These Historic Towns in The Ozarks Are Worth Exploring
The Ozark Mountain region covers the hills of southern Missouri, northern central Arkansas, and small parts of Oklahoma and Kansas. This area is renowned for its stunning scenic beauty and diverse wildlife, featuring several small towns with a rich history of rural mountain life. From the hot mineral springs of mountain retreats to the Victorian architecture of turn-of-the-century buildings, visitors will find these communities exude a warm ambiance that reflects the generations of families who have lived in the mountains. The deep history of these towns provides a glimpse into the fortitude of early settlers who ventured into the untamed wilderness to build vibrant communities. By exploring the rich treasures of these Ozark towns, visitors can appreciate the contributions that have led to the growth and development of the Natural State into what it is today.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is a charming small town renowned for its Victorian-style architecture and winding streets. The community sits within the lush Ozark National Forest and has a history as a spa destination. The town's popularity skyrocketed in the late 1870s when thousands of visitors flocked to the hot mineral springs that were proclaimed to have healing powers. The influx of tourists rapidly increased the community's size, with shops, merchants, and other businesses popping up to cater to the needs of people arriving daily. The Eureka Springs Historical Museum is celebrating its 50th anniversary by offering self-guided tours featuring fascinating displays and exhibits of the local history. The downtown historic district is home to many Victorian-style buildings from the turn of the century, now filled with various eclectic and quirky shops and boutiques. The community boasts a vibrant art scene and is home to over 400 local artists.
The town is home to the Thorncrown Chapel, a stunning architectural marvel in the pristine Ozark forest. It offers a peaceful space for reflection and breathtaking views. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking the 33 miles of well-maintained trails in Lake Leatherwood City Park. If you are looking for accommodation, the historic Crescent Hotel sits atop a nearby mountain, overlooking the town. This hotel, which opened in 1886, boasts 15 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens and is a popular destination for visitors. The Grotto Wood-Fired Grill and Wine Cave is the best restaurant in town, offering exquisite dishes in one of the most unique dining settings in the Ozarks.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Exploring Mountain View, Arkansas, is a great way to enjoy the heart and soul of vibrant Ozark folk music. Known as the "Folk Music Capital of the World," Mountain View hosts the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where visitors can experience traditional crafts, music, and storytelling, preserving the region's cultural legacy. If you are fortunate enough to visit during one of the town's epic music festivals, you will discover the sweet harmonies of bluegrass and folk music performers from all across the nation. The Stone County Museum is housed in the old 1928 schoolhouse and is a beautiful expression of local crafts, displays, and culture.
The historic downtown district offers several buildings centered around an old courthouse square. Visitors will enjoy the stage, where local performers play on weekends during the warm summer months. The district has several shops and boutiques, including antique stores like Rainbow Antique Mall and Main Street Antiques.
With its location in the Ozark National Forest, outdoor enthusiasts will want to explore the Mirror Lake Trail for a leisurely short stroll. The Steele Falls Trail is a two-mile walk through the woods to a beautiful sixty-foot waterfall.
Claremore, Oklahoma
Claremore, Oklahoma, sits in northeast Oklahoma, the home of American satirist Will Rogers. Initially, the town grew to fame as a vital hub for transportation and commerce for the railroad in the late 1800s. As settlers moved west to establish homesteads, the community supported their survival efforts on the often harsh Oklahoma prairie. The town also became a crucial player in the oil industry during the early twentieth century when large deposits of crude were discovered.
The Will Rogers Memorial Museum features interactive exhibits and memorabilia that lend insight into the life and legacy of the humorist. Visitors will want to tour the Belvedere Mansion, a three-story Victorian home built in 1907. The mansion has many original opulent fixtures and furnishings, and the fully restored third-story ballroom offers excellent views of the city.
Another excellent venue is the J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum, which houses over 12,000 examples of firearms and other Old West memorabilia. Multi-media exhibits make for an enjoyable walk through history. The downtown district has various shops and boutiques to wander through, and travelers will want to explore Route 66, America's Highway, which goes right through the heart of Claremore. For a great place to eat, try Dots Cafe, one of the oldest diners on this stretch of Rte. 66.
Calico Rock, Arkansas
Calico Rock earned its name from the vibrant colors in the bluffs looming over the White River and began as a steamboat port that grew when the railroad extended its tracks into the area. The Calico Rock Historic District encompasses a remarkable collection of well-preserved buildings from the turn of the century. Today, the historic stone storefronts house many boutiques and shops, but just steps away is a well-preserved ghost town with over 20 Old Town wooden buildings. Historic markers tell the story of each building, and the self-guided tour is worth spending a couple of hours exploring.
The Calico Rock Museum has fascinating displays of local geology and culture, emphasizing local artisans who sell their wares. If you need a bite to eat, try Between the Buns for great burgers or the Printing Press Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor, operated by the Calico Rock Museum.
If you're looking for a picture-perfect moment, head to the City Rock Bluff overlook. It is easily accessible and offers a magnificent view of the White River. For fishing enthusiasts, the Calico Rock Trout Dock is an excellent charter to catch some great trout or go for a float down the White or Norfolk River.
Mammoth Spring, Arkansas
Mammoth Spring sits right near the Arkansas/Missouri line and is one of the largest natural springs in the world, with a flow rate of over nine million gallons of water per hour. The early settlers recognized the potential of harnessing the rushing water of the Spring River by constructing a hydroelectric plant and several mills. Many remnants of these structures still exist and are a part of the state park system located there. The Park offers a serene ambiance, with walking trails and picnic areas. The Park also houses an 1886 Frisco Train Depot and Museum. Children will enjoy climbing on the Old Train Caboose, which has been fully restored.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast who loves to trout fish, some of the best fishing spots in the Ozarks are in the Spring River as it floats south toward Hardy. This stretch of the river is also an ideal place for beginning floaters looking for a nice place to canoe downstream. If you need a diversion for the kids, tour the Mammoth Spring Fish Hatchery for a stroll around the many hatchery ponds.
The Main Street of Mammoth Springs has a whimsical small-town feel, and many old buildings house various businesses and shops. The best breakfast spot, Penny Loafers Cafe, is a must-visit. For a nice lunch with a view of the spring, Woods Riverbend Restaurant offers a casual menu with outdoor seating.
Carthage, Missouri
Carthage is a town located in Jasper County, in the Southwest of Missouri, and it serves as the county seat. It played a significant role in the Civil War, as it was the site of one of the first conflicts between the states, known as the Battle of Carthage. During the war, the town's buildings were burnt down multiple times, and its close proximity to the Kansas state line made it vulnerable to raiders and robbers. The Carthage Civil War Museum is located in an old fire station with informative displays, and the old courthouse, which dates back to 1896, is one of the most photographed buildings in the state. The downtown district boasts more than 42 historic buildings that feature diverse architectural styles from the early 20th century. A must-visit attraction is the Kendrick House Museum, which offers tours and showcases various Victorian-style furnishings.
One of the most popular places to visit in the area is the Precious Moments Chapel, which houses beautiful murals of the Precious Moments figurines. If you are looking for a unique dining experience, head to The Woodshed Burger House, located in the Cherry Art Emporium right on the downtown square.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Poplar Bluff is the county seat of Butler County in southeast Missouri and is known as the "Gateway to the Ozarks." The town was initially formed in 1849 and named for the beautiful poplar trees that grew out of the bluffs lining the Black River. Over the years, the town grew and supported settlers who were building homes on farms in the foothills of the Ozarks. The town suffered major devastation from a tornado in 1927, which destroyed most of the business district. Today, the downtown area has many historic buildings worth exploring. The Mo-Ark Railroad Museum is a special place full of historical insight and information. The Margaret Harwell Art Museum is housed in the historic Moore-Dalton Home and features an intimate sculpture garden for meditative strolls.
For the best burgers and a tall glass of lemonade, try the Lemonade House Grill, about six miles west of town. Yes, they offer about thirty different flavors of freshly squeezed lemonade every day. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to check out Lake Wapapello, which is about half an hour north of the city, with many trails and great boating/fishing opportunities.
Mansfield, Missouri
If you are a fan of the Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, you will want to make a stop in this small town east of Springfield. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum is a wonderful exploration of the author's life, her writing career, and her commitment to celebrating the pioneer life from which her books were drawn. The museum is open from March through November, and children will enjoy exploring the grounds.
The Bakersville Pioneer Village is just north of town on the Bear Creek Farm. This village is a quaint Old West collection of shops, complete with a general store and restaurant built on either side of a large central garden. Enjoy the bakery with the warm scent of fresh cinnamon rolls. This place sells heirloom seeds, so pick up a pack of something special to plant in your own garden or spend time sipping some freshly brewed sweet tea.
From the bustling streets of Claremore, Oklahoma, with its railroad and oil industry legacy, to the tranquil charm of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, with its natural wonders and industrial past, and the time-worn streets of Carthage, Missouri, echoing tales of the Civil War – the small towns of the Ozarks stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. Through trial and triumph, early settlers built these places of commerce and community, and their legacies can teach us valuable lessons if we are willing to receive them.
