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
The 3rd "Old Jail"
This imposing structure on the north side of the square was built at a cost of $16,000 in 1874 (two years before Custer's Last Stand)
Mt. Vernon, MO Pioneer LifeThe Clubhouse
The Clubhouse was built by the Southwest Missouri Electric Railway and is now the home to the Webb City Historical Society whose mission is collecting, preserving, and sharing Webb City's history. Historical exhibits are on display at various schedules throughout the year.
Webb City, MO Museums
City Hall
The City Hall was built in 1918 of brick over tile and partly from rubble from the previously burned building. The ground was raised about 3
Aurora, MO ArchitectureTable 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 CampingSouthwest Missouri Electric Railroad
A.H. Rogers built a mule-drawn streetcar line from Webb City to Carterville in 1889, predeccessor of the South West Missouri Electric Railway. Established in 1893, it was expanded in the 1900s to a vast interurban system.
Webb City, MO Railroad History
Chapman School - Jolly Mill Park
The Chapman School was built in 1884 and originally located on the Chapman property about 2 miles from the Park. First called the "Hazel Hill," the school was later renamed "Hazel Dell," and eventually "Chapman." When it was closed in 1951
Pierce City, MO Historic SchoolhousesFrisco Caboose and Visitor Center
Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce operates an office and visitor center at the start of the Ozark Mountain Parkway (Route 265)
Mt. Vernon, MO Railroad HistoryDewey Short Visitors Center
The Dewey Short Visitors Center is located at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Resident Office at Table Rock Dam. The center offers free informative programs to the public, April through October.
, MO Nature CentersHistoric Tour
The Chamber of Commerce has designed a walking/driving tour of historic sites throughout Aurora including sixteen historic buildings and homes dating from 1880 to the early 1900
Aurora, MO ToursFirst Baptist Church (no longer standing)
THIS BUILDING WAS DEMOLISHED AFTER EXTENSIVE DAMAGE FROM THE MAY 4, 2003, TORNADO. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH'S NEW BUILDING IS LOCATED ON HWY 97 JUST NORTH OF LAWRENCE COUNTY ROAD 2220 (POWERLINE ROAD).
The Friendship Baptist Church was organized in 1840
Pierce City, MO Historic Churches