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
First National Bank Building (no longer standing)
THIS BUILDING WAS DEMOLISHED AFTER SUSTAINING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN THE MAY 4, 2003, TORNADO.
The old First National Bank building was located next to the bandstand was built in the 1890s. After the Lawrence County Bank (on the opposite corner) was dissolved in the mid-1920
Pierce City, MO ArchitecturePraying Hands Memorial
Nestled in the small Midwest town of Webb City, Missouri, the Heartland of America, stands the Praying Hands Memorial. Its stately vigil of more than twenty years is a silent testimony of the need for individual reflection and commitment.
In 1971, Jack Dawson, a 20
Webb City, MO ArtsThe 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 LifeCity 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 ArchitectureThe Clubhouse
The Clubhouse was built by the Southwest Missouri Electric Railway and is now the home to the Webb City Historical Society whose mission is collecting, preserving, and sharing Webb City's history. Historical exhibits are on display at various schedules throughout the year.
Webb City, MO Museums
Fly by Nite Music Museum and Pro Shop
For the true music lover, an astonishing collection of guitars and other musical
Neosho, MO MuseumsMain Street Music Theatre
Formerly the Route 66 Music Theatre, the Main Street Music Theatre features a Saturday night Branson-style musical variety show in the newly restored art nouveau movie house of the 1940
Webb City, MO TheatresArea Rivers & Streams
The nearby North Fork, Bryant, Eleven Point, Current, Gasconade and Jacks Fork Rivers offer the choice of floating lazily down their course or meeting the challenge of faster water. These same rivers also provide unique access to some
Mountain Grove, MO RecreationWater 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 ToursHarold Bell Wright, 1872 - 1944
Harold Bell Wright was born in Rome, NY in 1872
Pierce City, MO Famous PeopleNeosho 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 Recreation