6 Coziest Mountain Towns In Missouri
Missouri is known as the ‘Show Me State,’ and it lives up to this nickname. The state features natural beauty everywhere you look, especially within the small towns in the Ozark Mountains. While there may not be dramatic towering peaks like in Colorado or Montana, Missouri’s mountains and mountain towns offer their own kind of magic and charm. You will find scenic drives and sparkling rivers here, along with old-fashioned hospitality and plenty of cozy spots to unwind in the small mountain town atmosphere. If you are in search of the coziest mountain towns in Missouri for your next vacation, look no further than these six towns.
Hollister
Hollister is a quiet retreat just south of Branson. Incorporated in 1910, Hollister’s historic Downing Street district was designed to resemble an authentic English village with Tudor-style architecture. The historic buildings in downtown Hollister create a sense of stepping back in time. There are many different businesses here, but the Tudor Revival style is unmistakable. A block away from the Downing Street Historic District, you will find Hollister Coffee Co., where you can enjoy a local roast coffee. At Sweet Shack, you can order a smash burger or homemade ice cream as a vacation treat.
Hollister sits along Lake Taneycomo, so you can fish and kayak or relax on the shore while watching the wildlife. The mist that rises from the lake during cooler seasons creates a scenic backdrop for early morning waterfront strolls. In fall and winter, Hollister stands out with the Hollister Grape and Fall Festival in October.
Branson
Branson lies three minutes away from Hollister and is one of Missouri’s most popular destination towns. If you are on vacation with your family, you can spend an entire day at Fritz’s Adventure, an indoor adventure park with climbing challenges, a real water tower, and even an airplane. You can also zipline at a height of 45 feet. The fun continues at the World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex, which holds more than one million toy attractions across six museums and several collections.
For something cozier, catch a live musical at the Dutton Family Theater or visit the Clay Cooper Theater for a slapstick stand-up comedy show. Before you retire after a busy day, check out Dolly Parton’s Stampede, where you can enjoy a hearty meal and admire the horses.
Mountain Grove
Mountain Grove sits among the Ozark ridges, inviting visitors to a small town serenity experience. You can get pastries and other treats at the Honeycomb Bakery. For espresso, head to The American Cup, an espresso bar and coffee roaster.
If you want to stretch your legs, check out Cedar Park, where 38 acres of walking trails and picnic shelters await. Around Mountain Grove, there are additional nature trails for hiking or ATV riding, including at Hooter Holler Offroad Park. If you visit during winter, you will experience a quieter Mountain Grove. You can have hot cocoa at the Comfort Inn and Suites as you enjoy the feeling of being tucked away in the Ozark hills.
Van Buren
The cozy mountain town feel continues in Van Buren, around 80 miles from Mountain Grove. You can relive the heyday of the drive-in at the 21 Drive-In Theatre on Highway 21, open on Thursdays and Saturdays from May until early December.
Van Buren is the gateway to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the first U.S. national park area established to protect a river system. Van Buren sits at the heart of the Current River waterway, so you can enjoy a lazy float or canoe and kayak downstream. South of town, you will find Big Spring, one of the largest natural springs in America. When the sun sets, drive or hike the Skyline Drive route above the Current River Valley to watch the light fade over the landscape.
Lebanon
Lebanon is a pretty stop along Route 66, where you can go trout fishing in nearby Bennett Spring State Park or hike the trails for an Ozark outdoors experience close to town. Lebanon is a solid base for camping, hiking, and paddling in the surrounding rivers and forests. Off-road trails are also available near town, leading into the forest. The town has eight parks, with Atchley Park offering quiet walks in an evergreen setting.
Lebanon is home to the Route 66 Museum, which holds antique car exhibits and a replica of a 1950s gas station. If you visit during June, you can catch the Route 66 Festival, which includes a concert and vintage car show. In downtown Lebanon, you will find Café Jude’s in a historic building with a tranquil atmosphere and great coffee. For comfort food, visit The Lunch Box Café.
West Plains
West Plains is located deep within the Southern Ozarks and offers a blend of community and natural beauty. At Galloway Creek Nature Park, you can walk along the creek, explore the covered bridge, and have a picnic at one of the pavilions. Georgia White Walking Park features a 2.40-mile lighted walking track and green space suited for early morning strolls.
For something more active, visit the Witte’s End Mountain Bike Trail in JMB Park. This 3.7-mile mixed-use trail is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. In downtown West Plains, you can sip your morning brew at 10/40 Coffee or find a homemade treat at Craft Café. If you visit during spring or fall, you can catch a live outdoor bluegrass concert at nearby HOBA Park.
Experience the Comfort of the Ozarks
The cozy mountain towns in the Ozarks invite you to slow down and join their rhythm. Whether you are a weekend or long-term traveler, these towns and communities offer warm conversation and a fresh mountain breeze that stays with you long after you leave. If your soul craves quiet and the outdoors, the winding roads in the Ozarks will lead you home.
