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
Dewey 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 CentersRandel-Hinkle Municipal Golf Course
Randel-Hinkle Municipal Golf Course is an 18 hole course with a Pro shop and clubhouse. It offers all the amenities to make the game of golf much more. U.S.G.A Rules govern all play; Except where local Rules override.
Mountain Grove boasts the only 18
Mountain Grove, MO RecreationFirst National Bank Building (no longer standing)
THIS BUILDING WAS DEMOLISHED AFTER SUSTAINING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN THE MAY 4, 2003, TORNADO.
The old First National Bank building was located next to the bandstand was built in the 1890s. After the Lawrence County Bank (on the opposite corner) was dissolved in the mid-1920
Pierce City, MO Architecture1922 Bandstand
The bandstand was damaged in the May 4, 2003, tornado but the base still stands in its original location on Walnut Street. The historic bandstand was rebuilt with a red roof (its original color) and rededicated in May 2004.
Pierce City, MO Historic Downtowns
Theron Bennett Home
Theron Bennett, nationally known ragtime composer, lived in Pierce City until returning from college 1902 when he left to begin a career where his unseen future would become the past that we can now recall as his successful contribution to the music world.
Pierce City, MO Famous HomesSchoolhouse and Caboose
The one-room school house built in the early 1900s and the old Burlington Northern caboose remind the town of it's proud past.
Seneca, MO Historic SchoolhousesHistoric 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 DowntownsGeorge 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 MonumentsEverett J. Ritchie Tri-State Mineral Museum
Founded in 1931, this museum boasts one of the world's most exceptional collections of lead and zinc ore dating back to Joplins mining days as well as a quality collection of mining tools and equipment.
Joplin, MO MuseumsLongwell 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 Museums