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
Center Creek Golf Course
A nine-hole, public golf course at the Center Creek Recreation and Golf Club offers year round activity. Green fees are very reasonable. Rental carts are available.
Sarcoxie, MO RecreationNickorbob'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 CraftsEastern Shawnee Tribal Headquarters
The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Okahoma has approximately 2,000
Seneca, MO Indian HeritageTable Rock Water Sports
The most exciting way to see the sights on Table Rock Lake is from the water itself in whatever form of boat you choose; whether it be an aluminum fishing boat to a luxury cruiser. There's room enough on this lake for everyone.
, MO BoatingBittersweet 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
Longwell 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 MuseumsSunset 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 TheatresHistoric Tour
The Chamber of Commerce has designed a walking/driving tour of historic sites throughout Aurora including sixteen historic buildings and homes dating from 1880 to the early 1900
Aurora, MO ToursBig 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 ArchaeologyTable Rock Fishing
While the lake boasts an abundance of bass, crappie, white bass, catfish, and bluegill, Table Rock is acclaimed as one of the best bass fishing lakes in this hemisphere. It�
, MO FishingGilbert 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, MO