When you have kids, it can be hard to know where to go on vacation. Today I’m going to be sharing some ideas for vacationing in the Ozark Mountains.

So you are going to be visiting the Ozark Mountains. If you have been there, you know what I am talking about. If not, this post is going to help you in planning your trip. I found that although most people know the Ozark Mountains, people do not really know a lot about it. So this post includes some of the best things to do in the Ozark Mountains.

If you are looking for a beautiful getaway that is less than two hours from St. Louis and offers tons of activities for the entire famliy, then look no further than the Ozark Mountains.

The Ozark Mountains have a long history of human settlement. The semi-arid climate, plentiful waterways, and rich soil were ideal for settlements during the prehistoric period.

Vacation In The Ozark Mountains

Due to the past 400 years of reckless deforestation and clear cutting, much of North America is less forested than it used to be. By 2008, the United States only had 10% tree cover as a nation, according to the National Atlas in Washington. Thankfully we have a major expanse of forest at hand to explore right here on our neighboring continent.

Design your ideal getaway to Ozark Mountains, Missouri

The tranquil beauty of the Ozark Mountains of Missouri have made it a favorite family vacation destination for decades. Its rolling vistas, rushing waterfalls and forested hills and valleys create the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature through a range of outdoor activities, from hunting and fishing to horseback riding, hiking, golfing and just about anything that involves the great outdoors. Attractions near the communities of Ridgedale and Hollister include the Dogwood Canyon nature preserve and Top of the Rock, a mountaintop nature preserve featuring a museum, fine dining and world-class golf.  And then there’s Table Rock Lake, a massive reservoir and the regional center of recreational watersports. With 745 miles of sparkling shoreline and some of the best bass fishing in the world, the lake is a big draw for boating enthusiasts, anglers, jet skiers, kayakers, paddleboarders and anyone wanting to enjoy a sunny afternoon on the water.

The other big draw is Branson–the “Live Music Show Capital of the World.” Branson is home to more than 100 shows in over 50 theater venues covering all genres of musical entertainment, plus comedy and dance performances. and comedy. Branson is also home to a range of family-friendly attractions including theme and water parks, museums for every interest, zip lining, cavern exploration and much more. A Missouri Ozarks getaway offers you the best of the great outdoors plus great entertainment and attractions.

The Ozark Plateau, commonly known as the Ozark Mountains, is an area of rolling hills accentuated by rugged slopes and divided by deep valleys, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. This forested region stretches from northern Arkansas into central Missouri and eastern Kansas and Oklahoma. The highest peaks of the region, the Boston Mountains are located in the northwestern part of Arkansas. The Ozarks are beautiful year round and offer unlimited outdoor adventure activities and scenic views. Residents of the Ozarks are known for their hospitality, traditional crafts and music.

The Buffalo National River, federally protected since 1972, showcases the range of outdoor activity and nature available in the Ozarks. The best way to see this unpolluted stream is by boat, canoe, raft or kayak. The 150-mile, free-flowing river offers a mix of swift-running and calm stretches of water that pass by limestone bluffs, gravel bars and forests. More than 100 miles of trails surrounding the river are available for hiking and horseback riding. Camping, fishing, hunting and swimming are also popular. Rental cabins and outfitters are located nearby.

The Ozark National Forest includes more than 1.2 million acres of forests and provides endless recreational activities. Hiking trails as well as trails for bikes, all terrain vehicles and horses are available throughout the forest. The Mulberry, Big Piney and Buffalo rivers offer whitewater action in the spring. Camping, cabin rentals and picnicking areas are available.

The Ozark Highlands Trail from Lake Fort Smith State Park to the Buffalo National River covers 165 miles. It is perfect for overnight backpacking trips or day hikes.

Scenic byways traverse the Ozarks allowing spectacular views year round. Scenic 7 Byway and the Ozark Highlands Byway are popular motorcycle and auto journeys during the fall foliage season.

Spelunkers enjoy a wealth of caving opportunities in the Ozarks. Eight caves are open to the public and many others are open for exploration by permit. Blanchard Springs Caverns near Mountain View is one of America’s top cave destinations.

Other outdoor activities throughout the region include hot air balloon rides, golfing, birding and rock climbing. The rivers and lakes of the region provide world record fishing and plenty of boating, water skiing and other water sport venues.

The cities and towns of the Ozark region have preserved much of their heritage and showcase it in festivals, museums, music and crafts. The Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View is a living museum of traditional mountain heritage offering folk art, craft and musical demonstrations.

The Ozarks region is located in northern Arkansas and is accessible via Interstate Highway 540, U.S. Highways 62, 65, 71, 167 and 412. Lodging is available in cities and towns throughout the region and includes: cabins, bed & breakfast, resorts and hotels.