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
Performing Arts
The arts flourish in Joplin. Missouri Southern State college is host to many events, from a formal ballet or musical performance in Taylor Auditorium to a lighthearted "Pops" concert on the college'
Joplin, MO ArtsNeosho 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 Monuments"it" starring the Hughes Brothers
See it...Hear it...Feel it...Love it! The "it" show features a cast of over 50 (and growing) delivering Incredible Harmonies, Entertaining Antics, Dynamic Dance, Soaring Instrumentals, Creative Production Numbers, and of course Brotherly Love, combine to make this one HUGE Show!
Branson, MO Music ShowsMt.Vernon Golf Course
Mt. Vernon's golf course features a nine-hole course, clubhouse, and golf cart rental and storage. There are a number of active leagues, including a senior men's league and Ladies' Golf Association.
Mt. Vernon, MO RecreationHistoric Downtown
A large portion of downtown Neosho is listed as an historic district in the National Register of Historic Places, including the Second Baptist Church, built in the Victorian Gothic style of 1896. Neosho's history is well-documented
Neosho, MO Historic DowntownsWater 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
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 PeopleWilder Family Gravesites
Almanzo, Laura and Rose are buried in the Mansfield Cemetery. The Wilder family's gravesites are marked for ease in locating them. Many visitors each year, visit the gravesites and leave flowers in Laura'
Mansfield, MO CemeteriesFly by Nite Music Museum and Pro Shop
For the true music lover, an astonishing collection of guitars and other musical
Neosho, MO Museums