and has more than 1,150 miles of shoreline to explore. On the lake, spend an afternoon soaking up the sun in the water, swimming or boating. Versailles is also home to Harry S. Truman State Park, near the Lake of the Ozarks. Beyond natural scenery, the town has a unique history. Visit the local Morgan County Historical Society Museum to learn more about the pioneers who founded the town. The museum has an extensive collection of photographs and documents showing the trail of the town's past.
Baxter Springs, Kansas
Baxter Springs is a cute town on the Spring River, which makes it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Go for a hike or a camping trip at one of the beautiful nearby parks, such as Kiwanis Park and Riverside Park. Beyond its outdoor scenery, Baxter Springs has a rich history to learn about. Indigenous people lived in the area as early as the 1700s. The town is famous as the site of the Battle of Baxter Springs, a minor battle in the Civil War. Baxter Springs is on the historic Route 66 and is a popular place to stop because of the town's historic sites and natural scenery. The Rainbow Bridge is a popular place to stop. It is the last bridge on Route 66 and is on the list of the National Register of Historic Places.
Grove, Oklahoma
Grove Oklahoma is a charming town in Northeast Oklahoma that draws people in since the town is near Grand Lake. Grove is the largest town near the lake and is perfect if you are looking to enjoy serene surroundings in a calm atmosphere. Stop by Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park for a picnic lunch by the lake.
Beyond the lake life, you can spend an afternoon strolling through Ledonwood Gardens, the town's botanical gardens. Here there are eight distinct gardens with a wide variety of plants. One of the best museums to check out in town is the Har-Ber Village Museum. At this museum, there is a pioneer era village with over 100 exhibits to see.
Pocahontas, Arkansas
Pocahontas is a rural town in Arkansas where you can enjoy the quiet and peace of the Ozarks. Learn about the town's past at the Randolph County Heritage Museum. The museum contains artifacts that go back 200 years to a time before Arkansas was a state. Another spot to visit to learn about the town's history is the historic post office. The post office was built when the town was originally called Davidsonville and is on the shores of Trapper Lake. The town's Pocahontas Colored School transports visitors back to Pocahontas's pioneer era. Pocahontas is near many popular state parks, such as Mammoth Springs State Park, and Crowley Ridge State Park.
Eminence, Missouri
Eminence is an Ozark town with winding roads, stunning scenery, and a warm community. One of the most iconic spots in town is Alley Spring and Mill. The big red mill makes for a beautiful photograph sitting next to the turquoise waters. Alley Spring is one of the largest freshwater springs in Missouri. Eminence is also one of the few places you can see herds of wild horses. There are four herds of wild horses in town. Some of the best places to go to see the herds are Echo Bluffs State Park Lodge and the Broadfoot fields north of Eminence. A scenic spot in town to meditate or have a picnic is Rocky Falls. Here, water cascades down the rock for 40 feet before going into a pool below. On one side of the pool, there is a rocky bank that makes the perfect picnic spot. Eminence is also full of great places to hike. A few great trails include Lick Log Hollow Trail, Painter Ridge Trail, and Current River Trail.
Norfork, Arkansas
Norfork is a town located in a valley in central Arkansas. Surrounded by views of lush forests and Norfork Lake, Norfork is a great place for an outdoor adventure in a rustic town. Norfork Lake is right near the town, the perfect spot to go fishing or take a boat out on the water in the Ozarks. The Norfork River is another body of water in the town to enjoy some water recreation. The river goes for 88 miles and is a good place to see trout. A unique natural attraction near Norfork is the Blanchard Springs Caverns. Here you can explore underground and admire the stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, and cave draperies. Norfork is also unique as one of the oldest settlements in the state. Norfork celebrates this rich history with Pioneer Days.
Every town explored here has something unique to offer. In Eminence, you can see a herd of wild horses. Many of the small towns are also rich in history and provide a great opportunity to explore historic buildings and museums. While these seven towns aren't as busy as the cities in the Ozarks, the small-town atmosphere provides a serene charm. Next time you are paying a visit to the Ozarks, consider visiting one of these towns. The beautiful scenery and charming atmosphere will make for an unforgettable experience.
