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West Plains, Missouri: Where Fun and Adventure Collide – The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

West Plains is a small Ozarks town and the people are the point. The Ozark Heritage Festival brings the bluegrass, and the Optimist Club Craft Show brings the handmade work. The Toys for Tots Christmas Show brings the rest of the town out. The brewery handles the afternoons. Beyond that: a courthouse from 1928, Art Deco along Broadway Street, an antiques mall with 20 shops, and 6 miles of trail at Galloway Creek Nature Park.

Planning a trip to West Plains, Missouri, you are in for a treat. This town carries plenty to see and do across every age. Historical landmarks through to outdoor time, the artsy districts and the live music, West Plains covers all four.

History readers should work through the town’s landmarks, the Old City Hall and the West Plains Opera House among them. For the artsy side of West Plains, head to the Downtown Arts District, where the galleries, studios and shops show the work of local artists. For outdoor time, hike the trails at the Mark Twain National Forest, fish one of the many lakes and rivers, or hit the slopes at Snow Creek Ski Area.

Key Takeaways

• West Plains, Missouri offers a diverse range of activities for visitors.
• From historical landmarks to outdoor adventures, artsy districts to live music and theater, there is something for everyone.
• Some of the top things to do in West Plains include exploring the historical landmarks, visiting the artsy Downtown Arts District, and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

Welcome to West Plains, Missouri

You have found yourself in the heart of the Ozarks, in West Plains, Missouri. Nature lover, history reader or someone after old-fashioned fun, this town covers all three.

First, the city itself. West Plains is small and it carries more than its size suggests. Locals still wave and say hello as you pass. It is somewhere you slow down. And it puts the Ozarks right in front of you.

On the Ozarks, you are in for a treat. West Plains is ringed by some of the finest landscape in the country. The Mark Twain National Forest through to the clear rivers and streams, the outdoor options run long. Hiking, fishing or an afternoon by the water, all three are covered.

There is more to West Plains than that. History readers get the town’s past, from the historic mills to the downtown antiques mall. And for something lighter, check out the Ostermeier Brewing Company for the craft beer, or head to the West Plains Civic Center for an evening out.

Here for a weekend or a lifetime, welcome to West Plains, Missouri.

Historical Landmarks

History readers should work through the historic landmarks in West Plains. These are the places to find:

Historic Courthouse

The Historic Courthouse in West Plains is where local history readers should start. Built in 1928, the building has been the site of a great many important events. Take a guided tour for the courthouse’s history and the people who worked in it. The statue of Lady Justice out front is worth a photograph.

Downtown Antiques Mall

Vintage people should check out the Downtown Antiques Mall. The multi-level store is packed with stock from the past, furniture, clothing and jewelry among it. What turns up changes, so take your time and work through every corner. You may find the piece your collection has been missing.

Local history or somewhere new to explore, West Plains covers both. Plan a visit and see what this town carries.

Artsy Side of West Plains

For culture in West Plains, you are in luck. Several places here show the city’s artistic side. These are the ones to find:

Harlin Museum

The Harlin Museum is where art enthusiasts should start. The museum runs a broad range of work, paintings and sculptures through to photography and mixed media. Local artists hang alongside pieces from further afield. It also costs nothing to enter.

West Plains Public Library

The West Plains Public Library is not the first place you think of for art, and it holds a strong collection of books on art and art history. There are art-related DVDs too, along with book clubs and author talks.

Broadway Street Art Deco

Take a stroll down Broadway Street and the Art Deco architecture is hard to miss. The style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s and runs to geometric shapes, bold colors and intricate detail. The Landmark Bank, the West Plains Theatre and the West Plains Post Office are the buildings to look at.

Seasoned art lover or someone after something new, the artsy side of West Plains holds up. These are the spots to find.

Outdoor Fun in West Plains

For outdoor time in West Plains, you are in luck. There are parks, playgrounds and hiking trails to work through. These are the two to start with:

Galloway Creek Nature Park

Galloway Creek Nature Park handles a hike or a picnic. With over 6 miles of trails, there is plenty of ground. Watch for wildlife, deer, birds and turtles among it. The park also has a fishing pond, so bring the rod.

For something slower, Galloway Creek Nature Park has plenty of places to sit. Pack a picnic lunch and take a quiet afternoon in it.

Children’s Park

With children, Children’s Park is where to go. The playground runs swings, slides, climbing structures and a splash pad. They will burn off whatever they arrived with.

Children’s Park also handles a family picnic. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills, so bring burgers and hot dogs and make a day of it.

Whatever your outdoor interests, West Plains has the ground for them. Pack the sunscreen and go.

Adrenaline Rush in West Plains

For something faster in West Plains, these are the two activities to try:

Legit Speedway

Motorsport people should not miss the Legit Speedway. The dirt track runs some of the strongest racing in the area, sprint cars through to modifieds and street stocks. Seasoned racing fan or complete newcomer, both get something out of it.

Kayaking and Rafting

For a more natural adrenaline rush, head to one of the many rivers and streams around West Plains for kayaking or rafting. Beginner or experienced paddler, there is water for both. The North Fork River is the popular spot, with rapids running from Class I to Class III. For something gentler, a float trip down the nearby Spring River.

Whatever gets your heart going, West Plains has it. Get out there.

Food and Drink in West Plains

For a meal or a drink in West Plains, you are in luck. This small town carries more options than it looks like it should.

Local Restaurants

First, the local restaurants. Ozark Pizza & Bread Co is where anyone who likes a slice should go. The pizza is strong and the bread is the thing you will want to take home.

For classic American dining, check out the Ozark Cafe. The homemade rolls are a local legend, and the chicken strips and meatloaf are both strong choices. For something more indulgent, one of their famous cinnamon rolls.

For barbecue, head over to Smokin’ J’s BBQ. The brisket and pulled pork are both worth ordering, and the sides hold up, the mac and cheese especially.

Wages Brewing Company

Now the drinks. Beer people should check out Wages Brewing Company. Their beers are some of the finest around, and they also run kombucha, cocktails, hand-crafted sodas and non-alcoholic options. The room is cozy, which makes it work for an afternoon or an evening.

Pizza, meatloaf or a cold beer, West Plains covers all three. Bring an appetite.

Summer is when West Plains fills up. The Ozark Heritage Festival runs the bluegrass, Galloway Creek Nature Park runs the trails, and the North Fork River takes the kayaking, with rapids from Class I to Class III. Fall belongs to the Optimist Club Craft Show. December belongs to the Toys for Tots Christmas Show. Downtown works year-round, with the Historic Courthouse, the antiques mall, the boutiques and the Art Deco buildings along Broadway Street all within a walk.

Events and Festivals

For events and festivals in West Plains, these are the ones worth timing a visit around.

Ozark Heritage Festival

Bluegrass people should find the Ozark Heritage Festival. The festival celebrates the Ozark region’s musical heritage with live performances from some of the finest bluegrass bands around. There is food and there are craft vendors too. Bring a banjo.

Optimist Club Craft Show

Handmade craft people should check out the Optimist Club Craft Show. The event runs a broad range of handmade work, jewelry, pottery and woodworking among it. There is live music, there are food vendors, and buying there supports local artists and crafters.

Toys for Tots Christmas Show

For the end of the year, the Toys for Tots Christmas Show. The event runs live music, dance performances and other entertainment. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots and it goes to a child who needs one.

Whatever your interests, something is always running in West Plains. Grab the friends and family and head out to one of these events.

Where to Stay in West Plains

Planning a trip to West Plains, you will need somewhere to stay. There are plenty of options for every kind of traveler. A family-friendly hotel or a romantic getaway, both are covered.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Traveling with children is easier with the right accommodation. West Plains has several hotels built for families, running indoor pools, free breakfast and spacious rooms.

The Comfort Inn West Plains is one strong option for families. The hotel has a large indoor pool and hot tub, which handles the children. They also run a complimentary breakfast.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites West Plains Southwest is the other family option. The hotel has a large fitness center, so you can keep training while away. They also run a free breakfast buffet, which children reliably approve of.

Romantic Getaways

For a romantic getaway, West Plains has plenty of options too. Cozy bed and breakfasts through to more luxurious hotels, something will suit.

The White River Lodge Bed and Breakfast is one romantic option. The inn sits on the banks of the White River with the views to match. They also run packages including massages and dinners, which works for an occasion.

The West Plains Motel is the other. The boutique motel has cozy rooms and a secluded location. They also run a complimentary breakfast, so the morning takes care of itself.

Whatever kind of traveler you are, West Plains has somewhere to stay. Family-friendly hotels through to romantic bed and breakfasts, the range covers it.

Shopping in West Plains

For retail therapy, West Plains has it covered. Antiques through to boutiques, the range is here.

Downtown Shopping

Start the shopping in downtown West Plains, where the unusual shops and boutiques are. Take a stroll down the historic streets and find places like the Downtown Antiques Mall, which runs 20 different antique shops. What turns up changes, and you will leave with something.

For something more modern, check out This & That. The boutique runs trendy clothing and accessories. And for a gift, Tootsies & Tweetsies Antiques & Gifts, which carries handmade items and gifts you will not see elsewhere.

Shopping is not only about buying things; it is about the afternoon. West Plains handles that. Take a break and eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants downtown. Or head over to the Vintage Attic Flea Market, which runs a broad range of vintage and antique items in a lively room.

Something old or something new, downtown West Plains covers both. Get ready to shop.

Live Music and Theater

For live entertainment in West Plains, you are in luck. The city runs options for anyone who likes music and theater. These are the two to check out:

West Plains Civic Center

The West Plains Civic Center is the hub for entertainment in the city. The center hosts concerts, plays and musicals. It also hosts the annual Old-Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival, which celebrates the area’s musical heritage with bluegrass, square dancing and more.

Local Theaters

For live theater, West Plains has a few options. The local theaters run classic plays through to modern musicals. Check out the West Plains Little Theater or the Ozark Actors Theater.

Live music or theater, West Plains covers both. Grab the friends and head out. You might come away with a new favorite band or play.

Exploring Beyond West Plains

To venture out of West Plains and see more of Missouri, there are plenty of day trips and weekend getaways. These are the options to consider:

Day Trips to Springfield, MO

Springfield sits a little over an hour’s drive from West Plains and it is a busy city with plenty in it. These are the highlights:

• Visit the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, a massive facility that houses over 35,000 live animals and exhibits.
• Check out the Fantastic Caverns, an underground cave system that you can explore via jeep-drawn tram.
• Take a stroll through the Springfield Botanical Gardens, which feature over 20 themed gardens and a butterfly house.
• Catch a Springfield Cardinals minor league baseball game at Hammons Field.

Weekend Getaways to St. Louis, MO

For a longer trip, consider St. Louis, which is about 3 hours from West Plains. These are the attractions to find:

• Visit the iconic Gateway Arch, which stands at 630 feet tall and offers stunning views of the city.
• Check out the City Museum, an interactive museum that’s housed in a former shoe factory and features a 10-story slide and a rooftop Ferris wheel.
• Explore Forest Park, a massive urban park that’s home to the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, and the Missouri History Museum.
• Take a tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, which produces some of the most popular beers in the country.

Wherever you go, there is plenty outside West Plains. Pack the bags and hit the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems in West Plains, Missouri that tourists often miss?

Well, we could tell you, but then they wouldn’t be hidden gems anymore, would they? Just kidding. One spot that’s often overlooked is the West Plains City Pool. It’s a great place to cool off on a hot day and it’s only $2 for admission. Another hidden gem is the Bittersweet Cabin Village. It’s a historic cabin village that’s been restored and is now used for events and weddings. It’s a beautiful and unique spot that’s worth checking out.

Can you recommend any unique outdoor activities in the West Plains area?

Yes. Disc golf is one, which works like regular golf with frisbees. The West Plains City Park has a course that costs nothing to play. Geocaching is the other, a treasure hunt using GPS coordinates, and there are several geocaches hidden around the West Plains area.

What’s the best way to spend a rainy day in West Plains, Missouri?

You could stay in and binge-watch something on Netflix, and there are better options. Head over to the West Plains Cinema 5 for a film. They run the latest releases and the popcorn is fresh. The Harlin Museum is the other option, a small museum with a range of exhibits that handles a rainy afternoon.

Are there any haunted places to visit in or around West Plains?

There are several places around West Plains with a reputation for it, and nothing is guaranteed. The Missouri State University-West Plains Garnett Library is one, said to be haunted by a former librarian who died in the building. The West Plains Opera House is the other, a historic building dating from the early 1900s and said to be haunted by a former actress.

What’s the most delicious local food to try in West Plains, Missouri?

A classic Ozark meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans is the answer. Head over to the Cookin’ from Scratch Cafe for some of the finest fried chicken in town. The Ozark Pizza and Bread Co is the other local favorite, with pizzas and sandwiches that cover most cravings.

Any tips for navigating the Ozarks and finding the best scenic views near West Plains?

The Ozarks take some navigating. One tip is to download a map of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which covers the scenic views and the hiking trails in the area. The other is to drive Highway 17, which runs through the heart of the Ozarks and gives you the long views.

Frequently asked questions about West Plains, Missouri

What is there to do at Galloway Creek Nature Park in West Plains?

Over 6 miles of trails, a fishing pond and plenty of places to sit down. Deer, birds and turtles all turn up along the way, and the trails stay easy enough to walk with young children. Bring lunch.

Is the Harlin Museum in West Plains worth an hour of your time?

It costs nothing to enter, which settles most of the argument before you start. The collection runs paintings, sculpture, photography and mixed media, with local artists hanging alongside work from further afield. It suits a rainy afternoon better than anything else here.

Where should you go kayaking near West Plains, Missouri?

The North Fork River if you want the rapids, which run from Class I to Class III depending on where you put in and what the water has been doing. The Spring River if you would rather float than paddle, which most people do. Beginners should take the second one.

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