Tucked away in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Ozark Missouri is conveniently located just minutes from Springfield and Branson. Our population sign still says 9,665 but we’ve grown a lot since then. As a part of Christian county, we’re one of the fastest growing cities in the state. Once you’re here it’s easy to get where you want to go. Just hop on four-lane Hwy 65 for quick and easy access to the North and South or Hwy 60 and 14 to the East and West.

Do you know where the name Ozarks came from? The most common belief is that it came from French traders who came here to trade furs. They called it Aux Arcs, pronounced “Ozarks” which means the bends and curves, or possibly bow or rainbow, or arches. Whatever the origination, we just call it home!

What’s there to do in Ozark? Activities are often centered around the city park on the banks of the Finley River. Some of the activities include:
· Rubber Duck Race and Kinetic Kinetic Kontraption Race. Every summer people gather to watch the great rubber duck race. Each duck costs $5 to enter. There are lots of prizes including $5,000 for first place! Money raised goes to the parks and recreation department to develop new recreation areas for the city.
· Fair and Carnival
· Craft Shows
· Rodeo
· Christmas lights in the park
· Hot air balloon glow
· Fishing and boating
· Picnics
· Ballgames
· Walking trail along the river

There are several nice antique malls in the area. Residents and visitors enjoy browsing the malls to find those great treasures from the past or unique home accessories. Every now and then you will see items you remember from childhood that are now antiques!

Ozark is home to many restaurants ranging from fast food to fancy. Our most well-known restaurant is of course Lambert’s. Drive by anytime and you will see scores of people waiting on the front porch for their turn to eat. It’s well worth the wait but watch out for the “throwed rolls”!

There are a wide variety of churches, retail businesses, manufacturing facilities, and services to choose from in Ozark. Downtown is currently undergoing some major changes. Several older buildings are being razed and will be replaced by new planned development. This has been a challenge to make everyone happy but it is going to be impressive when it is finished. It will be a combination of historical buildings and new businesses with focus on the future. The High School is very proud of new $5 million multipurpose facility which opened in 2008. It provides facilities for football, soccer, track and field, marching band, physical education, and community use. The track has eight lanes, two long jump and two triple jump pits. The new facility seats 3000 in the home section and 1000 visitors. There is also overflow seating for 1000.

Another big change is the new Ozark Community Center on Jackson Street. The facility features two basketball courts, locker rooms, community rooms, concessions, party rooms, fitness center, indoor track, rock climbing wall, lap pool, zero entrance recreation pool, and lazy river. It’s a great facility the town is proud of. Ozark really is a great place to call home. The real estate market is strong, cost of living is low, many recreation and shopping opportunities, great schools, friendly people, nice climate, low unemployment, and it’s a sportsman destination. Come visit us when you get a chance.