The Most Picturesque Small Towns in The Ozarks

Eureka Springs, many will confess, is by far the most picturesque town in the Ozarks. But it is not a lone star. Several small towns dot one of America's most swoon-worthy regions, many of which are almost as beautiful as Eureka Springs. These towns are layered with nature, and framed by the austere grandeur of majestic mountains, shimmering lakes, and rolling hills. Find the most picturesque small towns in the Ozarks, which will leave a first-time visitor completely blown away.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Harper's Ferry, West Virginia; Deadwood, South Dakota; and Carmel-by-the-Sea, California — have one thing in common with Eureka Springs, Arkansas: They are often ranked among America’s most beautiful towns. Eureka Springs is secreted in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, between Tulsa, Oklahoma, and St. Louis, Missouri. Though small and home to less than 3,000 residents — most towns have nothing on this Arkansas treasure, loved for its Victorian architecture, natural springs, and old-timey feel.

Self-proclaimed haunted hotels, including the iconic Crescent Hotel, are one of Eureka Springs’s most identifiable features. Churches, including the magical Thorncrown Chapel, occupy one end of the town's attraction spectrum. Classy eateries such as Mud Street Cafe and Nibbles Eatery ensure hunger pangs do not have to interrupt or spoil what is guaranteed to be a memorable adventure. The trick is to arrive early so you max out on your experience. Eureka Springs packs a punch.

Mountain View, Arkansas

Loved for its music (Mountain View has been christened the Folk Music Capital of the World), this story-book town is always a delight to the eyes. Nature's raw beauty, blended with man's sense of style, produces a space that looks plucked straight out of a fairytale. The Ozark Folk Center State Park, arguably the only park in the Natural State dedicated to the preservation of the Ozarks folk tradition, is often a first port of call.

The Ozark National Forest, right on the town's outside patio, provides a world of fun and outdoor adventure. With sites such as the Blanchard Springs Caverns, the most impressive subterranean wonder for miles, a first-time visitor will have a blast in Mountain View. During your walking tour of the town, you may find random people playing guitars, dulcimers, banjoes, fiddles, and all kinds of musical instruments. Mountain View, you will then admit, is like a song of many different genres; all evocative.

Branson, Missouri

Although famous for its entertainment scene ( it claims to be the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World''), Branson wears many hats. For example, Branson, known to feature hundreds of decorated trees during the holidays, is called America’s Christmas Tree City. Plus, Branson has previously been voted America’s best destination for RVers.

Branson provides access to about 25 campsites, most of which feature the golden pull-thru parking. There are three lakes, where one can enjoy bass fishing; the Titanic Museum, which tells the story of the ill-fated liner; the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, where one will come up and close with more than 200 different species of aquatic animals; and the Silver Dollar City, one the best theme parks in the world.

Jasper, Arkansas

A town that shares a name with a precious stone will pique the interest of most vacationers. The “Elk Capital of Arkansas” is small, quaint, and picturesque. The Buffalo National River, the country's first national river, flows here and imbues the town with a rustic charm and allure. A thin-crust pizza, served hot and sizzling at the Jasper Pizza Company, should set the pace for what will be an exciting adventure, if not a complete revelation.

The views along the Scenic Byway 7 — or many sections of the Ozark Moonshine Run — provide a glimpse into the area's pristine beauty. The nearby Scenic Point Gift Shop has many mementos at reasonable price points and is also a prime spot for viewing a low-key version of the world-famous Grand Canyon. The trick is to crown your adventure by spending the night at the Enchanted Ozark Camp and Cabins, especially if you want to get more intimate with nature.

Kimberling City, Missouri

Many features — both natural and man-made — combine to curate Kimberling City's picturesque look. There is Table Rock Lake, for example, not only a lovely site for numerous recreational activities but also an exquisite source of rustic charm and appeal. There is the town's mountain setting, seductive and austere in equal measure.

For those who arrive hungry — or will need a filling meal along the way — Simply Baked By Chandler’s rave reviews are mostly attributed to its delectable breakfast pies. A meal here should pave the way for Show Place Collectibles, which displays a thoughtful selection of vintage items. Spend a meditative hour at What's Up Dock, which overlooks the beautiful Table Rock Lake, before resting for the night at the Kimberling Oaks Resort.

Van Buren, Arkansas

Van Buren reclines on the Arkansas River opposite Fort Smith, and is the gateway to Lake Fort Smith State Park. Named for President Martin Van Buren, one of the founders of the Democratic Party, this picturesque Arkansas charmer has many attractions that will keep a first-time visitor engaged and mesmerized. There is the chance to float down the Arkansas River, sit down to a healthy meal at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe, while away time at Peer Park, crack a rib at the King Opera House — or hit up Lee Creek Hiking Trails, a scenic loop that comes with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Van Buren is the boyhood home of humorist Bob Burns, the man who invented the “bazooka,” a musical instrument for which the shoulder-held rocket launcher that shot to fame during World War II was named after.

Beauty can appear via a magical sunset, a timorous daffodil, a pine-speckled mountain, a crystal-clear lake, a yawning ridge, or a series of rolling hills. Beauty can also present itself via stunning Victorian architecture, stained-glass windows, spacious boulevards, and cobblestoned streets. Fortunately, many towns in the Ozarks capture most of these elements. If in doubt, arrive early at Eureka Springs, and discover the most picturesque small town in the Ozarks.