The Story of the Ozark Mountains

Neil Sawford • August 8, 2022

Better known as the Ozark Mountains or the Ozark Plateau, the Ozarks are a physiographic region in the United States states of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and the extreme southeastern part of Kansas.

The Ozark Mountains stretch from Interstate 70 in central Missouri to Interstate 40 in central Arkansas, forming a large portion of the southern half of Missouri and the northern half of Arkansas. Many entertainment venues, popular attractions, excellent museums, and adventure rides, including roller coasters in Branson, can be found in the Ozark Mountains.

The name Ozarks is an English translation of the French abbreviation aux Arcs (short for aux Arkansas). Originally, aux Arkansas referred to the trading post at Arkansas Post, located in the wooded Arkansas Delta a few decades before the French and Indian War. The name Arkansas derived from the French version of the Quapaw tribe, who lived in the east of Arkansas near the trading post. The name Ozarks eventually came to refer to the entire Ozark Plateau drainage into the Arkansas and Missouri rivers.

The Ozark Mountains occupy a large swath of pristine land in the United States and have existed for longer than the country itself. Within this unique region, you'll find forests, looming mountains, underground caves, and more. The area has been featured in pop culture on several occasions, with the somewhat remote, secluded nature of the destination playing a role. In this article, you will come to discover why many people are drawn to the Ozark Mountains by reading the facts about the Ozark Mountains.

Eureka Springs is surrounded mainly by all of the Ozarks' distinctive features. It is an excellent place to stay if you want to experience the splendor of the Ozarks while still having access to modern conveniences. If you're wondering what to do in the area, check out the Eureka Springs Vacation Guide. It's jam-packed with local recommendations for everything Eureka Springs offers, from breathtaking natural wonders to annual festivals and everything in between.

The Ozarks (also known as the Ozark Mountains or the Ozark plateau) can be found in five states: Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Illinois. The region is primarily located in Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas. Springfield Plateau, Salem Plateau, Boston Mountains, and St. Francois Mountains are the four smaller regions of the Ozarks.

The region has a relatively mild climate, clean mountain air, and pristine lakes and rivers. The Ozarks region in Branson, Missouri, is proud of its three pristine lakes with clear and crystal clear waters. These beautiful lake attractions in the area contribute significantly to Branson's tourism industry.

The Ozarks are famous for their sparkling springs, waterfalls, lakes, caves, caverns, and sinkholes (known as karstic landforms). You can find numerous artificial landmarks in the Ozarks region, including the Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Rock State Park, Table Rock Dam, and the Powersite Dam. The Ozarks are also known for their fantastic entertainment shows, fantastic rides at Silver Dollar City, and the favorite roller coasters in Branson, MO.

The Ozarks region contains the most rugged terrain between the Appalachians and the Rockies. The Boston Mountains in Northwest Arkansas have some of the highest peaks in the Ozark Mountains, with many exceeding 2,000 feet. The Ozark National Forest contains some of these mountains, including the tallest mountain in Arkansas. Beyond the mountains, the forest encompasses over a million acres and includes the Blanchard Springs Caverns and 300 miles of hiking trails. Several other state parks dot the Ozarks, preserving the region's natural beauty while making it accessible to visitors.

The Ozarks have plenty of adventures in store for you, whether it's exploring a cave or hiking to vantage points overlooking scenic vistas. The region's lush forests and beautiful lakes provide a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as pristine natural beauty.

The Ozark Mountains' history shows people have lived there since the late Ice Age. This has been known for a long time and is filled with history. To learn more about the Ozarks' history, read the facts about the museums in the next paragraph.

In Northwest Arkansas, the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History has a research library and six historic buildings, in addition to exhibits focusing on everyday men, women, and children who lived in Ozark towns and rural areas. The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum provides insight into the Ozarks' long history and more recent history, ranging from prehistoric to Native American to Civil War.

In Eureka Springs, you can enjoy even more of the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Stay in a Beaver Lake Cottage to take advantage of the stunning surroundings. The breathtaking accommodations incorporate elements of the natural environment. They are set in a lush forest with sweeping views of Beaver Lake, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide unobstructed views.

It's the ideal location for a romantic getaway far from stressful city life. You will have a peaceful, private retreat whether you stay in one of their suites, one-bedroom or two-bedroom cottages.

After you've all enjoyed great entertainment shows, exciting attractions, and thrilling rides, especially the roller coasters in Branson, MO, learning about the history of the Ozark Mountains is a beautiful thing to do.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.