6 Of The Most Hospitable Small Towns In The Ozarks

A warm smile in the street, quaint shops and unique community historical landmarks are things that make people feel welcome. When it comes to hospitable small towns, the Ozarks are a great place to visit. There is something about the mountains that brings people together. The communities in the Ozarks are full of interesting historical landmarks and beautiful scenery. Berryville is a hospitable town in the Ozarks with a rich history to explore at the Caroll County Heritage Museum. Jasper is another town that welcomes visitors with stunning natural landmarks such as the Buffalo National River. Here, we will explore the six such towns in the Ozarks.

Berryville, Arkansas

Berryville may be the largest town in Caroll County, but it is still a quaint small town with a population of slightly more than 5,000. The town is a mix of rich history and unique small-town attractions. The town's history dates back to 1850, when the town was officially founded and named. The town's name comes from the area's first settler, Blackburn Henderson Berry. The town's long history is well documented at the Caroll County Heritage Museum. The museum is in Berryville's quaint town center. The three-story museum dates back to the 1800s and has artifacts and memorabilia from the town's history. Berryville is also known for its quirky historic buildings, such as the Memory Lane Museum, which is just outside the town. It features old marketing materials and advertisements from the '30s to the '50s.

One of the most unique places in Berryville to explore is the Cosmic Caves. Much of Arkansas's subterranean area has stunning limestone caves to explore. In Berryville, these caves are easier to access, and the town has guided tours available. A friendly local guide can tour you through the cave's history. In August, the town gathers for the annual Carroll County Fair. The fair showcases the town's community vibes with local food, arts and crafts, and family fun activities such as carnival rides and games.

Jasper, Arkansas

If your idea of a hospitable town is one that has gorgeous scenery, slow living, and friendly locals, then Jasper is the town for you. Located in stunning Newton County, the way to Jasper is a series of slow and beautiful roads with mountainside scenery. The Scenic 7 Byway leads right into town, the first nationally recognized scenic byway in Arkansas.

Similar to Berryville, Jasper is an old town with buildings dating back to the 1800s. There is a cute downtown square to walk around, surrounded by historic buildings. Many of these buildings are part of the National Register of Historic Places as of 2010. The stone courthouse is an admirable building, built in the 1930s with local quarried limestone. Beyond history, nature is what truly draws people to Jasper. One of the town's treasures is the Buffalo National River. The river is unique, flowing freely for 135 miles. Today, it is one of the few un-dammed rivers and was the first federally protected river. When the river is at the right capacity, it is a great spot to paddle down.

Grove, Oklahoma

Grove, Oklahoma, is a laid-back lakeside town in the Ozarks. Located near Grand Lake, Grove is the perfect place to enjoy some lakeside activities such as fishing and boating. Fish you can catch in Grand Lake include Catfish, Crappie, and Bass. The lake covers 46,500 surface acres. The community in Grove lives a lake-focused lifestyle. Some local activities include picnicking, hiking, strolling through Lendowood Gardens and exploring the Har-Ber Village Museum. The museum explores the region's pioneer history. Grove is also a spot for various festivals that attract visitors throughout the year. The Dogwood Days Festival in March is a festival that features the flowering dogwood trees and the vibrant colors of the oaks. There is live music, local arts and crafts booths, and food vendors to enjoy.

Eminence, Missouri

Another spot in the Ozarks that's natural scenery welcomes people in is Eminence in Missouri. The small town has a population of around 600. While the community is small, it is thriving. The downtown area has a range of quaint shops and family-owned restaurants. Outside the heart of the downtown area, Eminence has an abundance of natural attractions to enjoy. There are countless opportunities for canoeing, trail riding, hunting, fishing and camping. The Jack's Fork River winds through the town and flows into the Current River. The Current River is a clear, sparkling body of water with tranquil scenery. The river is a great spot for kayaking and canoeing. Near Eminence is another sparkling body of water, the Blue Spring. Located just outside the town, this is a great spot to reflect and enjoy the area's natural beauty.

Eminence has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century when pioneers first settled into the area. Before that, indigenous groups lived in the area. An iconic spot to see the town's history is the Alley Spring Mill. Next to the Alley Spring, which is lined with wildflowers in the spring, a visit to the Mill is a great opportunity to learn about history and take a scenic photo.

Clarksville, Missouri

Clarksville is a town in the Ozarks that most people probably haven't heard of. Located on the Mississippi River, the town offers beautiful views of the U.S. Lock and Dam 24. Enjoy the riverfront town with a walk on the McGregor Park Riverwalk. The scenery will leave you in awe. There is a good chance you will even see a bald eagle around town. The area is one of the birds' largest winter migrating areas. There are so many eagles in the area there is even a designated Eagles Day in January. Around this time, the town is full of scopes, naturalists, and bonfires. Locals also put on presentations to learn more about the eagles.

A great place to stay and enjoy the town is the Inns at Overlook Farm. The Inn is a historic landmark in town. Starting out as a land grant in the 1700s, it turned into a prosperous apple farm in the 30s and 40s. Today, the farm added Inns beside the pastures and hillsides of the operating farm. This makes for a comfortable stay where you can enjoy calm Farmside scenery and stay in the heart of the community.

Calico Rock, Arkansas

Calico Rock is another hospitable town in the Ozarks. The town is well known for its iconic calico-colored bluffs with blue, black, gray, red, and orange stripes. Walking through the downtown feels like you are stepping back in time with old-fashioned storefronts and brick and stone buildings from the 1920s. In the historic town center, there is the Calico Rock Museum. The museum has displays that date back to the 60s in town. Near the historic district is Calico Rock's Ghost Town tour, which includes a pool hall, tavern, theater, and café to explore. Calico Rock is also known for its natural landmarks. The town is next to Ozark National Forest, an area with great hiking trails.

Something For Everyone

Whether you are looking to feel welcomed with a friendly face, historical landmark, or serene natural scenery, these are the Ozark towns where you will feel at home. The natural scenery and rich history of these towns make the area feel hospitable. In Clarksville and Grove, you can get to know the community by attending one of the seasonal festivals. In Eminence and Jasper take time to enjoy the natural beauty and stunning scenery. History lovers can visit Berryville to check out the Caroll County Heritage Museum. Whatever makes you feel at home, you will find it in these hospitable small towns.