City of Ozark, Arkansas

Tourism

Ozark is located on the north bank of the Ozark Lake, at what is known as the 19 mile bend of the Arkansas River.  Ozark Lake was created when the Ozark Lock & Dam on the Arkansas River was completed.  The fertile waters of the Arkansas River offer unlimited fishing opportunities.  All game fish native to Arkansas are in abundance and variety.  The Game and Fish Commission stocks Ozark Lake with striped bass and walleyed pike.  Fishing is good year round for catfish, bream, crappie, white and largemouth bass.  The best sauger fishing in the nation can be found here from late fall until early spring.

Ozark Area Depot Museum

Completely renovated, the Ozark Train Depot now houses the Ozark Area Depot Museum which includes artifacts celebrating Ozark’s multi-cultural heritage. Located on River Street by the railroad tracks, this building is a nice addition to Ozark’s historic downtown area.

Parks

Reed Mountain Park and Overlook just east of Ozark provides picnic sites, group shelters, a playground and a nature trail. From the overlook, one of the most magnificent views of the Arkansas River, the river valley and the foothills of the mountains can be seen and appreciated.

East Side Park on the east side of Ozark borders Gar Creek, an inlet of the Arkansas River. Picnic tables, play ground equipment, horseshoe pitching courts, lighted tennis courts, boat launch, and good fishing sites are available.

Nearby Attractions

Ozark National Forest

The Ozark National Forest covers more than one million acres, mostly in northwest Arkansas. Some of the most noted recreation sites are just north of the Ozark Area.

White Rock Mountain, over 2,300 ft. elevation, is one of Arkansas’ highest peaks. Rental cabins, campground, hiking trails and a scenic view of the Boston Mountains are provided for the rustic camper or sightseer.

Shores Lake has camping, picnicking, hiker trails, and fishing.   Redding, Wolf Pen, Horsehead Lake and Gray’s Spring are also recreation sites, all within a few miles of the Ozark area.

The Ozark Highland Trail offers cross country hikers an uninterrupted backpacking experience. The trail stretches from one end of the National Forest to the other for 169 miles. Numerous access points to the trail are available just north of Ozark.

The Boston Mountains

The beautiful Boston Mountains in northern Franklin county, with their many natural streams and forests, provide hunting, canoeing, fishing, float trips, and swimming. The climactic temperature is considered mild, making this an ideal agricultural and recreation area.

Altus

Nearby Altus received its name, which means “high”, due to the elevation as the highest point on the railroad line that ran the length of the Arkansas River Valley. Because of the sandy loam soil and climate conditions, the grape growing region around Altus was nationally recognized in 1984 as the Altus Viticultural Area. Heading north of Altus on Highway 186 you’ll find Post Familie Wines, established in 1880. Tours of the winery are daily, and don’t forget to visit their lovely gift shop after your wine tasting .

A little farther north of Altus you’ll find St. Mary’s Church. Listed on the National Historic Register, St. Mary’s is famous for its architecture of native sandstone quarried from the hill of its location, stained glass windows, bells, and pipe organ.  Restoration of this landmark was just completed, and now visitors can view the 1901 Gothic Revival church in all its original splendor.

Staying north on Highway 186 you’ll be approaching Wiederkehr Village, famous for the Wiederkehr Wine Cellar. The original wine cellar, dug by Johann Andrea Wiederkehr in 1880 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been converted to house the Weinkeller Restaurant.  Tours of the Wine Cellars are daily.

The Mulberry River

The Mulberry is fast becoming one of the best whitewater canoeing rivers in the nation. The Mulberry is tempermental - one day it can be a lazy meandering stream, the next it might be a challenge for the most seasoned canoer. The most popular season for canoeing and rafting is March through June.  The Mulberry River is located north of Ozark with various access points. Several canoe rental stores that provide shuttle service, camping and picnic areas are located right off Scenic Highway 23.

The Mulberry can be very good for fishing at the right water level. The U.S. Forest Service stocks the river with channel catfish and smallmouth bass. Black perch are numerous and there are some largemouth bass too.

The “Pig Trail”

State Highway 23 North of Ozark for 19 miles is one of the states most scenic roads. Newly dedicated as a scenic byway, it twists through the mountains, with switchbacks in the most steep parts.  The “pig trail” nickname is a result of the highway’s being used to take sports enthusiasts to Fayetteville to view the Arkansas Razorback games. Springtime is gorgeous, with dogwoods throughout the forest, whereas our fall color rivals the East Coast when the scenery is at its peak.

Parks

Altus City Park, located in the center of Altus, is the perfect location for an afternoon of fun. Site of the Altus Spring Gala and the Grape Festival, this park has picnic sites, playground, and a gazebo.

The Ozark Public Swimming Pool is located in the West Side City Park.  Baseball fields, picnic sites and a playground are available. Several other parks and baseball fields are located throughout the city.

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