Rate Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
We are proud that tribes, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and individual citizens ask for our help in revitalizing their communities, preserving local history, celebrating local heritage, and creating close to home opportunities for kids and families to get outside, be active, and have fun.
Taking care of the national parks and helping Americans take care of their communities is a job we love, and we need—and welcome—your help and support.
Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Scenic Riverways
Operating Hours & Seasons
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The park grounds are open daily, 24-hours per day. Campgrounds are restricted to campers only from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:Open 24 hours
- Monday:12:00 AM-11:00 PM
- Tuesday:12:00 AM-11:00 PM
- Wednesday:Open 24 hours
- Thursday:Open 24 hours
- Friday:Open 24 hours
- Saturday:Open 24 hours
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – Park entrance fee
There is no entrance fee at Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
About
More Than Just the Rivers….
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a river system. The Current and Jacks Fork Rivers are two of the finest floating rivers you’ll find anywhere. Spring-fed, cold and clear they are a delight to canoe, swim, boat or fish. Besides these two famous rivers, the park is home to hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, trails and historic sites such as Alley Mill.
Directions
The Headquarters for Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located at 404 Watercress Drive in Van Buren, Missouri. It’s located at the corner of Watercress Drive and Main Street, across the street from the Van Buren Public School complex.
Visitor Centers
Park Headquarters Visitor Center
The Park Headquarters Visitor Center is open year-round and is located at 404 Watercress Drive in Van Buren, Missouri. The Visitor Center is located at park headquarters and contains an Eastern National sales area, park information, exhibits and a historic film made on the Current River. America the Beautiful passes can be acquired at this location. Alley Mill and General Store
Alley Mill and General Store are located at Alley Spring, west of Eminence, Missouri. Both facilities offer an Eastern National sales area and exhibits related to the Ozark culture surrounding mill communities. Round Spring Visitor Center
Round Spring Visitor Center is located north of Eminence, Missouri, on Highway 19. The visitor center is open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Tickets for the Round Spring Cave tour are sold here. Tours run daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and are limited to 15 participants, with tickets available in person on a first come, first serve basis 30 minutes prior to tour time. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children.
Weather
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located in southeastern Missouri. Summer temperatures generally range from 75-100 degrees with high humidity. Winter temperatures generally range from 0-50 degrees with periods of intermittent freezing and snow.
Own or work here?
Nearby Businesses
