Culture & Traditions — Roots of the Ozarks
Explore the heart and heritage of Southern Missouri through time-honored traditions, local legends, folk practices, and the people who keep them alive.
The history of Southern Missouri dates back to early settlers who arrived in the 1800s, attracted by the fertile land and the promise of a new life in the Ozarks. Those first settlers, a mix of French, German, Native American and Scots-Irish immigrants, laid the foundation for what would become a diverse, proud region that still holds onto its roots today. Whether it’s through local traditions, strong ties to the land, or the warmth and hospitality you’ll feel from the locals, Southern Missouri has a way of making you feel right at home. It’s a place where history, community, and nature all come together to create a lifestyle that’s uniquely its own!
Before the Cold Sets In: Preparing for Winter in Southern Missouri
Cooler mornings, woodsmoke in the breeze, and sycamores turning gold once signaled it was time to prepare for winter the Ozarks way.
After Dark in the Ozarks: A Nighttime Encounter with Missouri’s Most Elusive Legend
They call it many names: the Ozark Black Howler, the Hoo-Hoo, the Nightshade Bear, even the shadowy Booger Cat. Some say the name was born of fear; others say it was necessity. After all—when the dark woods scream back, you have to call it something. Read more, if you dare, about this mysterious creature that some say is still alive and well in the rolling hills of Southern Missouri.
Timber and Ties: When Southern Missouri Came Together to Raise a Barn
In Southern Missouri, barn raisings were about more than timber and tools—they were about neighbors, shared labor, and lasting bonds.
The River, the Sun, and a Raw Hamburger Sandwich
For generations along Southern Missouri’s rivers, this simple sandwich was less about novelty and more about tradition, trust, and long summer days.
