10 Things to Do In and Around Jasper, AR
If you found yourself reading our recent Jasper, Arkansas Shamrock Tour, you might be wondering what else there is to do and see in this area. While the curvy roads are plentiful, there are several neat things to check out in this part of the Ozarks.
Buffalo River
Floating on the Buffalo River is one of the top attractions in Jasper and several places in town rent canoes and kayaks. The Buffalo River is rated as a Class 1 river, the least difficult to navigate. There are options to spend a day on the river or stretch it out for two or three days.
Boxley Valley
Wildlife photographers will love tracking herds of Rocky Mountain elk in Boxley Valley, about 20 minutes west of Jasper. There is also the Ponca Nature Center nearby in Ponca where you can learn more about these majestic animals and the area’s natural world.
Upper Buffalo Mountain Bike Trail
Bicyclists will love the Upper Buffalo Mountain Bike Trail, consisting of 40 miles of single track surrounding the highest point in the Ozark Mountains. If you didn’t bring a bike, you can rent one at the Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca.
Camping
For those who want to take it slow, there are many spots to put up a tent and get away from the real world for a spell. Ranches offer ziplines, horseback riding, and more. Stargazing is excellent in the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, an international dark sky area.
Hog Wild Adventures
Crave more adventure? Take a guided off-road adventure tour in a Can-Am UTV with Hog Wild Adventures up in Omaha. More than 1,100 acres of woods, creeks, and trails await on the roughly 1.5-hour outings. Find it at 14552 Old Springfield Rd N, Omaha, AR.
Oark Cafe
Ozark Cafe has been serving customers in Jasper for over 100 years. It was featured in Man v. Food on the Travel Channel and listed as a Top 50 foodie destination in New York Magazine’s “Grub Street.” I can vouch for the burgers and milkshakes—they’re delicious. Find it at 107 East Court St, Jasper, AR.
Daisy Queen
Speaking of burgers and milkshakes, Daisy Queen just north of Jasper is another spot to satisfy your cravings. A cross between Dairy Queen and Bob’s Big Boy, Daisy Queen has been a popular motorcycle stop for over 50 years. Find it at 9044 SR S (just south of the SR 206 junction), Harrison, AR.
Cliff House Inn
Cliff House Inn, a few miles south of town, has motel rooms, cabins, and private views of the Arkansas Grand Canyon. Try their Company’s Comin’ Pie, the official Arkansas State Pie. Yes, that’s a real thing. Find it at 6 SR 7, Jasper, AR.
Branson, MO
For those who like live shows, theme parks, and Dolly Parton, Branson is just an hour or so north of Jasper. Famously family-oriented, you can spend a month in Branson and still not see everything.
Golf at Top of the Rock
Golfers have a few options here, but the best is probably Golf at Top of the Rock, an hour north of Jasper in Ridgedale, MO. The founder of Bass Pro Shops built a wilderness resort on the shores of Table Rock Lake, including this Jack Nicklaus-designed par three course. Find it at 150 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO.