8 Ideal Ozarks Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In 2024
If you need a peaceful weekend getaway, The Ozarks are the perfect place to escape the stresses of daily life. This region spans four states: southern Missouri, northern Arkansas, and parts of Oklahoma and Kansas. The Ozarks boast dense pine forests, rolling mountain hills, and chalk-colored limestone bluffs overlooking scenic valleys and rivers, offering unique attractions. One of the region's highlights is the many small towns that exude a rural, folk mountain ambiance. These close-knit communities have a rich heritage of reliance on the land, an independent spirit, and a slower pace of life. If you are seeking a way to reconnect with nature and local culture, the Ozarks is the ideal destination to spend a few days,
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs sits in the middle of the Ozark National Forest, with its elegant Victorian architecture, smart art and food scene, and quiet demeanor. Nature lovers seeking a quiet moment of reflection will love Thornhill Chapel or the many hiking trails in the area. Lake Leatherwood Loop, or the Black Bass Trail, are two of the best trails. Both are easy routes that offer excellent bird-watching and fishing opportunities.
Eureka Springs has a vibrant arts community, with several galleries and interesting and quirky boutiques to explore in the downtown district. Victorian influences are evident everywhere, and the Crescent Hotel is a glorious example as it sits on a hill overlooking the city. If you want to bathe away your troubles, try the Palace Hotel and Bath House, one of the only remaining bathhouses in operation. The bathhouse has been helping visitors find relaxation and release since 1901. If you like ghostly encounters, try staying at the 1905 Basin Park Hotel, an upscale hotel with nightly ghost tours that are worth the visit. If you need a place for dinner, the Grotto Wood-fired Grill and Wine Cave is a romantic upscale choice, while Nibbles Eatery or Ermillio's Italian Home-Cooking are nice choices for a more casual option.
Hermann, Missouri
Hermann sits in the center of Missouri's Rhineland country and is known for the several local wineries that produce about a third of the state's wine production. Visitors will love exploring the various wineries, including Hermannhoff or Stone Hill Winery. Both wineries have operated since the mid-1800s, long before any Napa vintners gained prominence. There is a decided German influence in the town, with a rich, proud history, but the community has been undergoing a renaissance in the last few decades with new restaurants and local businesses opening.
The Inn at Hermannhoff is an excellent luxury option, with several jacuzzi suites in the main building or fully restored guest houses overlooking the town and the Missouri River. The downtown area has quaint local boutiques, antique stores, and dining options, perfect for an afternoon of exploring. When you need a break from wine tours, try browsing through Buy The Book, etc., to find a summer read or sip on a cappuccino at Espresso Laine, a unique coffee shop favored by the locals. Two of the best places for dinner are Fernweh Distilling Company and the Vintage 1847 Restaurant, which serve exquisite food and spirits.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Mountain View is a haven for folk music lovers. and is proud of its distinction as the "Folk Music Capital of the World." This town hosts the annual Arkansas Folk Festival and features live music performances throughout the year at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Beyond music, visitors can explore Blanchard Springs Caverns, one of the most beautiful cave systems in the country. For those seeking to wander through the Ozark wilderness, The White River Bluff Loop is a moderate 4.1-mile hike that offers a lush forest with plenty of wildlife viewing and pleasant scenic river views.
The town's quaint downtown has numerous antique shops, craft stores, and cozy cafes. Melon's Country Store is a must-see, with its old-fashioned toys, candy, and sasparilla. Don't forget to tour the Arkansas Craft Guild and Gallery on Main for a unique look at the various arts and crafts of the Ozark region. PJ's Rainbow Cafe is a popular local diner with a hearty breakfast to start your day right. If you need a nice place to stay, relax, and forget about life, you can't go wrong with The Inn at Mountain View Bed and Breakfast, which has historic furnishings, delicious breakfast, and warm, welcoming owners.
Grove, Oklahoma
Grove is located on the Grand Lake of the Cherokees and offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities. With over 1,300 miles of shoreline, it's a great destination for boaters looking to spend a weekend on the water or anglers searching for Largemouth Bass, Crappie, or Channel Catfish. Several marinas around the lake offer excursions and fishing guides to help visitors acclimate to the area.
Harbor Village is a fascinating pioneer museum with historic cabins, buildings, and artifacts that will bring back nostalgic memories. Lendenwood Gardens is a beautiful three-acre retreat filled with exquisite flowers, gurgling streams, and ponds stocked with koi fish, offering a peaceful escape from daily life.
If you like to golf, there are plenty of options in and near this northeastern Oklahoma community. Do not miss one of the many championship courses on Monkey Island near the Shangri La Resort. The best restaurants are Doc's Bar and Grill and the Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove. If you want to catch your own dinner, plenty of RV parks, campgrounds, and marinas offer excellent lakefront views.
Hollister, Missouri
Just across the lake from Branson, Hollister provides a quieter alternative with easy access to all the region's attractions. The town's historic Downing Street downtown features Tudor-style architecture, quaint shops, and restaurants. The College of the Ozarks, also known as "Hard Work U," offers a unique attraction with its museum, dairy, and beautiful campus. Nearby Table Rock Lake offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities.
When exploring Hollister, you must dine at the Downing Street Pour House, which offers incredible burgers, potato skins, and a beer selection. The best pizza in town is at Mr. Gilberti's Place. This mom-and-pop eatery makes its own dough in-house and serves some of the best Chicago-style pizza anywhere but in the Windy City. The Big Cedar Lodge is a luxurious mountain resort with first-class accommodations and amenities, including golfing, dining, and spa treatment. The community is close enough to Branson's attractions and shopping but still far enough away to offer an escape from the crowds should you need it.
Bentonville, Arkansas
Bentonville is a growing community in northeast Arkansas, known for being the birthplace of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton. It is home to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which features a world-class collection of American art and stunning architecture. The town's vibrant downtown square hosts farmers' markets, festivals, and a variety of local shops and restaurants. The nearby Ozark National Forest offers hiking and biking trails for outdoor enthusiasts, and Beaver Lake provides water sports and fishing opportunities.
The community has recently become known as a foodie-lovers haven, with several quality farm-to-table restaurants opening. Tavola Trattoria is a casual Italian eatery with unique riffs on classic dishes, generous portions, and reasonable prices. In addition, if you need a delicious lunch, our recommendation is Crepes Paulette, a simple, tasty French-themed venue that will provide all the reasons to become a lover of all things crepes.
Van Buren, Arkansas
Van Buren bears the name of the eighth president of the United States, Martin Van Buren. Sitting near Ft. Smith, Arkansas, this charming community has been blessed with a well-preserved historic Main Street. There are old, 19th-century brick buildings housing charming shops, cafes, and antique stores all around you, and it is almost as if you stepped back in time. The King Opera House, a beautifully restored theater, offers live performances and events that keep local visitors active. The Drennen Scott House is a historic museum offering interesting artifacts and displays.
Van Buren is situated along the Arkansas River, which provides opportunities for boating and fishing. The nearby Ozark National Forest and Mount Magazine State Park offer breathtaking views and numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching.
If you need a nice Caesar Salad for lunch, Frank's Italian Restaurant has an excellent one, along with a host of other Old World classics.
Mammoth Springs, Arkansas
Mammoth Springs is home to one of the world's largest natural springs, flowing at an impressive rate of nine million gallons per hour. This stunning natural feature is the centerpiece of Mammoth Spring State Park, where visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, picnicking, and exploring the area's historical significance. The park also features a beautifully restored 1886 train depot and a quaint museum, providing a glimpse into the town's rich history and its role in the region's development.
The entire area near the spring is a trout lovers paradise, attracting anglers from across the country. With two nearby hatcheries releasing new fish into the Spring River often, the chances of hooking a trout for dinner are pretty good. The nice game and fish staff at the Mammoth Spring State Park can often refer you to the best spots for anglers wanting to try their luck. The best place to eat is Penny Loafer's Cafe, a quaint, small diner serving up the best Reuben sandwich you have ever tasted.
Final Thoughts
The Ozarks region is rich with small towns that offer unique experiences and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether looking for outdoor adventure, musical heritage, historic charm, or a peaceful retreat, these eight towns provide the perfect weekend destination. Each town, with its own distinct personality and attractions, showcases the best of what the Ozarks have to offer, but the chances are you will want to return often after discovering their simple, rural mountain treasures.
