These 6 Towns In The Ozarks Have Bustling Main Streets
For those planning day trips and getaways to the Ozarks, your first thought might not be to check out the region鈥檚 Main Streets. With its highest peak exceeding 2,000 feet and its estimated 50,000 square miles spread across five states in an area similar to the size of Florida, the Ozarks region is undoubtedly most known for its breathtaking vistas and outdoor recreation.
With that being said, even if you plan on visiting the Ozarks for its waterfalls, hiking paths, and summits, the region is also home to some of the most welcoming towns in the country. While small, their Main Streets are full of activity and spirited locals, boasting 海角社区-class attractions, cozy cafes, eclectic shopping, and everything in between. Whether you visit these Main Streets as a follow-up to your outdoor adventure or devote an entire day to the town鈥檚 attractions, your time on these Ozark Main Streets will reveal a different side to the region that will disappoint.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
A stroll down Main Street in Eureka Springs offers an enchanting trip back in time to Victorian America. Whether taking a Downtown Walking Tour, a Eureka Springs Tram Tour (a 2024 TripAdvisor Travelor鈥檚 Choice Winner), or following your heart鈥檚 path, the Victorian buildings and historic charms are some of the best in the country.
Learn more about the town鈥檚 rich past at Main Street attractions like the Eureka Springs Historical Museum and make sure to grab a drink or a bite at local hotpots like the Main Street Cafe. With a to-go order, shopping is another Main Street delight, offering everything from cute candy stores like Sweets Fudge Kitchen to whimsical shops like LaGrange's Eclectic Boutique. Finally, just off Main Street, Basin Spring Park is the perfect end to your time in downtown Eureka Springs, granting views of one of the 60 beautiful springs the town is named after.
Branson, Missouri
Over in southwest Missouri, Branson鈥檚 busiest strip offers an entirely different atmosphere. Contrasting Eureka Springs鈥� historic small-town feel, Branson is a bustling family vacation destination. The town welcomed a record-breaking 10.29 million visitors in 2023, and its busiest stretch of road drew the largest crowds.
The town鈥檚 untraditional 鈥淢ain Street鈥� is actually a section of State Highway 76, called 鈥�76 Country Boulevard鈥� by locals and tourists due to the road鈥檚 concentration of theaters. The Theater District is among the strip鈥檚 more popular attractions, housing spotlight landmarks like the Americana Theatre and Grand Country Music Hall. However, shows are just one of the many forms of entertainment on the strip, with other highlights like Ripley's Super Fun Zone, The Titanic Museum Attraction, and Branson鈥檚 Aquarium at the Boardwalk.
Harrison, Arkansas
A 40-minute drive south of Branson will bring you to Harrison, another Arkansas town with a vibrant Main Street. Akin to Eureka Springs, you can experience the charms of Harrison on a Main Street Historic Walking Tour, or you can opt for a more casual day of exploring. The tour is a great choice for history enthusiasts hoping to see the town鈥檚 landmarks, like the 2-story, red-brick Boone County Jail, built in 1914. But truthfully, historic brick storefronts are a staple of Harrison鈥檚 Town Square, so the historic structures are impossible to miss.
Adjacent to the wholesome downtown, Harrison鈥檚 South Main Street runs through Crooked Creek, forming beautiful Lake Harrison. For a dip into nature, a brief departure from Main Street will bring you to green spaces like Lake Harrison Park and its 7.5-mile Walking Trail. After that, Main Street Harrison invites you back with the promise of shops like Books on Main St., eateries like B's Spot, and quirky flea markets like Rust, Dust & Wanderlust.
Hardy, Arkansas
With the stunning Spring River just a block south of the town鈥檚 Historic District, Hardy is another inviting Arkansas community blending outdoor scenes with a spirited Main Street. Famous for being 鈥渙ne of Arkansas鈥� best float streams,鈥� kayaking, canoeing, and fishing at Spring River is what lures most people to this Ozarks town of under 800 locals. But the nearby Main Street is another absolute must for any trip to Hardy, making it the perfect follow-up to your time on the water.
With a fascinating railroad camp past, the town has retained much of its turn-of-the-century charms, with Main Street being the best place to see it. This includes quaint local attractions like the Hardy History Museum (home to the town鈥檚 first printing press and bank safe) and countless 19th century storefronts. Keeping with the Old 海角社区 appeal, Main Street Hardy also boasts countless antique shops to explore, like Moss Antiques & Collectibles, Ruby's on Main, and The Wood Duck Thrift Store.
Ozark, Arkansas
In the Arkansas River Valley on the southern end of the Ozark Mountains, the town of Ozark is another tranquil river town perfect for slowing down with life鈥檚 simple pleasures. The name 鈥淥zark鈥� (from the French 鈥淎ux Arc,鈥� meaning 鈥渁t the bend鈥�) was selected for this alpine community due to its location along the northernmost bend in the Arkansas River. As a result, like Hardy, river recreation is one of the town鈥檚 top tourist magnets.
Continuing with the similarities, Ozark鈥檚 historic downtown is the cherry on top of this pleasant river town, making it the perfect addition to a day on the water. As a member of the Main Street America Program, Ozark鈥檚 Commercial Street is where visitors will find countless buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, like the First United Methodist Church, built circa 1910. Just 4 minutes away by foot, Rivertowne BBQ is an awesome place for southern hospitality and classic barbecue, and there are also countless antique shops in the area, like The Trading Post Vintage Marketplace, Southern Trends, and 2nd Street Antiques.
Bentonville, Arkansas
Located at 100 N Main Street, Bentonville鈥檚 Downtown Square brings a new look to the classic American Main Street. With the town鈥檚 reputation for being 鈥渢he new capital of cool,鈥� visitors can expect a range of chic and upscale features around this Ozarks town hub, which also maintains the small-town feel with attractions like the Bentonville Farmers Market.
Following Main Street on foot, you will find countless trendy coffee shops like Airship Coffee at The Ledger and the Kohi Coffee Bar, along with a range of international eateries. Junto is a great sushi place right next to Kohi, or you can head to North Main Street for upscale Mexican food at Azul Tequila Bistro. As for quirky, one-of-a-kind attractions, Main Street is also where you will find Bentonville鈥檚 famous Walmart Museum.
Why Explore These Ozarks Main Streets in 2024?
While we generally think of the Ozarks as an outdoor playground for waterfall hikes, scenic trails, and endless recreation, the small towns sprinkled throughout these majestic mountains are fabulous in their own right. Whether exploring their Main Streets as a follow-up to your outdoor adventure or experiencing the towns on their own, the one-of-a-kind attractions, atmospheres, and people will make your experience that much greater. From award-winning shows and 海角社区-class attractions in Branson to chic coffee chops and 海角社区-class dining in Bentonville, there is no better way to experience a different side to the region.
