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
Jones Memorial Chapel and Museum
Built in 1961 as a "thank you" to the people of his home county, Lawrence K. Jones provided a beautiful stone building which houses a wedding chapel, a meeting hall, and the Lawrence County Historical Society Museum.
Mt. Vernon, MO MuseumsVeterans Memorial
A "Jeannie" howitzer stands aside the veteran's memorial located on MacArthur Blvd. at Miner'
Webb City, MO MemorialsNeosho Municipal Golf
Beautiful rolling hills and lush greens are the setting for Neosho's challenging 27-hole Municipal Golf Course. Golfers from the 4
Neosho, MO RecreationNewton County Historical Museum
The Newton County Historical Park and Museum features a restored one-room rural schoolhouse and a pre-civil war log cabin. The museum, which was once the Newton County Jail, displays a collection of sheriff's badges and other artifacts and offers a gracious reminder of Newton County'
Neosho, MO MuseumsTable 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 CampingLongwell Museum
Established in 1970 as a teaching museum, the Longwell Museum, houses artifacts and many of Thomas Hart Benton's original lithographs, as well as, the famed Daisy Cook Collection. The Longwell exhibits are made complete by the works of many other regional artists.
Neosho, MO MuseumsHistoric Downtown Square & Bandstand
Dedicated in 1915 by Vice President Thomas Marshall and rededicated after restoration in 1987 by George Bush, the square and bandstand, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Mountain Grove, MO Historic DowntownsSoldiers Monuments
A bronze Civil War soldier stands facing south in the square. Its orientation caused great controversy among the veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic when it was first erected.
A marble soldier commemorates the dead of World War I. The statue was carved
Mountain Grove, MO Monuments1886 Firehouse
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the old City Hall and Firehouse was built in 1886 and houses two vintage fire trucks from overseas. This building is privately owned.
Pierce City, MO Historic BuildingsSunset Drive In
The drive-in theatre is one of the few remaining in the area and families from Joplin and Springfield as well as farther away drive to Aurora to see movies here. It'
Aurora, MO Theatres