The 11 Friendliest Little Towns In The Ozarks
Stretching from St. Louis, Missouri, to the Arkansas River, the Ozarks region is known for its serenity, stunning natural landmarks, and laid-back atmosphere. On top of that, the region is also known for having many friendly towns where the locals can’t wait to put a smile on the faces of visitors. From fun and exciting festivals to breathtaking nature that attracts visitors throughout the year, the locals in these towns are eager to share their local flavor along with the hospitality that the Ozarks are known for. Here are some warm, friendly little towns of the Ozarks that people lovers absolutely must visit.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Mountain View is a pretty little historic town that is deep with local outdoor beauty and heritage. In fact, it is known as the “Folk Music Capital of the World.” The town has many opportunities and places that show why it earned this name, giving locals a chance to share their heritage with visitors. One must stop at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, which is dedicated to teaching about the music, crafts, and culture of the area, while also seeing live performances. The park is also home to the Ozark Highlands Theater, an amazing 1000-seat theater that has brought some of the biggest names in folk music to its stage. Every year on the second weekend of March and November, the town hosts the Mountain View Bluegrass Festival, a multi-day event full of fun activities, and of course, some of the top names in Bluegrass music.
Mountain View is also home to the popular Blanchard Spring Caverns, a 3-level cave system with paved, lighted trails that offer guided tours to explore the cavern’s springs and crystal clear underground pools.
Warsaw, Missouri
Sitting between two of the state’s largest lakes, the river town of Warsaw is packed with deep history and natural outdoor wonder. The town is also known for many attractions that are loved by travelers and locals alike. One of Warsaw's most well-known attractions is the annual Jubilee Days Festival. This annual themed event draws in the locals and visitors with an exciting carnival, parade, live performances, and the beloved, traditional Turtle Races. For a fun, family-friendly weekend getaway with fellow families, the Miner Mike’s Inc amusement center is filled with activities for the whole family, from go-kart racing to the famous Miner Mike’s maze. Those who fall in love with the town’s charm will also want to get to know the town’s heritage at the Warsaw Historic Tour, visiting historic homes in the area. With plenty to do and a deep, rich history, Warsaw is perfect for a family-friendly weekend getaway.
Bella Vista, Arkansas
With a name that literally translates to “Beautiful View”, it's no surprise that Bella Vista is a well-known weekend getaway spot, but also a charming town with rich culture and friendly locals. The town is a golf lover’s paradise, home to 7 amazing courses to share. This includes the Brittany Golf Course, a beginner-friendly option that's perfect for newcomers to the sport to get tips on their swing.
Another opportunity to experience the warm nature of the locals is the town’s Farmer’s Market, which is one of the only operating Sunday markets in Northwest Arkansas. Here, visitors get to support local farmers as well as community artists whose exhibits add to the community’s vibrant atmosphere.
Cotter, Arkansas
The quiet, cozy town of Cotter is a fisherman’s dream, with a great community that's ready to share its beloved lifestyle. Known as “Trout Capital U.S.A.”, the town has an abundance of shops, guided tours, and other fun activities centered around trout fishing. One of the main shops in town is Steve Dally Outfitters, which offers full-day and half-day guided fly fishing tours in the waters of the White River, Dry Run Creek, and other bodies of water in the area.
The shining personality of the town shines through its local events, including the Cotter Community Block Party, usually held in October. Here, residents come together with food and music to celebrate the river and environment that is a part of the town’s identity. There’s also the annual Cotter Trout Festival, where the town's pastime is celebrated by its close-knit community with vendors and plenty of family-friendly activities.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The fun-loving and welcoming nature of Eureka Springs’ locals is something that is often displayed in the town’s fun-filled festivals and activities. A well-known hub for blues music, the town is home to plenty of festivals for music lovers to rejoice. The multi-day Ozark Mountain Music Festival celebrates Americana, bluegrass, and folk music throughout the downtown area every January. There is also the lively Eureka Springs Blues Party, which brings a huge lineup of award-winning Blues and Rock artists to the town in an exciting four-day-long event in June. The town is also filled with other seasonal treats to enjoy alongside the locals, including art walks and the Crescent Hotel Paranormal Weekend, a 48-hour guided ghost tour held in October, where enthusiasts can explore and learn the history of the hotel.
Versailles, Missouri
Serving as a hub for the western side of the Lake of the Ozarks, the town of Versailles is no stranger to travelers passing through. Often, those who visit the town are drawn in by not only the warm and welcoming nature of its locals but also the wonders of community events. With festivals like the Olde Tyme Apple Festival held during autumn, visitors get to experience the town’s Cider Country heritage with delicious food, fun crafts, and music. The town is also home to many natural wonders for nature lovers to explore together, like Jacob’s Cave, which holds the title of the Lake of the Ozarks’ largest scenic cave. The small town is also home to many popular diners and bars with friendly staff ready to serve locals and visitors alike, like the popular Pioneer Restaurant, where diners get to experience awesome food with a classic American dine-in experience.
Van Buren, Missouri
Van Buren is a historic town full of beauty and charm that attracts attention from all over the state. Known for its well-preserved Victorian Era architecture, the town’s Historical Main Street is the main hub to share the beauty of Van with locals. One of the most well-known buildings to visit on this historical street is the Bryan House, known for its elaborate exterior designs.
Another popular attraction of the district is the King Opera House, a beautifully restored Victorian-style theater. The historic venue hosts national and local events throughout the year, while also having a deep local lore dealing with potential paranormal events experienced by its guests. Van Buren’s charm, deep history, and local mysteries will definitely make your stay a memorable one.
Batesville, Arkansas
Being the oldest city in Arkansas, Batesville has deep ties to its heritage and history, with friendly locals adding to the town’s unique experience. In the revitalized Historic Main Street Batesville, visitors not only have access to plenty of shops and boutiques, but also get a chance to admire the local art scene through exhibits, workshops, and other projects. The historically preserved street is also home to The Royal of Main, giving visitors a unique lodging option full of luxury accommodations with a vintage historic setting.
The town is just as much known for its arts as it is for its historical ties, home to the yearly Artoberfest. At this free one-day event held every year in the middle of October, locals and visitors alike get a chance to participate in plenty of fun, friendly family activities, like the sidewalk chalk contest and coloring contest. Batesville is a town that is filled to the rim with heritage and culture, and friendly locals who are excited to share with visitors.
Jasper, Arkansas
Connected to the Buffalo National River, Jasper offers a laid-back atmosphere while being an excellent location for wilderness lovers and adventurers. Fellow hikers love the scenic trails of the town, including the Round Top Mountain Trail, which is known for its scenic views of the Little Buffalo River Valley, among its nearly 4-mile loop. Outdoor lovers are also sure to enjoy their time at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, where fellow enthusiasts can participate in many activities together, including ziplining, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
One of the town’s main hubs to soak in the town’s culture and mingle with locals is the historic Ozark Cafe. First established in 1909, this diner offers classic diner food with a vintage experience, giving a blast from the past that is loved by visitors and locals alike.
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
Sitting along Sager Creek, the town of Siloam Springs has the right combination of beautiful outdoors, fun festivals, and local charm to earn its reputation as a hidden gem wonderland. Home to the Light Up Siloam Springs Christmas Parade, the town is known for its seasonal festivals and attractions that attract visitors from all over to experience caroling and the downtown lighting ceremony. During the warmer months, families gather at the City of Siloam Springs Family Aquatic Center, offering tons of aquatic fun for all ages for a reasonable price. The locals are proud to showcase the 19th-century architecture of the town’s historic buildings, including the First National Bank Building, which was built in 1890.
Hardy, Arkansas
With a small population of just under 800, the residents of this cozy little town are the definition of close-knit. The closeness is felt by visitors as well, as the locals are more than willing to share the wonder of the small historical town. Hardy’s downtown historic district, also known as Old Hardy Town, boasts over 40 historic landmarks on the Register of Historic Places, making it a must-visit for history lovers. Visitors also get the chance to marvel at the amazing handcrafted projects of friendly local artists at the Ozark Classic Crafts Mall. After a long day, the popular Spring River Draft House & Grill is your must-stop for incredible food and a good time with the locals.
If you’re looking for an awesome weekend getaway full of activities and friendly locals to share the fun with, these small towns are some of the best choices in the Ozarks. From the beautiful historic districts of Old Hardy Town and Van Buren, to the awesome and fun-filled festivals held in Eureka Springs, the Ozarks offer plenty of great times. Add in the welcoming nature of the locals, and you’re sure to have nothing but great memories from your time visiting these towns.
