We've Got It All In The Scenic Ozark Area

Van Buren, the seat of Carter County, is a lovely, peaceful town located deep in the southeastern Missouri Ozarks. With a population of less than 1,000 people, a visit to Van Buren is like a trip back in time to the days when everybody in town knew your name.

Van Buren is served by US Highway 60.

Average high temperatures in Van Buren get up to 91 degrees Fahrenheit in July, and average lows reach 20 degrees in January. Monthly precipitation averages 3.9 inches. The average annual snowfall is 11.4 inches.

Education is provided to area students by a public elementary school, middle school and high school. The nearest higher education is offered through Three Rivers Community College roughly 45 miles away. Other options within 90 miles of town include the University of Missouri - Rolla, Arkansas State University and Jefferson College.

Local health care needs are served by Big Spring Medical Clinic. An alternative within 15 miles of town is Reynolds County General Memorial Hospital.

Van Buren is on the edge of a large section of Mark Twain National Forest, and Clearwater Lake and Dam are just a few miles to the northeast. The Current River was the first stream to be designated a national scenic river, and is the major stream of those that comprise the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. It springs up in Montauk State Park to the northwest and flows southeast to bisect Carter County. It is a highly popular stream for fishing, canoeing, tubing and Jon boating. Along its pastoral length are state parks and forests, large springs, gravel bars, mountains and breathtaking scenery.

In the center of Carter County, just south of Van Buren, is the largest spring of them all, with an average daily flow of 276 million gallons. Aptly named Big Spring, it has been described as both the largest single-outlet spring in the United States and in the world. It is the dominant attraction in an area noted as one of the most beautiful and exciting places in the country for the outdoor enthusiast. The area that surrounds this exquisitely lovely spring is known as "Big Spring Country." Many local activities are centered around the spring or take their names from it. Big Spring Natural Area is a former state park now managed by the National Park Service.

Other nearby recreational attractions include Watercress Park, Skyline Drive, Black River, Markham Springs State Park, Clearwater Lake, Johnson's Shut-Ins, Deer Run State Forest, Pinewoods Lake, Lake Wappapello, Sam A. Baker State Park and others. Hunting is also a popular pastime in the area. You'll find abundant trophy white-tail deer, wild turkey and other large and small game. Camping, horseback riding and backpacking are also frequently enjoyed.

As you can tell, there's much to see and do in our area. Drop by our United Country office the next chance you get, and let us show some of the many outstanding real estate properties we have to offer.