8 Old-World Towns to Visit in the Ozarks
The massive Ozark Mountain Range stretches through several states in the central region of the US. The mountain towns that make up the landscape are historic and vibrant, and many have an Old-world aesthetic that is fun to visit. Many towns are pockmarked with natural springs, some even under the commercial district and other natural landmarks.
In addition to the natural settings, the historic districts and downtown areas offer cultural attractions and quaint inns that complete the charming scenery. The towns also have vintage architectural styles and offer tours through the historic districts. These are eight Old-world towns to visit in the Ozarks.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is one of the most unique towns in the Ozarks. Its blend of vintage architecture, a vibrant downtown, and historic architecture make it a must-visit place. One of the most impressive buildings is the Flatiron Flats. The iconic structure was initially built in 1860 but was destroyed twice by fire. It sits where Spring and Center Streets merge and is home to a favorite coffee shop, the Daily Roast, and luxurious suites.
Spring Street is also home to many historic homes, a historic post office, and the Carnegie Libraries. After a day of touring the historic loop, plenty of noteworthy restaurants, such as Mud Street Cafe and the Grotto, provide an exceptional atmosphere. Mud Street has a glass floor overlooking a natural spring, while the Grotto is underground. It has an actual grotto in the dining room with a spring running through it, which is an unbelievable experience.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Mountain View, Arkansas, is famous for its stunning beauty and for preserving folk music. The Arkansas Folk Festival started in the early 1960s, and the Ozark Folk Center State Park opened shortly after in 1973. The historic downtown is charming, with eateries and small shops like Jojo's Catfish and Mellon's Country Store.
The Courthouse Square is a hub of musical entertainment, friendly locals, and the limestone Stone County Courthouse. The Stone County Museum is a must-see attraction. Built in 1928 as a school, the museum includes artifacts like books and family histories, an auditorium, and an art guild. Mountain View offers quaint mountain surroundings that focus on music and cultural attractions.
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Bucolic Siloam Springs, Arkansas, has a tranquil country setting. The entire downtown area is registered on the National Register of Historic Places and includes three parks, walking trails, and Sager Creek in the background. Along with the Victorian architecture, there are cultural attractions like the Siloam Springs Museum.
The museum opened in 1969 and showcases the region's history through exhibits from Native American pioneers and medical advances throughout the area. Another Main Street attraction is the Ivory Bill Brewing Co. The landmark microbrewery incorporates the best of Siloam Springs, taking its name from the native woodpecker and only sourcing local ingredients. This is a charming town to explore on foot, with stunning natural scenery, vintage architecture, and a friendly community.
Claremore, Oklahoma
Claremore is a small town in Oklahoma, famous for being the birthplace of singing cowboy legend Will Rogers. Another claim to fame is that the storied Route 66 runs through town. Many cultural attractions, like the 1906 Belvidere Mansion, are available for self-guided tours. Claremore is also home to more museums per capita than anywhere else in the world.
The Claremore Museum of History displays the life stories of prominent citizens like astronaut Stuart Rosa and singing star Patti Page. Of course, a museum is dedicated to its most famous son, the Will Rogers Memorial Museum. This extraordinary town is brimming with historical sites and cultural attractions, and all this history gives it a unique Old-world feel.
Carthage, Missouri
Carthage, Missouri, has a historic downtown area reminiscent of the 19th century and neighborhoods full of antique residences. The commercial storefronts are neat, brick structures that feel like a walk back in time. Historic walking tours downtown explore the Courthouse Square, and driving tours are available through the four residential areas.
The historic downtown district includes 42 buildings, including the Jasper County Courthouse, and examples of Italianate and Romanesque Revival architectural styles. Noteworthy homes on the residential tour include the Phelps and the Kendrick House. Another big draw is the Carthage Civil War Museum, which has exhibits and audio tours.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Historic Poplar Bluff, Missouri, is known for its many attractions, including several blocks of 19th-century Victorian homes. Among the many cultural and historical sites is the Flying F Gallery. The farmhouse, ca. 1894, was converted into a general store in 1926 and is now a modern art gallery. This small country town has many more museums and sites to explore, including the elegant Claudia House.
The Claudia House is a gorgeous brick Queen Anne-style home built in 1910 that is available for tours. One of the best ways to discover this unique town is to stop at the Old Mark Twain School. It was built in 1910 and converted into the Poplar Bluff History Museum in the late 1980s. The exhibits tell the town's story, including the Sports Hall of Fame and a Post Office.
Eminence, Missouri
Eminence, Missouri, is a small town known for its springs, caves, and historical sites. Alley Mill and Spring is a landmark structure built in the late 19th century. The red brick mill, set over a stone foundation, is a tranquil location with several areas to explore, like the back porch and the basement. It is close to another historic site, a one-room schoolhouse.
Story's Creek School served the community from the late 1800s to the early 1900s and is today available for viewing in the Spring and Summer. The caves and springs, primarily Cave Spring, offer an old-world feel. The property has never been commercially developed, and the spring is a short paddle away from a 140-foot-deep vertical shaft. The other natural attractions that remain virtually untouched add to the quaint atmosphere of Eminence.
Van Buren, Missouri
Van Buren, Missouri, named after Vice President Martin Van Buren, is a charming town known for its attractions, national beauty, and landmark historic district. The Big Spring Historic District is a nationally registered district that comprises 26 structures, including rental cabins. Big Spring is one of the most significant springs in the US and includes Big Spring Lodge, a classic example of Depression-era construction.
Another noteworthy site is the historical marker for the town that describes its origins and its Civil War significance. Van Buren Riverfront Park is a peaceful setting on the Current River with picnic areas and is a great way to soak in the town's ambiance. Van Buren is a classic Ozarks town with beautiful surroundings and a historic past.
The Ozarks region is one of the prettiest mountain ranges in the US and makes for a lovely trip. The historic towns surrounded by the massive range are not only fun to visit but also have an Old-world ambiance. There are also notable downtown districts and restaurants to visit.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is not only brimming with historic structures, but it also offers modern eateries set atop underground springs for unique decor. History buffs will enjoy Claremore, Oklahoma, with its many museums, including one dedicated to Will Rogers. Another distinctive feature of these towns is their unspoiled caves and river systems, like in Eminence, Missouri. Any one of these eight Old-world towns should be at the top of an itinerary to the Ozark Mountains.
