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
Gilbert 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, MODorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum
This museum emphasizes the growth and development of Joplin as the result of mining in the Tri-State Mining District, primarily during the Victorian period. On display are assorted historic items from Joplin's mining era, including an extensive doll collection and the "Circus Room", a child'
Joplin, MO MuseumsNeosho National Fish Hatchery
Established in 1888, the Neosho National Fish Hatchery is the oldest of 65 hatcheries operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is one of the few fish hatcheries located inside the "city limits." The hatchery was located on a 12.36 acre tract of land purchased from Limuel Hearrell for $2
Neosho, MO Natural AttractionsFirst Baptist Church (no longer standing)
THIS BUILDING WAS DEMOLISHED AFTER EXTENSIVE DAMAGE FROM THE MAY 4, 2003, TORNADO. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH'S NEW BUILDING IS LOCATED ON HWY 97 JUST NORTH OF LAWRENCE COUNTY ROAD 2220 (POWERLINE ROAD).
The Friendship Baptist Church was organized in 1840
Pierce City, MO Historic ChurchesOpera House (no longer standing)
THIS BUILDING WAS DEMOLISHED AFTER SUSTAINING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN THE MAY 4, 2003, TORNADO.
The Raupp Opera House was completed in 1886 and occupied the full third floor of the Opera Building on Commercial;
Pierce City, MO Opera HousesHistoric Bridge
The old bridge still functions as the access across Indian Creek within the city of Anderson. The wooden planks have carried many vehicles from buggys to pickups since being built in the early 1900
Anderson, MO ArchitectureWater 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 ToursVeterans Memorial
A "Jeannie" howitzer stands aside the veteran's memorial located on MacArthur Blvd. at Miner'
Webb City, MO Memorials