Ozark Mountain Region

The Ozarks Mountains are a highland region of the central United States. This vast area covers the southern half of Mississippi and an extensive portion of Arkansas, plus it partially extends into Oklahoma and southeast Kansas. It is the largest mountainous region lying between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians and it covers nearly 47,000 square miles.

The region is actually a plateau rather than a mountain range, but because of the deep dissections that run through the area, it has become known over time as Ozarks Mountains. There are four distinct sections comprising, Springfield Plateau, Salem Plateau, Saint Francois Mountains, and Boston Mountains. Caves and sinkholes are very common in the region and present a fascinating natural attraction for visitors.

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Ozark Mountain Region Attractions

There are loads of stunning attractions in the Ozark Mountains, from underground limestone show caves such as the Blanchard Spring Caverns, Mystic Caverns, and Bull Shoals Caverns, or magnificent waterfalls. Take a trip into the historical past at the Ozark Folk Center and The Mountain Village. Climb to the Top O’ The Ozarks Tower to enjoy the view, visit the Parker Hickman Homestead for a taste of colonial life, or shop at the outlet malls.

 

Ozark Mountain Region Activities

The Ozark Mountains are full of exciting activities, guaranteed to fill your vacation with adrenaline. Take your mountain bike for spin through the forest trails, or try kayaking and canoeing on the Buffalo River. Try sports fishing on Bull Shoals Lake and see how many trout you can catch. Swim or laze about on a boat, watching the wildlife as you drift along. From water sports, to hiking the miles of trails, it’s your choice.

 

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It is an area of stunning natural beauty and thousands of tourists come every year to take advantage of the attractions on offer. Due to the nature of the scenery, outdoor pursuits are extremely popular and there are dozens of hiking trails throughout the Ozarks Mountains. Horse riding, cycling, and camping are also popular.

Five major rivers begin their journey from high up in the Ozarks Mountains. Each river offers a great selection of water based activities for visitors to try, including fishing, kayaking, floating, and swimming. If you prefer, you can enjoy more relaxing pursuits such as wildlife photography. Or simply just enjoy the beautiful landscape.

When you explore the Ozarks, you will discover what Frontier Life was really like at the turn of the century. You can visit the Ozark Folk Center, The Mountain Village 1890, or Wolf House in Arkansas. Climb to the Top O’ The Ozarks Tower and admire a fantastic view stretching for millions of acres across the Ozarks. Just remember to take your camera!

You should also make time to visit Blanchard Spring Caverns and explore the massive underground cave system, which is ranked amongst the 10 most outstanding in North America, or head down into Mystic Caverns and see the huge limestone formations. Bull Shoals Caverns are also well worth a visit.

From superb trout fishing to underground cave exploration; the Ozarks Mountains have everything to offer a discerning visitor. You can stay in a log cabin nestled in the forests, or camp beneath the starry sky and listen to the sounds of nature. Whatever you choose, you and your family are guaranteed a vacation experience to remember if you visit the Ozarks Mountains this year.

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North Fork River

North Fork River

Come to North Fork River and Norfolk Lake in the Ozarks Mountains for a true back-to-nature experience. Explore the Ozarks National Forest and see the spectacular scenery, wildflowers, and wild animals. Try your luck fishing and see if you can catch a record breaking trout, or have a go a scuba diving and explore the amazing lost communities of the Ozarks, buried beneath the lake. You can hike the numerous trails, try mountain biking, explore some of the caves in the Sylamore District of the National Park. Or simply hire a boat and sail around the lake at your leisure.

 

Bull Shoals Lake

Bull Shoals Lake

Take time to visit Bull Shoals Lake in the Ozarks Mountains for an opportunity to enjoy unrivaled fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, or just chill out and admire the local wildlife. Look real hard and you might even spot some bald eagles or ospreys! And when you grow tired of all the water sports on offer, visit the Blanchard Caverns, Mystic Caverns, or Bull Shoals Mountain Village. Or why not test your biking skills on the Pigeon Creek National Recreational Trail System before climbing to the Top O’ the Ozarks Tower for a panoramic view of the entire Ozarks Area.

 

Crooked Creek

Crooked Creek Bridge

Crooked Creek meanders its way from Marble Falls, through the scenic Ozark landscape, until it opens out into the White River. The creek is famous for its fishing and wildlife, and for those who wish to get in touch with nature, there are plenty of opportunities to see lots of animal and bird species, including deer, mink, ospreys and kingfishers. Visit the Fred Berry Conservation Center and learn more about conservation in the area. For some local history, head along to Harrison and take the Historic Waking Tour around the old part of the city for a dash of local color.

Lake of the Ozark, MO

Lake of the Ozarks

Come to Lake of the Ozarks for exhilarating water sports, stunning show caves, and fabulous shopping opportunities! Party Cove is where the hard-core revelers hang out, but lots of family activities to be enjoyed. Try your hand at boating, or take a pleasure cruise around the lake and explore the beautiful scenery. Enjoy the water sports or visit one of the Water Fun Parks. Go shopping for designer fashion in the world famous outlet malls, or linger in the quaint antique shops in search of a bargain. You will be hard pressed to fit it all into one vacation, so you’ll be back!

Branson, MO

Branson, MO

Come to Branson, Missouri, and be amazed at the wealth of attractions on offer—you can shop until you drop in Branson Landing on the picturesque waterfront, browse the boutiques and curio shops in historic downtown Branson, or take a scenic dinner cruise on the lake. For a fascinating tour of the local area, why not take the family on the luxury Branson train tour, or even a horse and carriage ride. You can spend your vacation playing golf and fishing, or take a tour around one of the local vineyards and spend a few pleasurable hours sampling the wine!