The 2026 Explore West Plains guidebook is now available, offering a fresh, fully
redesigned look at everything the community and surrounding region have to offer.
The 120-page publication has been completely rewritten and reimagined from previous editions. Inside, readers will find a comprehensive guide to local attractions, community highlights and biographies of notable West Plains natives, along with a new self-guided walking tour of the Downtown Historic District featuring more than 50 buildings.
The expanded day-trip section helps visitors explore the natural beauty of the Ozarks, with curated routes to area mills and scenic destinations. Each trip includes maps, mileage, turn-by-turn directions from West Plains and “notes from a local” to provide helpful tips and insights along the way. Additional destinations featured throughout the guide make it easy to create custom outings to springs, lakes, conservation areas, state parks and other points of interest.
The guidebook also includes new and expanded historical features, with stories on Lincoln School, the 1928 Bond Dance Hall explosion, the murder of Sheriff Kelly by the Ma Barker Gang and the legend of Polly the Parrot.
An outdoor recreation section highlights opportunities for hiking, river access and swimming, along with information on the Ozark Trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding in the Mark Twain National Forest. Readers will also find details on the West Plains Bike Route, recommended motorcycle rides and off-road ATV opportunities.
Additional sections cover lodging options — including hotels, resorts and campgrounds — as well as dining, shopping and information for those considering making West Plains their home.
Guidebooks are available free of charge at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, 2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd., Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at all West Plains hotels.
They also are available at numerous local businesses and at guidebook advertiser locations including: ABC Home Furnishings, All Pet & Equine, Amyx Place, Bartlett Moving Services, Blitch Carter Team, Brill Title Company, C&K Clothing, Colton’s Steakhouse, Community First Banking Company, Country at Heart, Donut Palace, El Charro, Go Farm Farmers Market, Hampton Inn, HB Boot Corral, Hirsch Feed & Farm Supply, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, JB’S Health Mart, Mega Motorsports, Mulberry Home, Ozark Kountry Realty, Ozark Pizza, Ozarks Healthcare, Ozarks Small Business Incubator, Silver Springs RV Park, Silver
Springs Storage, SoMo Tech, Thunder Lizard, United Country Realty, Vision Xpress, Waggoner Family Floral, West Plains Bank, Wiles Abstract & Title, and Wiley Insurance.
A digital version of the guidebook can be found at explorewestplains.com.
For more information, contact the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center at 417-256-8835. For updates on local events and activities, follow Explore West Plains on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
