What exactly are the Ozarks? (Springfield, Branson: mover, camp, place to live)

[christina0001]

I think the Ozarks are a chain of mountains and/or lakes. I could google it, but why bother when I can find out from the people who live there? What area does it cover, what parts are nicest, etc.

[guitardude1985]

Originally Posted by christina0001

I think the Ozarks are a chain of mountains and/or lakes. I could google it, but why bother when I can find out from the people who live there? What area does it cover, what parts are nicest, etc.

The Ozarks are a group of little mountain ranges that go from the central/middle part arkansas up through the southern middle part of missouri. I would say the lake of the ozarks would be a great place to be.

[Darren Stewart]

The Ozarks are the mountain range, in South Missouri and North Arkansas, while not like the Rockies its more like a slice of the Smokey mountains in comparison.

I have lived here for the last 20 years, having grown up in the military I have lived in other parts of the world, and Southwest Missouri is an awesome place to live.

At the foot of the Ozark Hills is a town called Ozark, and its an awesome place to live, raise a family etc. It is 10 miles South of Springfield, which topographically speaking sits up on a Plateau on limestone rock and many many water springs underground hence the name Springfield. 2O miles South of Ozark is Branson, a great place to live or vacation and the area is full of growth but still retains the small town feel and the feel of community, I know this sounds like I am part of the chamber of Commerce for the city and admittedly I am past president but it is a great place to be and my family and I enjoy the area immensely.

[MoMark]

It's a geographic name for the plateau that rises in southern Missouri and for the surrounding "mountains" from northern Arkansas, some consider far eastern Oklahoma part of it, and of course the southern tier of Missouri. These aren't mountains in the classic sense, more eroded and much older than the Sierras or Rockies, much more along the lines of the Appalachians, mostly hills to steep hills/little "mountainettes" (my coined word). Springfield sits atop the plateau, and this is the highest area of Missouri.

[christina0001]

Thanks all. Is there skiing?

[Rason44]

Skiing? Not really. There used to be a place north of Springfield called Snow Bluff (don't know if it's still there or not) where they would make fake snow to ski on. Of course it would be like going down a small bunny trail. The Ozark mountains really are more foothills than anything else. But they are BEAUTIFUL!

[Coldspring]

The Ozarks is mostly an ancient seabed that has eroded over time, with a little uplifting in places. There are a few areas of volcanic rock, like the St. Francois region, but it is mostly limestone. It really is more hollows and valleys than hills and mountains, if that makes sense.

You probably want to know more than geology though. There are still a few "hillbillies" left, but they are usually pretty cool. The people are great, and some of the more self-sufficient in the U.S. The city-slickers and yankees that mover here eventually figure out that they can't change anybody, and either accept the natives or learn that they should try to be more like them. Land is cheap in most areas. The scenery is nice. Things are slower, more laid-back, and simpler.

[berksco]

As mentioned they are eroded mountains which used to be higher than the Rockies. There is much permeable limestone, causing many rock formations, caves and springs. The last property we lived on there had several large caves, and a number of cold springs. The people were great, too. I had friends from nearby and from remote locations. We used to have spelunkers from Jersey come and camp with us and enjoy the many are caves and the great bass fishing!

[christina0001]

What's a spelunker? I hope it's a compliment!

[garth]

Originally Posted by christina0001

What's a spelunker? I hope it's a compliment!

They're people who like to explore caves, climbing, crawling, swimming . . . whatever it takes.