Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located in southern Missouri, USA.It lies between the towns of Eminence and Van Buren, situated in the Ozark Mountains area, and is famous for its clear rivers, caves, and natural springs.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Location Map, Van Buren, Missouri
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Top Attractions Inside Ozark National Scenic Riverways
- Blue Spring – Vibrant deep-blue spring known for its striking color and scenic setting.
- Alley Mill – Historic red mill on the Jacks Fork River, perfect for photos and picnics.
- Round Spring – Beautiful natural spring with a short trail and cave tours in season.
- Big Spring – One of the largest springs in the U.S., flowing into the Current River.
- Current River – Crystal-clear river popular for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing.
- Jacks Fork River – Scenic wild river offering floating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
- Echo Bluff – Towering bluff with dramatic views and nearby trails through the forest.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Facts
| Official Name | Ozark National Scenic Riverways |
| Location | Shannon, Carter, Dent, and Texas Counties, Missouri, USA (Ozark region / southern Missouri) |
| Latitude & Longitude (approx. center / reference) | ≈ 37.3° N, 91.3° W (general area encompassing the Current & Jacks Fork Rivers) |
| Total Area | ≈ 80,000 acres (≈ 32,375 hectares) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} |
| Established / Designated | Authorized by Congress August 27, 1964 (Public Law 88-492) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} |
| Managed By | U.S. National Park Service (NPS) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} |
| Main Rivers Protected | Current River & Jacks Fork River — spring-fed, free-flowing rivers famed for clear water and scenic bluffs. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6} |
| Region / Landscape Type | Ozark Plateau / Southern Missouri Ozarks — karst topography, springs, caves, rivers, forested hills & bluffs. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} |
| Natural Features & Highlights | Spring-fed rivers & springs (over 300 springs & many first-magnitude springs), hundreds of caves, dolomite bluffs, clear waters ideal for floating, forested hills, wildlife & biodiversity. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8} |
| Typical Activities / Recreation | Canoeing, kayaking, tubing, floating, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, cave exploration, bird- and wildlife-watching, nature photography, boating & scenic drives. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9} |
| Camping & Visitor Facilities | Multiple campgrounds & back-country campsites along rivers and springs — including Big Spring, Alley Spring, Round Spring, Pulltite, Two Rivers, and more. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10} |
| Historic & Cultural Sites | Historic springs, mills & structures (e.g. old mills at Alley Spring), cave- and spring-related heritage, remnants of rural Ozark lifestyle & early-settler history. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11} |
| Significance / Conservation Status | First national park area in the USA established to protect a wild river system — model for later Wild & Scenic Rivers legislation. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12} |
| Estimated Annual Visitors | Over 1.3 to 1.5 million recreation visits annually (varies by year / season) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13} |
| Best Time to Visit | Late Spring through early Fall — for best water clarity, floating, camping & warmer weather; also good for wildlife & spring visits. Summers popular but can be busy. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14} |
| Access / Nearest Towns & Entry Points | Nearest towns include Van Buren, Eminence, and Salem, Missouri. Main access via highways connecting to river launch & campground sites. Headquarters address: 404 Watercress Drive, Van Buren, MO 63965. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15} |
| Time Zone | Central Time (CT) — UTC−6 Standard / UTC−5 Daylight Saving |
| Currency (for services/fees) | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Official / Visitor Information Website | https://www.nps.gov/ozar/ :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16} |
Distances from Ozark National Scenic Riverways to Nearby Landmarks
- Alley Spring Mill – 11 km (7 mi)
- Big Spring – 13 km (8 mi)
- Blue Spring – 19 km (12 mi)
- Round Spring – 21 km (13 mi)
- Echo Bluff State Park – 32 km (20 mi)
- Current River State Park – 29 km (18 mi)
- Eminence, Missouri – 16 km (10 mi)
- Van Buren, Missouri – 24 km (15 mi)
- Akron Access Boat Launch – 8 km (5 mi)
- Two Rivers (Current + Jacks Fork Confluence) – 22 km (14 mi)
- Jacks Fork Scenic River – 10 km (6 mi)
- Rocky Falls Shut-In – 19 km (12 mi)
- Montauk State Park – 51 km (32 mi)
- Mammoth Spring, Arkansas – 72 km (45 mi)
- Mark Twain National Forest – 40 km (25 mi)
- Greer Spring – 48 km (30 mi)
- Devil’s Well – 24 km (15 mi)
- Echo Bluff Lodge – 32 km (20 mi)
- Alley Spring Campground – 11 km (7 mi)
- Jam Up Cave Overlook – 30 km (19 mi)
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