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
St. Mary's Catholic Church
Up to 1883 all Catholics in the area belonged to St. Patrick's Church which was organized in 1871. But owing to the increased immigration of the Germans and Poles, some of these members requested Bishop Hogan for a parish of their own. The first St. Mary'
Pierce City, MO Historic ChurchesHistoric 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 DowntownsWorld'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 KindsThe Hansard House
Dr. Hansard sold the west section of his property on Washington Street for the construction of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in 1901. The house was built circa 1872
Pierce City, MO Historic HomesNewton County Historical Museum
The Newton County Historical Park and Museum features a restored one-room rural schoolhouse and a pre-civil war log cabin. The museum, which was once the Newton County Jail, displays a collection of sheriff's badges and other artifacts and offers a gracious reminder of Newton County'
Neosho, MO MuseumsVeterans Memorial Museum
Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson, Missouri features over 2000 exhibits progressing through the wars of the 20
Branson, MO MuseumsHarold Bell Wright, 1872 - 1944
Harold Bell Wright was born in Rome, NY in 1872
Pierce City, MO Famous PeopleHeritage Mural
An historical stop to make includes viewing a five-panel mural on the main floor of the Newton County Courthouse. The County Courthouse is located in the middle of town square and is home to the most beautiful murals that tell the
Neosho, MO ArtsSt. Patrick's Church
Catholicism in Peirce City is as old as the town itself when in 1870 the Frisco railroad laid the first tracks through here going west to Kansas. Many of the railroaders were Irish Catholics.
Pierce City, MO Historic Churches
Bittersweet 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
Area 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 Recreation