8 Slow-Paced Towns To Visit In The Ozarks
Stretching across the central US, the Ozarks Region showcases some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. In this vast mountain region, slow-paced towns sit beside wooded ridgelines, spring-fed rivers, and clear lakes. You’ll find waters like Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake, plus Arkansas gems like Greers Ferry Lake and the Buffalo National River’s bluffs and waterfalls. Turn your phone on airplane mode, put your work responsibilities on hold, and let these 8 slow-paced Ozarks towns rejuvenate you.
Sunrise Beach, Missouri
With more than 3 million people visiting Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks annually, it is easily one of the state’s most popular attractions. For those looking to experience its beauty without the bustling crowds, you may want to visit one of the more slow-paced towns nearby. Dubbed “the Quiet Side of the Lake of the Ozarks," Sunrise Beach is the perfect gateway to the lake’s wonders. With just over 500 locals, this tiny village is just 5 minutes away by car, leaving just enough space in between to escape the throngs of seasonal visitors.
Boasting a 55,000-acre surface area and more than 1,150 miles of shoreline, the Lake of the Ozarks was once the largest manmade lake in the world. Today, its vast size is still impressive, opening up a world of recreation. Sunrise Beach offers boat rentals from family-owned spots like Pirate's Point, or you rent from one of the two marinas at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Back on land, the park also features 23 hiking trails across 30 scenic miles.
Lampe, Missouri
Deep in southern Missouri, Lampe is another must-visit Ozarks town for a more secluded outdoor escape. The unincorporated community is the home to Dogwood Canyon Natural Park, a “10,000-acre Paradise.” Awarded the Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards for 2024, the park’s conservation efforts make it a serene and tranquil way to reconnect with nature.
Known for its rugged canyons, ancient caves, turquoise waters, and countless waterfalls, Dogwood Canyon Natural Park is stunning in all seasons. Trout fishing is a popular pastime in the park’s many streams, while more active visitors can enjoy the 6.5 miles of paved walking paths and 9 miles of rugged nature trails. For the equestrians, 1-hour horseback rides are another treat, starting at just $40USD.
Heber Springs, Arkansas
Over in Arkansas, Heber Springs is a historic town with some of the best hiking spots in the country. The community was first settled in the 1830s as a health resort due to the area’s mineral springs. Today, while not known for its medical properties, the town’s natural beauty is still refreshing and rejuvenating. Spring Park is a great first stop to experience some of the very mineral springs that drew settlers to the area. But the area’s true standout landmark is definitely Greers Ferry Lake, one of the largest lakes in Arkansas.
With hundreds of miles of shoreline and “40,000 acres of rippling bliss,” the lake and its tributaries offer some of the best fishing and water recreation in Arkansas. Visitors can also kayak, boat, or board the Sugar Loaf Shuttle to Sugar Loaf Mountain Island, located at the lake’s center. Exhibiting towering bluffs and two gorgeous trails, the panoramic views from this 1,000-foot hill are truly postcard-worthy. For less strenuous hikes, Heber Springs is also home to Bridal Veil Falls, a recreation area known for its year-round trails and gorgeous namesake cascade.
Norfork, Arkansas
Norfork, about an hour and a half from Heber Springs, is a secluded town in north-central Arkansas, offering a peaceful nature retreat. Nestled in an Ozarks valley, it remains hidden from the main routes, making it ideal for scenic hikes along trails like the Ozark Highlands Trail. The town's location at the confluence of the White River and North Fork River makes fishing and boating popular activities, with rentals available at Roses Trout Dock.
However, Norfork’s true hidden treasure is the beautiful Norfork Lake. Boasting around 22,000 acres and more than 550 miles of shoreline, this “Ozark jewel” is a beloved swimming, boating, and water skiing spot for the select few who know about it. Adding to its allure, the surrounding mountains help with a natural filtration process, making the lakewater incredibly clean and clear for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Grove, Oklahoma
Named after a lovely grove of trees where the town was first established, present-day Grove is a peaceful and beautiful Ozarks town centered around a stunning body of water. Like its welcoming 7,400 residents, visitors are often drawn to Grove for its calm and scenic setting along the Grand Lake O' the Cherokees, affectionately called “Grand Lake.” With 46,500 surface acres and 1,300 miles of shoreline, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the water views, including charming sightseeing cruises aboard the Grand Lake Queen riverboat.
Alternatively, the Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park is a blissful way to appreciate the lake from the land. Whether picnicking along the water, hiking the scenic 2-mile trail, or booking a stay at the year-round RV and campsites, this Oklahoma retreat is the perfect place to slow down and disconnect.
Mountain View, Missouri
If you're seeking a place to “Relax, recharge, and reconnect,” Bunker Hill Ranch delivers exactly that in the scenic Mountain View, Missouri. Set on over 2,000 wooded acres along the Jacks Fork River, this 20-cabin retreat offers activities like kayaking, hiking, and other simple pleasures. The best part is, its history as a private retreat means few realize it is now open to the public. For savvy travelers, this makes it a hidden gem far from the hustle of typical tourist spots.
For those wishing to visit Mountain View outside the Ranch’s open season—which starts on weekends in May and becomes daily from June to August—there are many ways to relax at a leisurely pace. The Viandel Vineyard offers a perfect local experience to enjoy regional wines paired with wood-fired pizza. Alternatively, you can explore the beautiful outdoors. Nearby, the 252-acre Barn Hollow Natural Area features trails like the Barn Hollow Trail, which takes hikers along 100-foot bluffs with scenic views of the Jacks Fork River.
El Dorado, Arkansas
El Dorado, Arkansas, is a nostalgic visit to the Roaring Twenties, especially for an Ozarks community centered around its downtown. Known as an oil “boom-town," its reputation stems from the early 1920s oil discovery, which caused a population surge. Today, visitors can see this prosperous history in the well-preserved architecture. Walking tours of the historic downtown showcase beautifully restored buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, including the Classical Revival-style Rialto Theatre.
Within the other historic sites, visitors will discover numerous specialty shops and antique stores, including The El Dorado House, Everybody's Antiques, and Mina Rea's Antiques & Embroidery. Downtown, sites like Oil Heritage Park can be enjoyed, or you can venture out to explore historic attractions such as the Newton House Museum. This well-preserved home from the mid-1800s, built before the Civil War, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Ponca, Arkansas
For a peaceful getaway in a remote outdoor setting, consider visiting the underrated town of Ponca. Nestled in the Buffalo National River wilderness, this small Arkansas community has only 130 residents to meet during your visit. Strengthening the sense of solitude, introverted travelers can opt for rentals like the Fly Away Cabin, which offers even more seclusion. This charming cottage, called a “personal escape from the hectic modern life,” is situated on a 7-acre natural retreat near the upper Buffalo River.
Travelers seeking a slightly less secluded experience while maintaining a leisurely pace might enjoy alternative accommodations such as the Buffalo Outdoor Center resort, also situated on the upper river. For those not staying overnight, there are many other ways to explore Ponca’s expansive backyard. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from Lost Valley Canoe or take in stunning hikes along trails like the Lost Valley Trail or Hawksbill Crag.
Why Slow Down In The Ozarks?
When considering a break from daily stresses, many immediately think of traveling abroad to tropical destinations. However, for enthusiasts of crisp mountain air and scenic landscapes, the Ozarks offer a nearby escape. Whether spending a weekend at a lake in Sunrise Beach or exploring the historic charm of El Dorado, these eight Ozark towns provide a relaxed atmosphere to help you unwind and feel renewed even after your visit.
