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
Edwin P. Hubble, American Astronomer
Marshfield is the hometown of the famous astronomer, Edwin Powell Hubble. He was born on November 29, 1889 to an insurance executive in Marshfield and passed away in California on September 28, 1953.
Marshfield, MO Famous PeopleHarold Bell Wright/Pierce City Museum
When the First Christian Church (aka Pierce City Christian Church) in Pierce City closed, its board decided to give the building to the community for a library. The building served as Pierce City's public library from 1933-2000
Pierce City, MO MuseumsHarold Bell Wright
Many know that Harold Bell Wright's, "Shepherd of the Hills" was the most widely read book of fiction in the history of publishing! Few know, however, that many of the places, events, and characters are based on actual models. There really was an "old shepherd of Mutton Hollow,&
Mt. Vernon, MO Famous PeopleCarnegie 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 LibrariesBittersweet Gallery
Jack E. Dawson is an artist who has been in the art field for over 30 years. He has used many different media in his artwork including oil, watercolor, acrylic, sculptures and chalk.
Some of his most notable works include:
- Praying Hands Statue - 32 Webb City, MO Arts
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 MillsThe 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 ArchitectureSunset 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 TheatresBig Spring
When the Moore family first settled there, there were Indian camps all along the bottom land. This spring puts out up to 13 million gallons of water a day, and has been a popular family picnic site for over a hundred years. It is located just beyond Rebel's Bluff and Old Shepherd'
Mt. Vernon, MO ArchaeologySchoolhouse and Caboose
The one-room school house built in the early 1900s and the old Burlington Northern caboose remind the town of it's proud past.
Seneca, MO Historic Schoolhouses