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
Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum
This museum emphasizes the growth and development of Joplin as the result of mining in the Tri-State Mining District, primarily during the Victorian period. On display are assorted historic items from Joplin's mining era, including an extensive doll collection and the "Circus Room", a child'
Joplin, MO MuseumsRandel-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 RecreationHistoric 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 Downtowns"Brick" Presbyterian Church
The beautiful, stately, historic church, known familiarly as Brick Church because of its 17-inch thick brick walls, stands solidly in a picturesque setting of prairie land.
The church, organized in 1854 was built in 1872 to last as a house of praise to the Lord. Today'
Mt. Vernon, MO Historic ChurchesNeosho 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 RecreationAurora Carnegie Library
The Carnegie library was built in 1917-18 for $18,000
Aurora, MO Carnegie LibrariesDewey 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 CentersWalnut Springs Farm & Museum
Originally this 420 acre farm was a part of the 850 acre Hosmer Dairy Farm established in the late 1880's by Edmund J. and Eliza J. Hosmer. This farm pioneered the dairy industry in Southwest Missouri. By 1916, the Hosmer Dairy Farm was the largest butter dairy farm in the state.
Marshfield, MO MuseumsOzark Village Souvenirs
Ozark Village is one of the most complete gift and souvenir shops in the area with steer horns, moccasins, fireworks, postcards, and so much more ... all under the same roof! There's something for everyone! Gasoline is also available.
Sarcoxie, MO SouvenirsHarold 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 MuseumsGene Taylor Library and Museum
At the northeast corner of the Square is a replica of an office used by Congressman Gene Taylor during this 16-year tenure in Washington, DC. This building houses mementos of Mr. Taylor's years in public service. History on the Wild Peony fields, as well as other various memorabilia on Sarcoxie'
Sarcoxie, MO Museums