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 ArchitectureLaura 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 MuseumsSMSU-Mountain Grove
SMSU-Mountain Grove is a 190-acre campus; home to the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station, the Midwest Viticulture and Enology Center, and the Department of Fruit Science. Established in Mountain Grove around the turn of the century,
Mountain Grove, MO Learning CentersGrave of the Old Shepherd
In his book, "Old Matt's View of It," J.K. Ross wrote about the death of the Old Shepherd from Mutton Hollow. He was gored to death by a bull. A Civil War tombstone marks the grave of James Marion Wood, who met this untimely fate in 1910
Mt. Vernon, MO CemeteriesOpera House (no longer standing)
THIS BUILDING WAS DEMOLISHED AFTER SUSTAINING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN THE MAY 4, 2003, TORNADO.
The Raupp Opera House was completed in 1886 and occupied the full third floor of the Opera Building on Commercial;
Pierce City, MO Opera HousesSouthwest Missouri Electric Railroad
A.H. Rogers built a mule-drawn streetcar line from Webb City to Carterville in 1889, predeccessor of the South West Missouri Electric Railway. Established in 1893, it was expanded in the 1900s to a vast interurban system.
Webb City, MO Railroad History
"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 ChurchesNickorbob's Craft Mall
Nickorbob's facility is one of the largest craft malls in Missouri. It features crafts from local artisans and Amy'
Sarcoxie, MO CraftsWorld's Largest Flowerbox
Neosho, Missouri, nationally known as the Flower Box City, is proud to be home of the world's largest flower box. After acquiring a railroad gondola car, it was transformed into a flower box. It's 66 feet long, eight feet wide and 44
Neosho, MO One Of A KindsSouth Park (aka PC Park or Bluff-side City Park)
Since the 1890s the City Park has been a center for summer band concerts and gala affairs. An island in the lake held a platform for band concerts in the 1890
Pierce City, MO RecreationFrisco Caboose and Visitor Center
Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce operates an office and visitor center at the start of the Ozark Mountain Parkway (Route 265)
Mt. Vernon, MO Railroad History