9 Small Towns In The Ozarks With Unmatched Friendliness
The Ozarks are rich in untouched wilderness and miles of pristine mountain escapes. Its greatest natural resource, however, is its people. These small towns come alive with folk music (sometimes on the courthouse steps!), rodeos, fantastic food, and even better company. From the Hootin’ an’ Hollarin’ Festival in Gainesville to the Douglas County Fair and Homecoming, these hidden mountain towns will immediately feel like a home away from home. The locals are friendly and the music’s always jumping, and the beauty of the Ozarks is the cherry on top.
Van Buren, Missouri
With just shy of 1,000 residents, Van Buren is a hidden gem of the Ozarks with locals who will welcome you with open arms. Located on the scenic Current River, this waterside hamlet always has something going on along the banks of the river. One of the most popular events in Van Buren is Pop’s River Jam and Fall Festival, which celebrates all things autumn. You can grab a hot apple cider, stroll through craft vendors, sit back, and listen to live music on the beautiful banks of Van Buren Riverfront Park.
Outside of Van Buren’s lively festivals, there’s always something fun happening downtown. Visitors can grab a meal and make a few new friends at the Jolly Cone on the Current (you have to try their sloppy joes!) or stock up on snacks at Main Street Market before hiking, canoeing, swimming, or fishing at Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park.
Mountain View, Arkansas
As the town name suggests, Mountain View delivers amazing mountain views. Located in northern Arkansas in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, it’s a place where Ozark culture and friendly locals meet for an unforgettable experience. During the Arkansas Folk Festival, the hometown spirit is on full display with live folk and bluegrass music, great food, and family-friendly activities just outside the Stone County Courthouse Square in central Mountain View.
The jam session outside the Stone County Courthouse doesn’t end when the festival is over in April! All year, musicians gather outside the courthouse for live music jam sessions, so there’s always an opportunity to catch a live show. Visitors can also check out the Ozark Folk Center State Park, where they can watch a live show from April through October. It’s also home to the unique Craft Village, where one can learn old-world skills like candle making, yarn spinning, and wood carving.
Gainesville, Missouri
With a population under 1,000, the locals will likely spot a tourist wandering the streets of Gainesville, and they’ll welcome you with open arms! Located on the southern border of Missouri, east of Branson, it’s an inviting community where you’ll feel right at home. The best time to visit Gainesville and get to know the locals is at the Hootin’ an’ Hollarin’ Festival held every fall at Gainesville Square. There’s live music, demonstrations, food trucks, and plenty of hootin’ and hollerin’ in the evening when the dancing starts!
Outside of its friendly downtown, there are plenty of beautiful sights worth exploring outside of central Gainesville. The Hodgson-Aid Mill is a historical landmark tucked away in the heart of the Ozarks, or you can learn more about this charming village by stopping by the Ozark County Historium. The historium is a great place to take a class, like their beekeeping program, or browse exhibits detailing what life was like in the Ozarks.
Salem, Missouri
The small city of Salem is a picturesque community where you’ll experience a warm welcome in a small-town setting. There’s also something happening in central Salem 12 months out of the year! In the summer, you can check out their community farmer’s market, or stroll through the city-wide yard sales from May, and chat with the locals. The annual Salem Chamber Rodeo also draws a big crowd on Labor Day weekend with rodeo events, live music, and great food! If you want to get out and explore the natural beauty surrounding Salem, there’s no better place than the Ozark Natural and Cultural Resource Center. The center has public exhibits that are free to explore, as well as rotating programs and classes to teach you more about the area.
Hardy, Arkansas
Along the Spring River is the friendly waterside town of Hardy, Arkansas. The residents of Hardy embrace a slower pace of life, spending the summers swimming and canoeing at Buford Beach or trout fishing along the Spring River. It’s a great place to grab a good old-fashioned Southern meal at Corner Booth before spending the day at the Rock Creek Natural Area.
If you really want to get to know the locals in Hardy, be sure to visit during Hardy Homesteaders Day when the temperatures start to cool off in the fall. Held in Loberg Park, the event celebrates the early lives of the pioneers who settled in Hardy. There are live demonstrations, reenactments, live music, and amazing food. The event is a great way to mingle with the locals, and maybe even win a prize at the raffle!
Ava, Missouri
Known as the “Treasure of the Ozarks”, Ava lives up to its reputation as a welcoming community. If you want to learn more about Ava, there’s no better spot than the historic Douglas County Museum, located in central Ava. The museum, which was originally used to house the extensive rock collection of William F. Schluenz, was gifted to the city shortly before his passing. While you can check out the extensive rock and mineral collection at the museum, it also has a variety of exhibits detailing the history of Ava.
The best way to experience Ava is by grabbing a meal at the local diner, Haro Brothers Restaurant, before exploring the wilderness of nearby Bryant Creek State Park. If you really want to strike up a conversation with the locals, the Douglas County Fair and Homecoming feels more like a family reunion than a county fair! With fun carnival rides, amazing food, and live music, you’ll never want to leave.
West Plains, Missouri
On the southern edge of Missouri, east of Branson, is West Plains, where there’s always something happening. If you are a music lover, you’ll have to visit West Plains in June during the Old-Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival held around the West Plains Civic Center. The event honors not only the culture of the Ozarks but also its music with dancing, live musical performances (mostly folk and bluegrass), crafts, and delicious food vendors.
While this festival is West Plains' main attraction, there are plenty of ways to take in the area's live music outside of June. The HOBA Bluegrass Park, for instance, always has bluegrass performances throughout the year and offers annual workshops. Outside of music season, which is primarily in the warmer months, the Harlin Museum is a great place to explore local art and exhibits that offer insight into the history of West Plains.
Eldon, Missouri
If you were to put a pin in the center of Missouri, you’d likely end up in Eldon. This small city, with just shy of 5,000 residents, always has something exciting happening in town. There are locally owned shops like the Ice Cream Factory, where you can satisfy your sweet tooth, or cozy antique stores like 54 Vintage Antique Market. Moonshiner’s Dam is a unique cave experience in Stark Caverns if you love outdoor attractions.
What makes Eldon unique is the annual Eldon Turkey Festival, which happens every September. The event draws over 10,000 people from all over the area, and it includes a parade, carnival rides, craft tables, and smoked turkey! It’s a great way to get to know the locals while learning a little bit more about Eldon’s rich heritage tucked away in the Ozark Mountains.
Harrison, Arkansas
Traveling to the Northwest corner of Arkansas is the city of Harrison, known for magnificent mountain views, welcoming locals, and balloons! Harrison is the home of the annual Hot Air Balloon State Championship. Every September, the sky lights up in color at the Anstaff Soccer Complex with hot air balloon races. It’s a family-friendly event with food trucks, live music, cornhole, and a kid’s petting zoo.
Balloons aren’t the only attraction in Harrison! The area is also known for the Crawdad Days Music Festival, a popular event that celebrates Harrison’s heritage with carnival rides, food vendors, and live music at the Northwest Arkansas District Fairgrounds. If you happen to miss any of the events in town, you can always catch a show at the historic Lyric Theater or pay a visit to the Boone County Heritage Museum to learn a little bit more about the history of Harrison.
Discover True Southern Hospitality in the Ozarks
If you truly want to experience what it feels like to live in the heart of the Ozarks, these hidden gems are your ticket in. They’re small, tight-knit communities that love nothing more than to share their fantastic food, stunning mountain views, and a slice of the easy life. One of the best ways to fit in with the locals is by visiting one of their festivals, like the Arkansas Folk Festival, which is a must for folk and bluegrass lovers. If you’re looking for mountain views and the chance to make a few new friends, venture off the beaten path to discover these hidden communities.
