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
Historic Walking Tour
"Seek the Unique" in downtown Joplin. Buildings located between Main Street and Byers Street, from 1st to 10th Streets are significant to Joplin's history. Eight of these buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Brochures of a downtown walking tour are available.
Joplin, MO Historic DowntownsBig Spring
When the Moore family first settled there, there were Indian camps all along the bottom land. This spring puts out up to 13 million gallons of water a day, and has been a popular family picnic site for over a hundred years. It is located just beyond Rebel's Bluff and Old Shepherd'
Mt. Vernon, MO ArchaeologyBust of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Well known sculptor William J. Williams is the creator of the collection of bronze busts of famous Missourians that are on display in the State Capitol Building in Jefferson City, Missouri.
When Mansfield citizens learned that a bust of Laura Ingalls Wilder was being
Mansfield, MO ArtsW.H. Scott Home
The Scott home was built in 1906 for $38,000 taking 20 laborers and two years to build. The light fixtures are attached to gas and electric lines.
Aurora, MO Historic HomesWater Mill Tours
History lives on through the Old Mill Tour, where you can tour some of the nation's finest surviving pioneer water mills. To early settlers, water was the primary source of power in the form of mills to grind grain, saw lumber
Mountain Grove, MO ToursFirst Presbyterian Church
When the First Presbyterian Church was completed in 1916, the congregation started the service that day in the old church located at 129 E. Church and walked to the new Church to end the service. The interior woodwork and 1916 San Francisco World'
Aurora, MO Historic ChurchesVeterans Memorial
A "Jeannie" howitzer stands aside the veteran's memorial located on MacArthur Blvd. at Miner'
Webb City, MO MemorialsFirst 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 ChurchesCarnegie Library
Webb City's library, built in 1914, is one of the few active Carnegie libraries in Missouri. Housed in an elegant stone building highlighting Webb City'
Webb City, MO Carnegie LibrariesLongwell 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 MuseumsMain Street Music Theatre
Formerly the Route 66 Music Theatre, the Main Street Music Theatre features a Saturday night Branson-style musical variety show in the newly restored art nouveau movie house of the 1940
Webb City, MO Theatres