The 9 Can't-Miss Towns In The Ozarks
Among rolling hills, glittering lakes, and dense forests, the Ozarks stretch across northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. The area is perfect for travelers searching for scenic drives, sprawling rivers, and friendly faces. From the natural wonders in Camdenton, Missouri, to the biking trails in Bella Vista, Arkansas, this beautiful part of the country is just as ideal for quick weekend trips as it is for longer stays. Whether you want to chase outdoor adventure, browse antique shops, or see historic sites, these nine small towns in the Ozarks deliver just the right blend of relaxation and excitement.
Mansfield, Missouri
Mansfield is known for its most famous resident, Laura Ingalls Wilder, who penned the classic Little House on the Prairie book series. Wilder moved to town in 1896 and lived there until her death in 1957; today, it remains a popular destination for fans of the author to visit. Head to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum, where you can explore Rocky Ridge Farm and see her historic farmhouse, where she lived with her husband and daughter. Make a special visit the last weekend of September for the annual Wilder Days festival, which typically features craft and food vendors, local performances, an ice cream social, and plenty of time to walk through the onsite museum.
If you love to tend to your garden at home or you have dreams of sharpening your green thumb skills, no trip to Mansfield is complete without a stop at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, a family-owned business driven by a love of sustainable gardening. There, you can explore the farm and pioneer village that features a boutique offering fun souvenirs and a restaurant serving locally sourced dishes. Vaccaro’s Pizza and Pasta is another local favorite for classic Italian fare made from scratch.
Bella Vista, Arkansas
North of Fayetteville, you will find Bella Vista, which is known for its outdoor beauty. Cyclists, in particular, will fall in love with this town, as it boasts more than 100 miles of trails to accommodate every skill level. Grab your bike and head to the Back 40. The trail network is open to hikers and runners, but it is truly designed for mountain biking.
Another popular spot the whole family can enjoy is the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail. The loop trail is just over two miles, making it a fairly easy walk with a picture-perfect waterfall along the way. After appreciating the beauty of the great outdoors, take in Bella Vista’s most impressive architecture with a visit to the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel. Towering over 50 feet in the air, the Gothic-style chapel is flooded with natural light and is open to the public, free of charge.
Camdenton, Missouri
About 70 miles north of Springfield, you will find Camdenton in the heart of the Ozarks. To feel like you are stepping back in time, head to the family-owned Ozarkland General Store, which has four locations across the region. Here, you can shop for homemade fudge, kitchen accessories, clothing, garden decor, and more. When you are ready to explore nature’s wonders, check out Bridal Cave, one of the Lake of the Ozarks’ most popular attractions. Accessible by boat or by land, this geological wonder is a cave featuring impressive mineral formations, a clear pool, and a consistently comfortable temperature of 60°F throughout the year.
Do you want to practice your golf swing while visiting Camdenton? If so, there is no better place to do so than at Old Kinderhook, with its rolling hills, water features, and tree-lined views. The course is open to the public, but it is also a popular place to stay while in town. Book a room at the lodge or rent a cottage, villa, or home for more space and a longer stay.
Batesville, Arkansas
Founded in 1821, Batesville is recognized as the oldest city in the state of Arkansas, and it is famous for its impressive views of the White River that runs through town. Start your day with something sweet by swinging by Donut Palace on Batesville Boulevard. The shop offers a wide selection of freshly made, unique donuts like cherry fritters and bacon maple long johns. After enjoying your sweet treat, head out for an educational adventure at the Old Independence Regional Museum. There, you will find rotating exhibits in addition to an outdoor learning garden filled with native plants. Twice a month, you can also participate in classes to learn how to plant fruit trees and cultivate a garden of your own.
Batesville is beautiful all year round, but it truly captures a sense of magic when you visit in the winter. Each year, the town holds a celebration where it turns into the self-proclaimed Christmas Capital of Arkansas. At the Riverside Park and Community Center, you can join in the celebration with ice skating, holiday movies, carriage rides, and more, making it feel as if you have taken a trip to the North Pole.
Neosho, Missouri
Throughout Neosho, you can find flower boxes in front of businesses and homes, as a result of a city beautification project dating back to the 1950s. For even more natural beauty in town, plan a visit to Morse Park, which has Hickory Creek flowing through it. There is a bicycle and pedestrian-friendly loop that is under two miles along the creek, as well as a disc golf course, skate park, and athletic fields to use at your leisure.
Another fun spot to explore in town is the Neosho National Fish Hatchery, which features interpretive exhibits and an aquarium with a bubble that allows you to crawl inside for a unique view of the fish. You can also walk around the short loop outside, where fish swim in ponds. The hatchery is open seven days a week, and admission is free of charge. If you want to pick up a new skill while visiting Neosho, head to Anvil Axe Co. In addition to axe and knife throwing, you can try your hand at other popular games like darts, cornhole, and pool, making it a fun spot for the whole family.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Known for its preserved Victorian buildings and historic downtown, Eureka Springs has no shortage of exciting places for visitors to explore. Get up close and personal with majestic big cats by visiting the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, an animal sanctuary dedicated to rescuing big cats, rehabilitating them, and giving them a safe home. There, you can choose from several different tours, allowing you to see tigers, cougars, and lions.
Head to the Blue Spring Heritage Center for a unique look at one of the region’s most historic sites, with its 38 million gallons of water. The native peoples of the area considered the spring a sacred ground, where they put aside their differences when entering it. Today, it is a beautiful spot for quiet reflection, surrounded by trails and sprawling gardens. For a unique view of the town, head to the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, where you can ride on a 1940s-era diesel locomotive along the restored Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad. To enjoy a meal with a view, book the dinner train option, which features an entree of your choice, soup, salad, sides, and dessert. The train season starts in the spring, and you can book tickets for the ride of your choice ahead of time.
Carthage, Missouri
Carthage, Missouri, was the site of a Civil War battle in 1861 and sits along the iconic Route 66. If you are in town between April and mid-September, step back in time by visiting the 66 Drive-In Theatre, which offers a vintage movie-watching experience, complete with two shows for the price of one and a concession stand.
Architecture enthusiasts visiting Carthage will not want to miss the historic Phelps House, a Victorian-era residential home located on Grand Avenue, featuring impressive woodwork and period furnishings. Tours are by appointment only, so you will need to call ahead to schedule a viewing time. Whether you are a collector of Precious Moments figurines or simply an art lover, take time to visit the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, which features the art of Samuel J. Butcher. The chapel is home to more than 80 hand-painted murals, and there are onsite gardens and fountains to explore.
Ponca, Arkansas
Ponca is a tiny town on the Buffalo National River, abundant in natural beauty. Head to the Ponca Nature Center to explore the region’s flora and fauna with a view of Ponca Creek. The nature center is also a great place to spot Arkansas elk and has an exhibit room to help you learn more about the wildlife in the region. For more nature adventures, visit the Buffalo Outdoor Center, where you can rent cabins or set up camp in the on-site RV park. There, you can book a zipline canopy tour that lasts between two and three hours, featuring stops on wooden platforms along the way. If you prefer to be in the water rather than among the treetops, Lost Valley Canoe and Lodging is calling your name. There, you can book canoe, kayak, and raft rentals to get out and explore the Buffalo National River either on your own or as part of a group float trip.
Hollister, Missouri
If you dream of going off the beaten path, Hollister is waiting for you. Book an adventure at TexPlex at Fox Creek Park, where you can rent a UTV to explore the rugged terrain, splash through muddy water, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. You can choose from day passes if you have your own off-roading vehicle or multi-hour unguided tours on a rented UTV, and see the Ozarks in one of the most unique ways possible.
If shopping and strolling are more your speed, head to the Downing Street Historic District, with its Tudor-style shops and businesses. There, you can grab a pint at the Downing Street Pour House, which is reminiscent of a classic English pub. Do not miss the giant Bavarian pretzel, which is the ideal appetizer to share with a group. Before you leave town, shop for antiques at Kendall’s Treasures Flea Market, which boasts over 50 booths with unique collectibles looking for a new home.
Get Ready to Fall in Love With the Ozarks
From riverfront views in Batesville, Arkansas, to the historic charm of Carthage, Missouri, these must-see spots in the Ozarks prove that small-town adventures can result in larger-than-life memories. Each spot on this list offers its own mix of outdoor beauty and local flavor, so your most difficult decision will be choosing where to visit first. Whether you are planning a weekend road trip or mapping out a longer adventure, these small towns in the Ozarks are waiting for you.
