General Attractions:

Original Ozark Mural  601 W. Commercial; 479-667-2181 This 56-foot sand-carved mural is an historic storyboard of the city. It was recently moved from its original place in the flagship Bank of the Ozarks building to the new banking center straight across Commercial St. /Hwy. 64.

 Ozark Area Depot Museum [103 E. River St.; 479-667-5015] Built in 1911, the Missouri-Pacific/Union Pacific depot has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1992 and features exhibits recollecting the history of Aux Arc, alongside railroad memorabilia from the past century.

Ozark Bridge

Spanning the Arkansas River across Scenic Hwy. 23, this structure is acclaimed the 16th most beautiful long span bridge in the U.S. by the American Institute of Steel Construction, and is illuminated at night to showcase its magnificence.

Historic Downtown District

Six nationally recognized historic buildings, each with its own unique story, are concentrated near and around the Courthouse Square. Many are constructed from locally quarried stone, including the First United Methodist Church (circa 1910), which is now being fully restored inside and out. Aside from its historic significance, downtown Ozark also boasts the four-star Rivertowne BBQ restaurant, a “pocket park,” a local Veterans Memorial, several antique shops, diners, and galleries.

Mulberry Mtn. Lodging & Events [AR Hwy. 23 N; 479-667-1919; www.mulberrymountainlodge.com]

Hosting WAKARUSA (music/camping festival) since 2009, as well as several other large attractions each year, this place is big enough for an army and accommodated better than a Hilton! This resort is situated between two National Scenic routes--Hwy. 23 and the Mulberry River, in the heart of the Ozark National Forest. Its ideal placement, onsite disc golf course, swimming holes, waterfalls, four fish-stocked ponds, and horse stable create an abundance of outdoor opportunities. Seven furnished shelters are also located on the 650 acre property for housing. The actual lodge welcomes 19 guests in 5,000 sq. ft. of comfort, while four cabins, a barn loft, and an authentic 1920’s Sears-Roebuck farm house can board over 30 others in addition to camping and RV sites on premise. The new 6,000 sq. ft. convention center is a popular place for weddings and reunions.

Pig Trail Scenic Byway

This section of Hwy. 23 extends north of the AR River Valley in Ozark, curving and climbing into the Ozark National Forest and Mountains to its junction with Hwy. 16 near Brashears, AR. It was dubbed the Pig Trail long ago when it served as the main route from the valley to the University in Fayetteville, not to mention its likeness to a pig’s tail! Consistently acclaimed one of the most scenic drives in the country, it is certainly one to be taken leisurely.

Outdoor Recreation:

 Mulberry River [AR Hwy. 23 N] Considered one of the wildest rivers in AR with a Class II/III rating throughout the spring months, The Mulberry is a very popular and challenging paddling, rafting, swimming, and fishing destination. Local businesses offer canoe and kayak rentals, shuttle service, supplies, and camping amenities all within close access to numerous hiking/biking/ATV trials.

Ozark Highlands Trail [Access point along AR Hwy. 23 N]

Stretching 168 miles across the Natural State from Lake Ft. Smith to the Buffalo National River, this attraction passes through eight public campgrounds, all with basic amenities, and is known to be one of the longest, most beautiful hiking trails in the country. It’s no secret that trails are abundant in the Ozark National Forest, but this one tops them all!

Ozark Lake [http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/ozark/; 479-968-5008]

Upon completion of the Ozark-Jeta Taylor Lock and Dam and Powerhouse in 1969, approximately 10,600 surface acres of water with 173 miles of shoreline were created and a major segment added to the McKlellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. The

surrounding public land is designated a State Wildlife Management Area. Recreational facilities found nearby include picnic and camping amenities, RV park, boat ramps, hiking trails, playground equipment, overlook pavilion, and of course, fishing!

Reed Mountain Park [ http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/ozark/recreation.htm; 479-968-5008]

Known locally as The Overlook, a strategically placed pavilion provides a magnificent view of the Jeta-Taylor Lock and Dam, as well as its surroundings. Watch barges enter and pass through the lock as the dam sinks and rises to the occasion. The River Bluff Nature Trail is 7/8 of a mile long with wooden stairs that meander down a steep bluff, and level-off to a path that trails around Reed Mtn. The park also offers plenty of open space for games, volleyball, a playground, two bathroom facilities, one large picnic pavilion, and permanent outdoor tables and grills, making it a regular site for children’s parties.

Eastside Park [AR Hwy. 64 E & N. Bell St.]

This city park is situated around Gar Creek and the historic Merle Whitman Tourist Cabin. Attractions include two tennis courts, playground equipment, picnic tables and bathroom facility, boat ramp and pier for fishing, and a covered stage. The American Legion sponsors a series of bluegrass concerts each year in the spring and summer months.

Westside Park [29th St.]

The city public swimming pool and surrounding ball fields make this park a busy place when school is out.

A well-kept, paved trail with a small footbridge over Gar Creek, playground equipment, a large pavilion, and picnic tables are also found neighboring the North Franklin County Fairgrounds.

Aux Arc Park [AR Hwy. 309; 479-667-1100]

Its position on the AR River and 88 campsites with easy access to water recreation make this one of the most lucrative parks in the state. Practically every amenity can be found here and the view of downtown Ozark across the river, highlighted by the bridge at night, is something to be seen.

WHAT'S NEW

Bank of the Ozarks established its new headquarter, The Kenneth Smith Operations Center, in 2010 on the site of the original Bank of Ozark, and relocated the flagship financial institution to a new building directly across the street. The new facility is bordered by the lovely Vanessa Briley Memorial Gardens, and was dedicated in May with local bank retiree Kenneth Smith at the center of it all