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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

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 Architecture

Aurora Carnegie Library

The Carnegie library was built in 1917-18 for $18,000

Aurora, MO Carnegie Libraries

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 Museums

Historic Downtown

A large portion of downtown Neosho is listed as an historic district in the National Register of Historic Places, including the Second Baptist Church, built in the Victorian Gothic style of 1896. Neosho's history is well-documented

Neosho, MO Historic Downtowns

Shepherd Sawmill - Jolly Mill Park

The Shepherd family has operated sawmills in this area for many years. The family built this sawmill to honor all members of the family. The sawmill is steam powered by a 1918

Pierce City, MO Historic Mills

Sunset Drive In

The drive-in theatre is one of the few remaining in the area and families from Joplin and Springfield as well as farther away drive to Aurora to see movies here. It'

Aurora, MO Theatres

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 Homes

Mansfield Bank

The main portion of the Mansfield Bank building was built in 1917

Mansfield, MO Architecture

George A. Spiva Center for the Arts

Spiva maintains a Regional Focus Gallery for the work of local and regional artists. Featured here are pottery by Jack and LeeAnn Sours of Golden City, Missouri.

Joplin, MO Arts



Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum & Home

Visit the home where the Little House books were written. The Museum exhibits include artifacts spanning over a century of the lives of the pioneering history described in the "Little House"

Mansfield, MO Museums

Explore Ozark Mountain Region