8 Towns in The Ozarks With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
The Ozarks Region of the United States is known for its mind-bending scenery, unique karst formations, one of the best recreational lakes in the United States, and beautiful rolling hills. This delicious menu of natural beauty features several charming small towns such as Eureka Springs, Arkansas — known across the nation for its eye-catching architectural finesse. If looking to explore towns in the Ozarks with beautiful downtown areas, check out the eight towns listed below, many of which are also layered in nature; in its most raw and pristine.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, whose mineral water springs have drawn people to the area for centuries, boasts one of the best downtown areas in the United States. The town’s architectural landscape is incredibly delicious and filled with buildings that sway the sight after every yard. Eureka Spring’s downtown area — the whole of it — is listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places. Kickstart your adventure with a filling breakfast at Mud Street Cafe, a rustic joint on Main Street with a flowing creek under it. Nibbles Eatery, an easy stroll away, is an excellent alternative. The Crescent Hotel, for its haunted history, should be on any to-do list — as is the nearby Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, where one can brush shoulders with tigers, lions, and leopards.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Mountain View, the Folk Music Capital of the World, has a settlement history that goes back about 150 years. Mountain View’s downtown area is anchored by the old Stone County Courthouse, a sandstone landmark fronted by a granite war monument that honors Mountain View sons who died in the various wars America has fought, including World War I and II. Across the street from the courthouse are two cute breakfast spots: The Rusty Cup and Sasquatch Cave, whose Strawberry Lemonade Smoothies are perfect blends of tartness and sweetness. Expect to find random people in the streets staging spontaneous entertainment carnivals — and to breathe in the air made vocal by the hypnotic tunes of dulcimers, fiddles, and banjos. Spend some time at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, America's only institution dedicated to preserving the heritage and way of life of the Ozark Mountain people. That said, the world-famous Blanchard Springs Caverns are not to be missed either.
Branson, Missouri
Branson, the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” boasts a downtown area made endearing by memorable murals, tasty cafes, and novelty shops. Avid shoppers will enjoy a world of adventure here, with options such as Dick’s 5 & 10, known to offer a wonderful trip down memory lane. Just about three steps away, Patricia's Victorian House, with its porcelain dolls and antiques, is like walking into a fairytale world. The Legends in Concert, on the world-famous Highway 76, features impersonators of Music legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Kenny Chesney, one of country music's most consistent hitmakers. Check out The Haygoods, a buzzy live music venue — and the iconic Sight & Sound Theatres, where a panoramic stage re-enacts the Bible's most epic stories.
Van Buren, Arkansas
A beautifully restored Victorian Main Street welcomes first-time visitors to Van Buren, a peach of a town named for the eighth president of the United States. One will enjoy wandering through six blocks of art galleries, inviting restaurants, antique shops, and historical attractions such as the Crawford County Courthouse, arguably the oldest active county courthouse west of the Mississippi. One can float down the Arkansas River, one of America’s longest; enjoy a quick but healthy breakfast at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe (it has a drive-through), step back in time at the Drennen Scott House, or enjoy a mood-lifting show at the King Opera House, whose history goes back more than a hundred years. For some heart-pounding thrill, explore Lee Creek Hiking Trails, a picturesque loop that serves mouth-watering views of the surrounding area.
Jasper, Arkansas
A dreamy and poetic scenery encircles Jasper, an Ozarks gem known as the “Elk Capital of Arkansas.” Jasper is small, quaint, and delightfully aesthetic. Expect a picturesque downtown square anchored by a beautiful courthouse in the middle and framed with lovely gazebos on the grounds. Jasper's downtown is beguiling and features inviting culinary spots such as the Jasper Pizza Company, the go-to place for delicious thin-crust pizzas. Ozark Cafe, located inside a historic building a few steps away, can be an excellent alternative. Want something that will make your heart purr? Float down the Buffalo River or venture out the Scenic Byway 7. Alternatively, the Ozark Moonshine Run, arguably the most picturesque route in the Ozarks — will make every eye sparkle with wonder. Pick a memento at the Scenic Point Gift Shop before pitching your tent at the aptly named Enchanted Ozark Camp and Cabins, a vast Ozark Mountain wonderland that spans unending acres of pristine beauty.
Nixa, Missouri
Although Historic downtown Nixa does not get frequent mentions, it boasts sights and features that draw the attention of first-time visitors. A revitalized downtown area spots cute restaurants and activities. Options such as Scooter's Coffee, McAlister's Deli, and The Baked Bean Coffee on North Commerce Drive, known for its cozy, comfortable atmosphere — still meet the needs of culinary tourists. Outdoor Home, one of a handful of Big Green Egg distributors in the country, is a popular store known for grills, smokers, and quality outdoor furniture. Nixa Sucker Days Music, Arts and Crafts Festival, an amusing three-day festival that typically takes place in May, features local musical talent, rides, hand-made arts and crafts — and most of all — deliciously fried sucker fish.
Lowell, Arkansas
The historic downtown area of Lowell, which features well-preserved buildings dating back to the 1900s, is a curated mishmash of locally owned businesses, classy but casual restaurants, chic boutiques, and antique stores. The town reclines on the 36-mile Razorback Regional Greenway and displays the quaintness of beautiful, small towns. One will enjoy biking a section of the Razorback Regional Greenway trail, a scenic, safe cycling stretch that links up to seven major cities. Ward Nail Park, the site of the annual Mudtown Days celebration, is a sweet and easy option. Adrenaline junkies, however, will get a blast at Fast Lane Entertainment, the only indoor roller coaster in the Natural State. To crown a fun-filled day, a plate of fried catfish at Tater's Fresh Grill will come in handy. Another option is to watch the sunset at Kathleen Johnson Memorial Park, one of the few naturally shaded parks in NorthWest Arkansas.
Ozark, Missouri
Secreted in the heart-ravishing Ozark Plateau — one of the smallest towns in the Ozarks boasts one of the best downtown areas in the region for 2024. There is plenty to see here, including the Ozark Area Depot Museum, known for its exquisite Craftsman architecture; the Historic Methodist Church, whose crenelated towers and unique stained glass windows set it apart as among the region’s finest architectural accomplishments; and the Old Franklin County Jail, situated on the banks of the Arkansas River not far from the Franklin County Courthouse. This one-of-a-kind jail features a Roman arched entry that typifies the native stone vernacular architecture of Northwest Arkansas. As far as restaurants go, Roma Italian Restaurant, besides being homey and comfortable, serves fantastic Chicken Alfredos.
Whether one loves floating down a rushing river, swimming in a crystal-clear lake, or hiking picturesque trails, the Ozarks region of the United States provides an experience that is hard to beat. Lake of the Ozarks in south-central Missouri — among several others — offers miles of swoon-worthy shoreline. For those who love ambling through beautiful downtown areas, many charming towns in the Ozarks fit the bill, including Eureka Springs, one of the most beautiful small towns in the world.
