7 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In The Ozarks
The Ozarks are an easy place to slow down and get outside. Think tree-covered hills, quiet lakes, green valleys, and plenty of fresh air. The region’s small towns lure you in first with their Main Streets packed with historic buildings, local shops, and memorable details, and suddenly you don't want to leave. From Eureka Springs’ steep, winding streets to the storybook Tudor-style buildings in Ste. Genevieve, these seven picture-perfect Main Streets show off the Ozarks at their best.
Eureka Springs
From grabbing a bite in a tucked-away spot to exploring the Eureka Springs Historical Museum and flipping through photos from the town’s early days, Eureka Springs’ Main Street feels part storybook, part time capsule. The streets twist and climb, and some buildings even have entrances at street level on more than one floor. It’s easy to see why Eureka Springs—home to names like Cliff Street and Mountain Street—has been nicknamed the “Stairstep Town.”
The iconic Crescent Hotel is famous for its old-school grandeur, hillside views, and plenty of ghost stories. But Main Street has its own charm, with striking Victorian architecture around nearly every corner. You’ll find lots of great places to eat, and Local Flavor Cafe stands out for its relaxed, slightly upscale feel and seriously good crab cakes. Shop for souvenirs at Packrat's Paradise, then pop into Two Dumb Dames for fudge and other sweet treats.
Hardy, Arkansas
Hardy’s Main Street, lined with rustic wooden storefronts and vintage signs, feels like stepping into another era—and it’s a fun place to browse. Even with fewer than 1,000 residents, Hardy packs in a surprising number of shops, many with memorable names like Memory Lane, 3 Magi, and MARKET ON MAIN. Looking for a unique gift you won’t find online? Ozark Classic Crafts Mall features work from dozens of regional artists and makers, with everything from mugs and metal tumblers to custom items and more.
Don’t miss the Old Sharp County Courthouse, a historic building dating back to the 1890s. And with the Spring River nearby plus the Ozark scenery all around, Hardy is the kind of small town you’ll want to come back to—especially if you like easygoing weekends outdoors.
West Plains, Missouri
Home to the Missouri State University-West Plains campus, West Plains is a small college town surrounded by forested hills and plenty of outdoor options. Washington Avenue, the town’s Main Street, is anchored by the Howell County Courthouse, known for its Art Deco design and classic period details. The town square is also laid out in a “Lancaster Style,” where streets meet at the midpoints of the courthouse block rather than at the corners—only seven Missouri towns used this plan.
Grab a coffee and watch the day go by at Ozark Cafe, a longtime local spot with big front windows. Or try Conjure House Coffee near the West Plains Farmers & Artisan Market for a solid iced caramel latte. The Frame Shop & Gallery showcases handcrafted work from local artists, and just a short walk away, the Avenue Theatre is a great place to catch a live show.
Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
Set near the banks of the “Old Man River,” Ste. Genevieve stands out for its French roots, well-preserved buildings, and an easy-to-walk downtown. Founded in the 1730s, it’s the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri, and that history shows in the architecture. Several 18th- and early 19th-century structures still stand, including examples of French Colonial design.
The Louis Bolduc House, now a museum, is a great place to learn more—built in the 1790s and filled with period pieces and artifacts. Nearby, the Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park is widely noted as the first organized European settlement west of the Mississippi River. Stop by the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Centre for visitor info, then treat yourself at Sara's Ice Cream, a favorite for ice cream and chocolate.
Mountain View, Arkansas
In Mountain View, music is part of everyday life. Known as the “Folk Music Capital of the World,” the town often has fiddlers and other musicians gathering around the square to play traditional Ozark tunes for anyone who wants to listen. But the Main Street experience isn’t only about music—history and architecture lovers will appreciate the stone buildings, many dating to the early 1900s.
The Stone County Courthouse is a local landmark, and the Stone County Museum (just off Main Street) is a great stop for stories from the town’s early years. Start your day at P J's Rainbow Cafe, known for homemade-style meals and popular pies. If you like antiques and collectibles, browse J & J Antiques Stuff. Then, for something truly local, head to the Dulcimer Shoppe to see high-quality dulcimers and other string instruments.
Hollister, Missouri
A walk down Hollister’s Main Street means brick sidewalks and “Old English village” style buildings. Hollister sits just south of Branson, but it has a very different feel, thanks to its English-inspired architecture and half-timbered facades. Downing Street (formerly Front Street) is the heart of downtown.
Along the way you’ll find Ye Olde English Inn, a Tudor-style landmark welcoming guests since 1912. Vintage Paris offers coffee, live music, and rotating local art in a cozy setting. For more culture, stop into the Southern Missouri Arts Connection to see local work and meet artists. When it’s time to eat, Downing Street Pour House is a go-to, especially if you want a good sandwich and a patio seat.
Van Buren, Arkansas
Van Buren’s Main Street is known for its restored 1800s brick buildings and iron-trimmed balconies. This riverside town is named for the eighth U.S. president, and its historic district is one of the most photogenic in the region. The King Opera House is a standout, with a busy calendar of performances and plenty of local lore tied to its long history.
For a meal, locals often point visitors to Pasta Grill & Catering. Stop by the Van Buren Visitors Center to learn more about the area and catch the train schedule. Then take your time browsing Main Street Mercantile, a comfortable place to shop for gifts, hot sauce, socks, home goods, and even macarons. Van Buren’s Main Street is a classic Ozarks stroll.
In the end, these seven Main Streets show what makes the Ozarks special: not one single “must-see” spot, but a collection of relaxed small towns with beautiful scenery and a real sense of place. Take your time, wander a little, and you’ll notice the details that stick with you—a great storefront, a bend in the road, a piece of history, or a patio meal that turns into the highlight of your weekend.
