9 Best Towns In The Ozarks For A Two-Day Recharge
Find your kind of retreat in the Ozarks, also known as the Ozark Mountains, the largest highland region in the midwestern United States. The Ozarks span across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and a tiny part of Kansas. Visitors to the area come for outdoor adventures in the lush forests, lovely lakes, and pretty mountain streams that dot the landscape.
The Ozark Mountains also offer many vibrant towns that provide unique attractions for a variety of interests, from folk music to even the occult. Relax among welcoming communities with quirky shops and tasty eateries. Discover the 9 best towns for a two-day recharge in the Ozarks.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The vibrant town of Eureka Springs offers a combination of fun and relaxation activities for a two-day recharge. Enjoy the unique Victorian architecture amidst the beauty of the Ozarks. This little town makes a great getaway for both art enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Wander the historic downtown with its charming galleries and quirky coffee shops like Haunted Grounds Coffee. Basin Spring Park, located right downtown, offers visitors the opportunity to connect with nature, check out quirky statues, and people-watch. For those who are fascinated by the occult, Eureka Springs offers a variety of paranormal tourist attractions. Visitors can stay in “America’s Most Haunted Hotel”, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, or even take a ghost tour there.
Rest easy in Eureka Springs with its collection of cute inns, bed and breakfasts, and other accommodations. Some favorite places for a short retreat are Belladonna Cottage, the Inn at Rose Hall, and 5 Ojo Inn Bed & Breakfast. For those seeking a more natural haven, you can also stay at campgrounds that offer both cabins and traditional campsites near a lake.
Branson, Missouri
The town of Branson entertains over 10 million people a year with unique museums and attractions. This little tourist town has something for everyone, from variety shows to beautiful lakes. Choose how you want to enjoy your vacation. Explore the famed amusement park, Silver Dollar City. The park features thrill rides for adventure seekers and fun shows for those who prefer a little less thrill. Enjoy incredible seasonal events like their Halloween celebration and Christmas light display. Meanwhile, the Titanic Museum offers the chance to check out a variety of artifacts from the famous sunken ship and learn about its history.
For a more relaxing time, stay at one of the resorts near the lakes, like Big Cedar Lodge. Even if you stay at a different location, visit “Top of the Rock” at Big Cedar Lodge for spectacular views or a tasty meal. For those who enjoy a game of golf, the course there attracts both casual players and professionals.
Lake Ozark, Missouri
The small town of Lake Ozark prides itself on being the gateway to the popular Lake of the Ozarks. Nestled in a charming cove along the lake’s shoreline, this town offers multiple viewpoints of the spectacular manmade lake. One of the highlights of Lake Ozark is Bagnell Dam. For those interested in the history of the dam and the surrounding area, be sure to learn more at Willmore Lodge Museum. For fun on the water, charter a boat from one of the many companies or take a cruise on Celebration Cruises.
For a resort experience, stay at The Lodge at Port Arrowhead or The Resort at Lake of the Ozarks. Relax and recharge at either of these lakeside getaways on the outskirts of Lake Ozark. Take in views of the lake as you sip a glass of wine at Shawnee Bluff Winery. Further into town, the small downtown area also offers a variety of shops and dining near the lakeshore.
Osage Beach, Missouri
A short drive from Lake Ozark, Osage Beach also lies next to the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. With just over 5,000 people living in Osage Beach, the town boasts a population double the size of Lake Ozark and offers more recognizable mainstream stores. In fact, Osage Beach Outlets attract locals and visitors looking for deals. You can spend a day enjoying lakeside recreation or a cruise, and then another day enjoying some retail therapy.
In the center of town, eat at unique dining establishments. First Watch serves healthy breakfast and brunch options, while Bandana’s Bar-B-Q and Catering is a favorite for a BBQ dinner. Choose to stay at one of the hotels in town, like the Holiday Inn Express, or recharge in nature at a well-located campground like Osage Beach RV Park or Outpost Cabins in nearby Kaiser.
Mountain View, Arkansas
With claims of being the “Folk Music Capital of the World”, Mountain View welcomes visitors to immerse themselves in rich musical traditions while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Founded in 1890, this little town mostly relies on tourism related to its preservation of folk music and culture. To explore their history and traditions, visit Ozark Folk Center State Park, which provides interactive exhibits on Ozark Mountain heritage involving music, crafts, and food. You can also rent a cabin there for a relaxing stay near hiking and biking trails. If you prefer a cozy stay in town, rest at the Ozark Country Inn. This traditional Bed & Breakfast provides a warm welcome and hospitable atmosphere in a historic 1906 home.
For a reflective walk, wander Mountain View’s City Park with its beautiful paths, bridges, and historic stone amphitheater. Relax in the park or take a longer hike along the White Water Creek hiking trail. For those who enjoy nature from the comfort of a car, a few short scenic drives can be enjoyed around Mountain View too. See spectacular fall foliage or bright greens of summer.
Bella Vista, Arkansas
A small town near the city of Bentonville, Bella Vista means “Beautiful View” in Spanish. Bella Vista began as a summer resort spot in the early 1900s. In the 1960s, the private community became nationally recognized as a vacation and retirement spot. In 2006, the community of Bella Vista voted to incorporate officially as a town. Today, it still draws in tourists looking for outdoor adventures like mountain biking and hiking. A few popular trails include the Branchwood Nature Trail, which has paved walking paths, and the Back 40 Trails System, which has trails designed for mountain bikes. Most trails allow hikers, even the ones designed specifically for bikes.
The town center of Bella Vista lies close to Lake Norwood. Though small, explore the beautiful Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel and the surrounding lake area for a change of pace. Golf fans can enjoy a relaxing game at Kingswood Golf Course or Bella Vista Country Club Golf Course. Near Kingswood Golf Course, you can rent a comfy condo at Greens One Vacation Homes for a short-term stay.
Eminence, Missouri
With access to outdoor sports aplenty, Eminence attracts many people looking for an outdoor adventure. From canoeing to horseback riding, this small town invites you to “stay a day or a lifetime”. For those who prefer to recharge through outdoor activities, Eminence may be the ideal place for a short retreat. Fuel up at local favorites like the Wheelhouse Grill or On the Rock Bar and Grill overlooking Jack’s Fork River, which flows through the middle of town. The town features several campgrounds and RV parks for people looking to sleep surrounded by nature. For those looking for a more traditional yet rustic hotel, check out Jack’s Fork River Resort, which offers beautiful views and access to the river.
Other popular attractions in Eminence include seeing the springs such as Big Spring, caves, and wild horses at locations like Shawnee Creek. For a little bit of history, explore Alley Spring and the 100-year-old grist mill next to it. Tour the mill during peak season and view the incredible turquoise waters of the spring.
Grove, Oklahoma
Another lakefront town in the Ozarks, Grove, lies next to the Grand Lake of the Cherokees. The man-made lake was formed in the 1930s after a dam was constructed on the Grand River. Even before the lake, Grove attracted many people who enjoyed outdoor pursuits like fishing to the area.
Today, the town still offers many opportunities for adventure. Discover frontier history at Har-Ber Village Museum, a living museum featuring interactive exhibits. Stroll through the colorful Lendonwood Gardens, a small botanical garden. Tour the lake at Grand Lake Cruises and learn more about the area with local guides. This little Oklahoma town provides plenty of activities for your two-day recharge. Stay in a traditional hotel like the local Best Western or relax in rustic cabins at a resort like Longs Resort on Grand Lake.
Jasper, Arkansas
Called the “Elk Capital of Arkansas”, the town of Jasper appeals to many tourists looking to hike, camp, or canoe. This small town is considered the gateway to the Buffalo National River, where visitors can float the river, hike along its banks, and even ride horses. Retreat from the bustle of normal life in this town that features a population of just over 500 people. Take a drive down Scenic Highway 7, also known as the Ozark Moonshine Run, and see incredible views. Locals highly recommend driving the route during the fall season to enjoy the warm colors of the falling leaves.
Though small, Jasper offers different kinds of accommodation depending on your preferences. For homey charms, stay at the Arkansas House River Inn. Just outside Jasper, you can rest at the Cliff House Inn for spectacular views of the Arkansas Grand Canyon. Even if you choose to stay elsewhere, stop by their cozy restaurant for a meal with a view.
Unwind in the Ozarks
Take a break and embrace the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Though many towns offer ample opportunities for outdoor exploration, each town offers unique attractions, from folk music to paranormal tourism. These nine towns give you different ways to experience a two-day recharge. Go on a fishing excursion, learn local history, hike a mountain - or do all three!
Though you can visit the Ozarks for your two-day retreat anytime, one of the most incredible times to experience the Ozarks is during the fall. The leaves turn beautiful reds and golds, enhancing the already pretty scenery. For 2025, most believe the foliage season will start towards the end of October in the Ozarks. So waste no time in booking a weekend trip to the Ozarks now!
