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Once upon a time, lands collided, pushing much of the future US together until enormous hills formed. Great melts following the last ice age added a cherry atop a pristine sundae. Welcome to the Ozarks, a plateau where there are as many lakes to be found as there are stars in the sky. Discover America’s worst-kept secret: that Ozark small towns are just as miraculous as their surroundings. Put away the tourism brochure. The best Ozark and most underrated destinations to visit in 2024 are not printed on maps.

Rolla, Missouri

Settlers from North Carolina arrived at the Ozark plateau in the 19^th century intending to find a homage to their beloved city, Raleigh. Centuries later, Missourians have a creative way of speaking that has reduced the founders’ intentions to a homophone. A beautiful one, nevertheless. Just ask anyone who’s ever caught a glimpse of Burgher Branch flowing through the town. Rolla is a mini-Ozark unto itself: Schuman Park and Ber Juan Park both have impressive ponds surrounded by green space.

The Autobahn Trail Nature Center is a nexus for travelers looking to catch a glimpse and perhaps snap a photo of North America’s majestic migrating birds. Plan a trip around a staging of either The Sound of Music or Clue at the Ozark Actor’s Theater in Rolla.

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

The town of Tahlequah fosters interior magic just as its exterior inspires anyone who visits. Tahlequah Creek and the Ross Branch feed the town’s stunning flora. Tahlequah is the capital of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians and the modern Cherokee Nation. Visit the Spider Gallery and absorb some of the finest works of Cherokee-produced art anywhere in the º£½ÇÉçÇø. It is also a one-stop shop for learning and becoming equipped for basketry, metalsmithing, silversmithing, and pottery. History buffs will be awed by the Cherokee National Prison Museum.

Neosho, Missouri

Neosho has been known as the City of Springs for centuries. The name Neosho roughly translates to ‘clear water’. In the late 1950s, the town fostered the nickname Flower Box City to promote its urban beautification measures. The Bicentennial Conservation Area and the Fort Crowder Conservation Areas just south of town ensure Neosho will always be a bird-watching hub. Travelers can find their inner Robin Hood at the Fort Crowder Archery Range. Neosho is home to the oldest fish hatchery in the US. The Visitor Center is a wellspring of fascination, beginning with its stunning architecture.

Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Siloam Springs is beautiful enough for its founders to dive into the Bible to find an appropriate name. See the town through their eyes by watching the waters of Sager Creek flow by from the comfy gazebo in City Park. Visitors can feel the fresh mountain wind in their hair with a tumble through the five-mile Sager Creek Mountain Bike Trail. The trail has separate loops in case riders do not feel like going the whole distance. Do not leave town without stopping by Sager Creek Quilts, operated by Cliff and Pam Goggans. Take home some well-made warmth or learn the fine art of quilting.

Mountain Home, Arkansas

Mountain Home is firmly planted in the middle of the Ozarks’ greatest natural assets. Norfolk Lake lies to the east and Bull Shoals Lake and its White River wind to the west. Follow Hicks Creek to one of the astounding trails found in Cooper Park. Mountain Homers have an excellent plan for when it rains: let the neon lights of the Retro Skate Rink dance in the retinas as the swinging music pushes the roller crowd through a free-wheeling promenade. Welcome back to the 1980s, compliments of the Mountain Home Retro Skate Rink. Test upper body muscles with a group of friends at Sharp Edges Axe Throwing.

Bella Vista, Arkansas

Bella Vista straddles the Missouri border, keeping the best of the Ozarks’ microlakes for the Arkansas side. Pack the pooch in the car and indulge in a view of Loch Lomand at Bella Vista K9 Corral Dog Park. Rent a bicycle and watch the waves of Lake Windsor from Huntly Gravity Park. Crystal Cave, on the other side of Lake Winsdor, is a prime site at dusk when the bats emerge. Experience the geometric elegance of the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel. Visitors must crane their necks as enormous trees peer over the chapel’s beams through its partial glass ceiling.

Camdenton, Missouri

People have flocked to Camdenton for years due to its proximity to Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Ha Ha Tonka has one of the state’s largest natural springs, along with sinkholes, caves, an impressive natural bridge, and breathtaking bluffs. Do not forget to snap a new profile pic at the turn of the century-era castle ruins within the park. Camdenton is home to the famous Ozarks Amphitheater. Share an unforgettable outdoor musical experience with 10,000 new friends in the forest. Sample the best of local baked treats at Camdenton’s Ozarkland Store.

The dedication of Ozark residents is on full display in each small town. Pay tribute to their hard work by taking care of the pristine nature these communities have protected all these years. Relax your body and soul in the calming environments of these towns and bring back loads of good memories