Ozark (Arkansas)

Ozark is a city of 3,700 people (2019) in the River Valley region of Arkansas. Ozark is adjacent to much of Arkansas wine country, and has a bridge to cross the Arkansas River for travelers heading to points south. The city is on Arkansas Highway 23, nicknamed the Pig Trail Scenic Byway, known for its steep drops, sharp curves and scenic mountain views.

Understand
The community sits along the Arkansas River in the Arkansas River Valley on the southern edge of the Ozark Mountains.

Get in
Interstate 40 and US 64 East-West.

See
The old Missouri Pacific Depot now serves as a museum and houses many artifacts related to the city's history. Murals can be found throughout the city. The quintessential town square is filled with window store fronts full of antique and gift shops, crape myrtle shrubs in bloom summer through fall, and a park across from the courthouse.

The old Franklin County Jail features a distinctive stone facade, resembling a medieval castle. The city serves as the southern access point for the Pig Trail Scenic Byway. This 19-mile (31 km) scenic drive begins 11 miles (18 km) north of Ozark where Highway 23 enters the Ozark National Forest. The Pig Trail leads drivers through rolling mountain country and past waterfalls, rock formations and the Mulberry River, popular for kayaking and canoeing. Ozark is a popular place for food and rest while exploring the Pig Trail Scenic Byway.

Ozark is in the heart of Arkansas Wine Country along with the cities of Altus, Wiederkehr Village, and Paris.

Do
Ozark Lake on the Arkansas River provides plenty of fishing opportunities. Tree-shaded Aux Arc Park stretches along the river from the Ozark Lock and Dam and has a playground, campsites, boat launching ramps and other facilities. Within miles of Ozark are the Mulberry River and White Rock Mountain Recreation Area in the Ozark National Forest.