Ozark offers two distinct focuses for trip planning: historic buildings in the town center and recreational opportunities around Ozark Lake and the Arkansas River. Those interested in architecture and local history will find several notable buildings in the Ozark Courthouse Square Historic District. Activities on the water include boating, hiking, and picnicking.
Historic Buildings in the Center
The Ozark Courthouse Square Historic District encompasses the historic center dating from the late 19th century. It covers an area of about two blocks by two blocks. In 2002, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Notable buildings include the Franklin County Courthouse and the Historic Bristow Hotel.
The Historic Bristow Hotel was first built in 1909. It is a two-story commercial building in a regionally typical style, built from locally quarried limestone. The Ozark First United Methodist Church also dates from 1909. Its distinctive architectural features include crenellated towers, locally quarried sandstone, and stained-glass windows. The Old Franklin County Jail adds to this architectural history: it was built in 1914 and retains features of the original cell blocks on the second floor.
South of Ozark, 1.3 miles away, lies Aux Arc Park. This historic site is part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, offering another distinct perspective on the area’s history.
Depot, Bridge, and Former Tourist Cabin
The Ozark Area Depot Museum presents the town’s history and has a collection of railroad artifacts. It was established when Main Street Ozark converted the historic railroad depot into a museum. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is located on the banks of the Arkansas River.
The Ozark Bridge also spans the Arkansas River. It was built between 1929 and 1931 and is listed as a historic bridge in the United States. The Historic Whitman Building is also located in Eastside Park. It began as a tourist cabin and was rented to local tourists until June 25, 1934. Considered Ozark’s only historic tourist cabin, it is notable for its construction from local sandstone and fieldstone.
Ozark Lake and Outdoor Activities
Ozark Lake is located near Ozark, Arkansas, and stretches 36 miles along the Arkansas River. Nine parks along its shores offer, among other things, boat ramps, drinking water, campsites, and picnic areas. Aux Arc Recreation Area & Campground is a Class A park on Ozark Lake and the Arkansas River. The campground is located on the lakeshore in the Arkansas River Valley, has 88 campsites, and features a boat slip. Activities there include boating, hiking, and picnicking.
The Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail stretches 165 miles from Lake Fort Smith State Park to the Buffalo National River. Its local access point is on Scenic Highway 23 North, also known as the Pig Trail. When planning a shorter or longer hike, it is important to distinguish this local access point from the full route: the 165 miles describes the trail between its two endpoints.
The nearby Mulberry River has Class II and III whitewater sections and is open to the public for boating. In the Ozark National Forest, the river is classified as both a Scenic and a Recreational National Wild and Scenic River. This gives it a different natural focus from the lake.
Other regional offerings include Byrd's Adventure Center. It has trails and practice areas for ATVs, UTVs, 4x4 vehicles, and motorcycles. The center has an 800-acre campground and a trail network on the Mulberry River in the Ozark National Forest. Canoes, kayaks, rafts, and tubes are also available to rent on the river.
Annual Event
The Ozarks Annual Old Fashioned Square Gathering takes place every year. The program includes arts and crafts booths, music, games, food, and free entertainment. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the date for your planned travel dates.
For the broader travel overview: Franklin County.
