8 Nicest Small Towns In The Ozarks
The Ozarks are a stunning patchwork of low mountains, rivers, caves, and towns that beckon to travelers from far and wide. The region’s absolute charm has not dimmed over the years. In fact, more people visit the Ozarks now than ever before. Several nice small towns across five states exemplify what the Ozarks have to offer. From folk music to river floats and Route 66 nostalgia, you will find something in each town that gives you a first-hand local character experience.
Branson, Missouri
If Ozark mountain scenery is what you want, Branson, Missouri, is the place you will find it. It is also where you will find friendly people, great food, and an overload of entertainment.
The Branson Strip, or Highway 76, runs through the middle of the town and is flanked by several town landmarks. For one, there is the Ferris wheel, a collection of roller coasters, a King Kong monument, and a giant octopus. There is even a huge Titanic replica, complete with an iceberg on its side. For more Titanic-related experiences, be sure to stop by the Titanic Museum.
The Ozarks in the background is a picture-perfect frame for Table Rock Lake, where you can boat, fish, and swim to your heart’s content. If adventure is what you are after, Silver Dollar City has boatloads. This theme park instantly transports visitors back to the 1880s. You can watch glassblowing and blacksmithing demonstrations or hold your breath on the Time Traveler. The Time Traveler is the world's fastest, tallest, and steepest spinning roller coaster.
Branson is also home to Branson Landing. Here you can look out over Lake Taneycomo while you wait for the renowned fountain show to start. If you visit during the summer, you can catch the Star-Spangled Summer Festival. During the fall, the town celebrates with music, food, and crafts during the Harvest Festival. And, the Branson Christmas Music Festival invokes the Christmas spirit every year during the winter.
Hollister, Missouri
If you want mountain views combined with English village flair, look no further than Hollister. Here, you will get a taste of England without crossing the Missouri border. And, when you look up, you have the gorgeous Ozarks in your line of sight.
Considering that Hollister is a mere four-minute drive from Branson, you can take in the sights in both towns in one day. Start with the 165 Scenic Overlook for expansive views of this beautiful town. You will see Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Dam, as well as the southernmost regions of Branson.
Next, you can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard and get acquainted with the water. Or rent a bicycle and hit a couple of the 21 cycling trails throughout the town.
You can hunt for vintage items at Kendall’s Treasures Flea Market or go fishing at Hulland Park. You can even bring your furry friends to Pepper Dog Park, which features a water station and separate areas for both large and small dogs.
If you do not want to walk everywhere, you can rent a scooter and zip to and fro between attractions and scenic viewpoints in town.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, Eureka Springs is a must-visit. You will find special parking for your motorcycle at just about every building. You will also find bluegrass bands playing live music almost every night.
Eureka Springs sits within the Ozarks and is known as the Stairstep Town due to the numerous bends and elevations within it that provide stunning views. The winding walks and trails here make for adventurous hikes and mountain biking. And, if you did not know you were in Eureka Springs, you would think you were in Switzerland. It looks similar enough to the real deal to be called ‘Little Switzerland of the Ozarks.’
Some attractions to look out for include Thorncrown Chapel, which is a truly architectural marvel. Pivot Rock Park is filled with intricately strange rock formations. Quigley’s Castle is even stranger, with trees growing inside the windows and the house filled with weird sculptures.
There is also the Blue Springs Heritage Center, featuring a bottomless spring and a wonderful botanical garden.
Ideally, you should visit Eureka Springs during the spring, when the weather is still mild. But if you prefer smaller crowds, winter is a better option.
Mountain Home, Arkansas
Arkansas is not all about Eureka Springs, however. Mountain Home is situated in the southern Ozark Mountains and is popular among visitors who want to enjoy the outdoors and engage in water sports. You can fish and boat on the Bull Shoals Lake, White River, and Norfork Lake. There are six trails to follow throughout the Bull Shoals-White River State Park. The most traveled trails are the Gaston Wildflower Garden Trail and the Oakridge Mountain Bike Trail.
Downtown Mountain Home feels like home for many, thanks to its antique stores and historic buildings. There is live music to enjoy at Hickory Park on weekends, and a selection of craft beers awaits at Rapp’s Barren Brewery and Gastropub. If you want to stay longer than a day, there is ample camping space around the town, or you can stay in comfort at the Hampton Inn Hotel.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Driving from Mountain Home to Mountain View will take you an hour, but you will enjoy great views along the way.
Mountain View is renowned for its preservation of traditional Ozark culture and folk music. In fact, it is the Folk Music Capital of the World, and its related festivals draw thousands of visitors from all over the U.S. It is also known for its old-school drive-in movie theatre and collection of antique stores in the downtown area.
Mountain View is also where you will find Ozark Folk Center State Park. Here, you can explore several waterfalls and caves, or go hiking and biking along the trails. There is a lot of water in Mountain View for fishing and swimming, including Mirror Lake, Blanchard Springs, and Sycamore Creek. White River is also close by for trout fishing.
If you visit during December, be sure to check out the Christmas on the Square festival, which typically takes place during the first week or so of December. In 2025, the festival will take place from December 5 to 7, followed by the Ozark Gospel Spotlight on December 8.
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Of all the nice small towns in the Ozarks, Tahlequah may be the nicest. Known as the capital of the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah has also been named one of the best small towns in America. It lies at the foothills of the mountain range in northeastern Oklahoma.
You can learn more about the Cherokee culture by visiting the Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum and the Cherokee National Prison Museum. Tahlequah also hosts several Cherokee annual events during specific times of the year. For instance, the Trail of Tears Art Show runs from mid-April to the end of May. The Cherokee National Holiday happens over the last weekend in August, and the Cherokee Homecoming Art Show also runs from the end of August to mid-September.
Apart from its compelling history, there are several other reasons to visit Tahlequah. Along Highway 10, just outside of town, you can rent a raft or canoe to make your way down the Illinois River. You can also visit the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, which is the largest protected conservation area within the Ozarks. There are three self-guided nature trails to explore, offering scenic views of the river and providing opportunities to spot elk.
Grove, Oklahoma
In Grove, Oklahoma, you get more magnificent water and mountain views. Grove lies an hour away from Tahlequah on the Grand Lake of the Cherokees. You can take a dip in the lake or catch a tan on a boat. Water Trix rents out pontoon boats and fishing boats. You can even get a jet ski or a kayak to get out on the water.
The Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park also offers good fishing spots, along with a fish cleaning station. There is enough space for a picnic and an on-site playground for the kids. You can even bring an RV or a tent and stay overnight at one of the camping sites.
Within the town limits, you will find Har-Ber Village Museum. The museum is filled with collections and exhibits that span from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. These include wagons and farm equipment, as well as recreated shops like a beauty and barber shop.
Another must-visit is Lendonwood Gardens, which is one of the best gardens in the state. Spread over eight acres, you will find flowers in full bloom, the Japanese Pavilion, and an Angel of Hope statue.
Baxter Springs, Kansas
Baxter Springs is located on the western edge of the Ozarks, in the Spring River Basin. The town is home to the Baxter Springs Heritage Center Museum. The 20,000 square-foot building features exhibits covering the Civil War, including the Baxter Springs Massacre. It also covers Native American history and the backstory of Route 66.
Speaking of Route 66, a section of the original road lies about 2 miles west of Riverton (6 miles away from Baxter Springs) and is marked by the Rainbow Bridge (Brush Creek Bridge). This Marsh-arch concrete bridge, built in 1923, is the only surviving bridge of its type on the original highway. You can walk or drive across the bridge.
There is also a car museum on Military Avenue along Route 66, where you will find historic cars and motorcycles.
Aside from historical sites, Baxter Springs offers several hiking, biking, and walking trails. You can fish or kayak in the Spring River in Riverside Park. The water here teems with channel catfish, largemouth bass, and white bass.
If you want to camp overnight, there are several suitable spots at the Baxter Springs City Campground. You can also explore the surrounding area by renting an off-road vehicle.
The Ozarks offer majestic vistas, and the towns here are a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty that carries on across state lines. Combined, these towns tell a story of tradition, adventure, and charm. Whether you visit one or all of them, the experience will stay with you long after the journey ends.
