10 Best Ozarks Towns For A Weekend Trip

The Ozarks are a patchwork of rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and tucked-away towns, stretching across northern Arkansas, southern Missouri, and brushing into Oklahoma and Kansas. This highland region is the kind of place where limestone bluffs rise over winding roads, where historic town squares invite a stroll, and where small communities welcome visitors with open arms.

What makes these towns shine isn’t just the scenery—it is the character you find in their lively festivals, cozy cafés, and cultural landmarks. Some thrive on music and art, while others draw you in with outdoor adventures, and many offer the peaceful charm of a well-spent weekend. So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to explore ten Ozark towns where natural beauty and small-town spirit come together for an unforgettable getaway.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Nestled in the wooded hills of northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs is a tapestry of stair-stepped streets, turn-of-the-century Victorian homes, historic buildings, and hillside cottages. The town first gained prominence as a health retreat, attracting visitors to its mineral springs, which were believed to possess healing powers. While the spa era has faded, that spirit of refuge still lingers—today, Eureka Springs flourishes as a haven for artists, free spirits, and travelers in search of inspiration.

The downtown district is a joy to wander, with colorful galleries and quirky boutiques brimming with handcrafted treasures. History lingers around every corner, none more so than at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, whose grand halls and ghostly legends have earned it fame as one of the most haunted hotels in the country. When it is time for a meal, the Grotto Wood-Fired Grill and Wine Cave is a standout, serving wood-fired dishes and fine wines in a natural cave complete with a flowing spring.

For moments of quiet beauty, step into Thorncrown Chapel, where soaring glass and timber frame the surrounding forest, or head to Lake Leatherwood City Park, a serene retreat of trails, water, and picnic spots. Between its festivals, live music, and warm community energy, Eureka Springs has a way of drawing visitors into its creative rhythm. A weekend here doesn’t just refresh—it enchants.

Mountain View, Arkansas

Mountain View sits in the heart of the Ozarks and is a town where music drifts as naturally as the breeze through the trees. Proudly known as the “Folk Music Capital of the World,” it thrives on its heritage of fiddles, banjos, and front-porch storytelling. On warm evenings, the community comes alive in Pickin’ Park, where locals and visitors gather for impromptu jam sessions that often stretch late into the night, filling the square with toe-tapping rhythms.

Heritage runs deep here. At the Ozark Folk Center State Park, artisans keep time-honored crafts alive with demonstrations in blacksmithing, pottery, and weaving, while stages echo with authentic folk performances. Just beyond town, nature offers its own spectacle at Blanchard Springs Caverns, where glittering limestone chambers unfold in a series of guided underground tours.

When the day winds down, settle into the Wildflower Bed and Breakfast, a welcoming stay steps from the town square. With its mix of soulful music, enduring traditions, and the quiet beauty of the Ozarks, Mountain View is more than a getaway—it is a place where history and harmony still play in tune.

Heber Springs

Heber Springs is a retreat ideal for anyone who loves the outdoors, situated on the shores of the sparkling waters of Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River. The lake is a playground for boating, swimming, and lazy afternoons of fishing, while the Little Red River draws anglers from around the world with its reputation for record-breaking trout.

Trails add another layer of adventure. A walk along the Collins Creek Trail leads past shaded forests and tumbling cascades, while the climb up the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail rewards hikers with sweeping views of the town and the lake. Back downtown, history bubbles to the surface in Spring Park, where settlers once came to drink from the seven natural spring waters believed to hold healing powers.

When it is time to rest, the Red Apple Inn & Country Club makes the perfect retreat. With lakeside accommodations, fine dining, golf, and spa services, it’s a destination in itself. Whether you come to cast a line, hike the trails, or sit by the lake and let time slow down, Heber Springs offers a refreshing taste of Ozark life.

Hermann, Missouri

Perched on the bluffs of the Missouri River, Hermann sits at the heart of Missouri wine country, making it the perfect spot to slow down and savor life. Vineyards roll out across the hillsides, and the town’s German heritage gives it an old-world charm that makes it a favorite getaway for couples.

Sip wine at Stone Hill Winery, where candlelit cellars and scenic terraces invite you to linger with a glass in hand. Wander the Historic Downtown District, where 19th-century brick buildings now hold bakeries, tasting rooms, boutiques, and cozy spots serving hearty German fare. One of the best places to dine is the Hermann Wurst Haus. This casual spot is famous for its Grand Champion smoked bacon, German sausages, and barbecue.

Step back in time at the Deutschheim State Historic Site, where preserved immigrant homes tell the story of the town’s roots. When evening falls, retreat to Hermann Hill Vineyard and Inn, where suites with private patios and vineyard views create the perfect setting to reconnect.

Bella Vista, Arkansas

If you love to golf, Bella Vista is a retreat that feels tailor-made for you. With over a dozen lush courses to choose from—including the scenic Scotsdale Golf Course and the classic Bella Vista Country Club—you can tee off on rolling fairways framed by Ozark hillsides.

Bella Vista isn’t only about golf. When you are ready to swap your clubs for trail shoes, the Back 40 Trail System offers more than 40 miles of hiking and biking through pine forests, creek crossings, and rugged overlooks. On summer afternoons, locals and visitors flock to Lake Avalon Beach, where sandy shores make it easy to swim, kayak, or bask in the sunshine with a book. For those who love a quiet moment, Bella Vista’s lakes—like Loch Lomond and Lake Windsor—offer peaceful spots for fishing or paddling at your own pace.

As evening settles in, head back to Greens One at Bella Vista Village, where spacious two-bedroom condos and fully equipped kitchens make it easy to feel at home. The attentive staff adds a personal touch, ensuring that every detail of your stay is carefully attended to. By day, Bella Vista draws you outdoors with championship golf courses, miles of scenic trails, and sparkling lakes, while by night it gives you a comfortable retreat to relax and recharge.

Eminence, Missouri

If you have ever dreamed of riding horseback through rolling hills and along clear rivers, Eminence is your kind of town. As a part of the Missouri Ozarks, it’s best known for having some of the best horseback trails in the nation, drawing riders from across the country each summer. These gatherings feel part festival, part frontier, with horses lined up at campsites and music floating through the evening air.

Even if you don’t saddle up, you will find adventure on the Jacks Fork River, a National Scenic Riverway perfect for floating, fishing, and kayaking. The river winds past limestone bluffs and gravel bars, and if you are lucky, you might spot a herd of wild horses grazing along the banks.

Outside town, the bright red Alley Spring Mill is one of Missouri’s most photographed landmarks. Its bold walls and the turquoise spring beside it create a postcard-perfect scene that never fails to impress. When it is time to unwind, retreat to the Hawkins House B&B, a beautifully restored 1913 home where the hospitality feels as warm as the scenery. In Eminence, rugged landscapes meet small-town tradition, creating a retreat where life flows with the current of the river and the steady rhythm of horse hooves on the trail.

Lake Ozark, Missouri

Set at the heart of the Lake of the Ozarks region, Lake Ozark is a small community of just over 2,200 residents, where life flows with sparkling water, outdoor adventure, and lazy afternoons on the shoreline. The centerpiece is the Lodge of Four Seasons, a legendary lakeside resort that has welcomed guests since the 1960s. Here, you can play a round of golf, dine at award-winning restaurants, or indulge in a restorative afternoon at Spa Kyoto before watching the sun dip behind the water.

Adventure is never far away. Just outside town, Stark Caverns leads you underground to discover glittering mineral formations and Native American artifacts hidden beneath the hills. A short drive farther south, Ha Ha Tonka State Park rewards explorers with castle ruins, turquoise springs, and bluff-top trails that reveal sweeping lake views. These natural wonders make Lake Ozark more than just a lakeside playground—they showcase the wild heart of the Ozarks.

Branson, Missouri

Branson has built its reputation on entertainment, and today the town offers more variety than ever. Dozens of theaters host nightly performances ranging from country music and gospel to magic shows and comedy, ensuring there is always a stage lit up somewhere in town. Families flock to Silver Dollar City, where the rush of roller coasters pairs seamlessly with old-fashioned Ozark traditions like glassblowing and blacksmithing. It is a place where thrills and heritage sit side by side, capturing the spirit of Branson in a single afternoon.

The town sits on the shores of Table Rock Lake, a clear blue reservoir perfect for boating, fishing, or simply sitting on a dock to watch the sun set behind the hills. Downtown, the Branson Landing brings together shopping, dining, and a choreographed fountain show along the riverfront, creating a lively hub for strolling and people-watching.

When the day winds down, check into the Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa and Convention Center, a luxury hotel overlooking Table Rock Lake. Its lakeside views, full-service spa, and fine dining offer a comfortable retreat that balances the town’s high-energy attractions.

Clarksville, Arkansas

For those who think they know the Ozarks, Clarksville may be its best-kept secret. Sitting between the Arkansas River and the forested ridges of the Ozark Mountains, it is a place where you can fall asleep under the stars without ever giving up comfort. The area’s new wave of glamping retreats—from luxury tents to upscale cabins—turns a night in the woods into a boutique escape.

Downtown, you will find historic storefronts brightened by murals, locally owned cafés, and welcoming shops that keep the small-town vibe alive. One of the best steak houses in town is Kasper's near the University of the Ozarks. This family-owned establishment will not disappoint with its vast menu and impeccable service.

Outdoor lovers can head into the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, where waterfalls, overlooks, and winding trails show off the wild beauty of the region. When you are ready to settle in, book a stay at Horsehead Lake Lodge, where the line between rustic and refined disappears.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Few towns set the stage for romance quite like Hot Springs, where thermal waters have drawn visitors for centuries. Couples can stroll hand in hand down Bathhouse Row, stepping into grand historic bathhouses, where the naturally heated waters offer a soothing escape. Around the corner, Hot Springs National Park spreads out with trails that lead to scenic overlooks, quiet springs, and forested paths perfect for a sunset hike together.

The town itself hums with character. Along Central Avenue, boutique shops, galleries, and cozy restaurants offer plenty of reasons to linger. For breakfast, the Pancake Shop is a must, with its hand-whipped butter, gigantic pancakes, and sage sausage patties. For a playful evening, Superior Bathhouse Brewery—the only brewery in the world to use thermal spring water in its beer—makes for a fun, one-of-a-kind date spot.

When night falls, romance comes full circle at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, a historic grand hotel that has hosted celebrities and dignitaries for over a century. Its vintage charm, elegant lobby, and spa services make it the kind of place where couples can relax, reconnect, and feel like they have stepped back into a more glamorous era.

Visit the Best Weekend Trips in the Ozarks

The Ozarks are more than a backdrop of hills and rivers—they are a collection of towns where history, hospitality, and natural beauty weave together into unforgettable getaways. From the artistic charm of Eureka Springs to the music-filled nights in Mountain View, the lakeside calm of Heber Springs, and the romantic escape of Hot Springs, each community offers its own flavor of retreat. Some dazzle with theaters and lights, others whisper with the quiet rhythm of rivers and trails, but all remind you to slow down and savor the moment.

Whether you are planning a weekend to reconnect with someone special, to chase a little adventure, or to breathe easier for a few days, the Ozarks have a town waiting to welcome you. Pack your bags, follow those winding roads, and let these hidden gems show you why this region has long been one of America’s most beloved escapes.