Fun Facts

The Ozarks (also referred to as the Ozark Mountains or Ozark plateau) extend across five states: Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois. The majority of the region falls in Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas. The Ozarks are subdivided into four smaller regions: the Springfield Plateau, Boston Mountains, Salem Plateau, and St. Francois Mountains. The region enjoys a relatively cool and temperate climate, fresh mountain air, and pristine lakes and rivers.

The Boston Mountains are the highest part of the Ozark Plateau, with summits reaching over 2,560 feet (780 meters). 

The Ozark region is known for an abundance of sparkling springs, waterfalls, lakes, caves, caverns, and sinks (also known as karstic landforms). In addition, there are many manmade landmarks, such as the Lake of the Ozarks.
The Ozarks represent the largest area of rugged topography between the Appalachians and the Rockies. The Boston Mountains in Northwest Arkansas feature the highest peaks of the Ozark Mountains, many of which exceed 2,000 feet. Some of these mountains, including the tallest mountain in the state of Arkansas, can be found within the Ozark National Forest. The forest spans over a million acres and among its features beyond the mountains are the Blanchard Springs Caverns and 300 miles of hiking trails. There are several other state parks throughout the Ozarks that preserve the natural beauty of the area while making it accessible to visitors.
There are plenty of adventures waiting here for you, whether it is in the form of exploring a cave or hiking to vantage points that overlook scenic vistas. The lush forests and beautiful lakes support a variety of outdoor recreation, not to mention lend pristine natural beauty to the region.

Early Human Habitation:
Evidence suggests people have lived in the Ozark region since the late Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago.

Native American Presence:
The Ozarks were home to various Native American tribes, including the Osage, who hunted the area, and later served as a "first Indian Territory" for those forced to relocate, including the Cherokee on their Trail of Tears.
European Settlement:
The first documented white settlers, mostly French, arrived around 1705, primarily engaged in fur trading and agriculture.

Civil War Significance:
The Ozarks saw conflict during the Civil War, with the area being a battleground, particularly at Pea Ridge National Military Park.