Christmas in the Ozarks: Noel, MO
Riding through the Ozarks, you’ll find wonderfully curvy roads, lush forests, gorgeous views, and fascinating caves. You can also discover the Christmas spirit among the mountains.
In the southwestern corner of Missouri, tucked between the cliffs framing the Elk River, is Noel. This small town of about 2,000 residents is the Christmas City in the Ozark Vacation Land.
At least, if the town’s postage stamp is to be believed.
Much like North Pole or Santa Claus, Noel has embraced its holiday-themed name and turned itself into one of America’s “Christmas Towns.” Unlike them, though, you won’t find Santa’s workshops or other kitschy tourist draws in this town.
Instead, Noel has focused entirely on mail. Since the 1940s, people have been sending thousands of cards and letters to Noel around Christmas to get the town’s Christmassy postmark stamp on them.
This is all despite the fact that the town’s name doesn’t actually have anything to do with Christmas. Outside December, it’s pronounced to rhyme with “mole” in honor of the town’s founding Nole family.
What’s more, Noel doesn’t really need holiday gimmicks to be famous. In addition to Christmas City, the town is dubbed the Canoe Capital of the Ozarks—a deserved title.
The Elk River flowing by Noel is ridiculously scenic, with its blue water lined by green woods and rocky cliffs and bluffs. It’s the perfect location for cooling down after a long ride.
As the town’s nickname suggests, canoeing is among the number one activities in Noel, alongside tubing. Many companies in Noel and the surrounding areas rent equipment for you to get on the water. In addition, you can swim and fish in the river.
If you plan to do some watersports, though, be prepared for company. Noel’s beautiful scenery attracts large throngs of summer tourists. The crowds can be so dense that you’ll struggle to find parking even in the morning.
With that in mind, there are places nearby where you can appreciate the beauty of the Ozarks surrounded by fewer people. The Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area, located on the pretty and curvy SR K east of Noel, has many hiking trails that traverse its oak and hickory woods.
The Big Sugar Creek State Park on its namesake tributary of the Elk River is near Huckleberry Ridge, accessible along a paved single-lane road. This area features a rugged landscape with more hiking, along with unique flora. Would you expect to see prickly pear cacti in Missouri?
If the summer weather gets too hot, you can escape to the coolness of the underground at the Bluff Dwellers Cave south of Noel. Once a home to Native American people known simply as “bluff dwellers,” the cave features stunning rock formations and unique small animals.
Another nearby cave is the Old Spanish Treasure Cave, a bit farther south on the Arkansas side of the border. As its name implies, this large cave system was rumored to be the hiding spot of plunder Spanish conquistadors stole from the Natives. It’s a more family-oriented destination, but still worth seeing.
In nearby Bentonville, AR, you can visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. This renowned institution preserves and displays some of the most famous American artworks in history.
Whew, exploring everything in the area sure is exhausting. Luckily, as soon as you return to Noel, you can refresh yourself in the Elk River while thinking wintery thoughts of Christmas.
Facts & Info
Nearby Attractions
- Elk River
- Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area
- Big Sugar Creek State Park
- Bluff Dwellers Cave
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Nearby Roads
The Ozarks have plenty of excellent riding in store. SR 90, which goes right through Noel, is a fun, moderately curvy road with nice scenery. In the east, it leads to Table Rock Lake and SR 76, a long route eastward lined by wooded hills and serene farms.
SR 76 leads you to SR 19, which is also known as the Spine of Missouri. Over 260 miles, it traverses the Mark Twain National Forest, serving thrilling curves and gorgeous views. It’s quite the way away, but if you’re riding in Missouri, you can’t afford to miss this road.
From Noel, you have easy access to the famous Pig Trail. This 120-mile road crosses the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas and is renowned as possibly the most scenic ride in the area. It’s rivaled by the Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway to the east, which makes for an exquisite road to loop back on.
Finally, to the north of Noel is Joplin, where you can pick up the Missouri section of Route 66. Its proximity to the Mother Road makes Noel a worthwhile detour if you’re on the ultimate American road trip.
Food & Dining
Cliffside Cafe is the choice for dining in Noel. This local restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a uniquely decorated building. Find it at 501 N Cliffside Dr, Noel, MO.
If you’re heading to Huckleberry Ridge or Big Sugar Creek, stop for lunch at Haven 55. Dine on American classics while enjoying beautiful views of the Elk River. Find it at 408 Havenhurst Dr, Pineville, MO.
For finer dining, point your front wheel toward Cellar Creekside. Its kitchen prepares excellent meals from local ingredients. The restaurant is only open on Saturday evenings, and reservations are necessary. Find it at 134 Wood Ave, Sulphur Springs, AR.
Best Time to Travel
Head to the Ozarks either earlier in the spring (April-May) or later in the fall (mid-September-October). At these times, the weather is most accommodating of motorcycle gear, summer’s tourist crowds have either not arrived or have already left, and the mountains are at their most beautiful, being either in full bloom or blazing with fall foliage.