The Ozarks is a massive region, and yet it still seems like the famous hotspots get clogged with tourists every season. If you don’t mind crowds, then it’s no problem, but if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the quieter side of the Ozarks, you’ll need to dive deep into the local side of the Ozarks. There are so many beautiful towns and hidden spots that just don’t get as much attention as they should – which you’re going to benefit from.
Not only will there be fewer crowds, but you’ll also be able to enjoy a whole new world of the Ozarks when you try to travel through it like a local. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the big to-do activities. Seeing Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Branson is a must even for the locals because it’s one of those activities you want to do once at least.
At the end of the day, your trip is your own. The only thing that you owe yourself is to know about a few of the hidden gems so that you can put together the perfect trip for you based on all the knowledge you have at your fingertips. So, if you’re looking for something different to do, or a whole list of them, for when you spend your summer in the Ozarks, this guide is for you.
The first thing you need to think about is where you want to base your stay. If you have a car, then it’s almost guaranteed that you’re going to do a road trip around the area or do day trips during your stay. The reason why you want to be careful with where you stay is that the Ozarks are massive. If you choose a town at the edge of the Ozarks, you can end up driving five hours for a “day trip”.
That’s why you want to base your stay near the center of all the action. Branson is one of the best options since it’s a large enough city with many activities to do right on your doorstep while being a good distance away from the other hotspots. There are plenty of resorts, including fan favorites like Westgate. Affordability is also not an issue, as even top-rated resorts can cost less than $100 per night, which you can learn more about when you visit their website.
Most of these towns are far smaller, so if you’re hoping to keep as many activities close to home as possible, Branson is your best bet.
Now, on to the top hidden gems in the Ozarks that the locals just love. These activities and things to do are top-notch and worth doing more than once. This makes them such a great addition to your trip’s itinerary.
Want to explore an old historic town? Love art, the eclectic, and just strange? Red Oak II is the place to be. This is a recreated historic town from the artist Lowell Davis, resurrected from the ghost town. He originally grew up in Red Oak, but later on in his life, it became deserted. The artist bought it and started to collect abandoned buildings from other ghost towns in the area. He worked on restoring them throughout his life.
While this is a resurrected and restored ghost town, it’s not a museum. There’s a living community of artists, families, and business owners that have now taken up residence. It’s also entirely free to visit, but do remember to be respectful, as the residential areas are real homes.
Another ghost town that you can visit is Topaz Mill. This is a small town that was erected around the area’s mill. Townspeople and farmers would come to this mill to get their corn or wheat ground down. Since they needed something to do while they waited, the mill became something of a small hub with a post office, barbershop, and stores.
The mill itself is in great condition with all the original features. It is, however, privately owned and has been since the 1950s. To visit, you’ll need to get in touch with the family (this can be done by visiting the Friends of Topaz Mill online page) to organize a tour. The tours are free and full of history, so it’s a great way to add a unique experience to your trip.
There are so many ghost towns in the area, including:
Most of these towns were based on industries that have since shut down, so be careful when visiting and always remain respectful.
Nature is a huge part of the Ozarks, and while hikes are a dime a dozen, these top two experiences are at the top of the list for locals:
This is a brand-new natural wonder. How? It was only viewable after a sinkhole opened it up to the public view in 2015. It took six years to excavate the area, and now it’s a stunning mini canyon that’s available to view for everyone. The canyon is on a golf course, so you can expect lots to do in the area.
Caves are a huge part of what makes the Ozarks so special, so it’s a must to visit them up close. These tours through the Bridal Cave are guided, so make sure you don’t venture off, as you could get hurt.
There’s so much to do in the Ozarks, but for something special, try out one of these local favorite activities:
Another great activity that locals love is picking their blackberries, blueberries, or lavender at the Black & Blueberry farm. Not only can you pick your own, but you can also purchase many delicious farm-fresh goodies.
The Momentary is a great contemporary art museum and gallery that’s a must-visit. If the art itself wasn’t a draw, the café in the museum is a hotspot all on its own, with bright pink décor and a conveyor belt bringing you some of the best coffee in the area.
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