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 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 ArchitectureMissouri Pacific Train Station Museum
The Chamber of Commerce, the original railway depot station, was completely remodeled with a lot of hard work, dedication, and voluntarism from local citizens. Included in the building is the office of the Chamber as well as an information area, a community room, and the Historical Museum.
Aurora, MO MuseumsBank of Aurora
The Bank of Aurora was organized in 1887. It was robbed in the 1930
Aurora, MO ArchitectureRailroad Historical Museum INC.
The Railroad Historical Museum features a Frisco 4524 Steam locomotive and tender, Burlington Baggage Car, Chicago Northwestern Commuter Car and Burlington Northern Caboose with hundreds of artifacts from the St.Louis San Francisco RR and other railroads.
Springfield, MO MuseumsHistoric 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 ToursDewey Short Visitors Center
The Dewey Short Visitors Center is located at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Resident Office at Table Rock Dam. The center offers free informative programs to the public, April through October.
, MO Nature CentersPerforming 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 ArtsBranson Zipline Canopy Tours
Branson Zipline Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve offers visitors of all ages a World Class Eco-Adventure in the Ozark Mountains. Imagine soaring through and over the trees during a fun activity that combines both adventure and the outdoors. It'
Branson, MO Outdoor RecreationWorld'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 KindsBust of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Well known sculptor William J. Williams is the creator of the collection of bronze busts of famous Missourians that are on display in the State Capitol Building in Jefferson City, Missouri.
When Mansfield citizens learned that a bust of Laura Ingalls Wilder was being
Mansfield, MO Arts