8 Towns in The Ozarks That Were Ranked Among US Favorites

If you want a scenic spot, where lush valleys give way to rolling hills, where picturesque rivers feed tranquil lakes, and where hulking cliffs border tree-dappled ridges, the Ozarks should be on your radar. Dotted by a delightful array of towns, many of which are small, slow-paced, and incredibly beautiful, the Ozarks is a true adventure wonderland. From Mountain View, Arkansas — to Branson, Missouri, discover eight towns in the Ozarks that were ranked among US favorites.

Mountain View, Arkansas

Whatever the genre, there is no doubt humans are wired to enjoy music. Scientists even believe the human species learned to sing way before it learned to talk. Known as the Folk Music Capital of the World, Mountain View is a top pick for the towns in the Ozarks that are US favorites. A first-time visitor to Mountain View will be pleasantly surprised to find random people in the streets staging spontaneous entertainment carnivals through the skillful tunes of several musical instruments, including fiddles, guitars, dulcimers, and banjos, known to have been created by enslaved Africans (and their descendants) in colonial North America and the Caribbean.

Pop inside the Ozark Folk Center State Park, one of a few parks dedicated to the preservation of the region’s folk tradition. Other nearby outdoor venues include the splendid Ozark National Forest, home to unique spectacles such as the world-famous Blanchard Springs Caverns.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

A big name in vacation circles, and one of America’s most beautiful small towns, Eureka Springs will wow any first-time visitor. The prettiest little town in the Ozarks (according to many accounts) is mostly loved for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. This should not come as a surprise, however. Eureka Springs has the largest collection of Victorian architecture in the central United States. The entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sit down to a hearty breakfast at Mud Street Cafe, a rustic outlet on Main Street with a flowing creek under it — or head to Nibbles Eatery a few steps away — whose delicious quiches are to die for. Check out the Crescent Hotel, if just for its storied past, the nearby Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the United States; or the magical Thorncrown Chapel, which features 6,000 square feet of glass.

Bella Vista, Arkansas

Layered in beauty and boasting world-class hiking and mountain biking trails, Bella Vista deserves a spot among the towns in the Ozarks that are US favorites. Spanish for “beautiful view,” this Ozarks charmer is a rider’s dream. The Back 40 trail system, for example, meanders across the tree-dappled ridges on the east side of town and will make any heart purr with ecstasy. To get at it, pack your four-footer at Lake Ann Trailhead, and enjoy one of the most spellbinding spectacles in the Ozarks.

There is also the Blowing Springs Trails, which will allow you to explore hulking cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and springs. The Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, located on a wooded site along Lake Norwood, was designed by Thorncrown Chapel’s architect. It is one of the most picturesque wedding venues in Northwest Arkansas. To prime one for the adventure, a plate of crispy Brussels sprouts at BV Bar & Grill, located at the Bella Vista Country Club Golf Course — will come in handy.

Branson, Missouri

Any town that bills itself as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” will be among US favorites. Expect a free, easy-going spirit in a town that boasts more theater seats than Broadway's theater district. Step back to the 60s with impersonators of music bigwigs such as Kenny Chesney, Johny Cash, and Elvis Presley at the Legends in Concert, located on the world-famous Highway 76 strip in the heart of town. Start at Table Rock Coffee Roasters, a fantastic coffee drive-through spot, that should set the day’s mood.

Work your way to Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills, especially to enjoy a panoramic view of Branson and its surroundings. What’s more? Silver Dollar City, frequently ranked as the best theme park in the United States, is among Branson's most famous landmarks.

Jasper, Arkansas

Known as the “Elk Capital of Arkansas,” Jasper is small, quaint, and incredibly beautiful. One will enjoy floating down the Buffalo River, devouring thin-crusted pizzas at the Jasper Pizza Company right on the square, and exploring aesthetic elixirs such as the Scenic Byway 7 or some parts of the Ozark Moonshine Run, arguably the most picturesque route in the Ozarks.

Pick a Buffalo River souvenir at the Scenic Point Gift Shop, a lovely spot to view the state version of the Grand Canyon. For those who want to camp, and have a more intimate feel of the area’s natural beauty, available options include Dogwood Springs Campground and the aptly named Enchanted Ozark Camp and Cabins, an Ozark Mountain wonderland that spans more than 100 acres.

Kimberling City, Missouri

A town that less than 3,000 call home is going to exude the small-town charm many vacationers often crave. Yet, tucked away on the tranquil shores of Table Rock Lake, a blue-space gem loved for its crystal-clear waters and seductive Ozark Mountain setting, Kimberling City’s size is not its most attractive feature. Still, expect a slow-paced town with several opportunities for fun and adventure.

Delicious breakfast pies at Simply Baked By Chandler should pave the way for water-based adventures at the lake or the nearby Schooner Creek. Spend a quiet afternoon at What's Up Dock, which overlooks the beautiful Table Rock Lake — before looking for hidden treasures at Show Place Collectibles, a nice little antique mall with plenty of vintage items.

Van Buren, Arkansas

Although the eighth president of the United States is not as well known as his peers such as Abraham Lincoln or Thomas Jefferson, the town named for him is among the US favorites in the Ozarks. Van Buren’s main street, especially at Christmas, is among the most enchanting main streets in the nation.

One can float down the Arkansas River, an important tributary of the Mississippi; enjoy a mocha smoothie at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe, spend quiet time at Peer Park, step back in time at the Drennen Scott House, have a good laugh at the King Opera House, whose history goes back more than a century — or wander through Lee Creek Hiking Trails, a picturesque loop that provides beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Lakeview, Arkansas

Any town called Lakeview will pique the interest of vacationers. True to its evocative name, Lakeview is a small eye candy (its population is less than 1,000) that reclines on the picturesque banks of Bull Shoals Lake, the largest body of water in the state of Arkansas. The lake provides a world of outdoor fun and adventure and imbues the area with a rustic allure.

Moreover the “paradise of the Ozarks” features a line-up of inviting restaurants, including Beacon Point, a great little place with a homey vibe — and Gaston's — which is beautifully nestled right on White River. For the seasoned outdoor enthusiast, Bull Shoals-White River State Park is heavenly. It is particularly famous for its world-class trout fishing.

If you love the stony gaze of looming mountains, the seductive appeal of peaceful lakes, or the quiet allure of lush valleys, the Ozarks should be on your bucket list. And that is not to mention the underground caves, historic springs and baths, and the region’s array of adorable towns. Pack a good camera and set base in Mountain View, Arkansas, Branson, Missouri, or Eureka Springs, Arkansas. These — among other gems in the region — are the Ozark towns that were ranked among US favorites.