The Ozarks' Overlooked Lake Town Is A Secret Missouri Spot For A Lazy, Peaceful Getaway Far From Big Crowds

If you're hoping to explore the Ozarks but want to avoid the year-round crowds, then why not consider visiting a place that's as enticing as its name: Golden, Missouri. You'll find Golden near the Missouri-Arkansas border, but what you won't find at this quieter Ozarks spot is the crowded hustle and bustle that is drawn in by the likes of Eureka Springs and Branson. The great thing about choosing this quiet lake town for your Ozarks getaway is that everything worth visiting is still easily accessible.

For example, Missouri's lesser-known Table Rock Lake in the Ozarks, known for its water sports, boating, and fishing, can be enjoyed from Golden with much less traffic and noise — no compromises on the laid-back and relaxed vibes. Golden is adored by folks in the know because when you visit, you get the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, discover the rich history of the area, and relax and unwind with family and friends. Forget being considered a feature of the flyover states, the Ozarks are a hot spot for Midwesterners.

One of the main draws in this little lake town is the Golden Pioneer Museum. If you are a lover of the eclectic, the quirky, and the off-the-beaten-path gems you might find at the side of the highway, then you are going to love this museum. The history of the museum, like the history of the Ozarks, is a fascinating one. Before they were uprooted by settlers, the Osage Native American tribe once claimed all of southwest Missouri.

This museum holds artifacts of both Native Americans and the settlers, or pioneers. These were acquired from the Trail of Tears Museum Collection, which was established by the Arles Cogar family of Huntsville, Arkansas. When the collection was bought over by the Prier family of Golden, Missouri, it was merged with their own assortment of artifacts to establish what is the Golden Pioneer Museum of today — a mix of rare and exciting historical exhibits.

While you can catch a glimpse into the early life of Native Americans and settlers, Golden Pioneer Museum also has a primary focus on its Early American Glass collection, which boasts carnival glass, vaseline glassware, black amethyst glassware, and much more. Every trip here will be different, as the museum often acquires more fascinating pieces from around the U.S. to add to its exhibits. The museum is open between April 12 and October 31, and admission is free.

If you are local to Missouri, Arkansas, or any other neighboring states, the simplest way to get to Golden is by car. Golden is located south of Table Rock Lake and north of Route 86 on Highway J. If you are traveling from further, the closest airport is Branson Airport, about an hour's drive from Golden. Alternatively, Boone County Regional Airport is also located just one hour away from Golden.

Since you're likely picking this particular Missouri gem for the peace, quiet, and simple solitude it offers, you'll want to choose your accommodation accordingly. Situated on the quieter side of Table Rock Lake, The Golden Opportunity has a number of peaceful lakefront rentals. The near-perfect five-star reviews on Airbnb speak for themselves. With a choice of various cabins to call home for a few days, a night will cost you around $150 at the time of this writing.

While the Golden Pioneer Museum is one of the key components that draws visitors to Golden, let's not forget why people usually pack up and head to the Ozarks in the first place. Whether it's going for a swim, water sports, or renting a boat and getting up close and personal with the Ozarks, Golden has it all, just with fewer crowds. Home to the beautiful Hawn State Park and 56 other adventure-worthy state parks, peaceful lakes, caves, waterfalls, and much more, ensure that Missouri and the Ozarks' very own but lesser-known Golden make it on your next travel bucket list.