Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Things To Do Near Ozark National Scenic Riverways

There are over 100 historical sites to explore in the Ozark National Scenic Riverway, including Alley Mill, Big Spring State Park, and Welch Hospital. You may want to go on a family-friendly canoe trip or on a fishing adventure because this park is home to more than 112 fish species. Join a park ranger for a cave tour or join them for their evening summertime campfire programs. Go for a drive along some of the 318 miles of roads at this location, especially in the springtime when wildflowers are blooming and in the fall when the trees are changing colors. This area is also a great place to go on a hike.

Hiking Trails

• Chubb Hollow Trail

  The Chubb Hollow Trail begins at the historic dining room in the former Big Spring State Park. It runs along the edge of the Current River to the Chubb Hollow Picnic Pavilion. Then, it ascends to the historic Big Spring Lookout Tower. Finally, it circles to reenter the historic Big Spring State Park, where it runs by several historical cabins. 

  Location

  Big Spring State Park dining lodge, Ozark National Scenic Riverway, Buren, Missouri 63965

  Length

  3.4 Miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Cave Spring Trail

  The Cave Spring Trail begins at Devils Well. The first part of the trail runs across oak-pine forest ridges through a dolomite glade and winds through hollows with intermittent stream crossings. The trail crosses a high dolomite bluff with beautiful views of the Current River. Then it goes through Parker Hollow to return to Devils Well. 

  Location

  Devils Well Road, Salem, Missouri 65560

  Length

  4.6 Miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Alley Mill 

  You are sure to love the serene setting of Alley Mill. Take a summertime tour of the mill to see how workers turned wheat into flour. Learn about the different parts of this three-story mill. 

  Location

  Arkansas National Scenic Riverway, Eminence, Missouri 65466

• Jack's Fork Natural Area

  Jack's Fork Natural Area is best reached by canoe. This area is a fabulous place to go fishing as experts believe over 40 fish species, including six endemic species, live here. It can easily be reached by launching your vessel at Buck Hollow River Access, the Bluff View River Access, or the Blue Spring River Access. There is a cave with an underground waterfall.

  Location

  Highway 106, Arkansas National Scenic Railway, Eminence, Missouri 65466

• Big Spring

  Big Spring was one of the first state parks in Missouri. View the cabins and dining lodge built by the CCC. One of the biggest springs in the United States is here. A wheelchair-accessible trail leads to the springs. This facility also has a picnic area and a campground. 

  Location

  Near Highway 103, Arkansas National Scenic Railway, Van Buren, Missouri 63965

Museums

• Shannon County Museum

  The Shannon County Museum focuses on local history through pictures and artifacts. Local authors' books written about the area are also on display. You can also see some artwork by area artists. 

  Location

  118 Main Street, Eminence, Missouri 65466

• Reynolds County Museum

  Learn about the history of Reynolds County by stopping at the Reynolds County Museum. See antique musical instruments and farming and mining equipment. There are lots of early photos and county documents. There is also an extensive collection of glassware. 

  Location

  233 South 2nd Street, Ellington, Missouri 63638

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• The River Shop

  Find lots of camping equipment at this store, including tents, tarps, coffee pots, and lanterns. They also carry many different types of floats and other water toys. 

  Location

  Highway 19, Eminence, Missouri 65466

• Tim's Bestway Foods

  Feed your hunger by shopping at Tim's Bestway Foods. They feature a wide selection of fresh meat. If you forgot essentials like toothpaste or shampoo at home, pick them up here. This store is open early in the morning to evening, so it is easy to incorporate a supply stop here. 

  Location

  300 S. Main Street, Eminence, Missouri 65466

• 36 Restaurant & Bar

  Enjoy an intimate dining experience at 36 Restaurant & Bar. Order from the menu featuring steaks, duck, and chicken. Leave room for a piece of cheesecake for dessert. This restaurant has private dining rooms if you want to entertain guests. 

  Location

  36 Main Street, Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701

• Sunrise Family Restaurant

  Start your day off with a filling breakfast at Sunrise Family Restaurant. Come back to check out their daily specials or order from their extensive meatloaf options; the meatloaf is fabulous. End your meal with a piece of their homemade pie. 

  Location

  400 Main St, Cassville, Missouri 65625

How To Get To Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Consider starting your visit to Ozark National Scenic Riverway at the visitor center in Van Buren. It is easy to get to this address from Branson, Missouri, by heading north on US-65 North. Take the US-60 East exit. Turn left onto James Street. Turn right on Main Street. Turn left on Watercress Road. Your destination will be on your right. This park is busiest on summer weekends, with Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends being jam-packed. 

Address

404 Watercress Road, Van Buren, Missouri 63965

Fee: Entry Fee (per person)

There is no entry fee.

With over 100 historical sites to visit, two major rivers, and many tributaries to paddle and fish, along with many miles of hiking trails, you will want to visit Ozark National Scenic Riverway for as long as possible. The best plan is to bring your RV because the sites can be in diverse locations. If you do not have one, rent one on RVshare.com. That way, you can rest easy because you are covered by 24/7 roadside assistance.