9 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In The Ozarks
The Ozarks are often thought of in terms of sweeping lakes, winding rivers, and dense forests. In between these better-known tourist destinations are smaller Ozark towns full of history, charm, and natural wonders. These towns don’t always make the rest stop guidebooks, but they’re perfect for a weekend getaway or a stop on a road trip. Here are nine off-the-beaten-path towns in the Ozarks — and a closer look at what makes each one worth the detour.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Nestled in the hills of Northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs is part Victorian village, part arts enclave, and part outdoor escape. The downtown area of Eureka Springs is known for its historic and walkable charm. Winding streets are lined with old world stone buildings. Some of these have transformed from historic charm to modern usefulness, housing eclectic shops, art galleries, and some of the best people-watching in the Ozarks. Don’t miss the Basin Spring Park at the center of town. Thorncrown Chapel is a stunning glass-and-wood chapel designed by E. Fay Jones, it’s one of the most breathtaking architectural sites in the region and a must see for visitors to Eureka Springs. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is located just outside of town. This sanctuary for big cats and other exotic animals offers guided tours, and plenty to see and do. If you’re looking to get out for some quick recreation, Beaver Lake & Lake Leatherwood both provide nearby opportunities for hiking, boating, and fishing.
Osage Beach, Missouri
Perched on the Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach is a hub for lake life with a mix of family fun and nightlife. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest state park in Missouri, perfect for hiking, swimming beaches, and picnic spots. It offers plenty to do and see, while getting out and enjoying all that nature has to offer in the area. If you want to go cave exploring, you’re in the right place. Bridal Cave is a short drive away from Osage Beach, this cave has been the site of legendary weddings and offers tours full of stalactites and stalagmites. When you want to head in and shop around, Osage Beach Outlet Marketplace is the perfect place. For those who like to balance outdoor adventure with shopping, the outlet marketplace offers local and chain shopping options. When you want to live like a local, Dog Days Bar & Grill is a lively lakeside spot where boats dock right up for food, drinks, and live music, making it the best way to end your trip.
Camdenton, Missouri
Smaller and quieter than Osage Beach, Camdenton is the place to slow down while still being close to the lake. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is famous for its castle ruins overlooking the lake, plus caves, springs, and trails to take you away for the day. If you enjoy golfing, Missouri has some of the best Golf Clubs around. Lake Valley Golf Club is no different. A scenic and relaxed spot for golfers, Lake Valley is ideal for spending a day on the links. Whether you’re in the area for sports or relaxing, Ballparks National is a draw for families traveling for youth baseball tournaments and for those to enjoy while exploring the town. During the summer the Niangua River is known for fishing and float trips. You can rent a float, canoe, kayak, or even a boat and float your way to a relaxing day down in Camdenton.
Hollister, Missouri
Just across the lake from Branson, Hollister has an old-world feel and plenty of opportunity for recreation. Hollister's Old English-Style downtown boasts restaurants and shopping. The Tudor Revival buildings make the main street look straight out of a storybook. Downing Street Pour House is one of these historic older eateries. A local favorite for pub food and craft beer, Downing Street has good food and great atmosphere tucked away in the Ozarks. When you’re ready to explore, the nearby White River Valley Trail System crisscrosses across the Ozark area with varying degrees of difficulty for the trails. This trail network offers rugged hiking and mountain biking.
Calico Rock, Arkansas
Calico Rock is a hidden gem along the White River. This town in the Ozarks is a prime example of a place where history and outdoor recreation meet every day. Calico Rock has a well-known Historic District including preserved buildings from the early 1900s and a winding path of walkable history. For those that enjoy being able to physically be in the past, Peppersauce Ghost Town is the perfect place. Peppersauce is an abandoned section of Calico Rock that tells the story of the town’s boom-and-bust days. Another section of the white river run through Calico Rock. Every area of White River is a pristine and premier spot for trout fishing, with outfitters ready to guide you, or go it alone and enjoy your day outdoors. The Ozark Folk Center State Park is also nearby for a dose of traditional crafts and music of the Ozarks.
Van Buren, Arkansas
Located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, Van Buren is a little more populated than the other towns in this article (about 24,000 people). The town mixes frontier history with riverfront relaxation. The Van Buren Historic District features antique shops, restaurants, and restored storefronts along its beautiful Main Street. The King Opera House is a beautifully preserved theater still hosting performances for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re looking for a night out or a matinee afternoon, King Opera House is a town institution. For the history buffs, Fort Smith National Historic Site is only minutes away from Van Buren, where the Old West comes alive with the histories of lawmen and outlaws who frequented the area. Lastly the Arkansas River flows freely. You can enjoy scenic walks and fishing spots right on the edge of town, making everything you need within reach.
Ponca, Arkansas
If you want raw Ozark beauty, Ponca is where you’ll find it. Ponca is a gem nestled into the Ozarks. Next to the Buffalo National River, Ponca is a gateway for floating, kayaking, and hiking along America’s first national river. You can find the Lost Valley Trail right in the heart of Ponca. Lost Valley Trail is a family-friendly hiking spot that leads to caves, waterfalls, and towering bluffs. You can find places to picnic, take your pets, or just explore and take pictures. This area is also known for its conservation efforts. The Ponca Elk Education Center is a place to learn about the free-roaming elk herds that graze nearby fields at dawn and dusk. The opportunity to be up close to nature is unmatched and Ponca is the perfect spot to catch some wildlife. Ponca is also known for its well-maintained camping areas. Steel Creek Campground is a great example of Ponca’s stewardship of the natural land, providing campers a stunning riverside spot beneath the bluffs. When you want to see why Arkansas is known as the Natural State, Ponca is it.
Eminence, Missouri
Tucked into the Missouri side of the Ozarks, sits Eminence. This may be a small town, but it has big natural draws, and an opportunity to explore the world around you. The Current River & Jacks Fork River both flow through Eminence, making it a prime destination for canoeing and floating as well as camping and RV’ing. Unknown to most until you visit, Alley Mill & Alley Spring are bright red mills and one of the most photographed spots in Missouri. You wouldn’t know it until you’re there but once you are, you’ll want to stop and take a photo too. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways also pass through Eminence. This is the first national park area to protect a river system. Round Spring Cave also has a guided tour cave that offers a cooler adventure in summer, and a breathtaking experience all around. Eminence is great for recreation lovers who want a softer adventure than some of the other outdoor areas.
Weston, Missouri
Weston is a historic river town with a fantastic downtown that feels frozen in time. This off the beaten path town makes the perfect stop on a Missouri road trip. Weston Bend State Park offers sweeping views of the Missouri River along wooded trails, great for outdoor recreation, camping, and fishing. The National Silk Art Museum showcases an unexpected collection of rare European silk masterpieces, unexpected in this corner of the world but a welcome addition to the area and a favorite for tourists and locals alike. The town’s roots in brewing run deep, much like most of Missouri. Weston Brewing Company, which was first founded in the 1840s, is still serving up freshly brewed beer in its stone cellars today. For a seasonal outing, Weston Red Barn Farm draws families for apple picking, pumpkin patches, and country festivals. Weston is a place perfect for families, weekend getaways, and the opportunity to unwind. The town’s mix of history, nature, and small-town fun make it worthwhile for your next pit stop.
These nine towns in the Ozarks may not always be the first places you think of when planning a getaway, but that’s exactly the point. They bring tourists and locals the perfect mix of history, hidden trails, quirky downtowns, and river escapes that make them well worth the drive from any direction. Whether you’re into paddling, fishing, hiking, or just wandering around a historic square, each one of these towns has its own flavor of Ozark magic.
