8 Slow-Paced Towns To Visit In The Ozarks
Cloaking 50,000 square miles across the states of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois, the Ozarks showcase some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the United States. But along with this natural beauty, this vast mountain region also promises a slower way of life. With its picturesque wooded hills, alpine lakes, historic downtowns, and waterfall hiking trails, it is easy to appreciate the simpler things in this alpine haven. Turn your phone on airplane mode, put your work responsibilities on hold, and let these 8 slow-paced Ozarks towns rejuvenate you.
Sunrise Beach, Missouri
With more than 3 million people visiting Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks annually, it is easily one of the state’s most popular attractions. For those looking to experience its beauty without the bustling crowds, you may want to visit one of the more slow-paced towns nearby. Dubbed “the Quiet Side of the Lake of the Ozarks," Sunrise Beach is the perfect gateway to the lake’s wonders. With just over 500 locals, this tiny village is just 5 minutes away by car, leaving just enough space in between to escape the throngs of seasonal visitors.
Boasting a 55,000-acre surface area and more than 1,150 miles of shoreline, the Lake of the Ozarks was once the largest manmade lake in the world. Today, its vast size is still impressive, opening up a world of recreation. Sunrise Beach offers boat rentals from family-owned spots like Pirate's Point, or you rent from one of the two marinas at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Back on land, the park also features 23 hiking trails across 30 scenic miles.
Lampe, Missouri
Deep in southern Missouri, Lampe is another must-visit Ozarks town for a more secluded outdoor escape. The unincorporated community is the home to Dogwood Canyon Natural Park, a “10,000-acre Paradise.” Awarded the Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2024, the park’s conservation efforts make it a serene and tranquil way to reconnect with nature.
Known for its rugged canyons, ancient caves, turquoise waters, and countless waterfalls, Dogwood Canyon Natural Park is stunning in all seasons. Trout fishing is a popular pastime in the park’s many streams, while more active visitors can enjoy the 6.5 miles of paved walking paths and 9 miles of rugged nature trails. For the equestrians, 1-hour horseback rides are another treat, starting at just $40USD.
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Over in Arkansas, Heber Springs is a historic town with some of the best hiking spots in the country. The community was first settled in the 1830s as a health resort due to the area’s mineral springs. Today, while not known for its medical properties, the town’s natural beauty is still refreshing and rejuvenating. Spring Park is a great first stop to experience some of the very mineral springs that drew settlers to the area. But the area’s true standout landmark is definitely Greers Ferry Lake, one of the largest lakes in Arkansas.
With hundreds of miles of shoreline and “40,000 acres of rippling bliss,” the lake and its tributaries offer some of the best fishing and water recreation in Arkansas. Visitors can also kayak, boat, or board the Sugar Loaf Shuttle to Sugar Loaf Mountain Island, located at the lake’s center. Exhibiting towering bluffs and two gorgeous trails, the panoramic views from this 1,000-foot hill are truly postcard-worthy. For less strenuous hikes, Heber Springs is also home to Bridal Veil Falls, a recreation area known for its year-round trails and gorgeous namesake cascade.
Norfork, Arkansas
About an hour-and-a-half from Heber Springs, Norfork is a north-central Arkansas town offering an even more sequestered nature retreat. Its setting in an Ozarks valley not only tucks the town away from mainstream view, but also makes for stunning hikes on hilly wooded paths like the Ozark Highlands Trail. Additionally, Norfork is located where the White River and North Fork River meet, so fishing and boating are popular pastimes with rentals from Roses Trout Dock.
However, Norfork’s true hidden treasure is the beautiful Norfork Lake. Boasting around 22,000 acres and more than 550 miles of shoreline, this “Ozark jewel” is a beloved swimming, boating, and water skiing spot for the select few who know about it. Adding to its allure, the surrounding mountains help with a natural filtration process, making the lakewater incredibly clean and clear for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Grove, Oklahoma
Named after a grove of trees where the town was first established, present-day Grove is another serene Ozarks town centered around a stunning body of water. Like its 7,400 locals, visitors love to visit Grove for its tranquil setting along the Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, or “Grand Lake” for short. With 46,500 surface acres and 1,300 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of ways to enjoy views of the water, including sightseeing cruises aboard the Grand Lake Queen riverboat.
Alternatively, the Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park is a blissful way to appreciate the lake from the land. Whether picnicking along the water, hiking the scenic 2-mile trail, or booking a stay at the year-round RV and campsites, this Oklahoma retreat is the perfect place to slow down and disconnect.
Mountain View, Missouri
If you are looking for another place to “Relax, recharge, and reconnect,” this is exactly what the Bunker Hill Ranch promises in picture-perfect Mountain View, Missouri. Located on over 2,000 wooded acres along the Jacks Fork River, this 20-cabin retreat offers kayaking, hiking, and tons of other simple pleasures. The best part is, with its long-standing past as a private retreat, not many know it is now open to the public. For vacationers in-the-know, this makes it a true hidden treasure away from busier tourist attractions.
For those looking to visit Mountain View outside the Ranch’s open season (weekends starting in May, then daily from June to August), there are plenty of other ways to unwind at a slow pace. The Viandel Vineyard is a great local spot to sample the region’s wine with wood-fired pizza, or you can explore the area’s great outdoors. Places like the nearby 252-acre Barn Hollow Natural Area feature paths like the Barn Hollow Trail, guiding hikers along 100-foot bluffs with views of the Jacks Fork River.
El Dorado, Arkansas
For an Ozarks community anchored by its downtown, El Dorado, Arkansas, offers a trip back in time to the Roaring Twenties. Often referred to as an oil “boom-town,” El Dorado earned its reputation from the discovery of oil in the early 1920s, which once led the town’s population to swell. Today, visitors can appreciate this prosperous past reflected in the town’s preserved architecture. Self-guided walking tours through the historic downtown reveal a fine array of beautifully restored 1920s and 30s buildings, like the Classical Revival-style Rialto Theatre.
Inside the other historic structures, visitors can find tons of specialty shops and antique stores like The El Dorado House, Everybody's Antiques, and Mina Rea's Antiques & Embroidery. Sites like Oil Heritage Park can also be appreciated downtown, or you can drive elsewhere to historic attractions like the Newton House Museum. Built-in the mid-1800s, this beautifully preserved pre-Civil War era home is definitely worth the visit for history buffs.
Ponca, Arkansas
For a tranquil middle-of-nowhere outdoor retreat, consider a visit to underrated Ponca. You can find this tiny Arkansas town tucked away in the Buffalo National River wilderness, with just 130 locals to encounter during your stay. Even then, introverted travelers can guarantee an even more secluded visit with rentals like the Fly Away Cabin. Dubbed a “personal escape from the hectic modern life,” this cozy cottage is located in a 7-acre nature haven near the upper Buffalo River.
Travelers looking for a bit less seclusion with the same slow pace may appreciate alternative lodgings like the Buffalo Outdoor Center resort, also located on the upper river. As for those not looking to spend the night, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy Ponca’s great backyard. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from the Lost Valley Canoe or enjoy breathtaking hiking paths like the Lost Valley Trail or Hawksbill Crag.
Why Slow Down In The Ozarks?
When we ponder a retreat from the stresses of everyday life, our instinct is often to travel overseas to faraway tropical lands. But for those who love fresh alpine air and beautiful mountain scenes, the Ozarks are a much closer alternative. Whether booking a weekend on the lake in Sunrise Beach or visiting charming El Dorado for a trip back in time to the Roaring 20s, these 8 Ozark towns promise a slow pace to help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated even when your trip is through.
