20 Things To Do In Ozark

Ozark has a welcoming small-town vibe despite being an up-and-coming city in Missouri. The city is close to Springfield and Branson, both are within half an hour’s drive, making Ozark the ideal destination to call in at during your Missouri vacation. Ozark offers a range of activities despite its small size. In particular, natural activities such as hiking and fishing are popular, and there are plenty of culture, history and shopping experiences too.

Ozark and the surrounding Elk Valley area are populated with several species of animals, including elk and bears. You might spot these incredible creatures on a hike through the valley and nearby Ozark Mountains. Check out these things to do in Ozark, MO.

Ozark, Missouri

20 Things To Do In Ozark

1- Explore Smallin Civil War Cave

One of the best things to do in Ozark for history lovers is visiting the Smallin Civil War Cave.

Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, an explorer, discovered the cave in 1818.

The cave is approximately 100ft (30.48m) wide and 55ft (16.76 m) deep and can be explored on several guided tours.

The most popular tour lasts approximately 60 minutes and covers a 1.5 miles (2.41 kilometres) through the cave. This tour is recommended for those with strollers and wheelchairs.

A second tour is offered by reservation only and lasts for two hours. This tour covers 1 mile (1.61 kilometres) of off-the-beaten-track underground passages.

Smallin Civil War Cave is at 3575 N Smallin Road, Ozark, MO 65721.

2- Have A Meal At The Riverside Inn

Howard Garrison, a respected and active member of the Ozark community, opened The Riverside Inn in 1923.

This cosy yet spacious pub is a popular location for locals to visit after work or on weekends for a bite to eat.

The pub can comfortably sit up to 800 people and is filled with interesting design elements, from its furniture and paintings to smaller hidden rooms.

The Riverside Inn is at 2629 Riverside Road, Ozark, MO 65721.

3- See A Show At Stained Glass Theatre

Stained Glass Theatre is the perfect place to come and see a local production should your trip line up with one of its seven annual performances.

Ron Boutwell, a playwright and director, opened the theatre in 1983 as a Christian theatre.

The theatre’s aim was to encourage the local community to become more interested in Christianity through plays.

The theatre can seat up to 275 people and there are only seven production runs per year, but each performance lasts approximately six weeks.

Shows run on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

If you decide to see one of Stained Glass Theatre’s productions, be sure to stop by their concession stand. Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, brownies and cakes are served.

Stained Glass Theatre is at 1996 W Evangel Street, Ozark, MO 65721.

4- Visit Finley Farms

Finley Farms is a must-visit destination in Ozark in a historic location in the centre of Ozark beside the Finley River.

The farm runs many family-friendly events throughout the year across its venues: an urban farm, restaurants serving farm-fresh local produce and a wedding chapel beside the river.

The farm offers hands-on workshops to create souvenirs or something more substantial such as chairs or ornaments.

There are also tours around the farm led by farmers to visit the greenhouse, flower fields and mushroom yards.

Finley Farms is at Ozark, MO 65721.

5- Enjoy A Meal In Ozark Mill

While enjoying a visit to Finley Farms, head to their onsite restaurant, The Ozark Mill.

This is the perfect destination to dine with family and friends on the first floor of the mill.

Lunch and dinner menus are available with various dietary requirements, such as gluten-free and vegan options.

From the restaurant, there are incredible views across the water, and the inside is cosy and well-designed.

Their chicken and dumplings, fire-baked pizzas, and bison meatballs are popular on the menu.

The Ozark Mill is at 802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, MO 65721.

6- Shop For Antiques

Ozark is well known in Missouri for its antique stores, including the popular Yesteryears Antiques and More.

The store covers 18,200 square feet (1690.8 square metres) of antique heaven over two floors tightly packed with furniture, paintings, books and jewellery.

After perusing to your heart’s content, have a break while you think on your purchases at their in-house coffee shop.

Their freshly baked cakes and welcoming hot drinks round off a perfect afternoon exploring history.

Yesteryears Antiques and More is at 105 N 20th Street, Ozark, MO 65721.

7- Wander Around The Camp Flea Antique Mall and Vintage Market

A more recent addition to Ozark’s antique stores is Camp Flea Antique Mall and Vintage Market.

Opened in 2016, this new store has a more contemporary and curated feel than some other antique stores in the city.

It is the largest antique mall in Ozark and has more than 200 booths offering collectors and the curious furniture, unique industrial salvaged pieces, artworks and plenty of retro kitsch.

The mall focuses on more recent antiques and includes mid-century modern furnishings.

Camp Flea Antique Mall and Vintage Market is at 1900 W Elm Street, Ozark, MO 65721.

8- Taste Cheese And Wine At Heather Hill Farms

One of the biggest allures to Ozark is its rural community centred around farmers and local produce.

Heather Hill Farms, a family-owned store opened in 2002, offers a wide range of tasty locally-produced cheeses and wines.

Unique to the store is the availability to sample the cheeses and wines before purchasing.

Expert assistants pair cheeses to compliment the wines selected and vice versa.

There are more than 175 cheese varieties on offer at Heather Hill Farms.

Heather Hill Farms is at 5255 North 17th Street, Ozark, MO 65721.

9- Relax In Finley River Park

Finley River Park is a must-visit destination for families travelling to Ozark.

The park has a large children’s playground with swings, slides and ample space for kids to run around and enjoy themselves.

Finley River is also accessible from the park, opening up the opportunity to fish and kayak in its waters.

It has pleasant walks surrounded by beautiful scenery and of course, picnic benches allowing you to make a full day of relaxation.

Finley River Park is at 891-961 N Riverside Road, Ozark, MO 65721.

10- Spend Time At Ozark Farmers Market

A must-visit in Ozark for foodies is the Ozark Farmers Market, which runs seasonally from May to September every Thursday. Unusually for a farmers market, the market runs on an evening from 3 pm till 7 pm.

If you’re visiting Ozark on market day, head to Ozark Square, where the market has operated since 2012.

The farmers market features local vendors selling meats, bread and other freshly baked produce, beer, wines and more.

There are also several food trucks pitching up at the market, selling various delicious hot and cold food.

Live music is also often a key part of the market, making it an evening destination beyond picking up some groceries.

Ozark Farmers Market is at 844 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, MO 65721.

11- Hike The Bluff Springs Trail

Hike or jog along the Bluff Springs Trail, which is accessible, pet-friendly, and runs alongside the Finley River.

The trail is a two-mile (3.22 km) loop through woodland and riverside paths known for deer spotting.

There are plenty of benches along the trail for a stopping point to rest or simply to make the most of your natural surroundings.

Bluff Springs Trail is at 1550 W Jackson Street, Ozark, MO 65721.

12- Watch A Performance At B&B Theatres

B&B Theatres: Ozark/Nixa 12 has entertained the citizens of Ozark since 1924.

The theatre represents the joining of the Bills and Bagby families, who celebrated their friendship by pulling together their two separate theatre companies.

B&B Theatres in Ozark opened in 1980.

The theatre has widescreen and high-quality digital sound systems.

Unlike other theatres, B&B Theatres offers excellent views of the screen regardless of the seat selected due to its unique stadium-style structure.

B&B Theatres: Ozark/Nixa 12 is at 620 N 25th Street, Ozark, MO 65721.

13- Wander Around HuckaBella Boutique and Marketplace

HuckaBella Boutique and Marketplace is a mall filled with more than 50 merchants offering a range of unique and carefully selected items.

The marketplace sells everything from clothing, vintage, home decor, gifts and accessories.

The market also offers local makers a unique location to sell their hand-crafted furniture and clothing.

The market is a beautiful and photographable place to explore before making a purchase from one of its merchants.

HuckaBella Boutique and Marketplace is at 101 South 3rd Street, Ozark, MO 65721.

14- Hike in the Ozarks

The area surrounding Ozark is known as ‘the Ozarks’ and is an area of outstanding natural beauty that attracts hikers.

There are a few well-maintained trails throughout the area maintained by the National Park Service.

Hikes throughout the Ozarks vary in challenge and difficulty, so be sure to research the best hike to enjoy its natural beauty relative to your ability level.

The Ozarks are to the south of Ozark itself, so a hire car or pre-booked tour is essential to make the most of this scenic location.

Ozark Mountains are at Branson, MO.

15- Visit Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks is a lovely reservoir in the northern region of the Ozarks and the premier lake resort destination in the Midwest.

The lake offers boating, shopping, golfing, fishing and more to visitors.

The area is packed with hotels offering waterfront rooms and a wide variety of restaurants serving delicious and local dishes.

Lake of the Ozarks is a drive away from Ozark city, so a hire car is recommended.

16- Enjoy Higg Tea At Spring Creek Tea Room

For a cosy and homely dining experience in Ozark, look no further than Spring Creek Tea Room.

The restaurant offers delicious dishes such as roast beef sandwiches, a wide range of homemade cakes, and warming soups.

The service is just as warm, with friendly and cheerful waiting staff.

The tea room also has an antique shop packed with unique items to take home as souvenirs.

Spring Creek Tea Room is at 107 S 3rd Street, Ozark, MO 65721.

17- Eat A Meal At Iguana Roja Restaurante

One of the most popular restaurants in Ozark is Iguana Roja Restaurante, owned by locals and partners with local ranchers and farmers.

This practice ensures the restaurant serves only the freshest and highest quality foods to its diners.

The restaurant has a traditional menu focusing on local dishes made with care.

Dishes on the menu include hues rancheros, quesadillas and their popular Lizard King chicken wings.

Iguana Roja offers both lunchtime and evening dining options.

Iguana Roja Restaurante is at 107 W Church Street, Ozark, MO 65721.

18- Drink Craft Beer At The Back Home Brewing Company

Head to the Back Home Brewing Company for a drink that feels like coming home to a homely, friendly and vibrant atmosphere.

The brewery offers a variety of uniquely named drinks, such as Hippies Pineapple Paradise, I Pee A Lot IPA and Jacob’s Octoberfest.

Back Home Brewing Company also has delicious dishes to pair with your drink choice.

Authentic Bavarian pretzels, chilli cheese fries, and chicken strips are all available to help turn your drink with friends into an evening out.

Back Home Brewing Company is at 1502 S 3rd Street, Ozark, MO 65721.

19- Drink Coffee At Ozark Mountain Coffee Company

If you want to unwind with a good book and even better coffee, visit Ozark Mountain Coffee Company.

The company roasts Arabica coffee beans gathered from select locations worldwide.

The coffee produced is rich, creamy and flavourful as the beans they select are grown at high altitudes.

Each batch of coffee is small, ensuring the best taste every time.

Purchase a cup of coffee and a bag of beans or freshly ground coffee to take home and relax in a landscape of lakes and mountains.

Ozark Mountain Coffee Company is at 4082 N 20th Street, Ozark, MO 65721.

20- Pick Berries At A Farm

In summer, you can pick your own strawberries at High’s Berry Farm or blueberries at Burton’s Farm or flowers at Gooseberry Bridge Farm. 

High’s Berry Farm is at 879 Crabapple Rd, Ozark, Mo. Gooseberry Bridge Farm is at 177 Elm Grove Rd, Rogersville, Mo.

21- Eat Pizza

Post Game Pizza dishes up a variety of pizzas and toppings, making it the perfect dining for a tasty comfort meal.

Post Game Pizza offers traditional pizzas such as pepperoni and Hawaiian, but also some more unique toppings.

Alfredo sauce, feta cheese and noodles, to name a few, are available to top your pie.

The pizzeria selects local ingredients to ensure the freshest taste for your meal. Post Game Pizza also offers a range of sub sandwiches and salads for those looking for a change.

Post Game Pizza is at 509 N 21st Street, Ozark, MO 65721.