9 Most Charming River Towns in The Ozarks to Visit in 2024
Spanning across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and predominantly Missouri, the Ozarks cover approximately 50,000 square miles of American highland. Today, the region is a bustling tourism spot for Americans and foreign tourists alike, boasting dense tree cover, rugged terrain, and significant bodies of water. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend on the water or for a week hiking through the forest, the Ozarks has excellent terrain and outdoor culture to explore.
Hermann, Missouri
Full of charming red brick buildings lining the Missouri River, Hermann is a small Missouri town that prides itself on its explore-based tourism. Situated in prime wine country, the town has old roots dating back to the beginning of American wineries. Today, the town is a hub for sipping, shopping, and enjoying the outdoors. There are many separate "sipping" establishments in the town where patrons can taste local and artisanal wines, beers, and Hermann's own Missouri Bourbon at the Copper Mule Distillery. Hermann has space for every explorer, from underground in Graham Cave State Park to high in the skies at the Grand Bluffs Conservation Area.
Branson, Missouri
Situated along the river, Lake Taneycomo, and encompassing Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake, Branson is a water town in the heart of the Ozarks. The scenic boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo is the place to begin or end your day in Branson. Here, you can dine, walk, shop, and even rent a Kayak for a scenic view of the river shore. If you are looking for a faster-paced adventure, consider hopping over to Bull Shoals Lake, where you can spend your day scuba diving and fishing. For sports enthusiasts, Branson is home to world-class designer golf courses that span the rolling Ozark hills, offering a once-in-a-lifetime hole-in-one experience for you and your party.
Van Buren, Missouri
Stradling the Current River, Van Buren is the smallest Missouri Ozark town on this list. This river community is built for outdoor explorers. The Landing is the town's largest attraction, offering both a space for lodging and an entryway to the waterway; this is Van Buren's one-stop shop for floating, boating, and swimming down the Current River. The Landing offers water tubes, rafts, canoes, and kayaks for rent throughout the warm season. After a day on the water, the Ranch House and Coffee Shop offers farm-to-table homestyle cooking to help you refuel. Another great attraction is the Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo, which includes gem mining, exploring a cave, and a chance to see kangaroos in person. Ultimately, a visit to Van Buren will be a quiet one with the chance for big excitement on the water.
Mountain Home, Arkansas
Listed second for Field and Stream's Best Fishing Towns in the United States, Mountain Home is a small Arkansas Ozarks community along the White River. Every summer, the town is home to the Baxter Summer Concert Series, offering free live music outdoors each month. The Downtown Entertainment District is a fully licensed outdoor walking, shopping, and dining area where you can stroll with your beer as you explore. For a fun day in nature, the nearby Buffalo River, which runs 150 miles long, is one of the best spots in the Ozarks for a lazy tube ride downstream. Although Mountain Home is small, it serves as the retail and commercial hub for Baxter County, making it a bustling stop between stops in Arkansas's segment of the Ozarks.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Although Eureka Springs is not directly on a river, it is primely situated near two rivers and three lakes, each with their unique character and attractions. Black Bass Lake is a great no-motor spot to fish, kayak, hike, and spot butterflies in the spring months. A must for seeing the wonders that the Arkansas Ozarks offer, hop on the Eureka Springs Zipline through dense, 800-year-old tree cover. After a high-intensity day of outdoor sports, consider an easy hike to one of the 63 surrounding springs, such as Crescent or Cardinal Springs, for a scenic dip. On the way out, consider a day stay at one of the town's spas, such as the New Moon Spa, for a massage and some added relaxation to perfect your trip.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Along the Illinois River in Oklahoma, Tahlequah is a tiny Ozarks town with a bustling main street at its core. When exploring downtown, the Cherokee National History Museum, the Cherokee Prison Museum, and the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Museum are three small but important institutions where you can learn about Cherokee history and culture. In the evenings, catch a show at the Northeastern State University Playhouse or listen to live music at the NSU Jazz Club. Like most other Ozark communities, Tahlequah also has an abundance of outdoor space and recreation to explore. The Tahlequah trails are meticulously cared for by the Tahlequah Trails Association, spanning 200 acres of land where you can bike or hike through the Oklahoman woods.
West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma
West Siloam Springs is a seasonal town bordering Arkansas. Known for its outdoor events, such as concerts, festivals, and sporting events. Within its relatively small borders, the town is packed full of places to stay, dine, and shop, all within a walkable radius. Consider a classic American meal at Braum's Ice Cream & Burger Restaurant or a fancier meal at the Flint Creek Steakhouse. Being a border town, West Siloam Springs is a great space to stay when exploring the different Ozark states. It is primely located near hiking trails and waterways, such as at Sager Creek, for endless exploration and entertainment. Another beautiful water experience is the 77-foot waterfall at the Natural Falls State Park.
Independence, Kansas
Located along the Verdigris River, Independence is a historic Kansas Ozark town whose roots date back to the 19th century. Throughout the summer months, the downtown hosts the Independence Farmers & Makers Market every Saturday and Thursday. The town's main attractions are Riverside Park and Ralph Mitchell Zoo, which were founded in 1914. Admission is free, and the park also offers a train, carousel, and miniature golf for small fees. Following the town's inclination toward its history, the Independence Historical Museum and Art Center offers a sneak peek into the past, with preserved rooms and historical memorabilia to learn about the history of Independence, Kansas, and the Ozarks.
Coffeyville, Kansas
Known for its murals spreading across downtown, Coffeyville also sits along the Verdigris River. During the decades around the turn of the 20th century, Coffeyville was home to several brick and glass factories. As you explore Coffeyville, keep your eye out for little messages on bricks, such as the famous "Don't Spit on Sidewalk" brick. As you search, walk along the Dalton Defenders Plaza and Death Alley, where you will walk alongside the legend of the Daltons who attempted to rob two banks in 1892. If you are more interested in getting outdoors, the Walter Johnson Park and Rivercrest Campgrounds feature hooked-up lots for both tent and RV camping within the municipal limit.
The Ozarks is a large geographic area most renowned for its dense and old forests interwoven with mountainous terrain and significant waterways. Although there are countless resorts and larger cities to visit throughout the multi-state region, smaller communities, particularly those situated along Ozark rivers, offer both fast-action outdoor adventure and slower, small-town life. Whether you're keen on spending your trip immersed in the outdoors by camping or you're hoping to keep the outdoors at a bit of a distance, each Ozark town offers its own combination of history, pampering, and nature to satisfy your desires while on vacation.
