Ozark Mountain Region, Missouri
This year take your family to a place where the world seems a little brighter, a little stronger, and a little bit more like the kind of place everyone wants to call home. America's live-entertainment capitol , crystal-blue lakes surrounded by forested of what's waiting for you when you arrive in Missouri's Ozark Mountain Range.
Near the region's center is Branson, the little town that grew into a world-renowned vacation destination, and is now a haven for those looking for thrilling entertainment combined with old-fashioned hospitality and excitement for the entire family. Non-stop family fun highlighted by more than 90 music/variety shows, Branson offers up country music legends, hilarious comedians and have brought many new names, representing musical styles that range from traditional country and pop "classics" to today's sounds.
Nearby, Silver Dollar City will also transport you back to the turn-of-the-century. Here you'll see craftspeople work their magic, and find exciting rides and music shows, all in the setting of an 1880s Ozarks town. You won't want to miss the park's newest attraction, Buzz Saw Falls. At Shepard of the Hills Homestead and Outdoor Theatre, you can take a tram tour of this literary historic site, then watch the fast-paced drama re-creating the Shepherd's tale of life on the Ozarks frontier.
On Branson's doorstep is river-like Lake Taneycomo, where cold waters support an excellent trout fishery. Also closeby is sprawling Table Rock Lake. Its 43,100 acres are a delight for anglers, boaters, scuba divers and other water recreationists. Equally big and fun is Bull Shoals Lake, an hour east of Norfolk Lake provides the region with yet another sparkling jewel.
Surrounded by gently rolling hills and panoramic landscapes, Springfield is a cosmopolitan city set in the beauty of the great out-doors. Plan stops at the history and art galleries, General Sweeny's Museum and Dickerson Park Zoo. Kids will love the Discovery Center, an interactive hands-on museum. Shopping opportunities abound, including one of Missouri's most popular attractions and sportsman's paradise, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. And new in the Fall of 2001 is the Wonders of Wildlife Museum. Just outside Springfield you can take a "wild ride" through Exotic Animal Paradise, relive Civil War history at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield or go underground at Fantastic Caverns, North America's only ride-through cave.
In Mansfield, you can visit the house where "Little House" author, Laura Ingalls Wilder, lived. An hour west of Springfield is Joplin, a booming mining town in the late 1800s.
Nearby Carthage is known for its Victorian homes. Artist Sam Butcher's Precious Moments Chapel and Visitors Center is here, too. Just south, at Diamond, is the George Washington Carver National Monument. Its museum highlights the life and career of this renowned African-American agronomist.
The Ozark Mountain Region offers something special for everyone. Anytime of the year, you'll find this region is the perfect getaway choice, inspiring visitors for generations to come. Join us and relax in the Ozark Mountain Region, a destination unlike any other.
Explore Ozark Mountain Region
"it" starring the Hughes Brothers
See it...Hear it...Feel it...Love it! The "it" show features a cast of over 50 (and growing) delivering Incredible Harmonies, Entertaining Antics, Dynamic Dance, Soaring Instrumentals, Creative Production Numbers, and of course Brotherly Love, combine to make this one HUGE Show!
Branson, MO Music ShowsFirst United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church was built in 1881 at a location a few blocks north of its present location in 1903. Originally in the 1870s, the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South groups met in homes until both were able to build in 1881. In 1903
Pierce City, MO Historic ChurchesHarold Bell Wright/Pierce City Museum
When the First Christian Church (aka Pierce City Christian Church) in Pierce City closed, its board decided to give the building to the community for a library. The building served as Pierce City's public library from 1933-2000
Pierce City, MO MuseumsSouth Park (aka PC Park or Bluff-side City Park)
Since the 1890s the City Park has been a center for summer band concerts and gala affairs. An island in the lake held a platform for band concerts in the 1890
Pierce City, MO RecreationGeorge A. Spiva Center for the Arts
Spiva maintains a Regional Focus Gallery for the work of local and regional artists. Featured here are pottery by Jack and LeeAnn Sours of Golden City, Missouri.
Joplin, MO ArtsTable Rock Campgrounds
For outdoor folks, there are plenty of campgrounds in the woods and hills of the Table Rock area that are perfect for everything from one man tents to retirement travel homes. Whether you accommodations are lake view or lake area, you'
, MO CampingWilder Family Gravesites
Almanzo, Laura and Rose are buried in the Mansfield Cemetery. The Wilder family's gravesites are marked for ease in locating them. Many visitors each year, visit the gravesites and leave flowers in Laura'
Mansfield, MO CemeteriesGeorge Washington Carver National Monument
George Washington Carver National Monument is administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The park consists of 210 acres of the original 240-acre Moses Carver homestead. The visitor center includes a museum with exhibits that trace George W. Carver'
Diamond, MO MonumentsLaura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Home
Visit the home where the Little House books were written. The Museum exhibits include artifacts spanning over a century of the lives of the pioneering history described in the "Little House"
Mansfield, MO MuseumsCity Parks
Williams Creek Park and the "Spirit of 76" Recreation Complex - Mt. Vernon's largest and newest park is the "Spirit of 76"
Mt. Vernon, MO RecreationBittersweet Gallery
Jack E. Dawson is an artist who has been in the art field for over 30 years. He has used many different media in his artwork including oil, watercolor, acrylic, sculptures and chalk.
Some of his most notable works include:
- Praying Hands Statue - 32 Webb City, MO Arts