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 CentersNeosho Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame is a project to honor citizens of Newton County who have made significant contributions to society and achieved widespread recognition for their work. Of the four men, three (Thomas Hart Benton, George Washington Carver, and James Scott)
Neosho, MO MonumentsCarnegie 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 LibrariesHistoric Town Square
In the "heart of town," you will find the Square, where Sarcoxie's retail area began. Still a congregating place, the centerpiece of the Square is the gazebo built in 1831 and park where monuments commemorate the town's proud past. Rich in Civil War history;
Sarcoxie, MOGene 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 MuseumsGilbert H. Wild and Son Nursery
Established in 1885, this retail facility provides a lovely experience to tour peony, day-lily, and iris fields when in bloom. A large mail-order business keeps the Gilbert H. Wild name prominent in the nursery field.
The Sarcoxie Nursery was started in 1875
Sarcoxie, MOBorder Town Bingo
Border Town Bingo & Gaming is a Native American casino in Seneca, Missouri and is open bingo daily, gaming 24 hours daily. The 25,000 square foot casino features 220
Seneca, MO CasinosPromised Land Zoo
Promised Land Zoo currently features 500 animals from 40 species! Rare and endangered animals from all over the world. Babies are being born year round! We currently have a 4 mile drive thru, petting zoo and walk thru too!
Eagle Rock, MO ZoosMurals
There are several murals painted in the city including the bicentennial mural in the City Hall.
- Larry Banks, 1989; CC Anderson, '80 and '87
Seneca, MO ArtsLongwell 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