Among the foothills of the Ozark Mountains lies the beautiful five-county area we call the Ozark Foothills Region. Situated midway between St. Louis and Memphis, it is 160 miles to either city, north and south respectively. The area is also 160 miles northeast of Little Rock, AR.

Residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities centered around the natural attractions scattered throughout the five-county area. Big Springs State Park, home of the world's largest natural spring; Current River; Black River; Markham Springs State Park; Clearwater Lake; Johnson's Shut-Ins; Deer Run State Forest; Pinewoods Lake; Lake Wappapello; Watercress Park; Sam A. Baker State Park, and the Mark Twain National Forest offer camping, fishing, hiking/fitness/nature trails, motor boating, tubing/floating, swimming, and water skiing. The area is also designated as part of the beautiful National Scenic Riverways.

For a listing of outdoor and recreation activities, shopping, food & drink, lodging and more check out seetheozarks.com. The website lists a variety of day trip ideas in and around the region, along with a few surprises. 

Healthcare is readily available in the five-county region. Along with numerous clinics, there are also the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, St. Francis Medical Center, plus the John J. Pershing Veterans Administration Hospital, in Poplar Bluff.

Three Rivers College, located in Poplar Bluff, is utilized by students from all over the area. The well-rounded curriculum and the extra-curricular activities offered at the community college are outstanding. Approximate enrollment of the college stands at 2,700. Southeast Missouri State University, located in Cape Girardeau, and Arkansas State University, in Jonesboro, AR, are less than 100 miles away, making them popular choices for area students seeking four-year degrees.

The Ozark Foothills Region of Southeast Missouri is a beautiful area with numerous natural attractions. Residents have access to first-rate healthcare, as well as topnotch educational opportunities. While enjoying the friendliness of the small town environments, local citizens are able to take advantage of the opportunities and services found in the larger municipalities nearby. The Ozark Foothills Region is an excellent place to call home!

To make accomodation arrangements when visiting The Current River or Big Spring, please review the following list (all numbers use area code 573):

• Big Spring National Park Cabins - 323-8433
• Big Spring Road Motel - 323-8128
• Garden of Eden Resort - 323-4641
• Hawthorne Motel - 323-4274
• The Landing and Rosecliff Lodge - 323-8433 / www.currentriverlanding.com
• Misty Mountain Lodge - 323-8388
• Skyline Lodge and Supper Club - 323-4144
• Smalley's Motel - 323-4263
• Starlight Motel - 323-4673

When planning canoe and/or tube outings, consult the following list:

• Deer Run Campground Canoe and Tube Rental - 323-4447
• Big Spring Canoe and Tube Rental - 323-4550
• Hawthorne Landing Canoe & Tube Rental - 323-4562
• The Landing & Rosecliff Lodge-Canoe & Tube Rental - 323-8433

For dining purposes, please see the following list:

• Big Springs Dining Lodge - 323-4332
• Big Springs Restaurant - 323-4339
• Blue Heron Restaurant - 323-8433
• Jolly Cone Drive-In - 323-4318
• The Log Cabin Restaurant (Ellsinore) - 322-9300

Also, for entertainment, make sure to visit the 21-Drive-In Theatre (945-2121) and experience a movie under the stars, or enjoy the tunes of local bands while dining along The Current River at The Landing (323-8433).

The following DropBox link connects you to a series of short videos that highlight nearby activities and day trips for those in the region 
Play Near Stay Here!