The Ozarks are a region.
Ozarks . In Arkansas , a large portion is contained within the northwestern and northcentral region . The Shawnee Hills of southwest Illinois , which lie near the eastern edge of this region , are commonly called the `` Illinois Ozarks , '' but are generally not considered part of the true Ozarks . Although sometimes referred to as the Ozark Mountains , the region is actually a high and deeply dissected plateau .