11 Most Relaxing Ozarks Towns
The Ozarks are where you go when you actually want to exhale. This storied region of Arkansas and Missouri is stitched together by century-old downtowns and regional festivals. Mountain View hosts Folk Festival Saturdays. Eureka Springs is built around healing mineral springs. Steelville runs float trips down the Meramec. Some of these towns are artsy. Some are sporty. Some just want to sell you a good cup of coffee on a quiet Main Street. All eleven of them share the same Ozark superpower: they make slowing down feel like the most exciting thing you can do.
Bella Vista, Arkansas
Bella Vista is a nature haven in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas. Visitors and locals alike love exploring the town via hiking and biking. The Little Sugar, Back 40, and Blowing Springs trail systems together provide around 100 miles of trails within city limits. These trails are designed for mountain biking but are also popular among hikers and nature lovers. Golfers can enjoy a relaxing time at beautiful courses like the Highlands Golf Course. Those interested in architecture or planning a special event are encouraged to visit the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel, a Gothic glass-and-steel structure set among the trees. Each Sunday, the Bella Vista Farmers Market offers a place to shop for local goods and meet farmers and makers from around the region.
Cassville, Missouri
Cassville, MO, prioritizes providing spaces where the whole family can relax and have fun. The Greenway Trail is an easy 2.9-mile nature trail perfect for hiking and biking. It connects the Cassville Aquatic Park and Rocky Edmondson Park, providing access to picnic facilities and recreation areas as it winds through pretty scenery along Flat Creek. The Cassville Aquatic Park is a great spot to cool off during the summer. It features two waterslides, a zero-depth entry area, and lots of fun water activities. Cassville is also located near Roaring River State Park and the Piney Creek Wilderness, so it often attracts visitors seeking to get close to nature.
Cotter, Arkansas
Cotter, AR, calls itself the Trout Capital of the US. Once a booming railroad town, its position on the White River lends itself beautifully to year-round fishing opportunities amid the beautiful Ozark scenery. Rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and brown trout are all common, with anglers commonly reeling in large specimens of 11 to 16 inches. There is plenty of public access to the river. One popular spot is Big Spring Park, which features a hiking trail that leads to historical sites and landmarks, including the RM Ruthven Rainbow Arch Bridge and the Anglin-Tinnon Railroad Workers' Memorial. Last but not least, the historic downtown River District provides a great place for shopping and learning about the town's history.
Eminence, Missouri
Eminence, MO, is a pretty little town on Missouri Highway 19 featuring plenty of relaxing attractions. There are several natural springs in and around the town, including Alley Spring west of Eminence. A herd of wild horses grazing on the prairies is a common sight around town. Hiking, fishing, canoeing, golfing, and horseback riding are all popular activities. Trails include the Alley Spring Branch Trail (0.3 miles), the Lick Log Trail (1.0 miles), and the City of Eminence Walking Trails (totaling around 2.4 miles). The Jacks Fork and Current Rivers offer ample opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and trout and bass fishing. Golfers can test their skills at the Roy L Beck Golf Course. Various horseback riding options are available through local stables, such as Cross Country Trail Ride.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, AR, is one of the most well-known and popular towns in the Ozarks. It was founded in 1879 when an influx of people rushed to the area, eager to experience the supposed healing qualities of the local springs. Today, visitors can still explore the more than 60 cold springs found throughout the town. These include Cardinal Spring, Crescent Spring, and Sweet Spring. There are also many local parks, walking trails, playgrounds, and athletic fields. One of the top spots to visit in town is Basin Spring Park, built around the spring that started it all. In addition to the spring, this park features pieces of Eureka Springs history, such as old war memorials and the Basin Park Fire Bell. Eureka Springs Transit offers trolley rides through town, showcasing its artistic architecture and some of the area's more popular springs.
Jasper, Arkansas
Jasper, AR, calls itself "Arkansas' Small Town." It offers beautiful scenery and plenty of relaxing activities. The Little Buffalo River flows right through the town, and the larger Buffalo River passes just north. Scenic Point gives visitors an excellent view of "Arkansas' Grand Canyon" and provides a view of more than 40 miles on a clear day. The three-mile-long Round Top Mountain Trail lets visitors explore the mountain. The Bradley House Museum provides a look into Newton County history and geology. Those interested in shopping and exploring the town proper can check out local shops like the Turquoise Buffalo Mercantile, The Jasper Jypsi, and Nelms' Art Gallery.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Mountain View, AR, is known for its music culture and history. The annual Arkansas Folk Festival has taken place in Mountain View since the 1960s, and the Ozark Folk Center State Park was founded in 1973. Visitors to the state park experience a living history of Ozark crafts and music. On Saturday nights during warm weather, the town square fills with locals and musicians who gather for casual "pickin'," or music jam sessions. Aside from the town's musical flavor, there are many great places to eat and explore. Popular local restaurants include JoJo's Catfish and Kin Folks Bar-B-Q. The Arkansas Craft Guild is housed in the historic downtown district. Outdoor enthusiasts can go fly fishing on the White River or explore the 50-mile Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail.
Steelville, Missouri
Steelville, MO, is appropriately nicknamed the Floating Capital of Missouri: the Meramec River and Whittenburg Creek border it on the north and east, respectively, and Yadkin Creek flows through the heart of town. These bodies of water, along with the nearby Huzzah River, provide ample opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and rafting. Visiting the Jonas Museum in Steelville or the nearby Dillard Mill State Historic Site gives visitors a peek into the town's local and regional history. Hoppe Spring Park and the Steelville Community Park and Recreation Area provide areas to walk, jog, and picnic in nature. The Steelville Community Pool offers swimming lessons, water aerobics, parties, and open swim opportunities throughout the summer.
Van Buren, Arkansas
Van Buren, AR, is a friendly, artsy town featuring many relaxing parks. The Mr. Chad and Betty Ann Colley Wilderness Park offers a chance to get up close with Ozark flora and fauna via hiking trails. Dr. Louis Peer Memorial Park has a playground, an 18-hole disc golf course, pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a skate park. Mike Meyer Park features the Historic Wall Mural, which captures the town's artistic flavor and history. Lee Creek Park runs along the Arkansas River and is a great spot for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Various other parks are also available throughout the town. Those interested in taking art classes or visiting galleries can explore Arts on Main, located in downtown Van Buren. The King Opera House is a key attraction in the historic downtown district.
Warsaw, Missouri
Warsaw, MO, is a popular Ozark town thanks to its proximity to Truman Lake, Harry S Truman State Park, and the Osage Arm of Lake of the Ozarks. There are plentiful opportunities for fishing, watersports, and exploring nature. Drake Harbor lets you experience both the historic downtown district and nature trails with waterfront access. The Truman Dam Overlook provides exceptional views of Truman Lake, especially at sunrise and sunset. The Joe Dice Swinging Bridge and Steamboat Landing provide easily walkable ways to explore the town. The City Pool and Shawnee Bend Golf Course are great spots to unwind. The Harry S Truman Visitor Center provides fascinating information on area history. Despite its proximity to two of Missouri's most popular lakes, Warsaw maintains a relaxed, small-town atmosphere, with a small population and a commitment to preserving the region's authentic beauty.
West Plains, Missouri
West Plains, MO, is a college town with plenty of relaxing local attractions. The West Plains Bike Route lets visitors explore the region by bike. Numerous walking trails and nature parks are available for children and adults of every skill level. The West Plains Aquatic Center features two pools for the whole family. The North Terra Public Golf Course offers memberships for individuals and groups. Murals and sculptures are found throughout the town at locations like the West Plains Public Library, Wildflower Cafe, and Missouri State University-West Plains.
Relax in the Ozarks
From wooded ridges and waterways to small downtown districts, these Ozark towns provide a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Each one on this list offers at least one of scenic golf courses, parks, hiking and biking trails, or waterfront access for a serene outdoor day. Consider vacationing in one of these relaxing towns to breathe in the peacefulness of nature and local culture.
