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
Bank of Aurora
The Bank of Aurora was organized in 1887. It was robbed in the 1930
Aurora, MO ArchitectureWater 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 ToursEverett 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 MuseumsDorothea 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 MuseumsSt. Mary's Catholic Church
Up to 1883 all Catholics in the area belonged to St. Patrick's Church which was organized in 1871. But owing to the increased immigration of the Germans and Poles, some of these members requested Bishop Hogan for a parish of their own. The first St. Mary'
Pierce City, MO Historic ChurchesOld Catholic Church
The Catholic Church was built in 1905 from bricks said to have come from Verona.
Aurora, MO Historic ChurchesDewey 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 CentersPrincess Theatre
The Princess, our walk-in theatre, has all the old time charm of days gone by and seating for 600
Aurora, MO TheatresThe 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 Life1886 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 BuildingsOzark 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 Souvenirs